attorney | Fraser Blog

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – May 23, 2025

Thaddeus E. Morgan Recognized as a ‘Michigan Go To Lawyer’ for Construction Law in 2025 by Michigan Lawyers Weekly

Fraser Trebilcock Shareholder Thaddeus E. Morgan has been recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a ‘Michigan Go To Lawyer” in 2025 for Construction Law. “I am honored to have been recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a ‘Michigan Go To Lawyer’ for Construction Law,” said Mr. Morgan.

Why it Matters: Mr. Morgan is President of Fraser Trebilcock and has over 30 years of litigation experience in both state and federal courts in a wide variety of areas, including, commercial and business disputes, employment and shareholder litigation, construction, health care, real estate, insurance, and intellectual property. He is a former assistant prosecutor and assistant attorney general. Read more.

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Fraser Trebilcock Attorneys Secure Victory for Firm Client

The litigation team of Thaddeus E. Morgan and Andrew G. Martin obtained dismissal of a case for the firm’s client.

Why it Matters: The litigation team obtained dismissal of a case alleging assumption of a contract as part of a business acquisition rejecting plaintiff’s claim of the “mere continuation” doctrine. Learn more.

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NLRB Establishes Standard for Workplace Rules

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has issued a ruling in Stericycle Inc., adopting a new legal standard for evaluating the lawfulness of employer work rules. Under the previous standard, an employer was not required to narrowly tailor its rules to promote its legitimate and substantial business interests without unnecessarily burdening employee rights.

Why it Matters: Workplaces may need to review existing policies to their employee handbooks to ensure compliance, and tailor their workplace rules to service legitimate business interests. Read more from your Fraser Trebilcock attorney.

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Organizing Your Business: A Step-by-Step Guide for Michigan LLCs

Starting a business involves critical choices that shape your success and safeguard your financial future. In Michigan, forming an LLC offers entrepreneurs a powerful way to protect personal assets, simplify taxation, and maintain management flexibility.

Why it Matters: Forming and maintaining an LLC in Michigan provides valuable liability protection and flexibility for your business. By maintaining proper governance, your LLC can serve as a solid foundation for your business ventures. Read more from your Fraser Trebilcock attorney.

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Navigating Bad Faith Claims: What Defense Attorneys Need to Know

Under the Michigan Uniform Trade Practices Act, an insurer is liable for penalty interest if it fails to timely pay a claim. “The purpose of the penalty is to penalize insurers for dilatory practices in settling meritorious claims, not to compensate a plaintiff for delay in recovering benefits to which he or she is ultimately determined to be entitled.”

Why it Matters: While it is important for insurers to train their claims professionals in background knowledge regarding bad faith law, including the factors above, there is no need to lead with fear. The biggest takeaway is that the opposite of “bad faith” is “good faith.” Therefore, claims professionals should be encouraged to utilize their best judgment with the information at the given time. Read more from your Fraser Trebilcock attorney.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – April 4, 2025

Real ID Deadline is May 7, 2025

Beginning May 7, 2025, Michigan residents will need to present a REAL ID-compliant document to fly within the United States and enter certain federal facilities to comply with federal law.

Why it Matters: The requirement arose from a 2005 law passed by Congress to establish nationwide security standards for state-issued identification documents.

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Fraser Trebilcock Attorney Obtains Complete Dismissal for Firm Client

Fraser Trebilcock Shareholder and Firm Secretary Jared A. Roberts recently obtained complete dismissal of a Bureau of Professional Licensing Complaint for the firm’s client.

Why it Matters: In this instance, the real estate salesperson’s meticulous preservation of all documents, emails, and text messages were key to establishing a timeline that disproved the allegations. Mr. Roberts advises real estate salespeople to preserve everything and move every scrap into their digital deal file after closing. Read more.

