News

By Steve Thorpe
LegalNews

The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals recently issued an opinion in the appeal by the Estate of Chris Kyle in a lawsuit brought by Jesse Ventura known as the “American Sniper” lawsuit. Ventura brought a defamation claim against Kyle, the author of “American Sniper,” for comments made in the book.

Detroit-based law firm increases attorney rankings and recognition in Chambers’ “America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2016 – The Client’s Guide”

DETROIT, Mich. – Butzel Long attorneys and practice areas have been recognized by Chambers USA 2016. – America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2016 – The Client’s Guide. Notably, the firm’s Immigration Practice Department is the only Michigan law firm ranked in Immigration by Chambers.

Series hosted by Henry Gornbein, with leading members of the legal community discussing matters of family law, the court system, divorce, criminal defense, and all issues of practical relevance to attorneys and their clients.

Attorney’s article also runs in Automotive Engineering Magazine

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Butzel Long attorney Daniel P. Malone co-authored a peer-review technical paper on automotive safety. SAE International published it in April 2016, http://papers.sae.org/2016-01-7000. The technical paper discusses multiple key automotive safety issues. The article is titled, “NHTSA and the Next 50 Years: Time for Congress to Act Boldly (Again).”

DETROIT, Mich. – Most state and federal non-discrimination laws prohibit employers from taking actions. However, for religious practices and disabilities, employers are legally required to take affirmative steps to accommodate employees.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Butzel Long attorney Jennifer Dukarski has been appointed to serve as the liaison to the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Young Lawyers Division on the Forum on Communications Law Governing Committee.

Two-way trade: Attorney represents clients in Mexico, U.S.

By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News

Six million U.S. jobs depend on trade with Mexico – including 175,000 Michigan jobs.

Detroit-based law firm increases attorney rankings and recognition in Chambers’ “America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2016 – The Client’s Guide”

DETROIT, Mich. – Butzel Long attorneys Geaneen M. Arends and Paul M. Mersino will participate in a panel program on May 25, 2016 during Detroit StartUp Week, a five-day entrepreneurship conference.

DETROIT, Mich. – Butzel Long immigration law attorney Reginald A. Pacis was a featured speaker during the Kiwanis Club of Cosmopolitan Detroit Prayer Breakfast on May 21, 2016 at the Philippine American Cultural Center of Michigan in Southfield.

Attorneys: 'Work to be done' for employers to adjust to new OT rules

The U.S. Department of Labor last week finalized its updated ruling on overtime regulations that greatly expand the amount of workers eligible for overtime pay.

While the agency touts a meaningful boost to the paychecks of millions of workers, businesses are now working to reduce the ruling's impact.

New law's message to business: Protect trade secrets

The Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 was signed into law earlier this month by President Obama, and the act is now effective. Below is a recap of what is new and what every company should be looking to do in light of this new law. Specifically, there are new provisions that must be written into every noncompete or other restrictive covenant signed by any employee.

Michigan races to stay in the drivers' seat on autonomous vehicle legislation

LANSING — In 2013, Michigan legislators adopted the state's first laws for driverless vehicles, allowing them to share the road with live motorists only while being tested.

That legislation helped Michigan become an early leader in the race to build a self-driving car, said Mike Kowall, a state senator from Oakland County who sponsored the bills.

But for Michigan to win — especially against the tech giants of Silicon Valley, which are developing their own prototypes — he believes the state also needs to lead by regulation, before a patchwork of rules crops up across state lines.

Among the pioneers: Employee benefits attorney began as a paralegal in Detroit

By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News

Although Nancy Keppelman enjoyed studying music in college, she knew she lacked the chops to be a professional musician.

DETROIT, Mich. – Butzel Long attorney and shareholder Rebecca S. Davies has been named a Most Valuable Professional by Corp! Magazine.  She is one of several southeast Michigan business leaders who will be recognized during a breakfast banquet on April 27, 2016 at Schoolcraft College.

Just two years ago, Volkswagen was actively supporting the United Auto Workers in its push to organize the company's plant in Chattanooga, Tenn.

But in September, the German automaker was plunged into turmoil over revelations that it had equipped almost 600,000 diesel cars sold in the United States with software to cheat on tailpipe emissions tests.

Since then, a large portion of Volkswagen's senior management has changed - and so has its approach to the union drive.  Now, rather than cooperating with the UAW, Volkswagen is trying to block the union.

Business litigator learned lessons 'on' and in the court

By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News

Although attorney Bernie Fuhs has handled some high profile cases, his most rewarding triumph was helping a close friend in a landlord/tenant dispute.

NLRB rules UAW can organize group of VW workers

UAW wins a key NLRB ruling that aids its effort to represent Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Protect Your Intellectual Property While Meeting the Challenges of 21st Century Cyber Threats

The U.S. Commercial Service will host an in-depth webinar featuring experts who will discuss the critical components of intellectual property protection as you grow your business internationally and how to proactively manage your cybersecurity risks.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Butzel Long attorney Jennifer Dukarski will discuss legal and regulatory hurdles to deployment of autonomous vehicles during a conference at The University of Michigan Law School on Friday, April 15, 2016.