News Room
NEW FIRM ANNOUNCED
Foley, Baron & Metzger, PLLC and The Juip Richtarcik Law Firm announced the combination of their practices to form Foley, Baron, Metzger & Juip, PLLC (FBMJ) effective January 1, 2013. The new full-service law firm based in Livonia, Michigan, will have 18 attorneys servicing clients in a broad range of practice areas. Randall A. Juip, joins the new firm as a Member, and brings with him a staff of four attorneys: Brian J. Richtarcik, Anthony D. Pignotti, Matthew H. Wesorick and Mark G. Reynolds. Also joining the firm as a Principal is attorney Cathy Bowerman who will continue to counsel clients in the areas of medical malpractice actions and health care law. Both Juip and Bowerman carry Martindale-Hubbell’s “A-V” rating. FBMJ will continue its state and national practice, with a strong focus on civil litigation, including medical and professional defense, healthcare law, environmental and toxic tort, products and commercial liability, civil rights (42 USC 1983) / deliberate indifference claims, class actions and appeals. Further, FBMJ provides services for clients in pharmacy law, corporate and business matters, insurance defense, estate planning and more. The new FBMJ firm will operate from FBM’s main office in Livonia, Michigan.A New Resource For Hydraulic Fracturing Information
FBM has launched a new resource page at www.fbmlaw.com/blog in response to mounting claims and lawsuits from incidents related to hydraulic fracturing. Hydraulic fracturing, often called fracking, is a method of drilling for natural gas reserves, oil and geothermal energy in deep shale formations. Richard Baron, the environmental practice group leader at Foley, Baron and Metzger, said, “Fracking presents unique challenges to all stakeholders involved in this process.” Industry professionals, including representatives of insurance companies, oil and gas companies, and environmental science and environmental protection organizations are facing unique challenges in this emerging area of resource recovery. Baron was recently invited to speak before a large multi-state audience of insurance professionals about hydraulic fracturing issues. After seeing the need from this industry, the web resource was created. Baron said his firm wants to establish a resource that makes it easier for professionals to navigate the complexities that surround the topic. This includes the circumstances that arise from fracking-related events such as a surface spill caused by a natural disaster or pollution from the negligent release of hazardous waste materials. The dedicated web resource includes both primary and secondary source materials to help evaluate issues ranging from federal and state laws and regulations to allegations of environmental contamination by fracking processes. FBM provides a wide range of legal services, with a strong environmental practice including, environmental litigation, environmental site assessments and compliance audits, Clean Water Act, mold issues, CERCLA, RCRA and NREPA issues. To access the new Hydraulic Fracturing Resource Page, visit www.fbmlaw.com/blog.FBM Sets New Precedent in Sixth Circuit on Governmental Contractor Liability
FBM recently set new precedent in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals on an issue involving federal jurisdiction based on the governmental contractor defense. FBM represented an environmental remediation contractor, hired by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to remediate mold contamination in the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport Air Traffic Control Tower where a group of DTW controllers filed lawsuits and claimed they became ill from exposure to toxic mold. After successfully removing the lawsuit from Wayne County Circuit Court to US District Court, FBM attorneys, Richard Baron and Brian Phinney obtained complete dismissal of their client. The plaintiffs appealed these rulings to the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, which upheld the dismissal of FBM’s client. Ruling on an issue of first impression in the Sixth Circuit, the appeals court held that the governmental contractor defense should be broadly interpreted to protect a wide-range of contractors, not merely contractors who provide services to the military. To review the Court’s Order in this case click here:Bennett et.al. v MIS Corporation, et.al. No. 08-2567.FBM Environmental Attorney Assists City of Marquette, MI with Property Investigation
Marquette city officials have retained FBM attorney, Richard Baron, to assist them with a request from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (“MDNRE”) to better determine the source and extent of contamination that exists on a prime Lake Superior shoreline location, formerly an industrial site, now owned by the City. Baron and environmental consultants are working with city officials and the MDNRE to monitor groundwater on the 46-acre site and investigate subsurface conditions to determine the continuing effect on the groundwater. The investigation will help the City to evaluate redevelopment alternatives for this Lake Superior site. MiningJournal.net recently reported on the site investigation: Cliffs Dow Debate.For more information on this or other environmental issues contact Richard Baron @ 734-742-1855 or via email @ rbaron@fbmlaw.com.