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Michigan Cannabis Exceeds $241 Million in February ‘25

Cannabis sales surpassed $241 million in February 2025, via the monthly report from the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency. Michigan adult-use sales came in at $241,295,133.97, while medical sales came in at $631,498.46, totaling $241,926,632.43.

Why it Matters: While the prices of cannabis and cannabis-related products continue to decrease and make consumers happy, growers on the other hand are seeing profits decrease resulting in them seeking ways to halt new licenses to be granted in an effort to steady prices.

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FinCEN Update: U.S. Companies No Longer Needed to Report

On Friday, March 21, 2025, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) issued an interim final rule regarding the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), revising the definition of “reporting company” such that entities formed under the laws of any U.S. State or Tribal jurisdiction likely will not have to file a beneficial owner information report (BOIR).

Why it Matters: Through this interim final rule, all entities created in the United States, including those previously known as “domestic reporting companies,” and their beneficial owners will be exempt from the requirement to report BOI to FinCEN. Read more.

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U.S. Court of Appeals Rules on AI-Generated Copyright Eligibility

On March 18, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a decision for Thaler v. Perlmutter, which addressed whether a work created autonomously by artificial intelligence (AI) is eligible for copyright protection.

Why it Matters: This case reaffirms the prevailing legal principle that copyright protection is reserved for works created by humans. As AI continues to evolve, questions about the extent of human involvement necessary for copyright eligibility remain open for future consideration. Indeed, the question will be directly addressed in the upcoming case in Allen v. Perlmutter in the District Court of Colorado. Read more.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Real Estate | Jared Roberts
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher
Business & Tax | Robert D. Burgee
Intellectual Property | Andrew Martin

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – March 28, 2025

FinCEN Update: U.S. Companies No Longer Needed to Report

Why it Matters: Through this interim final rule, all entities created in the United States, including those previously known as “domestic reporting companies,” and their beneficial owners will be exempt from the requirement to report BOI to FinCEN. Read more.

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U.S. Court of Appeals Rules on AI-Generated Copyright Eligibility

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Michigan CRA Publishes February ’25 Data: Average Price Decreases

Per data released by the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA), the average retail price for adult-use sale of an ounce of cannabis in February 2025 was $65.21, a decrease from $66.50 in January 2025. This is a decrease from February 2024, where the average price was $91.94.

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Business Education Series: Anatomy of a Data Breach

Data breaches can wreak havoc on your company and almost always lead to litigation. With each new breach, we gain valuable insight into what companies could have done better. Your legal, contractual, and business obligations can sometimes be confusing and in conflict with each other.

Why it Matters: During the April Business Education Series facilitated by Nate Steed and Kelly R. Hollingsworth, this session will examine recent cases and best practices to protect your company from a breach including: lessons learned from recent data breaches; proactive strategies to insulate your business. Learn more.

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Elizabeth M. Siefker Selected as a Member of Michigan Lawyers Weekly “Up & Coming Lawyers Class of 2025”

Fraser Trebilcock attorney Elizabeth M. Siefker has been selected as a member of Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s “Up & Coming Lawyers Class of 2025.” This special award recognizes those who have excelled in the profession and are standouts among their peers — all in their first 10 years of practice.

Why it Matters: Ms. Siefker focuses her practice on estate planning, elder law, guardianships and conservatorships, probate litigation, and tax planning. With experience assisting clients in every aspect of the estate planning process, she understands that each plan will be unique to the client’s situation. Ms. Siefker is included in Super Lawyers^® as a “Michigan Rising Star” in Estate & Probate, and received the American Jurisprudence Award for civil procedure, contracts, first amendment, and torts. She is an active member of several legal organizations, having previously served on the Board of Directors of the Women Lawyers Association of Mid-Michigan as the Regional Representative. Read more.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Business & Tax | Robert D. Burgee
Intellectual Property | Andrew Martin
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher
Elizabeth Siefker

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – March 21, 2025

Corporate Transparency Act BOI Reporting Requirements Deadline is Here

Friday, March 21, 2025, is the deadline for most reporting companies to file their beneficial ownership information (BOI) reports as required by FinCEN under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA).

