East Lansing City Council approves Keller Toma for labor law services contract

In a recent East Lansing City Council meeting held on May 13, 2025, significant discussions centered around the engagement of legal services, particularly for labor and employment law, as well as general municipal law and prosecution services. The council's deliberations highlighted the importance of continuity and expertise in legal representation for the city.

The meeting began with a resolution to appoint a city attorney for labor and employment law services. City Manager Mr. Bellman provided an overview of the selection process, noting that the city had issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) in February 2025, receiving six responses. Keller Toma emerged as the sole firm specializing in labor and employment law, while others offered general legal services. Following interviews with four firms, the council moved to authorize the mayor to negotiate a contract with Keller Toma, which was met with some discussion regarding the involvement of the mayor in the negotiation process. Ultimately, the council voted to proceed with the negotiation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with the current labor attorney.

The second major topic of discussion involved a resolution to engage a city attorney for general municipal law and prosecution services. The council considered the Rosati Schultz Jopich and Amst Buchler firm, which had been recommended based on their specialization in municipal law. While some council members expressed concerns about the higher costs associated with this firm compared to the current provider, others argued that the expertise and efficiency of the Rosati firm could ultimately lead to cost savings in the long run. The debate highlighted differing opinions on the balance between cost and quality of legal services.

Councilmember Watson voiced her opposition to the motion, citing concerns about the prosecution aspect of the Rosati firm’s services and the potential for conflicts of interest due to their existing relationships with the city’s insurance provider. In contrast, other council members defended the choice, emphasizing the need for a firm with a proven track record in municipal law to address the city's complex legal challenges.

The council ultimately voted in favor of engaging the Rosati firm, reflecting a consensus on the need for specialized legal support to navigate the city's ongoing governance and operational issues. The decision underscores the council's commitment to ensuring effective legal representation while balancing fiscal responsibility.

As East Lansing continues to evolve, the outcomes of these legal service engagements will play a crucial role in shaping the city's governance and addressing the legal complexities that arise in municipal operations. The council's focus on securing experienced legal counsel demonstrates a proactive approach to maintaining stability and accountability within the city's administration.