General Counsel and Advice
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 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 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 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 MoreHow to Remove an LLC Member in Michigan
You’ve probably heard this analogy before: Going into business with a partner is very much like getting married. In a best case scenario, partners build a thriving business that brings them personal satisfaction and financial success. However, just as in marriage, irreconcilable differences can arise […]
Read MoreHow Operating Agreements Can Prevent Disputes Over Owner Contributions
Many privately held businesses rely on infusions of cash from their owners in order to start a business and, in many cases, fund its expansion. The infusions can be small, such as amounts needed to fund a payroll period while awaiting payment of a customer […]
Read MoreMI COVID Rescission Order Leaves MIOSHA Rules Intact . . . For Now
On June 17, 2021, Michigan Governor Whitmer announced that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services would rescind many of the emergency orders as of June 22, 2021. The earlier than expected termination of the Coronavirus emergency orders have the effect of rescinding the […]
Read MoreThe Latest Michigan COVID-19 Workplace Rules
On Monday, May 24, 2021, Michigan’s Governor, Gretchen Whitmer, improvised on her Vacc to Normal plan less than a month after it was announced. After the CDC issued its announcement on May 13, 2021 – that fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks […]
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 […]
Read More