Paying “Volunteers” M…

Paying “Volunteers” Might Start a Fire

“Employee” or “Independent Contractor”? Throughout my twenty year career, I have analyzed and argued this question on behalf of a host of clients in multiple industries. Depending on how a worker is classified, the paying company may or may n… Read More
Read More
How DOMA’s Demise Affec…

How DOMA’s Demise Affects Michigan Employers

The U.S. Supreme Court issued its opinion in United States v. Windsor (“Windsor”) on June 26, 2013, striking down Section 3 of the Federal Defense of Marriage Act (“DOMA”). Section 3 prohibited same-sex marriages from being recognized under f… Read More
Read More
Updated Family and Medica…

Updated Family and Medical Leave Act Forms

Employers who fall within the definition of “qualifying employers” under the Family and Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) should be aware of recent updates which took effect this past March, and which require the use of updated FMLA forms from the U… Read More
Read More
What’s Trending in Your…

What’s Trending in Your Workplace?

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) publishes a biennial survey of human relations professionals and recently came out with its 2013 edition. SHRM’s “Workplace Forecast” includes the ten overall key issues that HR professionals fee… Read More
Read More

Judicial Appointments Made to the Michigan Business Court

In an effort to streamline corporate litigation and enhance Michigan’s business climate, the State of Michigan has established the “Michigan Business Court” — a specialized docket system to which business law cases will be assigned starting t… Read More
Read More

Coming Soon: The Health Insurance Marketplace

The next change resulting from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) takes effect October 1, 2013, when open enrollment in the “Health Insurance Marketplace” begins. Intended to provide a “competitive insurance marketplace” for affordable and qualifi… Read More
Read More

“Get Shorty” Shortening the Window for Employee Lawsuits

From an employer’s perspective, keeping up with the law can sometimes seem daunting. But, even as federal and state legal and regulatory requirements grow, carefully drafted employment agreements can help to reduce the risk of costly litigation ini… Read More
Read More

Using Criminal Histories in Employment Decisions

In 2012, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission updated its guidance regarding the use of arrest or conviction records when making employment decisions. In some instances, using the records may run afoul of the Civil Rights Act’s prohibition a… Read More
Read More

How Much Time Do You Need Off? New Flexibility Required in Leave of Absence Policies

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has intensified its focus on employers’ leave of absence and attendance policies, especially in light of new rules expanding the interpretation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This me… Read More
Read More

Put It In Writing: Documenting Employee Discipline

In an increasingly competitive business environment, finding time to dot the i’s and cross the t’s can be a challenge. When handling workforce disciplinary matters, this often means failure to document a particular infraction or warning. At the t… Read More
Read More