Why it Matters: While there is pending legislation that would delay the enforcement of the CTA until January 1, 2026, companies should adhere to the reporting requirements now to avoid any fines or penalties. Contact your Fraser Trebilcock attorney if you have any questions or need assistance.

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Elizabeth M. Siefker Selected as a Member of Michigan Lawyers Weekly “Up & Coming Lawyers Class of 2025”

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Michigan Cannabis Industry Faces Price Pressure Despite High Sales Volume

According to the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency, Michigan cannabis sales reached $241.3 million in February, down 7.6% year-over-year, with adult-use sales decreasing 4.7% to $246.6 million while medical sales fell 71.1% to just $0.6 million. The average flower price hit a new low of $1,043 per pound, falling 29.1% from last year and 2.0% from January.

Why it Matters: While Michigan’s cannabis market maintains substantial sales volume (despite a slight 3.0% decline in early 2025), the continuing downward trend in prices is creating significant profitability challenges for industry operators. Expanding supply and competition are forcing cannabis businesses to adapt to thinner margins and more challenging business conditions.

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Michigan Supreme Court Upholds Victory for Firm’s Client

Fraser Trebilcock attorneys Michael P. Donnelly and Laura S. Faussié successfully represented a fiber optic company before the Michigan Supreme Court. On January 24, 2025, the Court, after hearing oral argument from the parties, denied an application for leave to appeal in a case involving the firm’s client, a fiber optic company, effectively upholding the lower courts’ decisions in the client’s favor. The case addressed whether a fiber optic or other telecommunication company was required to obtain permission from, and pay large fees to, a railroad company before installing fiber optic cables under their tracks located at public crossings.

Why it Matters: In a 5-1 decision, with one justice not participating, the Supreme Court left in place the Michigan Court of Appeals’ ruling that the fiber optic company could proceed with installing underground cables beneath railroad tracks at public road crossings after obtaining necessary municipal permits, without requiring additional permission from or fees to the railroad company. Read more.

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Business Education Series: Anatomy of a Data Breach

Why it Matters: During the April Business Education Series facilitated by Nate Steed and Kelly R. Hollingsworth, this session will examine recent cases and best practices to protect your company from a breach including: lessons learned from recent data breaches; proactive strategies to insulate your business. Learn more.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Business & Tax | Robert D. Burgee
Elizabeth Siefker
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher
Litigation | Michael Donnelly
Litigation | Laura Faussié

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – March 14, 2025

Michigan Federal Court Rules that CTA is Unconstitutional

Shortly after the U.S. Department of Treasury announced a suspension of enforcement the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), the U.S. District Court of the Western District of Michigan ruled in Small Business Association of Michigan, et al v. Yellen, et. al. that the CTA’s reporting requirements violated the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Why it Matters: While the ruling applies only to plaintiffs who brought the case (such as members of the Small Business Association of Michigan), it may influence other courts’ considering similar constitutional challenges to the CTA throughout the country.

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Michigan Supreme Court Upholds Victory for Firm’s Client

Why it Matters: In a 5-1 decision, with one justice not participating, the Supreme Court left in place the Michigan Court of Appeals’ ruling that the fiber optic company could proceed with installing underground cables beneath railroad tracks at public road crossings after obtaining necessary municipal permits, without requiring additional permission from or fees to the railroad company. Read more.

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Thaddeus E. Morgan Selected as a Member of Michigan Lawyers Weekly “Hall of Fame Class of 2025”

Fraser Trebilcock Shareholder Thaddeus E. Morgan has been selected as a member of Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s “Hall of Fame Class of 2025.” Mr. Morgan is President of Fraser Trebilcock and has over 30 years of litigation experience in both state and federal courts in a wide variety of areas, including, commercial and business disputes, employment and shareholder litigation, construction, health care, real estate, insurance, and intellectual property. He is a former assistant prosecutor and assistant attorney general.

