Three attorneys inducted into the Academy of Municipal Attorneys

Three attorneys  in the field of municipal law have been inducted into the Academy of Municipal Attorneys (AMA):  John Barr of Barr, Anhut & Associates in Ypsilanti; Peter Letzmann of Peter Letzmann Associates in Grand Rapids; and William Mathewson, general counsel for the Michigan Municipal League. They were recognized at the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys Municipal Law Program in Lansing on Oct. 13.

To be inducted, the attorneys must achieve educational and practice requirements. The educational component of the program seeks to train and educate the applicant in not only the basic elements of municipal law, but also to encourage academic and scholarly excellence in municipal law.

The practice component recognizes the implementation of the academic component by applying the academic program to effective and competent legal practice.

In addition, membership in the AMA seeks to encourage opportunities for dialogue, friendship and fellowship with social opportunities to promote the Academy, Mulder said. 

Barr has been an attorney for more than 50 years, and currently serves as attorney for the city of Ypsilanti and other municipalities. He is the recipient of numerous other awards and recognitions, including the State Bar of Michigan Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Service Award.

Letzmann has been an attorney for more than 40 years, and is also a mediator, consultant, municipal attorney and educator. He represents the Lowell Fire and Rescue Authority.

Mathewson, of Ann Arbor, has been the League’s general counsel since 1997, and previously served in several distinctly different positions with the League in its Ann Arbor and Lansing offices.

He also serves as secretary-treasurer of the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys and is the fund administrator of the League’s Legal Defense Fund, which provides appellate-level amicus assistance to municipalities involved in litigation of statewide importance.