Janelle M. Orange works with municipalities and employers on the legal issues that shape how organizations operate, and provides practical, steady guidance in matters that require careful legal judgment and timely, informed decision-making. Her practice spans municipal law, labor and employment, and litigation, allowing her to support clients from the earliest stages of an issue through resolution.

Her municipal work is grounded in how local government functions day to day. Janelle partners with townships, cities, and other public entities on drafting ordinances, resolutions, and development agreements, while advising on the regulatory and policy considerations that come with managing a community. Many of these matters unfold in real time—at board meetings, through public input, and under pressure to move projects forward. She is particularly effective in those moments, helping clients sort through competing priorities and moving forward with decisions that are clear, defensible, and workable.

That same approach carries into her work with employers. Janelle advises on a range of workplace matters, from day-to-day questions to more sensitive and complex issues involving wage and hour compliance, employee classification, workplace policies, and internal investigations. Her focus is on helping clients respond to issues in ways that balance legal considerations with practical realities of an organization’s operations.

Janelle also assists in litigation involving municipal, employment, and commercial issues. Her work includes motion practice, supporting the defense of employment claims, and assisting in arbitration proceedings. She works with clients to think through not just the legal arguments, but the broader implications of each step along the way.

Before entering the legal profession, Janelle spent over a decade as a public-school educator. That experience continues to shape her approach to problem-solving. She brings structure, preparation, and accountability to her work and is highly effective in guiding clients through complex issues, whether assisting a municipal board with a difficult decision or supporting leadership in a sensitive workplace matter.

Outside of her practice, Janelle enjoys running, yoga, reading, gardening, playing card games, and spending time with her family.

Experience

• Guided municipalities in reviewing and drafting development agreements for local projects
• Drafted ordinances and resolutions addressing transfer stations, sewer systems, and parks and recreation facilities
• Enabled a municipal client to obtain full party status and assert their legal rights in ongoing litigation by securing a motion to intervene
• Assisted in the preparation and management of Title VII and ELCRA litigation matters, and defending an employer against discrimination claims in federal court
• Supported employers in labor arbitration proceedings, including arbitrator research, witness interviews, and preparation of reports and legal briefs
• Acted as second chair in arbitration involving contested wage and classification issues