Jennifer Puplava - Attorney

Read the linked article for important updates about the FTC’s ban on concompete agreements.

In a Client Alert, Dominic Clolinger explains that on August 20, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission’s non-compete ban was blocked and set aside nationwide. The non-compete ban was scheduled to go into effect on September 4, 2024. Businesses with specific questions about noncompete clauses should contact Nikole Canute, Scott Dwyer, Nathaniel Wolf, Dominic Clolinger, or Kathryn Stegink as soon as practicable. For additional details regarding the ban, please see the link to the Client Alert. https://bit.ly/4fSvwv2

Congratulations to Curtis Underwood for being named by Best Lawyers in America as a member of the “Ones to Watch” 2025. https://bit.ly/3AxZ9Sh

Congratulations to Elizabeth Bransdorfer! Well deserved.

Congratulations to firm member, Elizabeth Bransdorfer, for being recognized in the global legal ranking Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2024 (Band 1, Family/Matrimonial Law). Chambers ranks law firms and individual lawyers in bands from 1 (highest) to 6 (lowest) for their family and matrimonial law practices. Being ranked in any band is considered a significant achievement, and rankings are based on qualities such as technical legal ability and professional conduct. Nice job, Liz! https://bit.ly/3WM7VVd

Thank you to one of our Top Dog sponsors, Mika Meyers PLC! This event wouldn't be possible without the generous support of our sponsors.

Join us for our 7th annual Wags and Whiskers Fundraiser on Wednesday October 23, at the Cathedral Square Wege Conference Center from 5:30-8:00pm. To learn more about this fun event and to see a complete list of sponsors, visit www.csnip.org/wags-whiskers 🐾

Over the past year, multiple federal agencies have taken action that will have material impact on employers. These actions include the U.S. Department of Labor’s (“DOL”) final rule increasing the salary threshold for employees to be exempt from minimum wage and overtime requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”), the National Labor Relations Board’s (“NLRB”) 2023 decision prohibiting the use of confidentiality and non-disparagement provisions in severance agreements, and the Federal Trade Commission’s (“FTC”) issuance of a rule banning non-compete provisions except in very limited circumstances. Employers should prepare for compliance with these rules, but should also be aware that lawsuits have been filed challenging these agency actions. Decisions in those lawsuits are expected in the coming weeks. Please contact Nikole Canute, Scott Dwyer, Nate Wolf, Dominic Clolinger, Kathryn Stegink, or Yue (April) Li if you have questions regarding these rules and/or lawsuits. https://bit.ly/3VuVJqf

Read the attached for important information about new FTC limitations on noncompete agreements.

Does your business utilize noncompetes? If so, you will want to read the linked Client Alert “Federal Trade Commission Issues Ban on Noncompete Clauses.” Please contact Nikole Canute, Scott Dwyer, Nate Wolf, Dominic Clolinger, or Kathryn Stegink if you have questions. https://bit.ly/3w9bg6m

The firm is currently seeking a Business Litigation Attorney to practice in our Grand Rapids office. For immediate consideration, please contact Nikole Canute at [email protected]. https://www.mikameyers.com/careers/

Congratulations to April!

During this month of love, watch out for romance scams! Potential sweethearts who request money from you should raise a red flag. Visit https://staysafeonline.org/online-safety-privacy-basics/romance-scams/ for more tips on how to protect yourself.

The firm has an opening in its mailroom for a full-time Administrative Services Personnel team member. The position is an excellent entry level position to gain experience working in a law firm. If you would like to apply for this position, please contact Kim Kooy at [email protected]. https://bit.ly/43JB307

This week is hashtag ! Use this week as a reminder to take control over how your data is collected and used. Visit the National Cybersecurity Alliance at www.staysafeonline.org for more information and tips on how to manage your privacy settings.

Home - National Cybersecurity Alliance The National Cybersecurity Alliance is a non-profit organization on a mission to create a more secure, interconnected world.

Are you receiving strange correspondence or unexpected invoices relating to your trademark applications or registrations? Click this link for more information regarding how to identify and avoid scams.

Jennifer Puplava on LinkedIn: Caution: Scam alert Trademark owners: continue to be vigilant of the scam alerts and "invoices" you may receive relating to your trademark applications and registrations. If you…

Congratulations to our estate planning and family law practice groups, and thanks to all who voted!

West Michigan Woman Magazine announced its Readers’ Choice Awards and the firm was selected as the readers’ top pick for estate planning and divorce services and also as a finalist for the law firm category. Thank you West Michigan Woman Magazine readers! https://bit.ly/3N1K92o

Have you ever wondered what’s included in comprehensive estate planning? Join us Wednesday at 7am to hear Neil Jansen explain both what documents a plan can include and what is behind the paper: the support you you should expect from your attorney.
Mika Meyers PLC

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. With just a few clicks, you can be on your way to keeping safe online. Learn more at staysafeonline.org.