Why it Matters: This special award recognizes esteemed members of the legal profession who have been in practice for at least 30 years. These lawyers truly are legends, making their mark in the courtroom or the boardroom, in their firms and with community organizations, and with local, state and national bar associations. Read more.

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Michigan Treasury to Distribute Nearly $100 Million from Marijuana Tax

The Michigan Treasury Department announced in February its plan to distribute nearly $100 million to 302 local entities and tribes as part of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of the Marijuana Act.

Why it Matters: 108 cities, 36 villages, 80 townships, 74 counties, and 4 tribes will receive these payments. According to the state, this means for every licensed store and microbusiness in their respective jurisdiction, they will receive over $58,200.

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Keep Your Michigan Cottage in the Family

The family cottage is a place for fun and relaxation in Michigan. For many, the family cottage becomes the meeting place for generations and where lifelong memories are made. As a result, it’s often the intent of the owner to pass the cottage on to future generations to enjoy. Unfortunately, challenges such as high property taxes and family disputes can prevent that from happening. These obstacles can be overcome through careful cottage succession planning.

Why it Matters: If you own a cottage in Michigan, our Cottage Law team can help you think through the issues and take the actions necessary to create a cottage plan. A cottage plan usually addresses the concerns through the creative use of a limited liability company (LLC) or a trust to own the property. Learn more.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – March 7, 2025

CTA Update: Treasury Department Issues Statement

The United States Treasury Department recently issued a statement casting doubt on the future enforceability of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), at least in its current form. This is particularly relevant for US entities owned by US citizens. While not legally binding, Treasury’s guidance strongly signals that the rules enacting the CTA are likely to be rescinded or significantly revised before implementation. FinCEN has previously announced its intention to issue revised rules and updated reporting deadlines by March 21, 2025.

Why it Matters: Businesses that have already implemented CTA compliance processes, are advised to continue those efforts to ensure ongoing compliance. This recommendation remains in effect until FinCEN issues a new final rule or the law is formally amended. Read more from your Fraser Trebilcock attorney.

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Whitmer Proposes New Wholesale Tax on Marijuana Products in Road Funding Plan

Governor Whitmer’s $3 billion “MI Road Ahead Plan” proposes closing an alleged “loophole” by imposing a new wholesale tax on marijuana products, similar to taxes on tobacco, potentially generating $470 million for road repairs.

Why it Matters: While details remain scarce about what specific “loophole” is being addressed or how the tax would be structured and implemented, marijuana businesses in Michigan should stay apprised of new developments regarding this proposed tax.

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Fraser Trebilcock Welcomes Dakota A. Larson to the Firm

We are pleased to announce the hiring of Dakota A. Larson who will primarily work in the firm’s Lansing office.

Why it Matters: Ms. Larson focuses on insurance defense and business matters. She has experience handling complex liability, coverage, and bad faith claims in multiple lines of insurance and in multiple jurisdictions. Learn more.

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Keep Your Michigan Cottage in the Family

Why it Matters: If you own a cottage in Michigan, our Cottage Law team can help you think through the issues and take the actions necessary to create a cottage plan. A cottage plan usually addresses the concerns through the creative use of a limited liability company (LLC) or a trust to own the property. Learn more.

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Business Education Series: Anatomy of a Data Breach

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Business & Tax | Robert D. Burgee
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher
Dakota Larson
Cottage Law | Mark Kellogg

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – February 28, 2025

Reviewing the Changes on ESTA and Minimum Wage Laws

Last week, Governor Whitmer signed bills HB 4002 and SB 8, which amended the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) and the tipped minimum wage law standards that were set to go into effect February 21, 2025. Now, employers will need to adjust their policies to reflect the changes set forth in the bills.

