Ross brings his experience as a municipal, property tax, and drain attorney to FSBR, focusing on Michigan municipal, property tax, and drain law with an emphasis on property tax appeals and special assessments, drain projects, development, zoning, building and planning, and Michigan’s Drain Code.

He appreciates the fast-paced nature of his work and is especially proud of the relief his clients feel when they put their trust in his hands. Ross is thoughtful, and a straight talker, delivering an up-front perspective about the advantages and disadvantages of a client’s particular situation. Whether it’s major litigation or a minor legal matter, Ross knows every client’s case is the most important thing to them, so he treats it that way as well.

As part of the firm’s Municipal Practice Group, he provides expertise and responsiveness to public officials and clients as Township Attorney, Village Attorney, and City Attorney, and as counsel to County Drain Commissioners throughout Michigan, where he handles litigation in administrative, trial, and appellate courts.

Ross is committed to obtaining successful results for his clients, and he strives every day to be the best at his craft. He enjoys the relationships he develops with his clients and takes pride in the trust and respect he’s built with opposing attorneys and judges as well.

Ross joined FSBR in 2008 and has been a partner since 2014. Prior to that, he was an attorney with the Hubbard Law Firm, P.C.

Off the clock, he stays active with his family, playing and coaching soccer, and supporting his three kids in their academic and athletic endeavors.

EXPERIENCE

• Meridian Township: Defended Entire Tribunal property tax appeals, including apartment complexes, commercial retail, regional mall, office, and restaurant properties.
• City of Fenton: Defended Entire Tribunal property appeals, including residential and commercial properties.
• Gratiot County Drain Commissioner: Provided counsel on behalf of drainage districts related to numerous alternative energy developments.
• MDARD and Various County Drain Commissioners: Provided counsel on behalf of inter-county drainage districts related to numerous historical jurisdiction and drainage district reviews and public hearings.

As the leader of the firm’s business practice, Mark is committed to helping clients design and execute their dreams. He focuses on developing and implementing growth strategies for businesses with an emphasis on franchising, liquor licensing and regulation, general corporate matters, mergers, acquisitions, or other corporate transactions, bank debt or equity private placement financing transactions, real estate, and other business-related matters.

The brainstorming, collaboration, and curiosity surrounding what clients seek drive Mark’s passion for his work. He’s proud to become part of his clients’ circle of trusted advisors, engaging with them sometimes daily to guide them through the process of growing their businesses.

His work is specially tailored to the hospitality industry, but his experience allows him to assist virtually any business segment. Mark knows business decisions often have legal implications, and he’s dedicated to ensuring his clients understand the real-world implications of their choices as they pursue expansion strategies. With more than 30 years of experience practicing law, Mark has seen it all in franchising, and he is eager to share his expertise with his clients.

Outside of the office, Mark enjoys spending time with his family, especially on Lake Charlevoix. He’s an avid golfer and a fan of MSU sports.

EXPERIENCE

• Franchisor outside counsel: provide “trusted advisor” counsel to franchisor from start-up to now Top 300 franchise system; perform general counsel services for franchisor; daily advice and counsel regarding franchise sales, relationship management, supply chain contracting, marketing, and operations.
• Franchise Regulatory counsel: provide franchise regulatory counsel to franchisors, from start-up franchisors to iconic brands; perform federal and state law regulatory compliance for franchisors with advice and counsel on franchise sales and relationship management.
• Corporate General Counsel: provide general counsel work to multi-generational closely held business, prepare company for acquisition, representation of company in sale of company to private equity purchaser; assisted closely held company in raising $10 Million in new equity capital private placement with federal and state securities laws compliance.
• Liquor License acquisition (manufacturers and retailers); Liquor law violation hearings; manufacturer-wholesaler relationship management.
• Trademark prosecution and enforcement.

Lizzie works in municipal law, labor and employment law, and general litigation, providing daily advice and counsel on the myriad issues municipalities and employers face.

Her municipal practice involves drafting and enforcing ordinances, preparing legal opinions, and addressing the issue du jour for the many townships with whom she works. Lizzie enjoys helping her clients solve problems and plan for success, and she understands the challenges of running the business of local government in the public eye.

Her labor and employment law practice focus keeps her busy, representing municipal and private sector management. The labor and employment practice in particular can be intensely personal and sometimes involves the tough realities of termination, but Lizzie strives to bring empathy to the table as she advocates for a legal resolution. Her affinity for interacting with people enables her to quickly dissolve conflicts. She also has the gift of an incredible memory, recalling details not only about problems she’s worked to solve but about the people involved. Relationships are critical in labor and employment issues; being able to recall professional and personal details off the top of her head is a real asset to her clients in labor negotiations and conflict resolution.

Lizzie has extensive experience in collective bargaining, grievance and interest arbitration, and administrative claims defense before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Michigan Department of Civil Rights, state and federal wage and hour divisions, and others.

Lizzie joined Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes in 2010 and became a member in 2017. Prior to that, she served as a judicial extern to the Hon. Thomas L. Ludington, District Court Judge in the Eastern District of Michigan. While at Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Lizzie earned 11 Certificates of Merit, the highest honor for academic performance in a course.

