Monthly Archives: February 2016

Business Owners: Understand the Real Cost of Litigation.

This morning I was reading a legal blog  “Above the Law” – the article was written by an attorney named John Balestriere  The article was titled “The Un-Sweet Spot Of Litigation“ This article provides very practical advice for my clients – small/closely-held businesses. John makes a great point – the court system is impractical for “most disputes”.Continue reading “Business Owners: Understand the Real Cost of Litigation.”

That Happened on a Friday. Attorney General Announces Felony Charges Filed Against Former State Reps.

Yesterday evening I noticed that the Michigan Attorney General and Michigan State Police were holding a press release today regarding the findings of their investigation into potential misconduct of two former state legislators. I didn’t think much of it. Then, much to my surprise, I get an e-mail today at 12:52 pm  with the followingContinue reading “That Happened on a Friday. Attorney General Announces Felony Charges Filed Against Former State Reps.”

Business Law Update: Michigan Bill Would Restrict Non-Competition Agreements

On February 3, 2016 House Bill 5311 was introduced. If passed it would limit the enforceability of a non-competition agreement signed between an employer and an employee. Check out the text of the bill here The Bill was referred to the committee on commerce and trade. The Bill has a few key components to it: 1. Require EmployersContinue reading “Business Law Update: Michigan Bill Would Restrict Non-Competition Agreements”

They Did What? Real Estate Legal News: Be Careful What you Record Against Real Estate.

Yesterday an Oregon Couple plead guilty to filing “retaliatory liens” on the property of a federal judge and other government officials.  The liens exceeded $100 Million. The couple allegedly filed the liens while charges were pending against them for unpaid taxes. Absurd. Can you imagine going to a closing on your home, or refinancing aContinue reading “They Did What? Real Estate Legal News: Be Careful What you Record Against Real Estate.”

Current News and a”Non-Disparagement Clause”

In those rare instances where I’ve been asked to comment to reporters on a court case I was involved in, or asked to provide an opinion on matters of law, I’ve admittedly been a bit reluctant to share. Why? This latest headline from the ABAJournal may fill you in: New York appeals court says clientContinue reading “Current News and a”Non-Disparagement Clause””

Michigan Law Update: Patent Trolls, Aggressive Solicitation, and a Real Estate dispute

Happy Friday! A few brief legal updates on proposed Bills and a Court decision. Patent Trolls! Back in July I wrote a post about legislation that was introduced in the House : A Tool for Business in Fighting Against Patent Trolls That House Bill has sat for about 8 months. The House Judiciary Committee is meetingContinue reading “Michigan Law Update: Patent Trolls, Aggressive Solicitation, and a Real Estate dispute”

Working to Build Better Communities: Lending Barriers to Stabilizing Neighborhoods in Detroit.

Today Thomas J. Curry,  of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) spoke at the 2016 National Interagency Community Reinvestment Conference in LA. You can read Mr. Curry’s complete remarks here. Mr. Curry acknowledged the many groups and organizations “working to build better communities and improve the financial lives of low- and moderate-income individuals” AContinue reading “Working to Build Better Communities: Lending Barriers to Stabilizing Neighborhoods in Detroit.”

Michigan LLCs – Maintain your Corporate Formalities and Keep up your Guard.

Yesterday I received an e-mail reminder from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) LLC owners are reminded that annual filing fees and statements must be filed by February 15. “Annual statements and annual reports can be filed online at http://www.michigan.gov/fileonline.” LARA sent a reminder as follows: “Also, the act provides that ifContinue reading “Michigan LLCs – Maintain your Corporate Formalities and Keep up your Guard.”