Saulius Polteraitis and Joseph McGill Elected to CLS Leadership Positions
FBM attorney, Saulius Polteraitis was elected to serve a one-year term as Vice-President of the Catholic Lawyers Society (CLS) at the May, 2010 meeting of their Board of Directors. Also at this meeting, the organization’s President, FBM attorney Joseph McGill, concluded his term as President and was elevated to Emeritus Director status. This designation is reserved for past presidents and has a five-year term. The CLS is a special interest bar association consisting of lawyers, judges and law students dedicated to addressing social and moral challenges within our society. Please contact Saulius Polteraitis or Joseph McGill for additional information @ 734-742-1800.FBM Obtains Complete Dismissal of Environmental Claims against Product Manufacturer
Claims for environmental contamination against product manufacturers have become increasingly popular and are costly to defend. Foley, Baron & Metzger attorneys Richard S. Baron and Brian H. Phinney recently obtained a complete dismissal of claims against a product manufacturer by a corporate landowner seeking damages for environmental remediation costs. The landowner alleged that FBM’s client, a manufacturer of commercial equipment used by a tenant, was responsible for causing contamination. Property owners often find their property contaminated by their tenants’ operations. While tenants can be liable for causing contamination, FBM persuaded the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California that a product manufacturer which has no control over environmental contamination caused by a tenant cannot be held liable under CERCLA, RCRA or common law tort claims. (Click here for the court’s opinion.)FBM Environmental Attorney Richard Baron Shares Experiences with Local TV Anchor
Airplanes and birds have been tangling for years. In fact, recently released data from the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) and reported by the Associated Press (AP) show airplane collisions with birds have more than doubled at 13 major U.S. airports since 2000. But it wasn’t until US Air Flight 1549 hit a flock of birds and landed in the Hudson River that the problem received widespread attention. FBM environmental and aviation attorney, Richard Baron is a veteran pilot, and interviewed with WXYZ TV anchor, Stephen Clark, for a recent story on this subject. To view the interview, click here: Bird StrikesJoseph McGill Publishes Article: Medicare Set-Asides – Response to “Emergency Bulletin”
FBM attorney Joseph McGill has recently authored an article titled Medicare Set-Asides – Response to “Emergency Bulletin”, published in the Michigan Defense Quarterly, (Volume 26, No. 3 January, 2010). The article is in response to an “Emergency Bulletin” issued in the name of the Negligence Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, and challenges the assumption that recent changes to the Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP Extension Act of 2007 (MMSEA) allow business as usual. Mr. McGill points out in his article that the recent changes to the MMSEA are evidence of a vastly more comprehensive data gathering scheme by the federal government that will be used to determine when Medicare is appropriately a secondary payer. He submits that’s all attorneys resolving injury claims should pay close attention to these changes as virtually all liability settlements address both past and future medicals as an essential component of the resolved dispute, and will involve Medicare or Medicaid.For more information on this or other Medicare Set-Aside issues, please contact Joseph McGill @ 734-742-1825 or jmcgill@fbmlaw.com.
Foley, Baron & Metzger Attorneys Named 2009 Super Lawyers
Foley, Baron & Metzger, PLLC announced today that attorneys Clyde M. Metzger III and Joseph P. McGill have been named 2009 Michigan “Super Lawyers” by Law & Politics Media, Inc. Awarded to only 5% of lawyers in the state, the Super Lawyers designation recognizes outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. More than 800,000 attorneys across the nation who have been in practice for five or more years are surveyed by Law & Politics to determine the 2009 Super Lawyers list.Clyde M. Metzger III, who was also named to the Super Lawyers -- Corporate Counsel Edition, is a founding member of Foley, Baron & Metzger, PLLC and heads the firm’s Healthcare Law Practice Group. He concentrates his practice in the areas of complex litigation, medical malpractice actions, managed care litigation, insurance coverage disputes, and corporate healthcare claims. Joseph McGill is a principal with the firm, and represents clients as litigation and transaction counsel in corporate and estate planning issues, as well as commercial law, complex real estate issues, and other business law areas.
