Author: altiorlaw

Altior Law Adds Rising Star Matt Smith As Shareholder

Altior Law is pleased to announce that Matt Smith has joined its shareholder group.  With over a decade of commercial and securities litigation experience, Matt is a SuperLawyers Rising Star. “Matt is sharp and hard-working.  He fits right in at Altior, and we’re excited to have him help us set the direction of the firm,” said Ken Neuman, Managing Partner.  “Matt is a key...

The Michigan Court of Appeals Resolves Choice of Law Conflict in the Enforcement of Forum-Selection Provisions

Authored By: Matthew Smith and Stephen McKenney Choice of law and forum-selection provisions are common inclusions in all manner of contracts.  Most of these provisions rarely register a second thought even in contentious litigation.  But what happens when the enforceability of a forum-selection clause differs under the laws of the State in which litigation is filed, from the laws of the...

Tinsley v Yatooma: The Michigan Court of Appeals Wades Back into the Debate Over Whether and How MRPC 1.8(h)(1) Applies to Arbitration Clauses in Retainer Agreements

Authored By: Jennifer Cupples and Jennifer Grieco Michigan attorneys should already know that Michigan Rule of Professional Conduct (“MRPC”) 1.8(h)(1) prohibits a lawyer from making an agreement prospectively limiting the lawyer’s liability to a client for malpractice unless permitted by law and the client is independently represented in making the agreement.  But what, if any, effect...

Implied Waiver of the Right to Arbitrate: How Far is Too Far? The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Weighs in on Pre-Litigation Conduct

Authored By: Kenneth Neuman and Matthew Smith That Sixth Circuit law favors arbitration is not newsworthy.  A string of cases could be unearthed with just a few minutes of research in which federal courts throughout the Sixth Circuit have echoed the strong presumption in favor of arbitration. But there are limits to the presumptions that tilt in favor of arbitration when its...

Let the Civility Begin! The Michigan Supreme Court Sets Forth Principles of Professionalism

The Michigan Supreme Court recently issued Administrative Order No. 2020-23, adopting twelve Principles of Professionalism for both lawyers and judges.  The Principles of Professionalism were the product of the Professionalism Workgroup that was formed during Jennifer Grieco’s tenure as President of the State Bar of Michigan.  The Workgroup, chaired by SBM Past-President Ed...

Kenneth Neuman to Co-Present “Other People’s Money: Financial Issues in Litigation”

Altior Law attorney and CPA Kenneth Neuman will serve as a presenter of “Other People’s Money: Financial Issues in Litigation” on February 25, 2021 from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.  The seminar is being offered by the Oakland County Business Court and Counsel Committee, and will focus on helping attorneys understand financial statements involved in their client’s litigation in order to...

Jennifer Grieco Serves as Cooperating Counsel with the ACLU for the 2020 General Election

Altior Law attorney Jennifer Grieco was recently selected to serve as a cooperating attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan in connection with the November 3, 2020 general election.  In this role, Jennifer helped spearhead efforts to ensure local governments were in compliance with legal requirements for registration and access to voting.  Of note was Jennifer’s...

Stephen McKenney Appointed as the District I Chairperson of the Character and Fitness Committee

Altior Law attorney Stephen McKenney has been appointed to serve as the 2021 District I Chairperson for the State Bar of Michigan’s Character and Fitness Committee.  The appointment allows Steve to continue his years of service to the State Bar of Michigan through participation in his character and fitness review process.  Altior Law congratulates Steve on this appointment and is proud of his...

Streaming Now: Two New Episodes of Black Law Matters Podcast

Jennifer Grieco, Founder of Peak Law recently recorded two new and powerful episodes of the Black Law Matters podcast.  Wayne County Probate Court Judge Terrence Keith relayed the history behind the D. Augustus Straker Bar Association in Oakland County in 1990 as its founder father and the association’s efforts to have the first African American judge appointed to the Oakland County...

Kenneth Neuman and Jennifer Grieco See Increased Roles as Mediators and Arbitrators

Altior Law attorneys Kenneth Neuman and Jennifer Grieco have experienced a substantial increase in their service as mediators and arbitrators.  In the lead up to 2021, both Jennifer and Ken recently served as mediators and arbitrators in commercial disputes ranging from tens-of-thousands to tens-of-millions of dollars.   In these roles, both Jennifer and Ken have borrowed from...