Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Lansing, MI
Foster Swift Collins & Smith has been dedicated to delivering exceptional client service and legal excellence for over 120 years. Our firm provides comprehensive legal services tailored to businesses, organizations, municipalities, families, and individuals across Michigan and beyond. With 100+ attorneys organized into specialized practice groups, we combine deep expertise with a results-driven approach to address complex legal challenges. Founded in 1902 by Walter S.Foster, our legacy of ethics, integrity, and client-focused service remains unwavering. We have grown to include offices in Lansing, Southfield, Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Holland, offering border-to-border coverage while maintaining our commitment to professionalism and community impact. Recognized with the U.S. Department of Commerce 'E' Award for export service excellence, we continue to uphold our founding values while adapting to evolving legal landscapes.
Services
Business Law
Cybersecurity
Employment Law
Real Estate Law
Estate Planning
Litigation
Municipal Law
Tax Law
Health Care Law
Workers' Compensation
Details
- Year established: 1902
Highlights and features
- We have over 120 years of legal experience serving Michigan clients.
- Our team of 100+ attorneys provides comprehensive legal solutions.
- We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all our practices.
- With offices across Michigan, we offer border-to-border legal coverage.
- Recognized with the U.S. Department of Commerce 'E' Award for export service excellence.
Associations and certifications
- U.S. Department of Commerce 'E' Award
Services
Business Law
Our Business Law practice advises clients on corporate formations, mergers and acquisitions, contracts, and compliance. We serve businesses of all sizes, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, providing strategic counsel to navigate complex transactions and regulatory environments. Our attorneys combine industry-specific knowledge with practical business acumen to deliver actionable solutions.
Cybersecurity
We help organizations prevent, prepare for, and respond to data breaches and cyber threats. Our cybersecurity team assists with incident response planning, regulatory compliance (including GDPR and HIPAA), and risk management strategies. We represent clients in investigations by the FTC, state attorneys general, and other regulatory bodies following security incidents.
Employment Law
Our Employment Law practice covers workplace discrimination, harassment claims, wage and hour disputes, and labor relations. We represent employers in litigation and provide proactive training programs to minimize legal risks. Our attorneys stay current with evolving employment regulations to ensure client compliance across state and federal jurisdictions.
Real Estate Law
We handle commercial and residential real estate transactions, development projects, zoning issues, and litigation. Our services include title examinations, purchase agreements, and dispute resolution for property owners and developers. We work closely with clients to structure deals that align with their investment goals while mitigating legal exposure.
Estate Planning
Our Estate Planning attorneys create customized wills, trusts, and probate strategies to protect clients' assets and legacy. We specialize in complex estate tax planning, charitable giving, and elder law matters. Our approach balances legal precision with compassionate guidance to address families' unique needs.
People
John R. Bonandrini
Director of Information Technology
John R. Bonandrini leads IT operations at Foster Swift, ensuring robust technology infrastructure and cybersecurity measures. With over 20 years in legal technology, he specializes in data protection and system optimization for law firms.
Cassandra L. Bowe
Legal Professional
Cassandra L. Bowe provides administrative support to Foster Swift attorneys, managing client communications and case documentation. Her 15 years of legal experience ensure efficient workflow coordination for complex litigation matters.
Elizabeth A. Cotner
Director of Human Resources
Elizabeth A. Cotner oversees talent development and workplace culture at Foster Swift. A certified HR professional, she implements diversity initiatives and compliance programs across the firm's five Michigan offices.
Cheryl Coutchie
Chief Operating Officer
Cheryl Coutchie manages day-to-day operations for Foster Swift's Grand Rapids office. With a focus on client service optimization, she coordinates cross-office collaboration and implements strategic growth initiatives for the 120-year-old firm.
Kimberly P. Hafley
Legal Administrator
Kimberly P. Hafley coordinates administrative operations at Foster Swift's Lansing office. Her expertise in legal practice management supports attorneys across multiple practice areas, ensuring efficient client service delivery.
Questions
What areas of law does Foster Swift specialize in?
We specialize in business law, cybersecurity, employment law, real estate, estate planning, litigation, municipal law, and healthcare law, serving clients across Michigan and nationally.
How long has Foster Swift been in business?
Foster Swift has provided legal services since 1902, making us one of Michigan's oldest and most experienced law firms with continuous operation for over 120 years.
Do you offer cybersecurity legal services?
Yes, our cybersecurity team assists with data breach response, regulatory compliance (GDPR, HIPAA), and incident preparedness planning for businesses facing digital threats.
What Michigan areas do you serve?
We serve clients statewide from offices in Lansing, Southfield, Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Holland, providing comprehensive legal coverage across Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
