City of Dewitt

City Attorney

View More: http://benjamindavidphotography.pass.us/foster-headshots


Brian G. Goodenough began serving as City Attorney for the City of DeWitt on September 8, 2015. Brian started as an associate at Foster Swift in 1989 and became a shareholder in 1996. Currently, he chairs the firm’s Workers’ Compensation Practice Group. Previously, he served as a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and as an officer of the firm. His practice focuses on:

  • Zoning and Land-Use Disputes – Counsel’s townships, cities, counties, and other municipalities.
  • Municipal Law – Represents municipalities against Freedom of Information Act and Open Meeting Act claims, counsels on cemetery liability, municipal insurance defense, fire/public safety department formation, litigation, and funding.
  • Workers’ Compensation – Defends insurance companies and employers in workers’ compensation litigation.

Brian Goodenough has been recognized for his insurance defense work on behalf of his municipal clients. This includes being named Attorney of the Year in 2003 by Michigan’s largest insurer of municipalities.

He has been named to Best Lawyers in America in Municipal, Real Estate, and Workers’ Compensation law for more than a decade.

Brian has been an adjunct professor at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School from 2000-2016, where he has taught land-use and zoning law. In addition, he is an active member of several civic groups, including the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, where he has served as the group’s Chair and as its General Counsel. Brian has served on the Board of Directors for Ele’s Place.

Bar & Court Admissions

  • Michigan U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan.
  • Michigan U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

 

Education

Brian received his Bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University in 1985 and his Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1988.

The City Attorney's Duties Include:

  • The City Attorney serves as chief legal advisor to the City Council, the Mayor, City Administrator, and all City Departments, Commissions, Boards, Authorities, Offices, and Agencies.
  • The City Attorney represents the City in all legal proceedings and performs any other duties prescribed by the City Council.