MCGRAW MORRIS MASUD P.C. has unique and extensive expertise when it comes to municipal representation.  We have represented over 100 municipalities either as general counsel or labor counsel and over 300 as litigation counsel through their insurance carrier.   Our work as litigation counsel on THOUSANDS of municipal lawsuits, gives us valuable, “boots on the ground” insight on municipal issues.  We do not just help our clients follow the law, we are in state and federal courts and courts of appeal, creating the law.  This gives us deep knowledge allowing us to provide our clients with a “birds-eye” view when it comes to giving advice on the endless issues that they confront on a daily basis.

Governmental Litigation

We represent public entities in high-stakes disputes and lawsuits involving:

• Employment Litigation Including Discrimination and Civil Rights Claims
• Police Professional Liability
• Zoning and Real Estate Litigation
• Personal Injury Including Automobile Negligence, Roads, Sidewalks and Buildings.
• Municipal Contract Claims
• Open Meetings Act compliance
• Freedom of Information Act
• Home Rule Cities Act
• Fourth-Class Cities Act
• Charter County Act
• Charter Township Act
• General Law Township Act
• General Law Village Act
• Clean Water Act
• Home Rule Village Act and governmental powers disputes
• Constitutional challenges including storm water, sewer, and housing code inspections
• Intergovernmental agreements and conflicts
• Fraud, misconduct, and negligence
• Eminent domain proceedings
• Tax disputes and proceedings
• Zoning, planning board, and land use challenges
• Code enforcement actions
• Construction
• Election law challenges
• Municipal utilities

General Counsel Services

We advise on the full scope of public law issues, including home rule powers, charters, contracting and bidding laws, real estate, taxation, ethics, Open Meetings Act, Freedom of Information Act, easements for water and sewer line construction, and municipal utilities. We’re known for helping clients avoid litigation through sound counsel and proactive problem-solving.  Our clients are cities, counties, villages, and townships, school districts and intermediate school districts, public universities and community colleges, Tax Increment Financing Authorities, utilities and economic development corporations.

Election Guidance

We provide full-service counsel on ballot initiatives, millage elections, recalls, recounts, and use of public resources in political activity.

Intergovernmental Agreements

We help local governments consolidate services and share responsibilities through custom-drafted cooperation agreements pursuant to the Urban Cooperation Act of 1967 (Act 7 of 1967), The Police and Fire Consolidation Act (Act 33 of 1951), and similar public acts.

Legislation and Policy

We assist with drafting, analyzing, and implementing legislation and regulations, particularly in the areas of economic development and local government restructuring. We regularly prepare ordinances and resolutions for municipal governing bodies and prepare legal opinions regarding all aspects of state and federal law. We have also prepared incorporating documents, model water supply contracts, resolutions, bylaws, and various other documents needed by authorities and similar public bodies.

Millage Planning, Special Assessments, and User Fees

We advise on all aspects of millage authorization and Headlee compliance, as well as the creation and defense of special assessments and user fees.