When she’s not at work, Lizzie enjoys spending time with her husband and children; strives to read hardcover books ranging from mysteries to autobiographies of important figures in world history, to true crime to professional development theories; listening to an HR or true crime podcast; and enjoying the lake near their home year-round.

EXPERIENCE

• Negotiates labor contracts for public and private employers with UAW, Teamsters, AFSCME, POLC, POAM, TPOAM, IAFF, MAFF, CCLP, Steelworkers, and unaffiliated groups.
• Defends contract and disciplinary grievances on behalf of management.
• Successfully defends against unlawful discrimination claims in circuit court and before civil rights agencies.
• Drafts employee handbooks that are up to date with ever-changing labor and employment laws.
• Coordinates return to work transitions involving fitness for duty, accommodations, or other complex matters.

Chris applies his affinity for solving complex, technical problems to his work in general municipal law, land use and zoning law, administrative law, civil and appellate litigation as well as commercial and residential real property issues. These experiences and skills enable Chris to capably manage matters — big and small — for his municipal clients and bring an extraordinary and informed insight into the judicial process.

He is focused on finding practical solutions to the issues faced by his clients that balance achieving effective, timely results while remaining cost-conscious. Chris takes pride in the creativity he employs to find alternative resolutions to his clients’ problems, and his efforts and protecting and navigating his clients through complex legal issues.

He is committed to a high level of perfection and responsiveness – his clients are his top priority.

Chris joined the firm in 2013. Prior to that, he served for two years as law clerk for the Hon. Lawrence P. Zatkoff, Federal District Court Judge.

Away from the office, Chris loves hanging out with his wife, racing mountain bikes, and wrenching on cars.

EXPERIENCE

• Protect municipalities against Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act claims;
• Handle zoning and planning, constitutional claims, and various complex civil litigation and appeals;
• Advise on municipal ordinance authority and prepared ordinances for adoption on varying substantive areas, including zoning, ethics, franchises, wind energy, solar energy, and marihuana
• Reviewed and rewrote multiple zoning ordinances to comply with state law changes, produce clarity, and increase protections for the local municipality
• Develop ordinance enforcement strategies and assist in code enforcement to decrease costs and increase successful outcomes for municipalities
• Assist in collection of delinquent personal property collection
• Advise on joint authorities and inter-municipal agreement, including establishing new authority, dissolving authorities, withdrawing from authorities, and drafting contracts
• Removal of dangerous buildings and recovery of removal costs
• Establish tax increment financing authorities and advising on capture issues and operation issues
• Prepare development agreements for innovative development projects within municipalities
• Establish special assessments for municipalities to fund improvements
• Prepare ballot proposals for new and renewal millages

Steve has practiced law since 1987, specializing in energy law, public utilities, and appeals.

Steve focuses on complex commercial and regulatory appeals, particularly utility regulation issues involving service and rates for electricity, renewable energy, natural gas, municipal water systems, and sanitary and storm sewers. He has been involved in extensive litigation before trial and appellate courts throughout Michigan, including some of the most significant utility and municipal cases before the Michigan Court of Appeals and Supreme Court.

He particularly enjoys writing briefs and managing complex litigation. His deep historical knowledge and understanding of regulatory and judicial processes, paired with an ability to identify the controlling issues and clearly explain to decision-makers the legal and policy support for positions are among his best assets to clients.

Prior to co-founding FSBR in 2008, Steve was a partner at Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC.

When he’s not at work, Steve enjoys being outside enjoying nature while hiking and biking.

EXPERIENCE

• DTE Electric
• DTE Gas
• A variety of municipalities and drain commissioners

John delivers expert representation in the litigation of commercial disputes, business torts including product liability defense, construction disputes, insurance coverage questions, personal injury.

A practicing attorney since 1984, John takes his role as an advocate to heart, committed to reaching positive resolutions for wrongful suits or breaches of contracts against his clients. His work is thorough, he’s methodical, and he takes pride in his ability to analyze a case and present it clearly and persuasively before tribunals or public hearings.

His past experience includes serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Chicago, representing the interests of the United States in civil matters including bankruptcy, forfeiture, employment disputes, injunction actions, civil enforcement actions, and matters involving fraud, as well as prosecuting criminal cases.

John also taught Property Law, Civil Procedure, Torts, Professional Responsibility, Equity & Remedies, Secured Transactions as a professor at Western Michigan Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

John joined FSBR in 2015 and has been a partner since 2018.

When he’s not working, John enjoys bicycling — including tackling the DALMAC, Michigan’s best summer biking tour — and spending time with his family. He and his wife particularly enjoy exploring Ireland, where they have a shared heritage.

EXPERIENCE

• Tried construction litigation dispute (sanitary sewer project) to jury and appeal on behalf of a township.
• Represented township in utility rate dispute with city.
• Mediated construction dispute on behalf of large inter-county drainage district.
• Represented drainage district in disputed condemnation action resulting in mediated settlement.
• Negotiated numerous easements and utility crossing agreements.
• Successfully represented estate beneficiaries in fraud claim against trustee.
• Experienced litigator in non-compete disputes.

