Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC

11 Best Lawyers awards

Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC logo

Awarded Practice Areas

Administrative / Regulatory Law Appellate Practice Energy Law Energy Regulatory Law Land Use and Zoning Law Litigation - Land Use and Zoning Litigation - Municipal Municipal Law Utilities Law

Biography

William K. Fahey is a Michigan lawyer serving public utilities and municipalities for more than 32 years. He represents electric and natural gas utilities in administrative, regulatory, commercial and appellate matters, and has been involved in nearly every major matter affecting Michigan public utilities over the last three decades.

Mr. Fahey has represented more than 100 Michigan municipalities throughout Michigan, both as municipal attorney and as special counsel, principally handling municipal utility projects, land use regulation and zoning, municipal boundary proceedings, intergovernmental agreements, special municipal athorities, litigation and appeals.
Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC

11 Best Lawyers awards

Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC logo

Overview

  • University of Wisconsin–Madison, JD, graduated 1977
  • University of Wisconsin–Madison, BA, graduated 1974
  • University of Wisconsin–Madison, JD, graduated 1977
  • University of Wisconsin–Madison, BA, graduated 1974

Client Testimonials

Never makes you feel like a dummy.

Larry Degg (Caseville Township)

Caseville, MI

Mr. Fahey has always provided the most expert and exacting advice. We are very fortunate to have his firm represent us whenever we need legal help or guidance. I recommend his services to many other Township leaders.

Dan Dysinger (Grant Township)

Farwell, MI

His knowledge and experience are well known throughout the state of Michigan.

We have used William Fahey for the past 12 years, previously when he was with Foster Swift. We have always been very pleased with the quick response we get and his vast expertise in Municipal Law. We would not hesitate to contact him on any zoning matters. I would highly recommend him to any one in search of a law firm that will put your best interest at heart with diligence and effectiveness.

William Fahey has a depth of knowledge and practical advice which has made him a recognized leader in Michigan Land Use Law. Bill has presented numerous seminars I have attended. He presents material in a clear and concise manner. He has a track record of quick and accurate reviews of matters submitted to him.

William Woodruff (Union Charter Township)

Bill is a tireless worker with fine skills.

Jim Porter (Oshtemo Twp)

Bill is accessible and provides prompt responses to requests for documents or legal opinions. We have a high degree of confidence in Bill's legal expertise.

Al McFadyen (Delhi Township DDA)

When I look at the reference list above, Bill rates a 10 plus in every category. As township supervisor, I have recommended his services to two other townships or government agencies, and they both have hired him for legal counsel.

Robert Johnson (Edenville Township)

Awards & Focus

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2024 - Municipal Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2021 - Litigation - Municipal Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2019 - Administrative / Regulatory Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2018 - Municipal Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2016 - Municipal Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2015 - Energy Law
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Municipal Law, Lansing (2024)
  • Litigation - Municipal, Lansing (2021)
  • Administrative / Regulatory Law, Lansing (2019)
  • Municipal Law, Lansing (2018)
  • Municipal Law, Lansing (2016)
  • Energy Law, Lansing (2015)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Administrative / Regulatory Law
  • Appellate Practice
  • Energy Law
  • Energy Regulatory Law
  • Land Use and Zoning Law
  • Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
  • Litigation - Municipal
  • Municipal Law
  • Utilities Law
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Litigation - Real Estate
  • Real Estate Law
Special Focus:
  • Administrative
  • Appellate
  • Electricity
  • Energy
  • Energy Projects
  • Environmental
  • Litigation
  • Municipal
  • Oil and Gas
  • Public Utility
  • Regulatory
  • Utilities
  • Water

Case History

Cases
  • National Steel Corp v Public Service Comm
Sixth Circuit upheld state regulation of new service within natural gas utility''s service area.
  • Eyde Brothers Development Co v Eaton County Drain Commissioner
Michigan Supreme Court upheld the municipality''s right to use existing road right of way for the installation of sewer and water systems without the approval of the underlying landowner.
  • Altman v Meridian Charter Township
Michigan Supreme Court affirmed township''s right to require a road improvement as a condition of subdivision approval.
  • English Garden Condominiums, LLC v Howell Township
Michigan Supreme Court upheld right of municipality to seize letter of credit for unfinished land use project.
  • City of Taylor v Detroit Edison Company
Michigan Supreme Court held that a city had no authority to force an electric utility to relocate its lines underground without compensation.

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