We hope you're enjoying your summer. This briefing covers a new Michigan law on funeral representatives and a new federal law on overtime pay. We also cover securities law issues and the appointment of our attorneys to two important legal committees.
Last, we also have information below about this year's Jake & Johnny Club Golf Outing - we hope you can join us!
HUBBARD SNITCHLER & PARZIANELLO PLC
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New Michigan Law Permits Appointment of "Funeral Representative"
Michigan residents may now designate a representative to have authority to make funeral arrangements including disposition of the body.
Public Act 57 took effect on June 27th and permits the designation of anyone over the age of 18 to make those decisions after death. The new law also contains a specific priority order for the person who is authorized to make those decisions when no document which complies with the statute exists. A funeral representative appointment provides a way to avoid any dispute regarding the authority to make final arrangements after death.
If you have questions about your estate plan or a funeral representative appointment, contact Mark Snitchler on how we can help.
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HSP Obtains FINRA Securities Settlements
John Hubbard recently and successfully obtained several confidential settlements in FINRA Securities Arbitration Cases filed on behalf of separate clients.
John has also successfully defended registered representatives in securities regulatory matters.
FINRA's own statistics
for 2015 show that claimants have a good likelihood of success on meritorious claims when handled properly either by settlement or award. Of 3,489 cases closed by FINRA during 2015, 50% were settled by the parties, 9% settled after mediation, 17% were otherwise withdrawn or closed. 24% were resolved by arbitrators and just under half of those resulted in damage awards to customers.
HSP handles securities claims as well as other business litigation on both contingent fee and hourly fee bases.
If you or your clients believe they have a securities claim, contact John for a consultation regarding the merits of the claim.
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Are You Ready for the New Overtime Law?
Employers need to prepare themselves for the
newly enacted final rule the Department of Labor announced to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime regulations. They are effective on December 1, 2016 and are the most significant in over a decade and will significantly impact both employees and employers.
Among other things, salaried employees need to meet the threshold of $47,476 in order to be exempt from overtime. From the perspective of the DOL, three options are available for employers to meet the new rules. Employers can (1) convert salaried employees that don't meet the threshold of $47,476 to hourly, and then pay them overtime when required; (2) raise salaries so they meet that threshold and avoid overtime pay; (3) limit hours of non-exempt employees; or do some combination of all three.
Failure to adhere to FLSA laws can result in significant penalties to both the employer and its individual owners.
Contact Eric Parzianello with your
employment questions.
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HSP Attorneys Appointed to Committees
HSP is proud to announce appointments of our attorneys to two important legal committees. John Hubbard has been appointed to the Professional Ethics Committee of the State Bar of Michigan. The Committee prepares written opinions on professional ethical conduct at the request of the Attorney Discipline Board and Attorney Grievance Commission and also recommend amendments to the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct.
 Also, Mark Snitchler has been appointed as Vice-Chair of the Oakland County Bar Association's Probate, Estate and Trust Committee. The Committee reviews and takes positions on pending Michigan legislation and also works with the Probate Court to make practice more efficient in all aspects.
Congrats to both John and Mark!
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Jake & Johnny Golf Outing - September 26!
As you may recall, the Jake & Johnny Club is committed to raising money to help eradicate juvenile diabetes and childhood leukemia. To date, the Club has directly contributed over $140,000.00 to try find cures for these diseases.
Our annual golf outing will be held on Monday, September 26th at the Golden Fox Golf Club in Plymouth. If you haven't played in it, consider joining us for what is always a great event! Early Bird discount pricing deadline is August 26: a foursome can register for $450; individual golfers can register for $125. Sponsorships are also available and greatly appreciated. More information can be found and online registration is available at this link . We hope to see you there!
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