Kotz Sangster Attorneys Recognized by Super Lawyers
Kotz Sangster attorneys have been named as 2023 Michigan Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.
General News
Michigan Supreme Court Rules That Supply Agreements Are Not Requirements Contracts Unless Specified
The Michigan Supreme Court has overruled the lower court’s ruling in the case of MSSC Inc. v. AirBoss Flexible Products Co., setting an new precedent for business relationships between material buyers and sellers that directly impacts industrial suppliers and buyers alike. Both should take immediate action to review their existing contracts, paying close attention to the language and clarifications. Read on for more information.
Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) Takes Effect
On June 27, 2023, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (“PWFA”) went into effect, providing pregnant workers with additional protections under federal law. Employers with 15 or more employees should ensure their accommodation policies are in compliance with the PWFA.
Kotz Sangster Sponsors St. Joseph High School Athletics Fundraiser
Kotz Sangster is proud to have served as platinum sponsor for the 2023 "Birdies Fore Bears" fundraising event to support the St. Joseph High School's athletics department, which included a scramble-style golf outing, silent auction, cigar rolling, live auction, reception and awards.
Michigan Bans Hairstyle Discrimination Through CROWN Act
On June 15, 2023, Governor Whitmer signed into law the “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act” or CROWN Act, expanding the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles. Read to learn more about this new law.
Federal Trade Commission Proposes Ban on Non-Compete Clauses
On January 5, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) issued a proposed rule that would ban the use of non-compete clauses, also known as restrictive covenants, in employment agreements. The proposed rule is very broad, and its application would be far-reaching. The proposed rule would prevent employers from entering into non-competes and would also require employers to rescind any existing non-competes and inform current or former employees who are bound by a non-compete that they are no longer in effect.
Ed Boucher Receives Washtenaw Contractors Association’s 2023 Vander Hyden Award
Ed Boucher, a top construction lawyer at Kotz Sangster, was awarded the 2023 W. Nelson Vander Hyden Award by the Washtenaw Contractors Association (WCA) as part of their annual Pyramid Awards on March 10, 2023. The award is given annually to construction industry leaders who make an impact on the Washtenaw community.
Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act Amended to Protect LGBTQ Rights
On March 16, 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 4 (“SB 4”), which amends and expands the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (“ELCRA”) to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in employment, public accommodations and public services, educational facilities, housing and real estate. Here's a brief breakdown of the amendment and what employers should know.
Kotz Sangster Sponsors Ice Festivals in South Haven and St. Joseph
This year the Kotz Sangster team was proud to sponsor two ice festivals in Southwest Michigan, the South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce Ice Breaker Festival and the St. Joseph Today Magical Ice Fest. Our team sponsored two sculptures, one at each event. In South Haven, our artist carved a penguin from a solid block of ice. In St. Joseph, they carved out a bear from the ice chunk.
Michigan Court of Appeals Reverses Court of Claims, Halting Minimum Wage Increase & Paid Leave Expansion
Today, in a unanimous ruling, the Michigan Court of Appeals reversed the decision of the Michigan Court of Claims that would have required a minimum wage increase and expanded paid leave in February 2023. As a result, Michigan employers will not be required to change their sick leave policies or increase the minimum wage.