Why it Matters: Employers with 11 employees or more must offer 72 hours of paid sick leave, employers with 10 or fewer employees must offer 40 hours of paid sick leave, and employers are now allowed to frontload sick time. Minimum wage was increased to $12.48 beginning February 21, 2025, $13.71 on January 1, 2026, $15 on January 1, 2027, respectively. Beginning January 1, 2028, and each following year, the minimum wage will increase by the rate of inflation, provided unemployment remains below 8.5%. Read more from your Fraser Trebilcock attorney.

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FinCEN Update: CTA Reporting Requirement Back On

February 18, 2025, the United States District Court in Texas that had ordered the injunction that had paused enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act’s (“CTA”) Beneficial Owner Information Reporting (“BOIR”) requirements has granted the government’s request for a stay of that injunction pending appeal.

Why it Matters: This means that FinCEN is authorized to enforce the BOIR requirements, yet again. However, because the Department of the Treasury recognizes that reporting companies may need additional time to comply with their BOI reporting obligations, FinCEN is generally extending the deadline 30 calendar days from February 19, 2025, for most companies. Read more.

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Fraser Trebilcock Welcomes Dakota A. Larson to the Firm

We are pleased to announce the hiring of Dakota A. Larson who will primarily work in the firm’s Lansing office.

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Sixth Circuit Upholds Employment Arbitration Provisions Without Explanation Requirement

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit recently ruled in Gavette v. United Wholesale Mortgage, LLC that employment arbitration provisions are binding even when employers don’t explain them to an employee or suggest seeking legal advice before signing.

Why it Matters: This decision reinforces that employees are responsible for documents containing arbitration provisions, regardless of their understanding of the terms, giving Michigan employers greater certainty that their arbitration agreements will be enforced without additional procedural requirements.

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Michigan Cannabis Exceeds $247 Million in January ‘25

Cannabis sales surpassed $247 million in January 2025, via the monthly report from the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency. Michigan adult-use sales came in at $246,615,619.35, while medical sales came in at $710,061.91, totaling $247,325,681.26.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Labor, Employment & Civil Rights | David Houston
Business & Tax | Robert D. Burgee
Dakota Larson
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – January 17, 2025

Michigan House to Form Committee to Address Tipped Wage and Sick Leave Policies

The Michigan House of Representatives is set to create the Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses, with the intention of addressing upcoming changes to the state’s minimum wage and paid sick leave requirements.

Why it Matters: The committee formation comes in response to a significant Michigan Supreme Court ruling from last summer, which found that the Legislature’s 2018 “adopt and amend” strategy – where they adopted citizen-led initiatives only to substantially weaken them – was unconstitutional. This decision mandated the implementation of the original ballot initiatives, including raising minimum wage to $15 by 2028 and eliminating the tipped minimum wage system, unless new legislative action is taken.

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Michigan CRA Publishes December ’24 Data: Average Price Decreases

Per data released by the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA), the average retail price for adult-use sale of an ounce of cannabis in December was $69.20, a decrease from $71.80 in November. This is a decrease from December 2023, where the average price was $95.08.

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Michigan CRA Files New Formal Complaint Against Adult-Use Marijuana Processor Business

On January 7, 2025, the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency filed a new formal complaint against Sky Labs, LLC, an adult-use marijuana processor, alleging multiple counts of violations ranging from illegally combining marijuana and marijuana product into another marijuana product in addition to not providing the proper certificate of analysis (COA), to handling marijuana product outside of a licensed facility and not registering product into the state’s tracking system.

Why it Matters: The CRA intends to impose fines and/or other sanctions against Sky Labs, LLC, which include suspension, restriction, or revocation, of the business’s license.

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Business Education Series: Your Comprehensive Guide to Driving Employee Engagement

The workforce is facing challenges like talent shortages and quiet quitting, making it crucial to attract, engage, and retain employees. With 75% of turnover preventable, employers who create engaging environments focused on essential needs can better retain and attract talent.

