Our legal affairs department is here to provide assistance to municipalities in matters of legal significance to your community. In addition to advocating for the interests of municipalities in the court system, the department also provides useful services and legal assistance to our members that help you face your legal challenges. Services available to members include legal assistance on issues affecting your community, and the Legal Defense Fund for those members that are also members of the Fund.
Contact
Christopher Johnson, General Counsel
[email protected], (734) 669-6305
Legal Advocacy
Legal Defense Fund (LDF)
The LDF is an advocacy program for municipalities in the state and federal appellate courts. Membership is open to communities for a modest annual fee. Resources of the Fund are extended in cases which would have a considerable impact on Michigan municipal law and would affect the organization, operation, powers, duties, or financing of Michigan’s communities. Typical assistance provided is an amicus brief in support of your community’s position in a case before the Michigan Supreme Court or Court of Appeals. Attorneys retained by the LDF to write the briefs are acknowledged experts in the particular aspect of municipal law.
Legal Assistance
The League’s general counsel is available to consult with your municipal attorney on topics affecting your community. Although the League does not issue formal opinions, the direction will strengthen your confidence to face challenging municipal legal issues head on. The Legal Affairs department works collaboratively with each League department, as well as the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys (MAMA), the Public Corporation Law Section of the Michigan State Bar (PCLS), and the International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA).
Leaders and Liaisons in Municipal Law
The League’s general counsel and Inquiry Service staff are in constant contact with municipal attorneys and municipal specialists in law firms throughout the state, sharing information and expertise. The League is a clearinghouse for information on legal topics of most importance to elected officials and administrators, as well as attorneys. The League’s general counsel serves as the secretary/treasurer of the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys and is active in the State League Counsel Section of IMLA.