Blog

• Attorneys warn of increase in IRS scams

  October 18, 2016

  “A rash of IRS scams has transpired recently, and two area attorneys said a new law going into effect in spring 2017 could make it harder for taxpayers to know if they are being targeted by a scammer.”

• Playground flooring sheds light on implied warranties

  October 13, 2016

  (October 13, 2016) The implied warranty of merchantability requires that goods reasonably conform to an ordinary buyer’s expectations.  However, many contracts disclaim implied warranties in the terms and conditions section. The Kent County Specialized Business Docket (“Business Court”) recently addressed the issue of disclaiming implied warranties in Noble Polymers LLC v Hanover Specialties Inc. In […]

• Break Ground Using Senior Debt

  October 11, 2016

  (October 11, 2016) Real estate development generally is very capital-intensive and most developments are funded by a mix of capital types and sources.  Senior debt is usually the greatest percentage of the capital stack in real estate development,  and typically takes the form of a construction-to-permanent loan.  If the developer has not already acquired the […]

• Launch Your Financial Success

  October 10, 2016

  Join us for a complimentary seminar as we outline strategies for young professionals and families to move towards financial security. This collaborative conversation incorporates best practices of estate, financial, insurance and tax planning.   Key Takeaways: How taxes will impact planning How to balance cash flow and investments Create an investment strategy that begins today […]

• Recent Ruling May Have Insurance Companies Dusting Off Old Files for New Claims

  September 22, 2016

  (September 22, 2016) Ordinary medical malpractice suits must be commenced within two years of the event at issue or six months after the plaintiff discovers or should have discovered the claim.  In Jendrusina v. Mishra, the Court of Appeals defines in 2-1 newly published decision that when a plaintiff “should have discovered a claim” in […]

• Business Court Weighs in on Employee vs. Independent Contractor Dispute Regarding Insurance Coverage

  September 13, 2016

  (September 13, 2016) There are a number of legal issues that can be triggered depending upon whether a worker is an independent contractor or an employee. The Kent County Business Court recently addressed this issue in a somewhat unusual setting when it determined that a worker was an independent contractor of defendant, rather than an […]

• Rhoades McKee Attorneys Recognized as Super Lawyers®

  September 6, 2016

  (September 6, 2016) Nine Rhoades McKee attorneys have been honored in the annual publication of Michigan Super Lawyers®. According to the website, Super Lawyers® is a rating service which recognizes outstanding lawyers through a peer recognition and evaluation process. Each attorney has been listed and recognized for inclusion in the following practice area: Bruce Courtade, […]

• Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

  September 6, 2016

  5 Ways to a Messy Business Divorce (September 6, 2016) As business litigators, we routinely review corporate documents such as operating and shareholder agreements. Most times, those documents are signed with the best of intentions and when the owners are simply trying to make sure they are “on the same page.” But when a dispute […]

• Labor Department’s Changes to Persuader Agreement Rules Have Uncertain Future

  September 6, 2016

  “Earlier this year the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) revised its rule concerning how “persuader activity” must be reported under the federal Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act.”

• How Well Do You Know Your Construction Job Site?

  September 6, 2016

  “In 1974, the Michigan Supreme Court created a significant exception to the common-law general rule that a general contractor or property owner may not be held liable for the negligence of its independent subcontractors and their employees.”