Why it Matters: During the January Business Education Series, facilitated by Cheryl Kuch, Senior Consultant, Rehmann, discover what top organizations do to foster engagement and gain best practices to protect your most valuable asset—your people. Hosted at the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce. More information.

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13 Fraser Trebilcock Attorneys Honored by Leading Lawyers for 2025

Thirteen Fraser Trebilcock attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the list of Michigan’s Leading Lawyers for 2025, a distinction earned by fewer than five percent of all lawyers licensed to practice law in Michigan.

Why it Matters: Those selected include: H. Kirby Albright, Commercial Litigation; Land Use, Zoning & Condemnation Law; Real Estate Law: Commercial; Michael S. Ashton, Energy Law; Governmental, Municipal, Lobbying & Administrative Law; Public Utilities Law: Gas/Water/Electric; Douglas J. Austin, Land Use, Zoning & Condemnation Law; Real Estate Law: Commercial; Real Estate Law: Finance; Michael E. Cavanaugh, Commercial Litigation; Employment Law: Management; Governmental, Municipal, Lobbying & Administrative Law; Labor Law: Management; Michael P. Donnelly, Commercial Litigation; Jennifer Utter Heston, Energy Law; Governmental, Municipal, Lobbying & Administrative Law; Public Utilities Law: Gas/Water/Electric; David J. Houston, Employment Law: Management; Mark E. Kellogg, Closely & Privately Held Business Law; Tax Law: Individual; Trust, Will & Estate Planning Law; Thaddeus E. Morgan, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law; Melisa M.W. Mysliwiec, Elder Law; Michael H. Perry, Environmental Law; Gary C. Rogers, Bankruptcy & Workout Law: Commercial; Creditor’s Rights/Commercial Collections Law; Marlaine C. Teahan, Trust, Will & Estate Planning Law. Read more.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Labor, Employment & Civil Rights | David Houston
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – October 25, 2024

FTC Announces Final “Click-to-Cancel” Rule

On October 16, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a final “click-to-cancel” that will require sellers to make it as easy for consumers to cancel their subscription/enrollment as it was to sign up. The rule is a result of the FTC’s ongoing review and modernization of its 1973 Negative Option Rule, which meant to combat unfair or deceptive practices related to subscriptions, memberships and other recurring-payment programs.

Why it Matters: According to the FTC, the number of consumer complaints related to negative option marketing programs has been steadily increasing over the past five years and in 2024 the Commission received nearly 70 consumer complaints per day on average, up from 42 per day in 2021.

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Intellectual Property and Rebranding: What Business Leaders Need to Know

Rebranding a business is exciting. It’s often done at a time of growth and transformation, such as a merger or acquisition, when a business is launching an important new product, entering a new geographic market, or trying to appeal to a new customer demographic. Whether you’re updating your logo, changing your company name, or overhauling your entire brand identity, it’s a big step that can lead to great opportunities.

Why it Matters: But before you dive into the creative process, it is crucial to consider the intellectual property (IP) law implications of a rebrand. Your brand is one of your most valuable assets, and rebranding involves important legal considerations that can impact your business’s future. In this article, we’ll walk you through some key IP issues you need to consider when rebranding. These considerations will help you protect your new identity and avoid costly legal pitfalls along the way. Read more.

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Michigan CRA Publishes September ’24 Data: Average Price Decreases

Per data released by the Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA), the average retail price for adult-use sale of an ounce of cannabis in September was $78.68, a decrease from $80.14 in August. This is a decrease from September 2023, where the average price was $100.14.

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Business Education Series: Avoid the Five Business Dangers

On Wednesday, October 30, Tom Hamp, Hamp Business Coaching, will delve into the critical issues of poor leadership skills and their impact on organizational success, explore strategies to overcome underperforming sales, and discuss the consequences of ineffective marketing. Additionally, we will examine the importance of robust human capital management and the detrimental effects of financial mismanagement. This seminar is designed to provide practical solutions and actionable insights to help you navigate and resolve these common business problems effectively.

