UPCOMING SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS/EXPOS

Annual Detroit Area Trucking Seminar co-sponsored with the Michigan Trucking Association
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
8:30 - 11:30am

To register or obtain more information, contact Debbie Cona, Client Services Director, at 248-273-2165.

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT:

Summary: This article offers a comprehensive view of the Michigan Building Contract Fund Act. The Act imposes both civil and criminal liability on those who receive funds on construction projects and fail to pay the subcontractors, suppliers and laborers on that project. The article identifies corporate officers who will be held personally liable for the corporation’s failure to comply with the requirements of the Act.

Property Tax Abatement for Manufacturers
The Michigan CPA, Fall 1997, written by  Paul J. Mastrangel.

Summary: Michigan offers property tax abatement to manufacturers. This article highlights the criteria for granting such abatement.

The "Speculative Building" Designation in Act 198
Michigan Real Property Review, Fall, 1997, Vol. 24, No. 3, written by Paul J. Mastrangel and Thomas P. Martin.

Summary: In 1974 Michigan enacted Act 198 which provides economic incentives to manufacturing companies through property tax abatement. There are strict criteria and deadlines which generally apply to tax abatement applications except to "speculative buildings" (i.e., facilities constructed by a developer or builder for sale or lease to an occupant who has yet to be identified.)

IDRB Financing As an Alternative for Manufacturing Facilities
Leaders' Edge , January 2001, written by Paul J. Mastrangel.

Summary: This article discusses the Industrial Development Revenue Bond (IDRB) as a cost-effective tool to conventional financing for the acquisition and construction of new manufacturing facilities or for the expansion or rehabilitation of existing manufacturing facilities in Michigan.

Industry Custom and Bid Mistake
Building Business and Management, March 1990, written by  Paul J. Mastrangel.

Summary: This article discusses subcontractor defenses to sue for breach of contract where the subcontractor refuses to commence work because of a mistake in preparing its bid.

LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT:

Appearance and Discrimination in Hiring
ASE Bulletin, December 1995, written by Janet E. Lanyon.

FAMILY LAW:

Use of Vocational Assessment to Evaluate an Alimony Applicant's Ability to Work
written by Paul J. Mastrangel.

Summary: The use of the vocational assessment to evaluate the alimony applicant’s ability to work.

Fault: The Treatment of Marital Misconduct in Property and Alimony Awards
LACHES, October 1996, written by Paul J. Mastrangel.

Summary: Since 1972 Michigan has not required proof of fault to dissolve a marriage, but this article shows how marital misconduct plays a part in property and alimony awards.

The Survivor Benefit
Michigan Family Law Journal, written by Paul J. Mastrangel.

Summary: This article reviews the survivor benefit associated with pensions, its valuation and its allocation in an equitable division of property.

Using a New Spouse's Economic Resources in Child Support Computations
Michigan Family Law Journal, written by  Paul J. Mastrangel.

Summary: This article deals with the impact of a new spouse's income on child support calculations.

A Brief History and Current Trends in Alimony Awards
LACHES , October 1997, written by  Paul J. Mastrangel.

Summary: This article summarizes current trends in Michigan alimony awards.

Casual Romantic Interlude or Quasi-Marital Arrangement
LACHES, March 1994, written by  Paul J. Mastrangel.

Summary: This article examines the impact of post judgment cohabitation on the payor's alimony obligation.

The Family Jewels: Excluding Inheritance from the Marital Estate
Michigan Bar Journal, June 1994, written by  Paul J. Mastrangel.

Summary: This article reviews the treatment of inheritance received during the marriage in a divorce proceeding.

The Art of Imputing Income
Michigan Family Law Journal, June-July 1994, written by  Paul J. Mastrangel.

Summary: This article deals with imputing income to a parent at his or her unexercised ability to earn for the purpose of child support.

The Psychologist-Patient Privilege
Michigan Bar Journal, October 1989, written by  Paul J. Mastrangel.

Summary: This article examines the psychologist-patient privilege in connection with child custody hearings.

Usurious Interest Rates in Property Settlements
Michigan Family Law Journal, October 1993, written by  Paul J. Mastrangel.

Summary: This article reviews the law regarding interest rates on deferred property settlement payments in a Judgment of Divorce.

ENVIRONMENTAL:

Pollution Prevention: First the Carrot, Then the Stick
LACHES, June 1992, written by James K. O'Brien

Summary: This article discusses pollution prevention activities in anticipation of future environmental regulations.

Environmental Insurance Update
LACHES , June 1995 written by James K. O'Brien

Summary: This article discusses recent case law developments concerning the insurance of environmental risks in Michigan

Lead-Based Paint: A Primer
Michigan Environmental Law Journal, 1994, Vol. 13, No. 1, written by James K. O'Brien

Summary: This article provides an overview of legal issues involving lead and lead-based paint.

Taking Control of Your Wetlands Property
Commercial, inc. , September 1994, Vol. VII, Issue 8, written by James K. O'Brien

Summary: This article discusses the action a developer can take once it is discovered that wetlands exist on their property.

Water Regulations in the Water Wonderland
The detroiter , March 1993, written by James K. O'Brien

Summary: Michigan was one of the first states to regulate surface water discharges. This article discusses the water regulations and permit procedures that affect discharges to surface and groundwater, storm water discharges and wetlands development.

Reading the Signs: Federal Guidelines as an Aid to Avoiding or Reducing Punishment for Environmental Crimes
LACHES , June 1994, written by James K. O'Brien

Summary: This article discusses how businesses should be proactive, environmentally compliant and cooperative in order to avoid serious penalties handed out by the Environmental Protection Agency.

SPORTS LAW:

Income Taxes for the Sports Official
February 2003, written by James M. Dworman.

Summary: This booklet helps the independent contractor sports official sort through the tax code so that income acquired through officiating is reported accurately and allowable deductions are maximized.

Don't Pass on Jewelry Enforcement
January 2004, written by James M. Dworman.

Summary: This article discusses an official's responsibility to enforce safety rules regarding jewelry.