News

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.

DETROIT, Mich. – Three Butzel Long attorneys will be featured presenters during the Original Equipment Suppliers Association’s (OESA) first-ever California Regional Supplier Meeting on April 19, 2016 in Santa Clara, California.

DETROIT, Mich..– Butzel Long Attorney, Shareholder and Vice President James F. Gehrke has been elected to serve on the firm’s Board of Directors. He practices in the firm’s Detroit and Washington, D.C. offices and is the Managing Shareholder of the D.C. office.

DETROIT, Mich. – Butzel Long immigration law attorney Reginald A. Pacis will co-present a workshop on immigration compliance issues during an Association of Chinese American program on April 4 at the Chinese Community Center in Madison Heights.

DETROIT, Mich. – Butzel Long attorney and shareholder Geaneen M. Arends was recently elected to serve as a member of the Detroit Educational Television Foundation/ Detroit Public Television (DPTV) Board of Trustees.

DETROIT, Mich. – Butzel Long attorney and shareholder George B. Donnini is one of 30 attorneys named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s “Leaders in the Law” Class of 2016. Honorees will be recognized at a luncheon and awards celebration on March 17, 2016, at the Detroit Marriott Troy.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. – Butzel Long attorney and shareholder Robin Luce Herrmann is a speaker in demand. She will moderate a panel program presented by the Association of Women in Communications (AWC) and the Detroit Press Club (DPC) on March 24, 2016 at the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG) in Southfield.

Attorney Rebecca S. Davies co-chairs event for the seventh year

DETROIT, Mich. – Butzel Long labor and employment law attorneys Rebecca S. Davies, Gary W. Klotz, Scott T. Patterson and Brett J. Miller will be featured speakers during Walsh College’s Seventh Annual Human Resources Summit on March 4, 2016 at its Troy campus.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. – Butzel Long attorney and shareholder Robin Luce Herrmann will moderate a State Bar of Michigan Law and the Media Committee panel program on March 9, 2016 at Wayne State University Law School.

"A future filled with self-driving and connected vehicles lays just around the bend -- but it's riddled with a minefield of legal, hacking and financial risks."

Butzel Long conducts free webinar February 25

DETROIT, Mich. – Employers and healthcare practitioners can gain key insight on various regulations under the HIPPA Omnibus Rule, related laws and the Affordable Care Act during a free webinar hosted by Butzel Long from Noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 25, 2016. Attorneys Deb Geroux, Lynne McGuire and Mark Jane, will discuss the following:

DETROIT, Mich. – Justin G. Klimko, President and Managing Shareholder, Butzel Long, received the Meritorious Service Award from the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Detroit on February 9, 2016. Klimko is a Board Member and Secretary of ACG Detroit.