Publications

• New Resource Available for Michigan Hemp Producers

  June 17, 2019

  A new resource is available to anyone interested in taking advantage of recent changes in the law regarding the growth, production and sale of hemp products in Michigan. On June 12, 2019, Michigan’s Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (“MDARD”) issued an electronic update publicizing the Michigan State University (“MSU”) Extension Bulletin E3402 entitled Industrial […]

• Michigan Court of Appeals Clarifies Next Friend Appointments

  June 6, 2019

  The Michigan Court of Appeals recently published an opinion addressing “whether a lawsuit, timely filed by or on behalf of a minor plaintiff, is defective and invalid until the trial court formally appoints a next friend for the minor.”  Estate of Olin v Mercy Health (Docket Nos: 341523; 342937).  The Michigan Court Rules require the […]

• Ruling Defines “Issued” Date for Letters of Authority in Wrongful Death Cases

  May 20, 2019

  In an opinion published on May 14, 2019, the Michigan Court of Appeals clarified when letters of authority are “issued” to a personal representative for purposes of determining the running of the two year period of limitation provided by the wrongful death savings provision of MCL 600.5852.  Estate of Jesse v Lakeland Specialty Hospital (Docket […]

• Court of Appeals Maintains Status Quo: Crego v McLean

  April 23, 2019

  Crego MD vs. DO Ruling The Michigan Court of Appeals released its long anticipated published opinion in Crego v McLean on April 16, 2019.  The issue presented in Crego was whether an allopathic physician (i.e. M.D.) is qualified to testify regarding the standard of care applicable to an osteopathic physician (i.e. D.O.) under MCL 600.2169(1)(b)(i).  […]

• Paranoid about Cannabinoids? The FDA’s Newly-Expressed Concerns About CBD in Food Products

  March 19, 2019

  Whether you’re a consumer or work in the food business, you likely have seen hemp-based cannabidiol (or “CBD”) products exploding in the market recently. CBD, which is a popular natural remedy used for many common ailments, is one of the 104 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids found in the cannabis or marijuana plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol […]

• Michigan Employers Face Potential Return of Wage and Salary Increases

  March 11, 2019

  Two recent developments have resurrected wage and salary increases that Michigan employers thought were dead. These developments will force them to be cautious when determining the cost of labor for purposes of their operations and the cost at which they can sell their goods. News from Washington Regarding Potential Salary Increase While salaries paid to […]

• Exploring Key Considerations for Option Contracts

  March 11, 2019

  It’s good to know your options.  You don’t want chips with your sandwich? You’ll be happy to know you have the option to substitute fries (or fruit, for those more health conscious). You want a heated steering wheel, touchscreen navigation, and the DVD system in your SUV? You’re in luck. Those options can all be […]

• Doughnut Worry, Be Hoppy: More Foreign Suppliers Must Meet Food Safety Requirements

  March 10, 2019

  Effective March 18, four additional importers are required to comply with the Foreign Supplier Verification Program Rule (FSVP), which requires importers to ensure that foreign food suppliers are meeting the food safety standards the FDA requires of domestic food manufacturers. The additional types of importers that must comply with the FSVP: importers of animal food […]

• Young Families Need Estate Planning Too!

  February 19, 2019

  “I am not old enough for an estate plan.” “Wills and Trusts are for the rich.  All I have is debt and kids.” “Who me?  I’m still healthy.” All of these are common responses when parents of young children are asked if they have prepared an estate plan.  But consider the consequences…. When parents leave […]

• Shareholder Oppression: Will You “Know It When You See It?”

  February 14, 2019

  A US Supreme Court Justice once famously stated that, while he might not be able to intelligently define what qualifies as obscene or pornographic, “I know it when I see it.”1 Many advisors and owners say the same thing about “shareholder oppression.”  They might not know the exact definition of “shareholder oppression,” but they claim […]