James (“Jimmy”) contributes his knowledge of law to the firm’s Franchise, Corporate & Business, Trademark, Municipal, and Litigation practice groups. Jimmy focuses on serving franchise clients by drafting franchise agreements/documents and conducting extensive research to help ensure that those documents comply with applicable franchise laws. He also performs research and analysis to protect client brands when trademark and/or copyright infringement occurs.

Jimmy assists the firm in providing legal research and advice to municipal clients on issues relating to constitutional law interpretation, Freedom of Information Act, Open Meetings Act, COVID-19, and Zoning Board of Appeals decisions. He aspires to gain additional expertise to advise municipal clients in election law matters. Jimmy also has conducted research and written segments for several of the firm’s monthly Township Law E-Letters and Webinars.

Jimmy joined FSBR in 2020 as a summer associate/law clerk and became an Associate in November 2021. While attending law school, he worked for Fleming Yatooma and Borowicz, PLC in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan as a summer associate.

Jimmy has provided legal assistance to a non-profit corporation assisting children and low-income families and performed research and drafted proposed legislation for child welfare reform in the State of Michigan. He also has delivered meals to families in need, assisted and coordinated events for the elderly at a senior living facility, and walked and cared for dogs at an animal shelter while in college.

Outside of work, Jimmy enjoys playing most sports and watching all Detroit sports, listening to music and attending concerts, collecting vinyl records and sneakers/streetwear, and traveling. He hopes to produce his own music someday.

Experience

• Franchise agreement/document review and drafting
• Litigation document drafting, including general pleadings, dispositive motions, and supporting briefs
• Trademark/copyright infringement protection
• Legal research on general municipal matters
• Affidavit drafting for historical easements
• Discovery review/analysis for litigation and arbitration matters
• Freedom of Information Act

David is a driven, young attorney who started with the firm in the fall of 2022 with a focus on municipal law and litigation. In his first year with the firm, he has been involved in litigating cases in both state and federal court consisting of issues varying from contractual disputes to constitutional claims. The highlight of his young career has been his involvement in a high-profile federal case representing the interests of recreational fishers throughout Michigan.

David’s attention to detail and analytical thinking are invaluable assets in constructing effective legal strategy in every case. With a focus on honing his skills as a legal writer and building experience as a litigator, he is poised to make significant contributions to clients in the years to come.

Outside the practice of law, David enjoys spending quality time with his fiancé and their dog. He also maintains an active lifestyle as a competitive amateur golfer. In 2022, David made it to the final four of the 111^th Michigan Amateur Championship at Hawk Hollow Golf Course. David passionately supports Michigan State University athletics and is a devoted fan of all Detroit sports teams, particularly the Lions.

EXPERIENCE

• Municipal Law
• Code Enforcement Cases
• State and Federal Court Litigation
• Appellate Law

With over 20 years of experience in the legal field, Jamy brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role as a Legal Assistant. She provides invaluable support to the firm in the areas of labor and employment, property taxes, and business litigation.

Jamy’s diverse experience has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape, allowing her to effectively navigate complex cases and contribute to successful outcomes. One of the aspects she particularly enjoys about her work is litigation. She thrives in the fast-paced and intellectually challenging environment that litigation brings. She assists with the preparation and drafting of legal documents, organization and management of case files, communicating with clients, scheduling depositions and meetings, and ensuring compliance with filing deadlines and procedural requirements. Her attention to detail and organizational skills have been instrumental in supporting the firm’s legal team’s success in the courtroom.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and camping up north.

Hannah specializes in business and franchise law, as well as management-side labor & employment law. She began her journey with the firm in 2021 as a law clerk, and upon passing the bar in 2022, she was offered an associate attorney position.

In her practice, Hannah drafts various agreements tailored to meet her clients’ unique business and employment needs, while ensuring that the terms accurately reflect the interests and goals of her clients. Hannah prepares extensive documentation for purchase and sale transactions, reviews and revises leases, assists clients with trademark infringement protection and enforcement,  conducts extensive legal research and drafts legal memorandums in her respective fields of practice, and drafts franchise agreements and other related documents in compliance with complex franchise disclosure laws.

In the realm of labor and employment law, Hannah serves as an advocate for employers. She adeptly handles a wide array of employment-related matters, including discrimination and harassment claims, wage and hour disputes, employment contracts, and workplace policies. Hannah is well-versed in both federal and state labor laws and strives to ensure her clients maintain compliance while promoting a fair and equitable work environment.

Hannah is dedicated to staying at the forefront of legal developments in her areas of focus. She has developed expertise in emerging legislation, including the Corporate Transparency Act, Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, and the PUMP Act. Her commitment to expanding her knowledge allows her to provide informed counsel and effectively address the evolving needs of clients.

Outside of work, Hannah enjoys spending time with her fiancé and dog, playing tennis, and traveling (especially to Hawaii and the Upper Peninsula).

Experience

• Franchise, Business, and Employment Issues
• Labor Issues and Grievance Arbitration
• Contracts and Franchise Work
• Trademark Research and Enforcement