Saulius Polteraitis Appointed to CLS Board
FBM attorney Saulius Polteraitis was appointed as an Advocate Director of the Catholic Lawyers Society (CLS) for a three (3) year term, beginning in September, 2009. The CLS is a special interest bar association dedicated to promoting high ethical principles within the legal profession. Please contact Saulius Polteraitis @ 734-742-1840 for additional information or via email at spolteraitis@fbmlaw.com.Joseph McGill Elected President of the CLS
FBM attorney Joseph McGill was elected to serve as President of the Catholic Lawyers Society (CLS) at the May 11, 2009 meeting of their Board of Directors. Mr. McGill’s will serve a one-year term as the organization’s President. The CLS is a special interest bar association consisting of lawyers, judges and law students dedicated to addressing social and moral challenges within our society and “incorporating the message of faith in the actions of lawyer’s professional lives.” Please contact Joseph McGill for additional information @ 734-742-1825 or jmcgill@fbmlaw.com. .Tom Foley Publishes Article: Logic of Michigan’s FDA Defense Survives Recent Supreme Court Ruling
FBM attorney Tom Foley has recently authored Logic of Michigan's FDA Defense Survives Recent Supreme Court Ruling, for the Washington Legal Foundation’s Legal Backgrounder. The paper challenges the basis for arguments now being raised by lawsuit advocates who are improperly attempting to suggest that the recent high-profile U.S. Supreme Court decision on implied federal preemption in Wyeth v. Levine undermines the reasoning behind Michigan's 13-year old progressive drug product limited immunity statute. Tom is a regular contributor to Washington Legal Foundation publications on pro-tort reform and related issues.For more information on this or other products issues, please contact Tom Foley @ 734-742-1805 or tfoley@fbmlaw.com. .
Kim Sveska Featured Speaker at MSPT Spring Seminar
FBM attorney Kim Sveska was a featured speaker at the Michigan Society of Pharmacy Technicians (MSPT) Spring Seminar on April 28, 2009 at Health Plus in Flint, MI. Mr. Sveska’s remarks titled, “Pharmacy Law Update,” provided insight into current developments in Michigan pharmacy-related law, including recent statutory and regulatory changes, case law decisions involving the duty to warn, and strategies that minimize potential exposure to malpractice claims. The MSPT is a state professional society serving Michigan’s pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. In addition to practicing law, Sveska is a registered pharmacist and lectures frequently on pharmacy, healthcare and other legal topics. For more information contact Kim Sveska @ 734-742-1815 or email at ksveska@fbmlaw.com.Joseph McGill and the CLS Honor Cardinal Maida
FBM attorney Joseph McGill, representing the Catholic Lawyers Society (CLS) as their President, honored His Eminence Adam Cardinal Maida with the Monsignor Malloy Lifetime Achievement Award at the CLS Annual Meeting on April 26, 2009, at St. John’s Retreat Center in Plymouth, MI. The award is given annually to a Catholic lawyer or judge whose service and character have exemplified and advanced the highest values of both the Catholic faith and the legal profession. See PDF for complete press release.Tom Foley Appointed to M-LAW Advisory Board
FBM attorney Tom Foley has recently been appointed to the Advisory Board of M-LAW (Michigan Lawsuit Abuse Watch). M-LAW is an organization established to attempt to eliminate litigation abuse and its effect on business and the community. For additional information please contact Tom Foley @ 734-742-1805 or tfoley@fbmlaw.com.FBM Attorneys Coordinate Wildlife Rescue
FBM attorneys Richard Baron and Brian Phinney recently helped mobilize an experienced team of environmental and wildlife rehabilitation consultants to clean and release approximately 50 Canada geese and mallards that were impacted by a small fuel spill in Troy, Michigan.FBM attorneys worked closely with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Environmental Quality and local volunteers to capture, clean and successfully return the birds to their local habitat. A local warehouse was donated and used as a temporary rehabilitation facility where attorneys and volunteers worked with the various agencies to build cages, set up hot water areas for bird cleaning, and establish areas for medical treatment, animal food preparation, and other aspects of the rehabilitation process. Click here to see photos of the rescue.
