Employment Law
Coronavirus Impact: Families First Coronavirus Response Act Increases Duties of Employers
Last week, the President signed into law the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) in response to COVID-19. The Act implements three parts: The Emergency Family Medical Leave Act, Paid Leave Act, and Tax Credits for Employers providing such leave. These take effect April […]
Read MoreCoronavirus Impact: How to Reduce Impact on Employees
There does not seem to be any industry or part of life that has not been impacted by the now global pandemic known as Coronavirus. With all the state and federal mandated closures, so many small and medium sized businesses are impacted by the virus, […]
Read MoreCourt Clears Way for Use of Unpaid Volunteer Labor
Organizations that use volunteer labor can breathe a sigh of relief. With the latest decision from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, Acosta v. Cathedral Buffet, Inc., 6th Cir., Case No. 17-3427, (April 16, 2017), the Appellate Court clarified that use of unpaid labor, was […]
Read MoreEmployers Should Prepare for DOL Rules on Exempt Employees and Overtime Effective Dec. 1, 2016
Back in May, I wrote about the newly issued Department of Labor Regulations regarding increased salary thresholds for exempt employees and overtime. In September 2016, Attorney Generals from 21 states, including Michigan, filed suit in the Eastern District of Texas against the United States Department […]
Read MoreNew I-9 Penalties Raise Stakes for Restaurants
One of the biggest challenges facing restaurant operators is finding reliable employees. Perhaps it is not a new issue, but it is one of the most common complaints I hear from nearly every type of restaurant. With that challenge, managers are often presented with the […]
Read MoreDefend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 Impact: Employers Must Provide Notice in Employment Agreements
On May 11, 2016, President Obama signed into law the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016, 18 U.S.C. 1832. The DTSA, modeled on the Uniformed Trade Secrets Act, provides federal protection for trade secrets and confidential information, something that has generally been governed by the […]
Read MoreDepartment of Labor Overtime Changes Bring New Wrinkle to Employers
As I talk to employers in various industries, one of the most common misconceptions that I hear time and time again is that as long as an employee is paid salary, there is no need to worry about paying overtime. This statement is not entirely […]
Read MoreNon-Solicitation Clauses Remain Relevant in Michigan
Most companies are familiar with Non-Compete clauses and routinely consider including them in Employment Agreements with new employees. However, clients in certain industries – like the creative sector – often believe they are not customary, and unwilling to make them a part of their culture. […]
Read MoreWork For Hire: What it is and Why it Matters
Work Made for Hire (or Work for Hire) is a long established doctrine that provides some exceptions to general Copyright law, which provide an author or creator of written work automatic copyright protection in his or her work. When an employee is hired for a […]
Read MoreEmployee or Independent Contractor? US Dep’t of Labor Offers New Guidance
Last week, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced new guidance to determine whether workers should be classified as employees or independent contractors under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). After receiving numerous complaints from workers alleging misclassification, on June 15 the DOL published […]
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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