Welcome, Tim!

Please join us in welcoming the firm’s newest associate in our Manistee office, Tim Figura. Tim practices in the areas of general business, real estate, estate planning, and municipal. He will be working with our Manistee attorneys, Richard Wilson, and George Saylor. https://bit.ly/3ZlwSqq

The Department of Labor recently proposed a rule to increase the salary threshold for overtime exemptions. Dominic Clolinger explains the proposed rule in a Client Alert and that the rule is open for public comment for 60 days. The firm’s Labor Group will monitor the proposed rule and update you with any developments. If you have any questions regarding this proposed rule, please contact Nikole Canute, Scott Dwyer, Nate Wolf, Kimberly Large Dominic Clolinger, or Kathryn Zoller. https://bit.ly/45NExQb

Congratulations to Curtis Underwood for being named by Best Lawyers as a member of the “Ones to Watch” 2024. Best Lawyers’ Ones to Watch awards are recognitions given to attorneys who are earlier in their careers for outstanding professional excellence in private practice in the United States. https://bit.ly/3QPGG9D

ATTENTION Cascade business owners! The Township is now accepting applications for a Class-C Liquor License. To learn more about requirements, read our announcement: https://cascadetwp.com/reference-desk/latest-news/latest-news/township-accepting-applications-for-class-c-liquor

On June 15, 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed into a law a bill amending Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (“ELCRA”) to prohibit discrimination based on natural hair textures and protective hairstyles in employment, housing, education, and places of public accommodation. Employers, managers, and human resources personnel should review their appearance and dress code policies to ensure that their policies and training reflect the new protections created in the new law. If you have questions, please contact Nikole Canute, Scott Dwyer, Nate Wolf, Dominic Clolinger, or Kathryn Zoller. bit.ly/3Ng5JPI

The National Labor Relations Board and its General Counsel have recently made changes that will impact the enforceability of non-compete agreements, confidentiality agreements and employee misconduct decisions. All employers should make note of these changes and consider if and how they should alter their personnel procedures in response to the changes. If you have questions regarding these changes, please contact Nikole Canute, Scott Dwyer, Nathaniel Wolf, Kimberly Large, Dominic Clolinger or Kathryn Zoller. https://bit.ly/43Sfqup

The firm currently has a position open for a Business and Real Estate Legal Assistant for our Grand Rapids office. This legal assistant position assists a great group of business attorneys. If you are interested, please click on the link for additional details. https://www.mikameyers.com/careers/

The firm’s municipal attorneys have been assisting cities, villages, townships, counties, public authorities, courts, public school districts, colleges and universities, public utilities, and public and semi-public corporations for over 50 years. In addition to providing legal advice to municipalities, several of the firm’s attorneys also serve in elected and appointed leadership positions in their own communities. If you have questions regarding municipal issues in your community, please contact the firm’s municipal group. https://bit.ly/42IM15Q

Welcome Amber Soler!

Mika Meyers is pleased to announce that Amber Soler has joined the firm as an associate. Amber has been practicing for 11 years, and specializes in estate planning, probate and trust administration, and family law. Welcome to the Mika Meyers’ family Amber! https://bit.ly/3MFHhZG

Richard Wilson recently participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital Emergency Department. The Emergency Department recently went through a multi-million dollar renovation and reopened on April 12. Richard serves as the President of Munson Manistee Hospital Foundation, and the Foundation assisted with a fundraising campaign for the renovation. Congratulations to Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital on the new Emergency Department. https://bit.ly/3mqwAzt

On March 16, 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed into law a bill amending Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA) to expressly prohibit discrimination based on “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression.” Please contact Nikole Canute, Scott Dwyer, Nate Wolf, Kimberly Large, Dominic Clolinger, or Kathryn Zoller if you have questions regarding the new law. https://bit.ly/3JZUERx

Mika Meyers’ business and commercial law attorneys possess the depth of knowledge and expertise to handle virtually any business-related legal matter and to provide innovative and specialized legal solutions. Find out more about the firm’s business lawyers: https://bit.ly/3TXa9yc

Proud of my coworkers and friends Elizabeth Bransdorfer Mark E. Nettleton and Nikole Canute!

Congratulations to Nikole Canute, Mark Nettleton, and Elizabeth Bransdorfer who were recently selected for inclusion in Crain’s Notable West Michigan Lawyers. These attorneys were selected as Notable Attorneys for their impact in the types of cases and clients assisted, serving as role models and mentors to other attorneys and assuming leadership roles in professional organizations and community service initiatives.