For more information on this or other environmental related matters contact Richard Baron @ 734-742-1855 or rbaron@fbmlaw.com.
Clyde M. Metzger Earns 2008 Super Lawyers Designation
Clyde M. Metzger III, founding member in the Ann Arbor office of the Michigan-based Foley, Baron & Metzger, PLLC law firm, has earned the 2008 Super Lawyers designation. The Super Lawyers list, published annually since 1991, is a comprehensive and diverse listing of the top 5% of licensed active attorneys in each state, selected through a unique multi-step process of peer recognition and professional achievement. Mr. Metzger heads the firm’s Healthcare Law Practice Group, and concentrates his practice in the areas of complex litigation, medical malpractice actions, managed care litigation, insurance coverage disputes, and corporate healthcare claims.Foley, Baron & Metzger PLLC serves as local, regional and national counsel in high-stakes civil litigation. FBM is a broad-service law firm with a strong focus on complex litigation, including products and commercial liability, environmental and health care areas, as well as counseling on business matters.
For more information contact Clyde M. Metzger III @ cmetzger@fbmlaw.com or phone 734-742-1880.
FBM Attorney Speaks at Michigan Risk Management Symposium
FBM attorney Kim Sveska was a featured speaker at a recent Risk Management Symposium held for the Oakwood Healthcare System community at Annapolis Hospital in Wayne, Michigan. Mr. Sveska’s remarks titled, "Anatomy of a Lawsuit," provided the audience with relevant information pertaining to general and medical malpractice law concepts, including pre-suit considerations, evidentiary and scientific considerations, care standards, proximate cause, legal theories, procedural requirements, damages, typical outcomes and more. In addition to practicing law, Sveska is a registered pharmacist and lectures frequently on pharmacy, healthcare and other legal topics. For more information contact Kim Sveska @ 734-742-1815 or email at ksveska@fbmlaw.com.FBM Attorneys Participate in Ann Arbor Hospital Healthcare Symposium
FBM attorneys Clyde M. Metzger III and Judith A. Sherman presented “A Case Study & Documentation Issues” at a recent healthcare symposium held May 12, 2008 at an Ann Arbor, Michigan hospital. Central to their presentation at “Take the Pressure Off – A Pressure Prevention Symposium” was the pending change in regulations by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which will soon mandate non-payment for facility-acquired pressure ulcers. Utilizing a case study and highlighting documentation issues, the FBM attorneys identified how hospitals must refine their approach to the management of patients at risk for pressure ulcers or patients admitted with existing pressure ulcers.For more information on this and other healthcare related matters, contact Clyde Metzger at @ 734-742-1880 or cmetzger@fbmlaw.com. .
FBM Attorneys Assist Developer to Boost Local Economy
FBM attorneys successfully secured over $760,000 in tax increment financing (“TIF”) from the City of Jackson, MI for the development of a 60,000 square foot medical office building in the City of Jackson’s Downtown Development District. Attorneys Rich Baron and Brian Phinney worked closely with the City of Jackson and its Downtown Development Authority to negotiate the terms of the TIF plan, which will be used to reimburse the developer, Minneapolis-based Frauenshuh Healthcare Real Estate Solutions, for its anticipated costs of correcting soil conditions at the site. “I was impressed with the consensus that the FBM attorneys were able to build among various public and private stakeholders involved in this project,” stated Hendrik Schuur of Allegiance Health. The Jackson City Council gave its unanimous approval Tuesday, February 26, 2008 for the $12 million project, which will house a new neuromuscular specialty center for Allegiance Health. “Everyone is very excited,” said Richard Baron, “the project will be good for the area’s health-care industry and give the city an economic boost.” Contact rbaron@fbmlaw.com for additional information, or view news broadcast from WLNS TV 6.FBM Attorney Appointed to ASPL’s Education & Scholarship Committee
Kim Sveska, FBM principal, was recently appointed to the Education & Scholarship Committee of the American Society of Pharmacy Law (ASPL). ASPL is a national organization of pharmacists, attorneys, pharmacist-attorneys and students of pharmacy or law that educates its members on legal issues that effect pharmacy. Mr. Sveska will assist The Education & Scholarship Committee in planning educational programming for the organization and in the awarding of the ASPL’s Simonsmeier and Legal Research Awards. In addition to practicing law, Sveska is a registered pharmacist and lectures frequently on pharmacy, healthcare and other legal topics. For more information contact Kim Sveska @ 734-742-1815 or email at ksveska@fbmlaw.com.Independent Survey Results Released - FBM Rated "Excellent"
In a recent independent survey by Intellitrends:- 84% of clients selected FBM for its depth of experience
- FBM was rated "Excellent" 18% more often than the competition for its "responsiveness"
- Clients rated FBM's "consideration of client goals" as "Excellent" 16% more often than the competition.
