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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Shalini Nangia, Varnum LLP

Shalini offers resources and tips to assist clients who may be experiencing domestic violence while being isolated with their abusers.

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.