Business Law
April 6, 2021
Max J. Newman, Butzel Long
The COVID-19 Bankruptcy Relief Extension Act of 2021 extends key COVID-19 bankruptcy relief provisions under the March 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) from their original March 27, 2021, sunset date to March 27, 2022.
April 6, 2021
Noah C. Hagan, ICLE
The PPP Extension Act of 2021, Pub L No 117-6, 135 Stat 250 (2021), signed by President Biden on March 30, 2021, extended the Paycheck Protection Program to June 30, 2021, with an application deadline of May 31, 2021.
March 18, 2021
Yezi (Amy) Yan, Varnum LLP
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, signed into law on March 11, will provide federal dollars through a wide range of channels, including individual stimulus checks, funds for state and local governments, COVID-19 testing and vaccines, education, small businesses, and anti-poverty programs, including three expanded tax credits. This article summarizes the key provisions.
February 1, 2021
Brendan G. Best, Varnum LLP
Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (the Act), Pub L No 116-260, 134 Stat 1182 (2020), many struggling but viable small businesses may be able to now file a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case, get four months of rent relief, and confirm a reorganization plan that allows payment of the arrearage over three to five years. This update summarizes the bankruptcy provisions of the Act.
Civil Litigation
March 25, 2020
Chad D. Engelhardt, Goethel Engelhardt PLLC
Chad explains how this COVID-19 pandemic serves as an important prompt to leverage technology and foster relationships to keep our clients and our practices moving forward.
Criminal Law
May 21, 2020
D.J. Hilson, Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office
D.J. discusses how his office has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and what issues criminal law practitioners are facing.
Elder Law
May 24, 2021
Jeanne E. Murphy, ICLE
This article explains the new requirements for visitation in residential care facilities under an order issued by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, effective May 21, 2021. Note that this order rescinds one issued on March 17, 2021. Residential care facilities include homes for the aged, nursing homes, adult foster care facilities, hospice facilities, substance use disorder residential facilities, and assisted living facilities. The term does not include independent living facilities.
Employment/Labor
May 24, 2021
Rebekah Page-Gourley, ICLE
MIOSHA’s COVID-19 emergency rules have been updated to align with the most recent Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) epidemic order. The amended rules are still set to remain in effect until October 14, 2021.
February 10, 2021
Maureen Rouse-Ayoub, Varnum LLP
COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed and administered throughout the United States. While the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) director has indicated that the agency is not considering a statewide coronavirus vaccine mandate, this article outlines a number of considerations for employers wondering whether—and when—their companies can take advantage of the vaccine.
October 15, 2020
Jaclyn R. Giffen, Littler Mendelson PLC
Although the recent Michigan Supreme Court ruling against Governor Whitmer’s executive orders had significant fallout, these developments do not mean Michigan employers will be unregulated with respect to COVID-19. This article summarizes changes affecting employers.
September 28, 2020
Joshua P. Lushnat, Ogletree Deakins
On September 11, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) revised its regulations in response to a court decision invalidating several provisions of the DOL’s final rule implementing the emergency family leave and paid sick leave provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). The revised regulations modified some portions but reaffirmed others, where it ceded no ground to the SDNY’s decision. The revisions became effective on September 16, 2020. This article summarizes the revisions.
April 28, 2020
Maureen Rouse-Ayoub, Varnum LLP
Maureen summarizes the recent U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidance that employers may administer or require COVID-19 testing before allowing employees to return to the workplace without violating the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Ethics
April 24, 2020
John D. Mabley, Chalgian & Tripp Law Offices
John discusses the ethical considerations lawyers should keep in mind when meeting with clients and conducting business via Zoom.
Family Law
May 22, 2020
Jeffrey Nicholas Van Erp, ICLE
The State Court Administrative Office compiled frequently asked questions to help guide litigants and lawyers parenting time and child support concerns.
April 14, 2020
Shalini Nangia, Varnum LLP
Shalini offers resources and tips to assist clients who may be experiencing domestic violence while being isolated with their abusers.
Probate/Estate Planning
January 14, 2021 (updated)
Jeanne E. Murphy, ICLE
2020 PA 246, 247, 248, and 249, authorize remote witnessing, notarization, visitation, and electronic signatures in Michigan. This legislation has been extended and applies to any document executed on or after April 30, 2020, and before July 1, 2021, by 2020 PAs 335, 336, 337, and 338. This article summarizes the highlights.