FBM Attorney Elected to Board of Directors of the Incorporated Society of Irish American Lawyers
FBM attorney Joseph McGill was elected to the Incorporated Society of Irish American Lawyers (ISIAL) board of directors June 1 during the organization’s annual dinner dance at the Detroit Athletic Club. During the three-year term, McGill will assist in directing the organization in its activities, particularly in the philanthropic and Irish heritage areas.Charity Event Huge Success
FBM attorney Joseph McGill joined other prominent judges and lawyers from the Detroit metropolitan area on May 5, 2007 at the Focus: HOPE food warehouse in Detroit to assemble food boxes for the needy as part of a semi-annual service project of the Incorporated Society of Irish American Lawyers (ISIAL), and the Catholic Lawyer Society of Michigan. Over the past six years, these two organizations have packaged over 20,000 boxes of food for the needy which are distributed to eligible mothers, children, and senior citizens through local relief organizations. Mr. McGill is a board member of the Catholic Lawyer Society of Michigan, one of Michigan’s most highly regarded, progressive and active special interest bar associations.Kim Sveska Speaks to Michigan Society of Pharmacy Technicians
Kim Sveska was a featured speaker at the Michigan Society of Pharmacy Technicians (MSPT) Spring Seminar on April 28 at HealthPlus in Flint, Michigan. Mr. Sveska’s remarks titled, "Pharmacy Law Update," provided insight into current developments in Michigan pharmacy-related law, including recent statutory/regulatory changes, case law decisions involving the duty to warn, how to identify situations that could give rise to potential liability, and strategies that minimize potential exposure to malpractice claims. The MSPT is a state professional society serving Michigan’s pharmacists, pharmacy school educators, pharmaceutical representatives and pharmacy technicians (www.michiganpharmacists.org). In addition to practicing law, Sveska is a registered pharmacist and lectures frequently on pharmacy, healthcare and other legal topics. For more information contact Kim Sveska @ 734-742-1815 or email at ksveska@fbmlaw.com.Clyde Metzger Presents E-Charting Seminar
As more and more hospital systems move to electronic-charting to document patient care, new challenges face hospital medical and administrative staff and risk management departments. FBM attorney Clyde Metzger conducted a seminar April 5, 2007 to the nursing staff of a Jackson, Michigan hospital addressing these challenges. Their presentation titled, “Effective Communication in Charting” discussed the essentials of effective communication in e-charting and its integration into quality patient care. For more information on this and other healthcare related matters contact Clyde Metzger @ 734-742-1880 or cmetzger@fbmlaw.com.Joseph McGill Co-Authors article, “Court Rejects Environmental Plaintiffs’ Efforts at ‘Windfall’ Damages”
FBM attorney Joseph P. McGill co-authored an article in the January 26, 2007 Washington Legal Foundation’s Legal Opinion Letter. The article titled “Court Rejects Environmental Plaintiffs’ Efforts at ‘Windfall’ Damages” discusses the recent federal court decision in Allgood v. General Motors Corporation decision and its implication on “windfall” damages for owners of environmentally impacted properties. Please click here to view a PDF of this article.Carole Empey and Judy Sherman Present Healthcare Educational Sessions
FBM attorneys, Carole Empey and Judy Sherman, recently conducted several educational sessions with the nursing staff of a major Ann Arbor hospital system, on the topic, “Accounting for Patient Care: Documentation Surrounding Changes in Patient Condition.” These sessions provided the nursing staff with information designed to assist with patient safety and improved patient care, and included essentials of effective communication and charting, using both electronic and paper medical records, with particular focus on the documentation of rapid changes in patient’s medical conditions. For more information on this and other healthcare educational seminars, contact Carole S. Empey @ 734-742-1810 or email cempey@fbmlaw.com.New Corp! Magazine Feature Profiles Richard Baron
FBM attorney Richard Baron was featured in the Winter 2006 edition of Corp! Magazine in a new Question & Answer series titled, “Ten Minutes With.” Designed to profile high-level executives and probe their thoughts on business, the article gives an overview of Baron’s insights and advice for personal and professional success. Click here to view a PDF of the article.Richard Baron and Kim Sveska Speak to Environmental Insurance Groups
