Our Feed

Come meet our township attorneys as they discuss hot topics during the educational sessions for township officials at the MTA’s Annual Educational Conference & Expo. The conference will be held January 27-30, 2015 at the DeVos Place in Grand Rapids. Our township attorneys will be speaking on the following topics. Click on each attorney’s name to learn more.

Top 10 Employment Practices You May Not Have—But Should

Review important (and sometimes little-known) employment practices and policies that can limit your township’s exposure to expensive and time consuming employment-related claims and lawsuits.  From “friending” on Facebook and drafting a social media policy to knowing what you can—and can’t—ask during an interview, learn key tips, tricks and policies that will enhance your township’s employment practices and improve your ability to avoid common pitfalls.

Helen “Lizzie” Mills, Wednesday, January 28, 2015, 2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Top 10 OMA and FOIA Myths

Are you sure you know all your obligations to hold open meetings and disclose township records? Do you understand the possible legal consequences of an Open Meetings Act (OMA) or Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) violation? Can you correct an OMA violation after the meeting? What we think we know doesn’t always match what the law requires. This informative presentation will separate the myths from the realities, and help you avoid OMA and FOIA mistakes.

William Fahey, Thursday, January 29, 2015, 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

Private Disputes—When Should the Township Get Involved?

Certain private matters necessarily involve the township, but in most cases, the township should not get involved. From private drainage disputes to restrictive covenant enforcement to neighbor disputes, learn when your township should (or should NOT!) get involved.

Christopher Patterson, Thursday, January 29, 2015 10:50 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.