New court rules enacted in Michigan have a significant impact on the procedures for case evaluation. Case evaluation is a form of alternative dispute resolution that is governed by Michigan Court Rule 2.403. The purpose of case evaluation is for a panel of independent lawyers to make an objective assessment of the monetary value of a lawsuit. Overview of...
Continue ReadingWondering if a business partner can push you out or force a buyout? This question should also be on your mind when you set out to form a business partnership. The best way to protect your rights in a partnership is to have clear, written agreements. Your partnership agreement should specify whether and when a partner can be expelled...
Continue ReadingAccording to a new Michigan Supreme Court’s April 5, 2022 decision, corporate officers and directors can be sued directly for a breach of fiduciary duties. The unanimous opinion clarifies the existing law on whether an individual shareholder can file a lawsuit directly against officers and directors who breach fiduciary duties. Key Takeaways Overview of the New Michigan Shareholder Law:...
Continue ReadingEmployment law can affect many facets of your business. As an employer, you need to be aware of laws pertaining to a number of things, including: Employer lawyers help protect businesses from legal disputes based on these employment laws. In particular, if your business is faced with any of the situations below, it may be a good time to...
Continue ReadingA buy-sell agreement is like a prenup for a business: it helps you determine what will happen if an owner leaves. No business partnership lasts forever. Inevitably, there will come a time when an owner needs to move on, either by their own choice or because of changing circumstances. If you are starting a new business or are concerned...
Continue ReadingCommercial litigation is a broad area of law that can involve many types of complex disputes. And knowing when and how to choose the right commercial litigation attorney can make all the difference. Any type of disagreement that can come up in a business context may fall into the category of commercial litigation. These issues are often more legally...
Continue ReadingPeople enter into small business partnerships based on a common interest and a common vision. But these halcyon days almost always pass and sometimes significant disputes arise. Conflict arises most frequently from disagreements on future course, a failure to uphold obligations, being “oppressed” as the minority owner, or one business partner acting in bad faith to harm the business....
Continue ReadingMany businesses have suffered financial strain in the wake of COVID-19. As a result, contracts that were made before the pandemic may be difficult or even impossible to fulfill. This makes things difficult for both sides of a contract. If you can’t fulfill your contracts, you may become embroiled in litigation and end up further in debt. If another...
Continue ReadingTrade secrets are an important part of any business. Some companies even take extreme measures to protect their trade secrets. For example, rumor has it that KFC moves its secret original recipe to a secure location via armored car and motorcade when it has to update its security systems. And Coca-Cola supposedly keeps its formula in a safe to...
Continue ReadingEmployment Law is a broad topic encompassing all areas of the employer-employee relationship with the exception of negotiations covered by Labor Law and Collective Bargaining. Thousands of Federal and State statutes, administrative regulations, and judicial decisions make up the law of employment. Many laws, such as minimum wage regulations are protective labor legislation. Other laws fall into the area...
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