Attorneys Richard Baron and Kim Sveska were recent guest speakers at educational forums of two national environmental insurance groups. Their presentation, “Complex Cases & Toxic Torts: Defense Strategies” focused on early evaluation of case strengths and weaknesses, development of discovery plans that focus on early resolution and potential ADR, and application of legal causation principals (i.e. Daubert). Product identification, sample fingerprinting, exposure calculation, spoliation, epidemiology, and “state of the art” defenses also were reviewed. A number of mass tort products liability and toxic tort cases were highlighted, including those involving welding rod and manganese litigation. For further information on this or other environmental matters contact Richard Baron at 734-742-1855 or rbaron@fbmlaw.comFBM Continues Its Tradition of Holiday Giving
Whether it’s putting food on a table for a needy family or making sure that a child receives a package under the tree on Christmas morning, FBM employees have embraced the spirit of holiday giving again this year. Staff from both the Ann Arbor and Farmington Hills offices of FBM continued their tradition of holiday giving by “adopting” two local families – one, a family of five, through St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dexter, Michigan, and another Detroit family of nine through the SOS Adopt-A-Family Program, sponsored by the United Way. FBM employees provided gifts of wish-list items to these families, including winter coats, toys, household items and food.Tom Foley and Rich Baron Publish Article
FBM attorneys Tom Foley and Rich Baron co-authored an article in the November 17, 2006 Washington Legal Foundation's Counsel's Advisory. The article entitled "Comments Sought on State Court Plan to Address Asbestos Suits" focuses on a recent Administrative Order from the Michigan Supreme Court prohibiting "bundling" of asbestos-related cases for either settlement or trial. Please click here to view a PDF of this article.WLF Features Article by FBM Attorneys
An article written by Tom Foley and Kim Sveska about the efforts to repeal Michigan's progressive liability reform law was recently published in the Washington Legal Foundation's Legal Backgrounder. The article focuses on the significant repercussions on the pharmaceutical and health care industries, and Michigan citizens, if enacted. Please click here to view a PDF of this article.FBM Fall 2006 Employment & Labor Law Newsletter Published
Articles you will find in this issue of the FBM Employment & Labor Law Newsletter – "The Employment Reference Dilemma," "Walking on Eggshells: Avoiding Retaliation," "Michigan Court Upholds Arbitration Agreements," "MI Legislature Passes Bill ‘Fixing' Overtime Exemption Differences Between State and Federal Law," and more. . . click here to view a PDF of this newsletter.Joseph McGill Speaks at the Michigan Self-Insurers' Association
FBM's Medicare Set-Aside Allocations group leader, Joseph McGill, made a presentation October 26, 2006 to the Michigan Self-Insurers' Association at the St. John's Golf Club and Conference Center in Plymouth, MI. The Michigan Self-Insurers' Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating employers on workers' compensation issues, and provides information regarding legislative and judicial actions that affect self-insured employers. Mr. McGill's presentation "Medicare Set-Asides, An Overview of Current Requirements and Enforcement Techniques" informed participants regarding compliance requirements applicable to the settlement of future medical expenses governed by this federal regulation. For additional information on Medicare Set-Aside Allocations contact Joseph McGill at 734-742-1825.FBM Attorney Conducts Employment Training Seminars
FBM’s Employment and Labor Law attorneys frequently conduct seminars and training programs on a variety of employment topics. Recent seminars include:- "Managing Leaves of Absence" presented to the American Society of Employers (October 4, 2006) in Southfield, MI,
- "Effective Interviewing Techniques" presented to the Michigan Association of Health Access Professionals (MAHAP) (September 15, 2006) at their annual education conference in Part Huron,
- "Employment Laws Every Manager Needs to Know" presented to the Brighton Chamber of Commerce (September 13, 2006), and
- "Intermittent FMLA Leaves" presented to a group of clients of The Rains Group (September 12, 2006) at the Birmingham Conference Center.
