When it comes to trademarks, The Ohio State University plays defense as aggressively as it does on Saturdays in the Horseshoe. This fall, instead of blitzing Michigan’s offense, the Buckeyes are tackling The Brown Jug, Inc. of Ann Arbor, which filed to register BUCKEYE TEARS for beer and liquor. OSU’s opposition (TTAB Opp. No. 91301291) is now pending, with an answer due October 6, 2025. Think of it as a […]

CMDA is proud to announce that several attorneys from our Firm have been selected for inclusion in the 2025 Michigan Super Lawyers & Rising Stars list. The following attorneys have been selected to the 2025 Michigan Super Lawyers list: Jim Acho, Top Rated Civil Litigation Defense Joel Ashton, Top Rated Personal Injury Defense Jeff Clark, Top Rated State, Local & Municipal Tim Ferrand, Top Rated State, Class Action & Mass […]

CMDA Partner Jim Acho represented legendary football player and broadcaster Pat Summerall for a number of years prior to Mr. Summerall’s passing. Mr. Summerall had intended on filing a concussion claim before passing and his widow Cheri had Jim Acho file the concussion claim in accordance with Pat’s wishes. We are pleased to report a year after the claim was filed, Jim prevailed on behalf of the Summeralls, and the […]

Effective March 29, 2019 the Paid Medical Leave Act (PMLA) will allow eligible part time employees to receive one hour of paid medical leave for every 35 hours worked. To be eligible for the leave the employee must have worked a minimum of 25 hours per week during the preceding calendar year. The leave time must be used for personal or family health needs or purposes related to sexual assault […]

Retirement is a highly-anticipated reward for years of hard work and child rearing. The “golden years” are viewed as a special season to pursue hobbies and enjoy life. Interestingly, while many people seek advice from a financial advisor to make sure they have enough money to retire, often they do not obtain a professionally prepared estate plan. Instead of working with an attorney, they will do one of the following: […]

On January 15-16, 2019 Haider Kazim and Matt Cross, both attorneys in our Traverse City office, gave a presentation to law enforcement leaders throughout Northern Michigan on correctional law updates, including use of force, deliberate indifference, and custodial search and seizure. The presentation took place at Bay College in Escanaba and was hosted by the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority (MMRMA). Our Firm offers training and educational seminars on a […]

Joel Ashton joined our Firm in 2017. He focuses his practice on insurance defense, including Michigan No-Fault claims (PIP, automobile negligence, uninsured/underinsured motorist), as well as premises liability and general negligence. His practice also includes the defense of contract and liability claims, contract interpretation issues, subrogation claims involving automobile, fire and casualty, commercial and related coverage. Mr. Ashton maintains an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest possible […]

‘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 […]

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 […]