Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a final rule on April 23, 2024, that would have prohibited most noncompete agreements between employers and workers. This final rule was originally scheduled to take effect nationwide on September 4, 2024. However, on August 20, a federal judge in Texas blocked the FTC's ruling, effectively stopping the ban from going into effect. Foster Swift attorney's Cliff Hammond, Anthony Dalimonte, Mike Blum, and Robert Hamor cover this topic in their 2024 Labor and Employment Law Update: "Recent Developments that Employers Need to Know". Link to full discussion: https://lnkd.in/g2zJ7SPB

More than 70 municipalities across Michigan have filed against the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) an appeal over the zoning of clean energy sites. The next stop is the Michigan Court of Appeals.   Foster Swift attorney, Michael Homier, who represents the 72 townships and 7 municipalities, says that “we are deeply concerned that the MPSC’s ruling undermines the democratic process by removing the voices of local residents and local officials in decisions that directly impact their communities… this decision threatens to leave them powerless in the face of large-scale renewable energy projects."   Watch Mike Homier’s interview with FOX 17 : WXMI TV:

This month’s 2nd Wednesday, Holiday Talks: Essential Estate Planning and Tech Safety for Aging Family Members, addresses long-term care financing options, the importance of using an attorney to put affairs in order, and preventing senior family members from getting scammed. Moderator Paul Millenbach welcomes fellow attorneys Matthew Fedor and Lindsey Mead as they discuss various elder law topics. Link to full discussion: https://lnkd.in/gfNPEngC

Celebrating Entrepreneurs Today! It's National Entrepreneur's Day & Women's Entrepreneurship Day! Today, we honor all entrepreneurs—those who take risks, chase dreams, and build businesses that change the world. A special shoutout to women entrepreneurs breaking barriers and leading the way! At Foster Swift, we're here to support you with the legal resources and guidance you need, whether you're starting new or growing your business. Let’s make it happen! Resources on Virtual Corporate Council with attorney Matthew Fedor: https://lnkd.in/geyiXhR9 We also have many different resources available on our website be sure to take a look: Business: https://lnkd.in/g-RFN76c #Entrepreneurship #WomensEntrepreneurshipDay #NationalEntrepreneursDay #SupportEntrepreneurs #WomenInBusiness #FosterSwift

We're #hiring a new Human Resources Generalist in Lansing, Michigan. Apply today or share this post with your network.

Cybersecurity and data security are top concerns for businesses across all industries—whether you're in finance, healthcare, or any other sector. While preparation is key to preventing data breaches, we all know incidents can still happen. Are your safeguards up to the task? Watch our roundtable discussion/Q&A with Foster Swift attorneys Nick Stock and Lindsey Mead joined by cybersecurity experts: -Dan Heimler- Watchdog Cyber LLC - James Rhoad- Ottawa Kent Insurance - Alex Belding- WebriQ They dive into the current threats and help you assess if your organization has the right protections in place. Link to full discussion: https://lnkd.in/eYxFPVa6 #Cybersecurity #DataSecurity #DataBreachPrevention #CyberDefense #BusinessSecurity #ProtectYourData

Congratulations to Julie Fershtman who is included in DBusiness Magazine’s 2025 edition of the "Top Lawyers" in Metropolitan Detroit. Fershtman is listed in the magazine's Insurance Law category. DBusiness Magazine selects its "Top Lawyers" after an online peer-review survey, which is sent to thousands of lawyers in the metro Detroit area. Fershtman practices out of Foster Swift's Southfield office. A lawyer for 38 years, she has tried cases before juries in 4 states. Michigan Super Lawyers lists her among the “Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers” and “Top 50 Michigan Women Super Lawyers.” She has been included in The Best Lawyers in America in categories of Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law for several years. Fershtman is a past president of the State Bar of Michigan and has been a speaker at conferences in 29 states. She is also the author of 4 law-related books, including 2 books published by the ABA.  

Congratulations to Charles "Chuck" E. Barbieri for receiving the Thomas E. Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award! This award is given to lawyers who have made significant contributions to the legal profession and justice system in Michigan and have attained professional excellence throughout their careers.

Congratulations to Foster Swift’s newest associates Mackenzie Almassian, Patrick Quinn, James Ryan, and Charlie Sarchet were sworn into the Michigan Supreme Court by Justice Brian Zahra yesterday.

Losing a loved one is never easy. The last thing anyone would want is to create legal complications around their will. Estate planning attorney Jonathan David shares expert insights on how to prevent your will from going through probate, making the process smoother for your loved ones. Read here: https://lnkd.in/eQZsEyTR #EstatePlanning