In this case, Plaintiffs filed a civil rights case seeking damages for the deaths of their sons who were fatally shot during an event at the Defendant membership club where minors allegedly purchased and/or were allowed to consume alcohol. CMDA defended the municipality, Director of Public Safety, and Clerk. Allan Vander Laan, a partner in our Grand Rapids office, and Jennifer Richards, an attorney in our Livonia office, handled the […]

‘Tis the season for holiday celebrations and family gatherings.  These gatherings offer the opportunity to surreptitiously keep an eye out for noticeable changes in behavior and living conditions of aging loved ones.  It is important to be alert to changes because these may reveal health needs and care challenges that require intervention.  Here are five signs to look for: 1. Partners covering for each other. Take note if one partner […]

On Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018, Michigan voters elected by a margin of 56% to 42%　to have Michigan become the 10th state in the country to legalize recreational marijuana use. By mid-December, a Michigan resident will be able to grow their own marijuana plants and smoke marijuana in the comfort of their own home. But what does this mean for employers who want to guard against having employees under the influence […]

Haider Kazim and Matt Cross, both attorneys in our Traverse City office, recently successfully defended an animal control officer of a northern Michigan municipality against claims of malicious prosecution and conspiracy. The issue in was whether the officer had probable cause to issue plaintiff citations for her farm animals running at large. The focal point of plaintiff’s claim was that the first few citations were issued under a county ordinance […]

It is fairly common for an aging parent to add a child’s name (sometimes more than one child) as a joint owner on the parent’s bank accounts.  The arrangement is usually viewed as a simple and inexpensive solution to the concerns, such as someone needing to be able to pay bills when the parent is ill or hospitalized, funerals are expensive and money will be needed immediately, the account will […]

Greg Grant and Matt Cross, both attorneys in our Traverse City office, recently successfully defended a municipality and police officer against claims of false arrest/wrongful imprisonment and malicious prosecution. The key issue in the case was whether the officer had probable cause to arrest plaintiff for extortion. Finding that the officer had probable case, the Court granted summary judgment in favor of our clients, dismissing plaintiff’s federal claims in their […]

Haider Kazim and Matt Cross, both attorneys in our Traverse City office, recently successfully handled a case for a local municipality. The Court granted summary disposition dismissing plaintiff’s claims under the Whistleblower Protection Act (WPA), holding that plaintiff was not engaged in activity protected under the WPA, and, to the extent she was, the County terminated her for legitimate reasons. Although the Court allowed plaintiff to amend her claim to […]

Matt Cross and Greg Grant, both attorneys in our Traverse City office, had a great time at the recent Grand Rapids Adjusters Association (GRAA) Roaring 20’s Vendor Night.  They enjoyed interacting with guests and sharing information on our Firm’s Insurance Defense practice group. Matt Cross concentrates his practice in the areas of insurance defense, business, entertainment law, law enforcement defense and litigation, and municipal law. Mr. Cross has experience handling […]

The CMDA Elder Law and Estate Planning team had a great time at the recent Metro Detroit Association of Health Underwriters (MDAHU) Medicare Summit and Expo.  Nearly 200 agents from throughout Michigan attended the seminar, which covered all aspects of the Medicare program. Gene Richards, a partner who focuses his practice on elder law and estate planning, was joined at the seminar by Rita Turner, a paralegal, and Dorene Mitchell, […]

Photo: Meghan R. Acho/CMDA Law Please click here to read an article in the Dallas Newsregarding Jim Acho recently filing a concussion claim on behalf of Pat Summerall.