On March 16, 2023 Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bill 4, which expands the language of the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) to include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression” to the law’s list of protected categories. Public Act No. 6 of 2023 takes effect 90 days after enactment. Originally passed in 1976, ELCRA “prohibits discriminatory practices, policies, and customs in the exercise of those rights based upon religion, race, […]

In Michigan the law is clear as to the duties of condominium associations to provide written statements to purchasers of units located in the condominium regarding unpaid assessments, interest, late charges, fines, costs and attorney fees. However, when it comes to homeowners that own lots in subdivisions governed by a Homeowners’ Association (HOA), the law is not as clear-cut. Therefore, prospective purchasers should be aware of any outstanding items that […]

How Important is a Will, Really? The simple answer to that question is . . . wait for it . . . “It depends.” Most people own assets of some kind when they die. The assets might include real estate (home, land, timeshare, etc.), financial accounts (bank, investment, and retirement accounts), life insurance, savings bonds, autos, boats, toys, and personal effects or “stuff” (clothes, furniture, jewelry, tools, etc.). The assets […]

Attorneys John Gwyn and Joel Ashton from the Firm’s Community Association and Real Estate Law practice group are at the Community Associations Institute (CAI) Annual Conference and Expo today, Friday, March 3.  If you are attending the Conference, please plan on stopping by CMDA’s booth (#201).  We look forward to sharing information on the various legal services our Firm’s Community Association and Real Estate Law practice group provides.

On Thursday, February 9, 2023 the NFL announced its newest class of inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Among them is the late Ken Riley, who passed in 2020. Mr. Riley was a longtime client of CMDA. Jim Acho successfully handled his concussion claim and other matters for a man affectionately known as “The Rattler.” When he left the NFL, Ken was the all-time leader in interceptions. After […]

Jim Acho, a partner in our Livonia office, is representing a current Prosecutor in a unique employment case. Matt Wayne, an associate in our Livonia office, wrote the brief in this case and carved out a new public policy exception when USDC Judge Gershwin Drain found in favor of Acho/Wayne’s client on this issue. Had the argument failed, the case would have been lost. Said Mr. Acho: “We pride ourselves […]

Even before the pandemic and recent inflationary concerns occurred, there had been a steady rise throughout the country of individuals renting or borrowing goods rather than buying and owning them. This concept has carried over to residential communities whereby homeowners have monetized their homes and condominium units through peer-to-peer online activities involving the shared economy. Of course, short-term rentals through platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo have flourished in the […]

The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has denied a new trial in a case won by Attorney Carol Smith in the Western District of Michigan. The plaintiffs’ appeal cited several alleged errors made by the trial court leading up to and during the jury trial. The court of appeals sided with Ms. Smith and her clients, bringing finality to this years-long legal battle. The lawsuit was filed by a Chicago-based […]

We are extremely pleased to announce that Kristen Rewa has been elected a partner at CMDA. Ms. Rewa is a key member of the Grand Rapids office, has won numerous motions for summary judgement, and is a very effective litigator and communicator. She joined CMDA in 2020 and focuses her practice on law enforcement defense and litigation, municipal law, employment and labor law, and insurance defense. Christopher Schultz, managing partner […]

Please join us in welcoming Kenneth M. Gonko to the Firm. He is an Of Counsel attorney in our Livonia office where he focuses his practice on labor law and employment relations in the public and private sector. As a labor and employment law attorney, he regularly appears as an advocate and litigator in disputes before the state and federal courts, the National Labor Relations Board, the United States Equal […]