Municipal

Legal Services

Municipal

Kerr Russell possesses substantial experience across the entire spectrum of municipal law. We understand the state and federal government mandates that affect cities and public agencies. Our attorneys handle drafting legislation, local ordinance issues, zoning and land use decisions, and represent municipalities across Michigan in state and federal courts. We have successfully defended local governments in lawsuits involving civil rights claims, employment issues, land use and zoning cases, police liability and virtually every type of liability claim pursued against governmental entities in state or federal courts.

Clients can rely on Kerr Russell to provide you with the legal advice and representation you need to accomplish the objectives of your local government. The hallmark of our municipal practice is protecting the interests of municipalities and local governments. Kerr Russell understands that management and governing is complex and time-consuming. We help local governments resolve matters quickly so that they can continue to shape policy objectives and focus on their communities. Our attorneys have been called upon to present to municipal organizations and bar associations on issues affecting government entities.

We assist our municipal clients with their legal needs, including:

  • City ordinance preparation and revision
  • Internal policies and procedures
  • Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings matters
  • Personal injury
  • Premise liability claims
  • Employment claims
    • Violations of the Whistleblower Act
    • Age discrimination
    • Race discrimination
    • Disability discrimination
    • Retaliation
    • Sexual harassment
  • Police Practices and Policies
  • Civil Rights matters (42 U.S.C. § 1983 claims)
    • Use of force
    • Conditions of jail/prison confinement
    • Equal protection of laws
    • Substantive and procedural due process
    • Searches and seizures
    • Free speech/press/religion
    • Retaliation
  • Litigation
  • Appeals
  • Legislation
  • Contracts
  • Land use and zoning
  • Real estate
  • State and federal employment law compliance
  • Federal agency
+Practicing Attorneys & Staff

Attorneys

Lauri B. Stewart
Lauri B. Stewart

Member

James E. Tamm
James E. Tamm

Member

Richard V. Stokan
Richard V. Stokan

Of Counsel

Rachel Hanson-Hervey
Rachel Hanson-Hervey

Associate

Paul M. Indyk
Paul M. Indyk

Associate

Kevin A. McQuillan
Kevin A. McQuillan

Associate

Maxwell G. Shuart
Maxwell G. Shuart

Associate

+Related Insights

August 3, 2023

Changes to Open and Obvious Doctrine Impacts Premises Liability Law

Property owners in Michigan had long enjoyed the protection from liability for hazardous conditions on their property that are considered “open and obvious.” The “open and obvious” doctrine arose out of the idea that while a property owner had a duty to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition, a landowner had no duty to warn of an open and obvious danger.
+Related News

August 17, 2023

Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized By Best Lawyers In America© 2024 And Best Lawyers: Ones To Watch

Twenty Kerr Russell members were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2024. In addition, six Kerr Russell attorneys were recognized as 2024 Best Lawyers: Ones To Watch.

November 3, 2022

Kerr Russell Ranked As U.S. News “Best Law Firm” 2023

Kerr Russell is once again ranked as a “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News and Best Lawyers. Firms included on the list are recognized for professional excellence with consistently impressive ratings from clients and peers.

August 18, 2022

Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America© 2023 and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch

Eighteen Kerr Russell members were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2023. Notably, fourteen of the named attorneys have been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for more than five years.

November 15, 2021

16 Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized As DBusiness 2022 Top Lawyers

A total of 16 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named DBusiness magazine Top Lawyers for 2022. The attorneys are selected through a peer review process, polling more than 18,000 attorneys across Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Livingston Counties.

November 4, 2021

Kerr Russell Ranked As U.S. News “Best Law Firm” 2022

Kerr Russell is once again ranked as a “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News and Best Lawyers®.  Firms included on the list are recognized for professional excellence with consistently impressive ratings from clients and peers.

August 19, 2021

Kerr Russell Attorneys Named to 2022 Best Lawyers® List

Kerr Russell is pleased to announce that 17 lawyers have been included in the 2022 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

November 16, 2020

22 Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized as DBusiness 2021 Top Lawyers

A total of 22 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named as DBusiness Magazine 2021 Top Lawyers. The attorneys are selected through a peer review process.  DBusiness polled more than 18,000 attorneys across Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Livingston Counties. 

August 25, 2020

James Tamm (Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants) Named Best Lawyers© 2021 “Lawyer of the Year” In Troy

Congratulations to James Tamm who has been named Best Lawyers© 2021 “Lawyer of the Year” In Troy for Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. Only a single lawyer in each practice area and community is honored with a “Lawyer of the Year” award.

August 20, 2020

Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America© 2021 and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch

Seventeen Kerr Russell members were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2021. Notably, twelve of the named attorneys have been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for more than five years.

July 14, 2020

15 Lawyers From Kerr Russell Recognized as Leading Lawyers 2020

A total of 15 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named to the 2020 list of Leading Lawyers in Michigan. Only those lawyers who are most often recommended qualify for this honor.