Representation of Businesses

Melvin S. McWilliams, P.C. provides an array of business legal services to corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies, including assistance with choice of entity, formation and operation, commercial transactions, buy-sale agreements, antitrust and trade regulation, government contracting, risk management and equipment leasing. We assist clients in getting their businesses off the ground with assistance with bylaws, operating agreements and partnership agreements. Melvin S. McWilliams, P.C. has expertise reviewing uniform franchise offering circulars (UFOCs) for franchised businesses, as well as the proposed franchise agreements, exhibits and manuals. When it is necessary to terminate a franchise relationship, Melvin S. McWilliams, P.C.'s expertise is valuable in formulating a strategy that is consistent with the FTC rules and Michigan's regulatory requirements. Melvin S. McWilliams P.C. also collaborates with individuals and businesses that choose to form nonprofit corporations and obtain 501(c)(3) determinations from the Internal Revenue Service for their charitable endeavors.

Labor & Employment

It is important that your labor and employment counsel have knowledge, experience and expertise in working in unionized and non-unionized work force environments. Melvin S. McWilliams P.C. has experience in both settings, having been successfully involved in grievances and arbitrations, challenges to unfair discipline in civil service proceedings, union avoidance strategies, representation elections, unit clarification petitions, and unfair labor practice charges and hearings.

Melvin S. McWilliams, P.C. advises its public and private clients with respect to employee discipline and policies giving rise to the administration of employee discipline. Our advice starts with the development of appropriate policies, whether for at–will, or just cause employment settings, and advice on the utilization of warnings, suspensions and terminations. Our practice includes defending employee discipline decisions in internal hearings, before administrative agencies, and, if necessary, in state and federal courts. We also consult with clients with respect to a number of other practices, including polygraph testing, drug testing, AIDS policies and codes of conduct.

Advising parties in the area of civil rights should begin with an awareness of the current laws, regulations and cases that define the parameters of our civil rights protections. Melvin S. McWilliams, P.C. assists clients with the adoption of appropriate policies, procedures, diversity plans and compliance with equal employment opportunity requirements, as well as providing training to both supervisors and non-supervisors on such important topics as preventing sexual, gender, racial, and religious harassment in the work force. In the event of a claim against an employer, Melvin S. McWilliams, P.C. has defended and resolved civil rights claims in a wide variety of forums – the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and in state and federal courts. When a claim is made, Melvin S. McWilliams, P.C. will defend such claims, subject to an insurer's rights to name or waive other counsel for such claims.

Real Estate

Melvin S. McWilliams, P.C. provides a full range of legal services involving real estate transactions. We can assist you in the purchase, sale or lease of commercial or residential properties, and have assisted businesses and charter schools with the expansion of their facilities. We have experience in zoning and other regulatory restrictions, and are experienced in the representation of parties involved in the construction process – primarily owners and contractors – as well as the construction documentation process.

Our expertise includes the representation of municipalities, drainage districts, private corporations and individuals in condemnation proceedings, zoning disputes, nuisance matters, drainage disputes, wetland issues, boundary disputes, property exchanges and related litigation.

Melvin S. McWilliams, P.C. also possesses expertise in collaborating with clients involved in affordable housing projects. This expertise involves assistance with entity formation, property acquisition, document preparation and review including architectural and construction contracts, collaborating with local elected officials on, planning and zoning issues, and addressing title issues, and, if necessary, litigation assistance.

Representation of Municipalities

In order to successfully provide legal services to public bodies, staff members have to be ever mindful of the legal environment in which they operate. In addition to the requirements of their own organizing documents, such public bodies must also be mindful of their obligation to operate in accordance with the requirements of the Open Meetings Act, the Freedom of Information Act, the Bullard Plawecki Employee Right to Know Act, the Public Employee Relations Act, the Uniform Budgeting and Accounting Act. Melvin S. McWilliams P.C. is well-versed in these public laws and with advising administrators and public bodies of their obligations under these laws.

Melvin S. McWilliams P.C. possesses expertise advising charter schools on matters involving organizational disputes, hiring and purchasing practices, personnel policies, disciplinary proceedings involving employees and pupils, special education issues, acquisition of facilities, employment contracts, preparation of request for proposals and qualifications, and disputes involving chartering bodies and educational service providers (ESPs).

Estate Planning

Melvin S. McWilliams P.C. provides a full complement of legal services to assist individuals and businesses with secession planning. The services provided range from basic last wills & testaments, lady bird deeds, to more complicated trust packages and family limited liability companies. Typically, the trust packages desired by clients include revocable trusts, pour-over wills, both financial and health care powers of attorney, and instructions to loved ones concerning final arrangements, cremation, and organ or body donation. We also provide probate administrative legal services throughout the State of Michigan and related services necessary for the settlement of a decedent's legal affairs.

Personal Injury

Melvin S. McWilliams P.C. represents individuals seeking compensation for serious injuries suffered as a result of the negligence or gross negligence of others. We believe that when individuals suffer serious injuries, through no fault of their own, they are entitled to representation so that they can obtain appropriate compensation for their pain, suffering, disfigurement, loss of consortium, mental distress and loss of earning power. In many cases, individuals are forced to endure multiple operations as a result of their injuries which require that arrangements be made to pay for medical and other care for many years. When special expertise is needed, Melvin S. McWilliams P.C. will oftentimes work cooperatively with other firms with on a referral basis to ensure the best possible result on a particular case. We have expertise in representing individuals in automobile accidents, slip and falls, assaults, medical malpractice, worker's compensation, and in social security disability matters.