Which Alternative Dispute Resolution is Best?

An Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) may be used as a substitute for costly courtroom litigation when attempting to resolve a legal dispute between parties. There are three types of ADRs, including facilitation, mediation, and arbitration. Which o…
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Prevailing Wage Act Requires Union-Level Wages for Some Workers

Michigan House Bill 4007, signed into law recently by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, requires contractors for state construction projects receiving public funding to provide union-level wages and benefits for workers. What is the history of the Act? Before 2…
Categories: Business
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A Burrito Bowl Serves as a Lesson in Trademark Infringement

A burrito bowl is at the center of a lawsuit involving two restaurant chains. Chipotle Mexican Grill recently filed a trademark infringement lawsuit just days after the Sweetgreen restaurant chain launched its “Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl.” In…
Categories: Litigation
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New Law Eliminates Third-Grade Reading Retention Requirement

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed a bill into law that eliminates Michigan’s mandatory third-grade reading retention requirement. The law amends Michigan’s “Read by Grade Three” law to delete provisions prohibiting the promotion of a pupi…
Categories: Municipal
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What Can You Do if You're Left Out of a Will?

Discovering you’re disinherited or left out of a family member’s will can be devastating, especially if that action comes as a surprise. There are times when the terms of the will or the circumstances surrounding its execution raise concern or su…
Categories: Estate Planning
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What Employers Need to Know About the Recent Changes to the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act

Michigan Senate Bill 4, signed into law recently by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, adds sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to categories protected from discrimination under the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA). Originally passed in 19…
Categories: Business
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Where Did the Name "Lady Bird Deed" Originate?

In estate planning, a Lady Bird Deed is a document often utilized to pass real property to an individual’s heirs after death. The formal name for a Lady Bird Deed is “Enhanced Life Estate Deed,” and it is often utilized to avoid probate when se…
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What Employers Need to Know about the Repeal of Michigan's Right to Work Laws

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed legislation into law that repeals Michigan’s right-to-work laws. The law new is called “Restoring Workers’ Rights” and it goes into effect on March 30, 2024. Michigan’s right-to-work laws, whic…
Categories: Business
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New Federal Law Expands Protections for Pregnant and Nursing Workers

On Dec. 29, 2022, President Biden signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act into law. The Act includes new measures for pregnant and breastfeeding workers: The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and the PUMP (Providing Urgent Maternal Protections)…
Categories: Business
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Should You Create Instructions for Your Power of Attorney?

A durable power of attorney is a legal document that allows another individual (your agent) the authority to conduct business on your behalf in the event you become incapacitated. This is a common choice for those individuals who want to ensure busin…
Categories: Estate Planning
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