Business Law
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.
December 22, 2020
Kanika Ferency, ICLE
The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 includes provisions related to tax deductions for expenses paid with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. This article summarizes those provisions.
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
March 2, 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 March 2, 2021. Note that this order rescinds one issued on December 8, 2020.
Employment/Labor
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.
January 20, 2021
Alexis F. Johnson, AFJ Law Group PLLC
On October 14, 2020, the Michigan Legislature approved more than a dozen bills related to COVID-19, including SB 886. The bill provides much needed relief for both employees and employers affected by COVID-19-related employment issues by temporarily amending the Michigan Employment Security Act in several key ways. The relief provided by SB 886 was extended on December 29, 2020, by 2020 PA 258.
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.
February 1, 2021
Noah C. Hagan, ICLE
On January 29, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an order extending its previous order, dated September 1, 2020, halting certain residential evictions through March 31, 2021. The new order cites 42 CFR 70.2 as authority. This article summarizes the highlights of the order.