Practice Areas
General Municipal Law
The core attorney assigned to each client is a generalist with broad knowledge of all elements of municipal governance. He or she will develop a deep understanding of your charter and ordinances and will be available 24/7 to answer questions and solv…
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Attorneys: Laura S. Amtsbuechler, Holly S. Battersby, Thomas D. Beindit, Andrew J. Brege, Margaret T. Debler, Lisa J. Hamameh, Melanie M. Hesano, Steven P. Joppich, Anne McClorey McLaughlin, Stephen G. Meads, Stephanie Simon Morita, Andrea M. Pike, Carol A. Rosati, Elizabeth Kudla Saarela, Thomas R. Schultz, Marcelyn A. Stepanski, Carlito H. Young, Matthew J. Zalewski, Alexandra L. Page, Joellen Shortley, Michael T. Berger, Debra A. Walling, Kristin B. Kolb, Heather E. Sumner
Appellate Advocacy
Appeals succeed based on knowledge and analysis of the law, compelling writing and familiarity with the people and processes in circuit courts, the Michigan Court of Appeals and the state supreme court. We are so deeply immersed in municipal law that…
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Constitutional Law and Civil Rights
Municipalities and public sector agencies are uniquely vulnerable to constitutional claims rising from many operations, including employment, policing, land use, building codes and public meeting management. Our specialists routinely advise on and de…
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Attorneys: Laura S. Amtsbuechler, Holly S. Battersby, Thomas D. Beindit, Andrew J. Brege, Margaret T. Debler, Melanie M. Hesano, Steven P. Joppich, Anne McClorey McLaughlin, Andrea M. Pike, Carol A. Rosati, Thomas R. Schultz, Charles Snell, Marcelyn A. Stepanski, Carlito H. Young, Matthew J. Zalewski, Alexandra L. Page, Michael T. Berger, Debra A. Walling, Kristin B. Kolb, Heather E. Sumner
Employment and Labor
A dispassionate advisor and mediator brings objectivity to personnel issues that may have conflicting narratives and volatility. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through hiring, discipline and performance issues, separation, dismissal, wage an…
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Insurance Defense
We often represent clients of the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority (MMRMA). Protecting communities from liability is all about judgment: Knowing when to fight and when to settle and, when a settlement is the best option, shrewdly evaluati…
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Law Enforcement
Law enforcement officials and employees confront a host of legal issues as they diligently work to keep our municipalities safe. From consulting with Police Departments regarding their legal questions to representing law enforcement officers and offi…
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Mediation Services
Mediation requires knowledge of the law, an even temperament and the ability to see both sides of an issue. Judges and other attorneys commonly request our services in cases involving or affected by local government, usually relying on Pat Aseltyne a…
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Real Estate and Construction
We bring knowledge of the law and savvy negotiating skills to real estate transactions, including development agreements, deed restrictions, eminent domain and condemnation proceedings and environmental compliance. We advise municipal clients and rep…
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Prosecution and Ordinance Enforcement
For us, a good prosecutor is one who keeps police on the street and makes them more effective, ultimately reducing costs for the community. We build strong cases and use our established relationships in the courts to ensure efficient conclusions typi…
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Taxes and Assessing
Issues in this arena can range from simple residential challenges to confrontations that can be very costly for a community. We find optimal solutions in cases involving special assessment districts, millages and other infrastructure and public servi…
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Zoning and Land Use
We take pride in our proven ability to help municipalities resolve zoning and land use issues with property owners in a manner that avoids lawsuits and does not sacrifice community goals. Our experience covers zoning and planning requirements and opt…
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