For more information on the seminars and training offered on employment law contact Richard Baron at 734-742-1855.
Corp! Magazine Features Article by FBM Attorney
The article titled "Employment Laws Every Business Owner and Manager Needs to Know," authored by an FBM employment attorney was featured in the September 2006 edition of Corp! Magazine. The article highlights basic tools to reduce a company's risk for employee-initiated lawsuits. FBM attorneys frequently conduct training seminars on this and other employment-related topics. Click here to view a PDF of the article. >
Joseph McGill Co-Authors Article in the Michigan Business Law Journal
Over 100 million people use the Internet today, many of them to buy and sell a vast array of items. Joseph McGill and Jill Lynn Zyskowski discuss the significance of common law contract requirements of "mutual assent" as applied to mass-market "shrink-wrap" and "click-wrap" agreements in their article "Enforcement of Shrink-Wrap and Click-Wrap Agreements Under the UCC: Mutual Assent is Pivotal," published in the Summer 2006 Michigan Business Law Journal. Please click here to view a PDF of the article.
Joseph McGill Speaks at the 2006 Michigan Health & Rehab Conference
Joseph McGill recently spoke at the 2006 Michigan Health & Rehab Conference in Troy, Mich. The conference was sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Wright & Filippis and The Filippis Foundation. McGill's speech was titled, "Medicare Set-Asides: An Overview of Current Requirements and Enforcement Techniques." Over 200 health care professionals including nurses, case managers, disability specialists, rehabilitation counselors and social workers attended the event.
FBM Attorney Elected to the Catholic Lawyers' Society Board of Directors
Joseph McGill, an associate principal with FBM, was recently elected to the board of directors of the Catholic Lawyers' Society (CLS). The announcement was made at the society's annual meeting held at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament on May 21, 2006 in Detroit, MI. Established to promote the social, intellectual, and spiritual welfare of its members, the CLS has a rich history of public service and dedication to charitable causes. As a board member, McGill will be involved with projects designed to provide those in need with pro bono legal service and counsel.
Detroit News Business Spotlight on Foley, Baron & Metzger
Please click here to view a PDF of the article.
Thomas Foley Speaks at the Defense Research Institute's Products Liability Conference
Tom Foley was a featured speaker at the Defense Research Institute's (DRI) annual Products Liability Conference held at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev. on February 9th. His speech was titled, "Vital Statistics - Understanding Epidemiology." Nearly 1200 lawyers from across the country that defend businesses in products liability matters attended the event. The DRI is the national organization of defense trial lawyers and corporate counsel. For more information on the DRI, the "Voice of the Defense Bar," visit www.dri.org.
Foley, Baron & Metzger Appoints Charles D. Brown to Associate Principal
Please click here to view a PDF of the release.
Clyde Metzger Profiled in the Washtenaw Business Review
Please click here to view a PDF of the article.
FBM Employees Brighten the Holidays for Local Families
Holiday spirit and generosity were alive and well this year at Foley, Baron & Metzger (FBM) where employees worked to brighten the Christmas of two needy local families. Staff at both the Ann Arbor and Farmington Hills offices of FBM shopped for their "adopted" families provided through the SOS Community Services, Adopt-a-Family Program of Washtenaw County and the Focus Hope organization, a division of the United Way. Employees delivered boxes and bags filled with wish-list items for a Washtenaw County family of seven and a Detroit family of six, which included food, clothing and toys, as well as a monthly Visa card for every month in 2006.FBM's generosity comes from the belief that every child should experience the joy of opening a holiday gift, wear new, warm and stylish clothing, and delight in a good meal.
