| Mission Statement |
| National Rating |
| Community Involvement |
| Location |
| Practice Areas |
| Summary |
REAL PROPERTY DIVISION
The Real Property Division is composed of two sections, Real Estate, Environmental and Construction Law ("REC") and Drain and Municipal Law.
Real Estate, Environmental and Construction Law Section
The REC Section handles a wide variety of commercial, industrial and residential real estate matters. We also represent a number of real estate development companies and handle all aspects of zoning, special use permits, variance and site plan approvals.
Our attorneys have extensive experience in environmental law and the various aspects of Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. We have represented clients regarding compliance with, and claims brought under the Wetlands Protection Act, the Inland Lakes and Streams Act, the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Act, the Federal Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act and regulations pertaining to surface water discharge, underground storage tanks, subdivision control and the Federal and State Environmental Protection Acts.
The Section also focuses on assisting the business and litigation needs of our clients engaged in the commercial and residential construction business. Services include general business advice, preparation and foreclosure of construction liens and bond claims, inverse condemnation, contract suits, related environmental issues and assisting clients in obtaining special use permits and rezoning requests.
Drain and Municipal Law Section
The Firm’s Drain and Municipal Law Section provides legal services to a wide variety of governmental entities including county drain commissioners, county treasurers, cities and townships.
Drain Commissioners
A cornerstone of the Firm’s practice is the representation of county drain commissioners, with the Firm now serving over fifty county drain commissioner offices. The Hubbard Law Firm also serves as general counsel for the Michigan Association of County Drain Commissioners. Our attorneys have extensive experience in legal issues associated with public utilities as well as property and easement acquisition, municipal finance, public hearings, construction contracts, special assessment appeals and watershed management issues, and other issues involved with all pertinent statutes.
Municipal Law
Hubbard Law Firm's wide range of experience in representation of cities and townships includes providing legal counsel regarding procedures and practice, attendance and assistance in the conduct of public hearings, counsel regarding the Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) and the Open Meetings Act (“OMA”), litigation concerning election law, condemnation and development issues, drafting and review of contracts; appeals before the Michigan Tax Tribunal, negotiation of labor contracts, handling labor disciplinary and grievance procedures and arbitration of disciplinary and collective bargaining agreement disputs, and matters related to annexation, conditional transfers and the drafting and enforcement of municipal charters and ordinances. Our municipal attorneys provide counsel and litigation assistance relative to many state and federal laws.
The Firm also provides legal services to a variety of governmental subdivisions. As general counsel for the Michigan Association of County Drain Commissioners ("MACDC") and attorneys for a majority of individual county drain commissions throughout the state, the Hubbard Law Firm has worked with electrical, water, sanitary, telephone, and cable utilities. This work has encompassed the acquisition and utilization of easements and rights of way, municipal financing, construction contracts, environmental and other land use regulations. The Firm is also experienced in the area of eminent domain, having represented both condemning authorities and private landowners in condemnation proceedings.
Our involvement, and the close working relationships we have established, with the MACDC and county drain commissioners has provided us with a unique opportunity to consult and advise municipalities relative to land use, financing, labor and other issues faced by them.
The wide range of practice areas afforded to this Section includes: providing legal counsel regarding procedures and practice; attendance and assistance in the conduct of public hearings; counsel regarding the FOIA and the OMA; litigation concerning condemnation of necessary rights of way and related areas; drafting and review of contracts; drafting and review of resolutions and procedural challenges and assessment appeals before the Court of Appeals and the Michigan Tax Tribunal. We are also actively involved in matters with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the Michigan Department of Transportation. In addition, constant contact is maintained with the Michigan Department of Treasury and the Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services.
Among the wide variety of issues presented, the Section is involved in legislation, and rules surrounding the Michigan Land Division Act, the Michigan Condominium Act, and the Mobile Home Commission Act and statutes involving governmental immunity. Further, the Section has been involved in the drafting of county stormwater management ordinances and county subdivision regulations and has also represented county road commissions and townships in related matters.
