Overview

Trent is an Associate Attorney at FSBR, providing practical and comprehensible legal solutions tailored to municipalities throughout Michigan. His deep expertise in FOIA matters has established him as the firm’s go-to expert. Trent offers comprehensive research and expert advice on FOIA issues, including drafting and revising policies, managing responses to requests, and overseeing document production. His ability to guide municipalities through the complex landscape of FOIA law has made him an indispensable resource.

Beyond FOIA issues, Trent has significantly contributed to various municipal regulation projects. He has played a key role in developing short-term rental ordinances, crafting regulations for solar and wind energy projects, and establishing a framework for marihuana facility regulations.

Trent actively participates in township board meetings and closed sessions related to these projects, ensuring effective communication and smooth implementation of regulations.

Trent’s expertise extends to litigation support, where he has conducted thorough legal research for several municipal lawsuits involving zoning powers and Second Amendment rights. He enjoys the strategic thinking required in municipal litigation and is eager to further expand his experience in this field.

In his free time, Trent enjoys spending quality time with family and friends. Some of Trent’s hobbies include snowboarding, boating, and reading fantasy novels. He also enjoys watching sports and has been a longtime fan of football, golf, and college basketball.

Experience

• Drafted regulations marihuana facilities and the transfer of marihuana permits
• Drafted regulations on short-term rentals
• Drafted and revised FOIA responses, policies, cost itemizations, and administrative appeal determinations
• Advised on zoning amendments, moratoriums, and police power ordinance amendments.
• Presented on zoning approvals with conditions and the unconstitutional conditions doctrine.
• Drafted and advised on many millage proposals and resolutions

• 2023 Elected Officials Workshop – Zoning / Building Strong ZBA Decisions
• FSBR Monthly Webinar – Understanding Zoning Approvals with Conditions

Honors & Education

EDUCATION

• Michigan State University College of Law, J.D., summa cum laude, 2023
• Saginaw Valley State University, B.A., Political Science, cum laude, 2020

BAR ADMISSIONS

• State Bar of Michigan

HONORS

• Jurisprudence Award in Contract Law, Advocacy, and Evidence.

• State Bar of Michigan Administrative & Regulatory Law Section
• State Bar of Michigan Government Law
• State Bar of Michigan Litigation
• State Bar of Michigan Young Lawyers Section