Karrie is a governmental law attorney with 11 years experience working for municipalities and other governmental agencies in northern Michigan.  Her in-depth knowledge of municipal operations and regulations offers her clients - in and out of government - the added value of her unique insight.

On a daily basis, Karrie advises municipalities, government officials, and employees on general administrative and governance issues, policies, and laws and in matters related to employment and labor relations, contract negotiations, the Freedom of Information Act, Open Meetings Act, and board governance. She also counsels her clients on issues related to zoning and real estate transactions. She litigates on behalf of her clients in civil court and administrative tribunals, including the Michigan Tax Tribunal.

As the City Attorney with the City of Traverse City, Karrie was the chief legal advisor to the City Commission, City Manager, and all city officers and employees.  She also provided counsel for other governmental agencies such as the Downtown Development Authority and the City of Traverse City and Charter Township of Garfield Recreational Authority.  Karrie has worked closely with government officials at all levels.

Karrie is active in the legal profession and the Traverse City community.  She previously taught Legal Research and Writing at Northwestern Michigan College.

Education

• Albion College (B.A., 1995)
• Willamette University College of Law (J.D., 1999)

Admitted to Practice

• 2000, Michigan

Previous Professional Experience

• City Attorney -- City of Traverse City
• Deputy City Attorney -- City of Traverse City

External Publications

• www.TheFirstAmendment.gov, Michigan Legal Briefs, Vol 54, Issue 3 (June 2002)

Smith Haughey Publications

News for Karrie A. Zeits

11/21/2011
Former City Attorney, Karrie Zeits, Joins Smith Haughey's Traverse City Office

Events for Karrie A. Zeits

2/29/2012
Property Taxes: What you need to know about the law to help your clients (Grand Rapids)

2/21/2012
Property Taxes: What you need to know about the law to help your clients (Traverse City)

Professional Affiliations

• State Bar of Michigan (Board Member, Section on Public Corporation Law)
• Grand Traverse- Leelanau- Antrim Bar Association (Board of Governors, 2002-2005; Secretary, 2003-2005)
• Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys
• Women Lawyers Association (President, 2003-2004)