If you are reading this, you may know that I am a lawyer. I love working with entrepreneurs – a large number of my clients invest in/manage real estate. As the current Chairman of the Board of Mel Trotter Ministries, I also care very deeply about the homeless, hurting, and hungry. I was inContinue reading “A Lawyer’s Perspective: the Tension Between Encouraging Real Estate Entrepreneurship and Keeping Families in Affordable Housing.”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Drunk Driving Shatters Lives: Statewide Crackdown on Drunk Driving Begins Today.
Today, the Michigan State Police along with 150 other police agencies begin acrackdown on drunk driving that will extend through April 4th. The effort is coordinated by the Office of Highway Safety Planning and is supported by federal traffic safety funds. Drunk Driving Shatters Lives. My friend, Michael Mayes, lost two sisters, Shannon and Heather, inContinue reading “Drunk Driving Shatters Lives: Statewide Crackdown on Drunk Driving Begins Today.”
Michigan Entrepreneurs and Start-ups: House Resolution Supports Crowdfunding for Start-up Businesses
On March 3, Representative Tom Barrett introduced House resolution 235 (HR 235). Today HR 235 was on the agenda for the Commerce and Trade Committee Meeting. HR 235 is a “resolution to support the United States Securities and Exchange Commission’s recent adoption of rules pursuant to Title III of the JOBS Act which are designed to facilitate small and start-upContinue reading “Michigan Entrepreneurs and Start-ups: House Resolution Supports Crowdfunding for Start-up Businesses”
Lawsuit Puts ‘Homeless Alcoholics’ in the Spotlight.
I read an article this morning from the ABAJoural entitled: Civil rights suit says Virginia ‘drunkard’ law criminalizes those who are homeless alcoholics. According to the article, a federal civil rights suit filed Thursday in Roanoke, Virginia says two cities are unconstitutionally jailing homeless alcoholics. A fact sheet provided by the attorneys representing the individuals stated: “AsContinue reading “Lawsuit Puts ‘Homeless Alcoholics’ in the Spotlight.”
Business Startups: Don’t make these mistakes.
Happy Friday! I love reading Michigan Court of Appeals decisions. Even if it is not a significant decision related to a novel legal issue, cases usually do a good job of demonstrating pitfalls for people to watch out for. Take for instance, the Phillips v TruFit case decided on February 9th of this year. This case providesContinue reading “Business Startups: Don’t make these mistakes.”
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””
Purpose Driven General Counsel 