Thomas Foley Profiled in the Oakland Business Review
Please click here to view a PDF of the article.
Richard S. Baron Profiled In USA Today Article.
Please click here to view a PDF of the article.
Foley, Baron & Metzger Donates Money To Help Hurricane Katrina Victims
To help assist victims of Hurricane Katrina, firm members Tom Foley, Richard Baron and Clyde Metzger, along with their colleagues, have donated $4,770 to the American Red Cross. "It is important to all of us at Foley, Baron & Metzger to do what we can to help improve the unfortunate circumstances resulting from Hurricane Katrina," said Foley. This contribution is our way of extending a helping hand to those who need it most."
Clyde M. Metzger and Judy A. Sherman Win Emergency Medicine Malpractice Trial
Clyde M. Metzger and Judy A. Sherman recently won a defense verdict in a medical malpractice case in the Calhoun County (Michigan) Circuit Court. The case involved allegations that the Defendant emergency physician failed to administer the clot busting drug tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) to a stroke patient or make a timely transfer of the patient to a larger hospital to receive the drug.Metzger is a Managing Member of the firm. Sherman is an Associate Principal. For more information about the case, contact Clyde Metzger at 734-742-1880 or .
Kim J. Sveska Wins Pharmacy Malpractice Trial
Kim J. Sveska recently won a defense verdict in a wrongful death medical malpractice case in the Macomb County (Michigan) Circuit Court. The case involved allegations that the Defendant pharmacist failed to properly counsel the Plaintiff on the correct use of a concentrated form of a self-administered drug. The jury deliberated for only one hour before returning their verdict in favor of the client.Sveska is a principal with the firm. For more information about the case, contact Sveska at 734-742-1815 or .
Clyde M. Metzger Presents at ICLE’s 11th Annual Health Law Institute
Clyde M. Metzger recently presented at the 11th Annual Health Law Institute (March 2005), co-sponsored by the Health Care Law Section of the Michigan State Bar and the Institute of Continuing Legal Education. Metzger’s presentation topic was "The Med-Mal Crisis and Tort Reform."
Tom Foley Speaks at IADC Meeting
Tom Foley recently spoke at the International Association of Defense Counsel's (IADC) 2005 Midyear Meeting in Puerto Rico on the "Anatomy of a PPA Trial," where he presented lessons learned from pre- and post-verdict jury research. Foley is Vice-Chair of the IADC Drug, Device & Biotechnology Litigation committee.Foley, Baron & Metzger Attorneys Publishes Article
Tom Foley has recently published "State High Court Strikes Latest Blow Against Tort Reform Nullification" in the Washington Legal Foundation's Counsel's Advisory. The paper reports on recent failed efforts by the Plaintiffs bar to challenge the constitutionality of key aspects of Michigan's precedent-setting tort reform. Please click here to view a PDF of the article.
Foley, Baron & Metzger Principal Appointed Vice Chair of Drug, Device & Biotechnology Litigation Committee
Tom Foley has recently been appointed by the International Association of Defense Counsel [the "IADC"] to its Drug, Device & Biotechnology Litigation Committee. The Committee is one of the most active within the IADC. Click here for more information at the IADC web site: www.iadclaw.org.
Foley, Baron & Metzger Wins Trial in Pennsylvania
Tom Foley recently served as lead trial counsel in a successful defense verdict for GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies. The trial, held in Philadelphia, was the first trial nationally for GSK in the mass tort litigation involving claims over the drug phenylpropanolamine [PPA].
Foley, Baron & Metzger Principal Appointed To Task Force
Tom Foley has recently been appointed by the International Association of Defense Counsel [the "IADC"] to its Task Force on Website and Technology. The Task Force is charged with overseeing all technological aspects of IADC including its web site. Click here for more information at the IADC web site.