BUSINESS LAW

 Michael Spencer, our founding partner, has decades of experience in the management of small and medium-sized businesses.  His family owned and operated small businesses in the Traverse City area, and Michael grew up learning about the joys, stresses, and keys to success when someone decides to dedicate themselves to building a business.  Michael went on to work in sales management in the corporate world, and spent nearly a decade as the CEO of a healthcare organization before dedicating himself to providing outstanding legal services and guidance for entrepreneurs, contractors, medical professionals, and others pursuing their own dreams.  This mass of experience formed the foundation for the culture Michael has built at Spencer Law, where customized solutions, personal connections, and an attitude of service are of paramount importance.  You will immediately see that this approach leads to a different type of law office, one that is comfortable and puts you at ease, and where people truly work to understand your needs.

Business Formation

The journey toward owning and operating your own business begins with a single step, but a step in the wrong direction can set you back tremendously.  There are many considerations regarding the type of business you start, be it a sole proprietorship, a partnership, an LLC, or a corporation.  The experienced attorneys at Spencer Law can help you navigate this process, and provide you with customized recommendations that will put you on the right path based on your situation and your goals.  Cookie-cutter services do not understand your unique characteristics, personality, drives, resources, dreams, and competitive market.  
Reducing risks and protecting what you have worked so hard for are also key considerations for a new or an existing business owner.  While it may seem easy to register a business with the State, this alone provides little to no real protection.  At Spencer Law, we will help you to make sure you are familiar with the licensing and regulatory issues related to your area of business, as well as assisting you with the necessary business documents and contracts necessary to limit your personal liability.  Having the proper Operating Agreements, Bylaws, Subscription Agreements, contracts, and related business records can be the difference between being fully protected and being completely vulnerable should an issue arise related to your business.

Employee and Contractor Relations

One of the biggest challenges for most businesses is finding and retaining quality staff.  Often this is related to the lack of a clearly defined and well-organized operational model.  When staff is not properly onboarded, lacks training, or is given inconsistent direction, they tend to become uncomfortable, uncertain, and begin to lose focus on their work.  If your culture and environment are lacking, high turnover and difficulties related to recruiting top talent will inevitably follow.  The end result is difficulty accomplishing your key tasks, poor customer service, and significantly higher operating expenses.
At Spencer Law, we offer services to assist you with establishing proper policies and procedures, which will not only make for a safer and more efficient workplace, but will improve job satisfaction, employee retention, and quality of work output.  This results in greater profits, less time wasted on talent acquisition and training, and better reputation in your market.
Spencer Law has a specialized team specifically focused on our business partners in the construction trades.  One of the key areas that we have identified as causing issues within many construction-related organizations is the handling of independent contractors.  With significant changes to the rules related to classifying workers as independent contractors versus employees, now more than ever it is critical to do a full review of the criteria used by the Federal Government to determine if someone is properly classified.  Misclassification can result in substantial penalties, and even civil litigation for unpaid wages or benefits.  We take the time to review your company and the relationship you have with your workers, and will provide the best recommendations regarding proper classification, detailed contracts or employment agreements, and other legal matters related to your treatment, compensation, termination, and retention of your work force.

Business Disputes

Sometimes disputes between business partners,  a business and its clients, a business and its workers, or between two businesses do occur.  We take a very proactive approach to these disputes, and can provide comprehensive assistance dealing with these highly stressful events.  Whether we are dealing with negotiations, settlement agreements, formal demands, mechanic's/construction liens, contract revisions, or full blown litigation, Spencer Law can assist you through these challenges, and will work diligently to secure the best possible outcome for you.