In addition to an active practice as a court-approved Mediator for many northern Michigan courts, Mr. Couture has spoken at seminars on employment law and litigation matters and has published several articles in legal publications. As an adjunct professor for Spring Arbor University for over 10 years, he taught masters-level courses in employment law, business law and negotiations. He is a past Chair of the City of Gaylord Planning Commission and past Board member for the Otsego County Commission on Aging, the Grand Traverse, Antrim and Leelanau County Bar Association, and the Michigan Defense Trial Counsel, and he was the original editor of the MDTC’s E-Newsletter.
Ms. Hart was inducted into the College of Workers Compensation Lawyers. She was also a People’s Law School Coordinator.
Employment Litigation
Severance Agreement
Alan Couture has over three decades of experience in advising business owners and employees alike, and in drafting contracts and other business documents. We can also draft any employment document you need, such as employee contracts, non-competition agreements, and employee policy manuals and severance agreements.
FDR’s advice remains true today, but there are a lot more “legal landmines” out there when it comes to real estate than there were 100 years ago. Property disputes can be incredibly complicated and expensive to litigate. A simple call to our office early on in any real estate transaction can drastically lessen the chance of finding yourself in court.
He also spearheaded class action litigation against the City of Detroit resulting in significant changes to its unconstitutional arrest policies. Nearly twenty years ago, Gary relocated to northern Michigan and continued to represent people in need, handling significant personal injury and civil rights cases. Over the years, Gary has worked in countless courts and administrative tribunals, with multiple appearances before the Michigan Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and the U. S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Gary continues to work on a variety of legal matters, always on the side of people. His work includes worker’s compensation and social security disability cases.
Auto Accidents
Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability was created to help those Americans who find themselves disabled. According to the Social Security Administration, studies show that a person over 20 has a 1 in 4 chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age. These benefits serve as a way for these disabled Americans, who have a long term disability, to have some semblance of an income to help pay the bills. Not everyone meets the requirements for Social Security Disability benefits however and understanding your rights and proving your ca
Dog Bites
Have you suffered an injury, disability or the loss of a loved one due to someone’s negligence? Personal injury is an injury to the body or mind, which occur in any number of ways: automobile, snowmobile, semi-truck, bicycle or boat accidents, slip and fall incidents, or dog bites, to name a few. Our Northern Michigan offices give you access to your lawyer and allows us to personally investigate your case. We live here. We understand what’s important to the members of our community and to the jurors – our neighbors – who decide your case. Sometimes clients aren’t sure if they have a case. Complete the free case review form and our knowledgeable attorneys, Gene Petruska
It is said that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. That is surely true in the estate planning field, because everyone should have a plan for what happens when they leave this mortal realm. No two estate plans are alike. Let us help you with yours.
Wills
Whether you may need a pair of simple wills for yourself and your spouse, or you want a living trust set up to benefit your children, or you need assistance with drafting a specific health care directive or a power of attorney to handle things when you are incapacitated, we can help.