The needs of local government are diverse. These range from A (as in Air quality) to Z (as in Zoning) and include everything from the simplest ordinances to the most complex bond issues.
The key to successfully tackling these issues is to find the right lawyer and firm that will fit a client's needs. The right lawyer is a strong advocate, a source of good information and has the wisdom that comes with experience.
Each attorney in Foster Swift’s Administrative and Municipal Law Group has years of experience helping regulated and unregulated organizations throughout Michigan and the United States. We handle complex regulated and unregulated matters involving administrative and municipal law such as:
- Municipal Law and Litigation - the particular body of law that applies to townships and other municipalities
- Labor Relations - from bargaining to handling grievance proceedings, litigation and more
- Public Finance - experience with complex infrastructure projects throughout the nation
- Library Law - we have extensive experience in the handling of library matters as General Counsel and on a special project basis
- Environmental Issues - navigating the complexities of state and federal statutes and one of the first firms anywhere to litigate an environmental case.
- General Municipal Counsel - wide-ranging advise to and services for municipalities from drafting ordinances to assisting with election issues
- General Administrative Counsel – wide-ranging advise to and services for regulated and unregulated entities, such as telecommunications and energy and utility entities, including handling matters involving the Federal Communications Commission and the Michigan Public Service Commission
- Municipal Utility Law - providing guidance on such issues as sanitary sewers, and storm sewer and water service authorities
- Prosecution Services - efficient, economical and effective prosecution of ordinance violations including the Uniform Traffic Code and violations of the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code
- Commercial litigation - advise and represent municipalities in range of litigation matters; Foster Swift is approved counsel for the Michigan Participating Plan
- Appeals - drafting and arguing appeals in all state and federal courts and administrative agencies, including occupational licensing, state construction matters and MDEQ matters
Moreover, Foster Swift offers seamless access to various subject matter experts elsewhere in the firm whenever a need arises.
ECONOMIES OF SCALE
Clients benefit from our wide range of attorneys, knowledgeable on a variety of issues. Moreover, Foster Swift boasts a database of model language, gleaned from several decades of our attorneys working with our clients. So, we are able to provide efficient counsel at any time and on any case. And while, Foster Swift benefits from the size and experience of our attorneys, our focus remains on the quality and efficiency of our service.
Our attorneys are highly regarded by peers, have a history of success in the field, and serve the needs of clients - resulting in many client relationships that span decades. Clients rely on the members of our group for practical, responsive, and informed results.
The reasons clients turn to Foster Swift vary. Whatever the matter, clients value the firm's experience, track record and our easy-to-work with demeanor.
REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCE
Successful Litigation in Public Utility Lawsuit
Successfully Defended a Township
Argued for Variance in Zoning Ordinance to be Awarded by Local Municipality
Successful Defense Against Appeal of Variance from Township Zoning Board
MLCC Violation: Defense for Liquor License
Property Tax Valuation Appeal: Leelanau Township
Successfully Defended the Assessment of Commercial Property at Tax Tribunal
Created First Conservation Easement of Resort Lake
Members of State Bar Character and Fitness Committee are Immune from Liability
Multi-Million Dollar Rate Case and Dispute Litigation between Telecommunications Providers
