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About

Heather K. Grace, Esq., is an accomplished attorney and executive leader with a career spanning over 15 years in law, municipal governance, and non-profit management. Known for her extensive knowledge of municipal law, estate planning, family law, labor and employment, and complex civil litigation, Heather provides her clients with nuanced legal advice that combines practical solutions with strategic foresight. Her background includes managing her own solo practice and serving as CEO and CFO for full-service municipal corporations, where she directed all aspects of city governance and administration. 

Heather’s expertise extends beyond traditional legal counsel; she has a proven track record in executive leadership and fiscal management, overseeing multi-million-dollar budgets, drafting ordinances, and developing regulatory frameworks. Notably, Heather played a key role in drafting cannabis regulations and securing Redevelopment Ready Communities Certification for municipal revitalization projects. Her career includes leading impactful initiatives like “A Vision for Buchanan,” a strategic project that earned national recognition and secured significant grant funding for community development. 

Heather is deeply involved in her community, having served on numerous executive boards and advisory committees, including roles with the Michigan Municipal League and the Michigan Gateway Foundation. Her commitment to community advancement and legal innovation makes her an asset to clients seeking legal solutions that are not only effective but forward-thinking. 

Career Highlights

  • Managed a multi-million-dollar residential construction company, overseeing finances, human resources, and administration. 
  • Led a strategic visioning project called “A Vision for Buchanan,” resulting in multiple grant awards and national recognition. 
  • Successfully applied for, obtained, and administered over $20 million in infrastructure grants and low-interest loans. 
  • Drafted and administered cannabis regulations and licensing ordinances. 
  • Extensive experience as an adjunct instructor in law, teaching criminal justice and police academy students. 

Clerkships

  • Judicial Law Clerk Intern for Hon. Judge Bill Schuette, Michigan Court of Appeals, 2008. 

Associations

  • Michigan Gateway Foundation, Marketing Advisory Board Member (2020-2023) 
  • Buchanan Education Promise Board, Executive Board Member (2020-2023) 
  • SE Berrien County Landfill, Executive Board Member (2021-2023) 
  • Buchanan Area Chamber of Commerce, Executive Board Member (2020-2023) 
  • Michigan Municipal League, Land Use & Zoning Legislative Advisory Committee, Advisory Board Member (2021-2023) 
  • Michigan Municipal League, Housing Advisory Board, Advisory Board Member (2017-2018) 

Practice Areas

Trust & Estates LawFamily LawCannabis LawCriminal LawCivil LitigationEmployment & Labor LawMunicipal LawCorporate Law
Sub-practice areas
Estate Planning, Trust Administration, Divorce and Separation, Child Custody and Support, Regulatory Compliance, Trial Advocacy, Commercial Litigation, Labor Relations, Community Development, Public Finance, Corporate Governance, Compliance and Regulatory Matters, Contracts & Negotiation, Risk Mitigation

Admitted Jurisdictions

  • Michigan
  • United States Supreme Court
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

Education

  • J.D. in Litigation, Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Cum Laude (2009) 
  • B.A. in History, Saginaw Valley State University, Summa Cum Laude (2005) 

Languages

  • English

Work With Heather