Business Case Law Update: Personal Guaranty…a “Special Kind of Contract”

Over the last few years I’ve posted a few articles on Personal Guarantees in a business transaction. I’ve noticed recently people coming across my articles while searching for “enforceability of a personal guarantee” – so this article, and the new case law I just reviewed is timely. To summarize –  Yes – a personal guarantyContinue reading “Business Case Law Update: Personal Guaranty…a “Special Kind of Contract””

Social Entrepreneurship at its finest: Cascade Engineering.

The Governor’s Office last week posted an article on its “reinvention blog” highlighting a company doing amazing work in West Michigan and around the globe: Cascade Engineering. According to the State’s Blog Post: “When Fred Keller founded Cascade Engineering in 1973, he was focused not only on building a successful company but also on creatingContinue reading “Social Entrepreneurship at its finest: Cascade Engineering.”

What’s Going on With Banks? Part II: Comptroller on Currency and Community-Based Banks

In my March 11th Post on “What’s Going on With Banks” I made an observation: such worldwide bad press on big banks might lead to increased lending at community based banks. No sooner than I hit “publish” on my post did I receive several more news headlines regarding big bank lawsuits. I get regular  “Enforcement Actions”Continue reading “What’s Going on With Banks? Part II: Comptroller on Currency and Community-Based Banks”

Lessons From Trial: Family Businesses and Disaster Prevention by a Proper Business Succession Plan.

I just finished up a complex and messy trial that spanned over a few weeks centering on a family owned and operated business. The case involved multiple family members over multiple generations, and differing levels of involvement in the family business, and, as it turned out, differing expectations of the business succession plan once theContinue reading “Lessons From Trial: Family Businesses and Disaster Prevention by a Proper Business Succession Plan.”

Lawsuits and Technology: There’s an App for getting a Job – But are you an Employee or a Contractor?

A recent article from the ABAJournal highlights a new emerging dispute in employee v.s. independent contractor law – you can check that article out here Reasons for Business Owners to Properly Classify Workers ln a previous blog post I talked about the consequences of business owners mislabeling employment status see here Employee v.s. Contractor –Continue reading “Lawsuits and Technology: There’s an App for getting a Job – But are you an Employee or a Contractor?”

Local Businesses: More on Crowdfunding

Is Crowdfunding Right for Your Business? An interesting article in Crain’s Detroit addresses crowdfunding and whether its right for businesses. Check it out here. The article is meant for small and large businesses alike to consider whether or not crowdfunding is a viable source of funding for their respective businesses. The article addresses “rewards based”Continue reading “Local Businesses: More on Crowdfunding”

Michigan Business Law Update: Bill Presented to Gov. Aimed to Help Remove Employment Barriers

I previously reported on House Bill 5216 which would give incentives to Michigan businesses for hiring convicted felons back into the work force. Yesterday, the final Bill was passed by the legislature and was sent to the Governor for signing. See article from the Mining Journal Also, if interested in some details of the enrolledContinue reading “Michigan Business Law Update: Bill Presented to Gov. Aimed to Help Remove Employment Barriers”

October 24th Court of Appeals Decision: The Non-Compete Lawsuit Involving 5 Hour Energy.

Happy Thanksgiving! This Case was too interesting to pass up writing about. I have posted a series on covenants not-to-compete and a friend and fellow lawyer (Eric Guerin, Varnum Law – check him out, great business/real estate litigator) sent me this recent unpublished Michigan Court of Appeals decision involving the makers of 5 Hour Energy Drink  andContinue reading “October 24th Court of Appeals Decision: The Non-Compete Lawsuit Involving 5 Hour Energy.”

Business Law: Non-Competes Part III

Ok, here is my third Blog Post in so many weeks on covenants not-to-compete. If you read my last blog post on non-compete agreements, you will recall that I mentioned that non-competes are unenforceable against lawyers. You might ask the question: What happens when law firms attempt to bind their attorneys to non-competes?  I’m glad youContinue reading “Business Law: Non-Competes Part III”

Business Law Update: One-Third of Top Business Websites Have Clauses to Restrict Lawsuits

Happy Friday all! The ABAJournal Reported an article today headlined: One-third of top websites have clauses to restrict consumer lawsuits. You can see that article here That’s right, people. If you want to sue these major companies, you need to demand “arbitration” – likely in the company’s home state, and county of incorporation.  If theContinue reading “Business Law Update: One-Third of Top Business Websites Have Clauses to Restrict Lawsuits”