James J. Murray, a partner in the Petoskey office of Plunkett Cooney, one of the Midwest’s oldest and largest law firms, was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys (MAMA) and to the Board of the Michigan Municipal League Legal Defense Fund (LDF).

“These are very dynamic groups, and I am pleased to be a member of these boards,” said Murray, who currently serves as city attorney on behalf of the cities of Boyne City and Petoskey as well as Bay Township and Clark Township. “I look forward to working alongside these truly dedicated public servants and helping advance the initiatives of both organizations.”

Established in 1935 as a chartered section of the Michigan Municipal League (MML), the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys is a non-profit corporation consisting of attorneys who represent MML member cities and villages and includes their deputies, assistants and League staff members admitted to practice law in the state of Michigan. Attorneys with a substantial interest in municipal law may also join MAMA as associate members.

The Legal Defense Fund (the LDF) was established in 1983 to offer various types of legal aid to Michigan communities. This includes filing amicus curiae briefs with the Michigan appellate courts and providing legal assistance in cases where the issues involved would have a broad impact on municipalities generally.

As a MAMA board member, Murray will work with his colleagues to advance the organization’s goals, which include strengthening the quality of legal representation of municipal corporations through continuing education, serving as a research organization for corporate counsel representing MML cities and villages, creating a forum for consultation among members, and honoring individuals who have made significant contributions in the area of municipal law.

As an LDF board member, Murray will work with other members to determine if additional legal support is necessary for Michigan communities involved in significant litigation or other adversarial proceedings that could affect the organizations’ operation, powers, duties or financing.

Murray has been a partner with Plunkett Cooney since 1998. In addition to his municipal law practice, he has extensive experience in the areas of business law, real estate, banking, commercial litigation and title insurance. Murray’s municipal practice is wide ranging and includes direct representation of municipalities, as well as defense of litigation involving public entities. 

Murray is a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan and a past President of the Emmet-Charlevoix Bar Association. Additionally, he serves as a member of the Grievance Panel for the State Bar of Michigan, as well as a member of the Les Cheneaux Community Foundation Board of Directors.

Established in 1913, Plunkett Cooney employs more than 150 attorneys in nine Michigan cities; Columbus, Ohio and Indianapolis, Indiana. The firm has achieved the highest rating (AV) awarded by Martindale-Hubbell, a leading, international directory of law firms and has received several awards naming the firm a top place to work in the legal industry.

For more information about James J. Murray’s election to the MAMA and LDF Board of Directors, contact the firm’s Practice Development Manager, John Cornwell at (248) 901-4008.

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