Catherine P. Kaufman, J.D.

Kaufman@michigantownshiplaw.com

T 269-382-4500

F 269-382-2040

Attorney Kaufman’s practice is unique in that it includes all facets of municipal representation, with a concentration on land use, zoning and planning matters.  She has served as advisor to municipal planning commissions and zoning boards of appeal, as well as to private citizen and environmental groups.   Attorney Kaufman has appeared in district and circuit courts in Southwest Michigan.

Attorney Kaufman has also worked as a land use planner in both the public and private sectors and is active in statewide planning organizations.   Attorney Kaufman is also a member of the  American Institute of Certified Planners (A.I.C.P.).

EXPERIENCE

Bauckham, Sparks, Lohrstorfer,Thall & Seeber P.C., Kalamazoo

Troff, Petzke & Ammeson, PC, St Joseph, Michigan

McKenna Associates, Kalamazoo

Freilich, Leitner & Carlisle, Kansas City

City of Southfield, Michigan

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

  • Kalamazoo County Bar Association
  • American Institute of Certified Planners (A.I.C.P.)
  • Michigan Association of Planning
  • Public Corporation  and Real Property Sections, Michigan Bar

COURTS

  • Michigan Court of Appeals
  • Michigan Supreme Court
  • U.S. District Court, Western District Michigan

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Attorney Kaufman has taught courses on land use and zoning matters for:

  • Michigan State Extension Citizen Planner’s Program
  • Michigan Association of Planning
  • Michigan Townships Association
  • Institute of Continuing Legal Education
  • Municipal and private clients

BAR ASSOCIATIONS

  • Michigan (2003)
  • Missouri (1995)
  • Kalamazoo County Bar Association
  • Berrien County Bar Association

PUBLICATIONS

  • Case summaries, Planning and Zoning News

AREAS OF PRACTICE EMPHASIS

  • Land use and zoning

TOWNSHIP CLIENTS

Attorney Kaufman has served as assistant counsel for Baroda Township (Berrien County) and Pipestone Township (Berrien County).   She also served as Planning Commission counsel for Rutland Township (Barry County).

EDUCATION

B.A., James Madison College, Honors College, Michigan State University (1985) (honors graduate)

Masters in Urban Planning, University of Michigan (1987)

J.D. (cum laude), Wayne State University (1994)

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Attorney Kaufman has served on the Board of Portage Boys’ Middle School Lacrosse and is active in Portage public school committees and activities.  Attorney Kaufman is a member of St. Catherine of Siena parish in Portage.

OTHER

When not working, Attorney Kaufman is a dedicated hockey mom.  She spends her free time watching her 17 year old son play hockey or attending Ferris State University hockey games, where her husband serves as an assistant coach.