Miller Canfield launches new sustainable government initiative

The law firm of Miller Canfield announces the launch of its Sustainable Government Initiative, which will focus on helping municipalities and school districts address fiscal challenges and fundamental change while capitalizing on opportunities for increased efficiencies and innovation. The initiative features a cross-disciplinary team comprised of lawyers from the firm's Public Law, Employment and Labor, Litigation, Employee Benefits and Pensions, Bankruptcy and Real Estate groups. "In Michigan, we're seeing a lot of change--a new Emergency Manager statute, incentives for revenue sharing and school aid, a rush of amendments to other statutes affecting local government operations, and a clear directive from Lansing that municipalities and school districts must adopt the State's 'best practices' to maximize the level of state support they receive," said Amanda Van Dusen, member of Miller Canfield's Sustainable Government Initiative and leader of the Public Law Group. "We have been assisting local governments adapt to the times for over a century. This spring we pulled together the best resources within our firm to deploy our experience once again to help the public sector navigate uncharted territory and put political and economic pressures to good use," she said. "With the State moving quickly to impose new requirements, we can help clients develop strategic direction and find opportunities that may not be obvious." The Miller Canfield Sustainable Government Initiative is offering the following services to help municipalities and school districts: Consent Agreements; "Best Practices" Counsel; Intergovernmental Agreements; Shared Services Agreements; Outsourcing Agreements and RFPs; Pension + Benefit Reviews + Restructuring; Labor Reviews Litigation Audits; Property Transfers + Alternative Uses; Private Use Evaluation + Analysis. The firm is hosting client workshops in June. Customized training and strategic assistance are also available. Visit millercanfield.com/SGI to learn more. Published: Wed, Jun 15, 2011