Warner Norcross & Judd: Legal Perspectives

Legal Perspectives is a quarterly e-newsletter offering a variety of story ideas and legal expert resources from Warner Norcross & Judd, LLP.
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Tax Credits Galore Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes many tax changes and governmental spending provisions that will impact individual taxpayers. This act is aimed at giving tax credits to consumers for a variety of things, including deductions for buying a new car, with an extra incentive for purchasing a qualified plug-in electrical vehicle; credits for first-time homebuyers; and, homeowners making energy-efficient improvements to their existing home. Additionally, the income threshold for minor-children deductions has been lowered to $3,000 from $8,500. Warner tax attorney Jay Kennedy can discuss the details and eligibility requirements.

Hire Michigan First To Receive Benefits…But Not Without Risk

Companies with a 100% Michigan-based workforce will receive state tax breaks and economic development incentives if proposed legislation backed by House Democrats is approved. While supporters say the legislation would boost Michigan’s economy, Republicans are concerned about the consequences as related to union versus non-union. Bob Cleary, a labor law attorney at Warner, agrees that the proposal would promote jobs for Michigan residents and benefit the hiring companies, but warns that employers should safeguard themselves from potential risks if this legislation passes. Those risks include union vs. non-union issues; losing state government contracts; and, possibly having to repay incentives if illegal immigrants are hired — or if they are hired by a Michigan-based contract firm working for a company. Cleary is available to discuss these issues in-depth and give advice for employers.

Sweeping Reforms to Family Medical Leave & Americans With Disabilities Acts

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) have both been amended for the first time since they were ratified. Warner Norcross labor attorney Bob Cleary says there are a lot of changes that employers need to understand about their new rights and responsibilities under the new ADA and FMLA rules. He/She is available to explain the changes, describe employee and employer notice obligations and how they compare to past requirements; define what now constitutes a disability under the amended ADA; and, give insight to employers about what they need to do in response to these changes.

New Michigan Uniform Securities Act Strengthens State Enforcement Powers

The new Michigan Uniform Securities Act modernizes Michigan’s securities law, establishes additional regulatory safeguards, and enhances enforcement tools to address securities fraud. Shane Hansen, a partner at Warner who concentrates his practice on securities law, notes three major changes to the legislation. These changes are: (1) substantially greater penalties for “fraudsters” who prey on seniors and others who aren’t able to protect their financial interests; (2) realignment of registration and requirements for “finders” — intermediaries who are paid to introduce investors to businesses seeking capital; and (3), new registration and examination requirements for individual investment advisors, not just firms. Shane also notes that new rules implementing the law are being written to address many regulatory details. Shane is available to share his knowledge about the new law and the impact it will have in Michigan.

About Warner Norcross & Judd
Warner Norcross & Judd LLP is one of the leading law firms in Michigan and one of the top 200 in the nation. With more than 220 attorneys in Southfield, Sterling Heights, Grand Rapids,Lansing, Holland and Muskegon, Warner Norcross is a full-service provider of legal services. More than half of our partners are listed in the 2009 edition of Best Lawyers in America.Warner Norcross has been recognized as a national leader in client service among law firms by BTI Consulting, as one of the nation’s leading employment law firms by Workforce Management and as one of the 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For in both Metro Detroit and West Michigan. The Firm represents local, statewide, regional, national and international clients in all areas of business and civil law.