Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC

In recognition of Black History Month, today we recognize Detroit native Berry Gordy and his contributions to the music industry. Berry was a record producer and songwriter who founded the record label Motown where he co-composed numerous hits and helped launch the careers of numerous singers and groups such as the Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, and Stevie Wonder. Berry was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, the Kennedy Center Honors in 2021, and the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame in 2022. In 2016, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Barack Obama. Read more about Berry Gordy: https://lnkd.in/gHdtHsGQ

Today, we spotlight Laura Genovich, a dedicated attorney at our Grand Rapids office. Laura specializes in Municipal Law, Land Use, Litigation, Appellate Law, and Bankruptcy. She serves as general counsel for local governments and has argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals. A leader in legal writing, she authored "The Plain Language Practice" and mentors future lawyers as an adjunct professor at Cooley Law School. We're proud to have Laura as a key member of our team! Link to Laura's Bio: https://lnkd.in/guMDYcC2 #LegalExcellence #WomenInLaw #AppellateLaw

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, grew up in Michigan, where her powerful voice first emerged in Detroit's New Bethel Baptist Church where her father was a pastor. She went on to break barriers in music and fight for civil rights, with hits like "Respect" becoming anthems of empowerment. This Black History Month, we honor her legacy as a musical icon and trailblazer for equality. Learn more about Aretha Franklin:

AI can offer great benefits, but it also introduces new risks. Join Foster Swift attorneys Taylor Gast and Lindsey Mead at the Mindful Use of AI for Road Agencies event, hosted by the County Road Association of Michigan. Taylor will cover "Legal Watchouts," while Lindsey will discuss "Protecting Your Agency from AI." Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to balance AI innovation with agency protection. Registration link:

Minimum wage increases, the implementation of the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA), and changes to unemployment benefits are expected to go into effect on February 21. However, new bills have been introduced that, if passed, could affect these changes. How can employers prepare amidst this uncertainty? Attorneys Paul Millenbach and Anthony Dalimonte discuss the latest developments in this month's Second Wednesday. Watch the full video here: https://lnkd.in/gJRiNUeB

Seasoned litigator Benjamin Williams co-authored the “Physical and Scientific Evidence” chapter in the Fourth Edition of “Introducing Evidence at Trial,” (Cunningham, J., Buckley-Norwood, T., Sinas, S., 2024, Institute of Continuing Legal Education), by the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE).   Prior to joining Foster Swift, Ben was an assistant state’s attorney in Chicago, Illinois.   More information on the book can be found here: https://lnkd.in/gYjtSBu9

This #BlackHistoryMonth, we honor Malcolm X, who spent his early years in Lansing, Michigan. Despite facing significant challenges, was a self-taught scholar, expanding his knowledge through books while in prison. His journey from adversity to activism shaped his powerful voice for Black empowerment, justice, and equality. His legacy reminds us to continue fighting for freedom and dignity for all. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gys7VDK3 #MalcolmX #Lansing #AfricanAmericanHistory #LegacyOfImpact

The Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles are playing in Super Bowl LIX this Sunday. The Chiefs have a chance of winning their third consecutive Superbowl and have reportedly licensed Pat Riley’s trademarked phrase “three-peat.” This deal highlights the importance of following IP laws. Licensing and using trademarked terms ensure legal compliance and protect the rights of creators and brands. Read more in our recent blog post here: https://lnkd.in/eHbdR-wU #SuperBowlLIX #IPLaw

Meet Foster Swift’s 2025 Executive Committee! New members to the Executive Committee are Ray Littleton (Vice President Southfield) and Warren Krueger (Vice President Lansing.)  Re-elected by the Foster Swift shareholders are Anne Seurynck (President), Andy Vredenburg (VP – Grand Rapids), Nicholas Oertel (Treasurer) and Anna Gibson (Secretary)

Minimum wage increase, implementation of the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA), and changes to unemployment benefits are expected to go into effect February 21. However, new bills have been introduced, that if passed, could affect these changes. How can employers prepare amidst this uncertainty? Join attorneys Paul Millenbach and Anthony Dalimonte for a discussion on the latest developments next Wednesday, February 12, from 12 – 12:30 PM. Register here: https://bit.ly/2ndWeds2025