Business Law & Transactions
Who Owns Your Small Business’ Intellectual Property? The Answer May (unpleasantly) Surprise You
Almost every small business, no matter how small, has some form of intellectual property to protect. It might be a trademark (e.g., a logo), a copyright (e.g., a user manual), a patent or other form of IP it owns. Or, at least, thinks it owns. […]
Read MoreIt’s Time for Small Businesses to Prepare for the New Corporate Transparency Act
One of the benefits of owning a small business is that small businesses are exempt from many federal rules, regulations, and other forms of red tape that their larger counterparts are obligated to comply with. However, starting as early as late 2022, small business owners […]
Read MoreMichigan Supreme Court Clarifies Direct vs. Derivative Claim Standard in Murphy v. Inman
When a corporate shareholder alleges harm due to acts or omissions by corporate officers and directors, the question of whether the shareholder must bring a “direct” or “derivative” claim often arises. A direct claim asserts that the defendants harmed the shareholder. Derivative claims, on the […]
Read MoreThe Potential Benefits of Treating Your Companies as a “Controlled Group” Come with Legal Risks
In general, for a company that offers its employees health insurance benefits, the more employees there, the lower the premium costs are per employee. So if a business owner owns more than one business, it might be tempting to try to bundle all the people […]
Read MoreWill Upcoming Changes from Credit Reporting Agencies on Medical Debt Actually Make Things Worse?
Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, the three major consumer credit reporting agencies, recently announced that as of July 1, 2022, they will make changes to the way medical collection debt is reported. These changes may provide some initial benefits to consumers. But it’s unclear whether they […]
Read More5 Scenarios Where it’s Critical to Call Your Business Attorney
We may not always like it, but us business attorneys know that you business owners are often out there wheelin’ and dealin’ with handshakes and a hope for the best, and in many cases that works out okay. We would like you to more frequently […]
Read MoreLimit Your Liability by Dissolving Your Inactive Michigan LLC
There’s a reason the term “serial entrepreneur” is so common: certain people love starting multiple business ventures—sometimes juggling multiple businesses at once. Owning more than one business can have benefits, such as diversifying an entrepreneur’s income streams and better utilizing certain fixed overhead costs, such […]
Read MorePractical Ideas for Business Succession Planning in Michigan
A business succession plan, like an estate plan for an individual, is something that requires clear-eyed, strategic thinking. It’s not something to put off until it becomes an urgent necessity. In fact, thinking through an exit strategy earlier than a business owner may think it’s […]
Read MoreHow Your Attorney can Help You Employ and Retain the Best Team for Your Business
It’s no secret that one of the biggest business challenges that employers have faced through the COVID-19 pandemic is finding, employing and retaining workers. It’s been breathlessly reported that the “Great Resignation” has resulted in workers—across industries and job types—dropping out of the workforce. In […]
Read MoreNon-Compete Agreements are Still Enforceable in Michigan, But Businesses Should Prepare for a Day When They Aren’t
In an article titled “The Great Acceleration,” McKinsey asserts that, “The COVID-19 crisis has intensified existing trends.” From remote work to digitization, we’ve seen a number of workplace trends gain steam since March 2020. Another is the movement, among courts and lawmakers, to limit the […]
Read MoreAbout Us
The business and employment attorneys of Dalton & Tomich take your business just as seriously as you do. Attorneys Zana Tomich and Noel Sterett are trusted by closely held family businesses and others across Michigan and Northern Illinois as invaluable partners and counselors. We guarantee all your calls and emails will be returned within one business day so you can focus on what you do best: running your business.
Drew PatrickOwner & President, Skidmore Studio
Having worked with Zana for 10 years, I can attest to her professionalism, her pragmatism, and most importantly, her integrity. I always get sound, thoughtful advice and guidance. From routine filings & updates to the highly unexpected, Zana’s there to help, always responding quickly and […]
Read MoreChanel HamptonFounder & CEO, Strategic Community Partners
We highly recommend Dalton & Tomich! As a start-up firm that has rapidly grown across the country in under 5 years, Dalton & Tomich has been integral to our sound, credible, and excellent in standard infrastructure. As we’ve scaled, Zana has been right by our […]
Read MoreLuis HermosilloProfessional Photographer, Northern Illinois
As a professional photographer in the wedding industry, reliable communication is very important to me. Noel was very knowledgeable and quick to respond to all of my questions and not just that, he also gave me suggestions when reviewing and updating my contract. The entire […]
Read MoreMeredith SimpsonPrincipal, Group eX
Zana’s expert guidance has helped us to move forward with clarity and confidence in our business endeavors. She helped us create a new business entity, and a few years later to navigate a tricky buyout—all with a clear path forward for business growth. Her calm […]
Read MoreMorgan FedroHealth Coach, WellTours LLC, Oak Forest, IL
Noel’s guidance was much appreciated when redrafting my client contract. He was very professional, respectful of my time and potential costs, and was sincere with his advice. I trusted that he had the highest good for my business in mind. I will seek out his […]
Read MoreAmanda LewanCo-Founder & CEO, Bamboo Detroit
Zana’s expertise in employee law has helped us refine and build a stronger operations and hiring strategy at my company. As a business owner of a small and fast growing company, I very much appreciate Zana’s ability to always step into any situation quickly and […]
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