Why it Matters: Learn how to understand your business’s financials, understand profit and loss and use it to your advantage. Also, learn how leadership impacts staff and how to manage employees better by increasing leadership skills. Full information and to register.

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10 Fraser Trebilcock Attorneys Selected for 2024 List of Super Lawyers, Rising Stars in Michigan

Eight Fraser Trebilcock attorneys have been selected for inclusion on the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers list, with two additional attorneys named “2024 Rising Stars in Michigan.” Those selected include: Michael S. Ashton, Administrative Law; Michael P. Donnelly, Business Litigation; Mark E. Kellogg, Estate & Probate; Danielle Lofton (Rising Star), Personal Injury – General: Plaintiff; Hon. Paula J. Manderfield (Ret.), Alternative Dispute Resolution; Thaddeus E. Morgan, Business Litigation; Melisa M.W. Mysliwiec, Elder Law; Gary C. Rogers, Personal Injury – General: Defense; Elizabeth M. Siefker (Rising Star), Estate & Probate; and Marlaine C. Teahan, Estate & Probate.

Why it Matters: Only 5% of lawyers make the Super Lawyers list, and 2.5% make the “Rising Stars” list. The selection process for Super Lawyers is multi-phased and includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. In the United States, Super Lawyers Magazine is published in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., reaching more than 13 million readers. Read more.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Business & Tax
Intellectual Property | Andrew Martin
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher

Five Stories That Matter in Michigan This Week – October 18, 2024

New Michigan Legislation Requires Dyslexia Screening for Students

Michigan Senate bills 567 and 568 were recently signed into law, which require Michigan schools to screen all kindergarten through 3rd grade students for dyslexia three times a year if they have not been previously screened, as well as students in grades four through 12 who demonstrate behaviors indicating dyslexia.

Why it Matters: The results of the 2024 Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress, released in August, showed that the number of Michigan third-graders who are proficient in reading slid to its lowest point in the 10-year history of the state assessment test.

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10 Fraser Trebilcock Attorneys Selected for 2024 List of Super Lawyers, Rising Stars in Michigan

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Fraser Trebilcock Welcomes Charles L. Lasky to the Firm

Fraser Trebilcock is pleased to announce the hiring of attorney Charles L. Lasky who will work primarily in the firm’s Lansing office. Mr. Lasky has over four decades of experience with a primary focus on real property law: commercial and residential real estate, real estate development, tax incentive financing, tax law, business law: business mergers, sales and acquisitions, business entity formation, corporate law, and financial institution law. His extensive knowledge and experience make him a trusted advisor in complex legal matters.

Why it Matters: His prowess in the legal and business industry should not overshadow his involvement with his community. Mr. Lasky has served on the Board of Directors of various financial institutions in Michigan, Nevada, and Colorado, as well as serving on the Board of Trustees for local organizations such as the Ingham Regional Medical Center, and the Ingham Regional Healthcare Foundation. Learn more.

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Michigan Cannabis Exceeds $266 Million in September ‘24

Cannabis sales surpassed $266 million in September, via the monthly report from the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency. Michigan adult-use sales came in at $265,861,241.15, while medical sales came in at $1,022,653.82, totaling $266,883,894.97.

Why it Matters: While the prices of cannabis and cannabis-related products continue to decrease and make consumers happy, growers on the other hand are seeing profits decrease resulting in them seeking ways to halt new licenses to be granted in an effort to steady prices.

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Business Education Series: Avoid the Five Business Dangers

Why it Matters: Learn how to understand your business’s financials, understand profit and loss and use it to your advantage. Also learn how leadership impacts staff and how to manage employees better by increasing leadership skills. Full information and to register.

Related Practice Groups and Professionals

Charles Lasky
Cannabis Law | Sean Gallagher