David McCurdy explained how lease terms can affect surface owners’ quality of life, including how close mining operations can be placed to residences and other buildings. David Porteous explained how big the financial stakes are–and why every land or mineral owner should hire a qualified professional to review their lease.

We have represented land and mineral owners for over 30 years. Contact a professional at MWP today to review your lease.

The presentation will draw from Nathan’s experience representing clients in numerous probate matters, including:

• Protective proceedings to authorize special needs plans and long-term care plans;
• Contested guardianships;
• Undue influence challenges to wills and trusts;
• Testamentary capacity challenges to wills and trusts; and,
• Breach of fiduciary duty claims against trustees, personal representatives, and agents acting under a durable power of attorney.

Wading in Blood dedicates a chapter to the 6-week murder trial of Thomas Richardson, where Jason served as Mr. Richardson’s trial counsel.

Jason’s guest appearance is an extension of our Legally Speaking series, in partnership with Northern Michigan’s Fox 32. In Legally Speaking, McCurdy Wotila & Porteous showcases the breadth of expertise at our firm.

Jason Elmore is a partner at our firm, specializing in criminal defense and civil litigation.

At trial, Elmore challenged the state’s interpretation of Michigan’s “computer abuse” statute, MCL 752.795. Elmore reasoned that, before an employee using a computer network can be convicted of making an “unauthorized” access, the employer must set rules and procedures outlining what types of network access are allowed.

After a jury trial, Jason’s client was acquitted of the felony charge, but convicted of the misdemeanor. The Court of Appeals reversed our client’s conviction, agreeing with Jason’s analysis at trial.

The annotation discussing this case can be found in State Computer Law: Commentary, Cases & Statutes, § 7:2207 “Computer abuse” (2009) (KS).

Practice Areas

Business (Corporations, LLCs, Closely-Held Businesses)

• David L. Porteous
• David S. McCurdy
• Michael A. Figliomeni
• Nathan Piwowarski
• Donald C. Samardich

Criminal Defense

• Roger L. Wotila
• Jason J. Elmore
• Tyler O. Thompson

Drinking & Driving

• Jason J. Elmore
• Tyler O. Thompson

Driver’s License Restoration

• Jason J. Elmore
• Tyler O. Thompson

Estate Planning (wills, trusts, special needs trusts, family business succession planning)

• David S. McCurdy
• Wendy A. Divozzo
• Nathan Piwowarski
• James C. Thompson

Environmental law

• Michael A. Figliomeni

Family Law (adoption, divorce, child custody)

• Wendy A. Divozzo
• Jason J. Elmore

General Civil Litigation

• Roger L. Wotila
• Michael A. Figliomeni
• Wendy A. Divozzo
• Jason J. Elmore
• Tyler O. Thompson

Government Relations & Lobbying

• David Porteous
• Nathan Piwowarski

Guardianship & Conservatorship

• David S. McCurdy
• Anne M. Perillo
• David L. Porteous
• Nathan Piwowarski
• Tyler O. Thompson

Labor & Employment

• David L. Porteous
• Michael A. Figliomeni

Land Use & Zoning

• David S. McCurdy
• Michael A. Figliomeni
• Nathan Piwowarski

Mediation

• Roger L. Wotila
• Michael A. Figliomeni

Municipal

• David Porteous
• David S. McCurdy
• Michael A. Figliomeni
• Nathan Piwowarski
• Tyler O. Thompson
• Cynthia K. Wotila

Long-term Care Planning (Medicaid, Medicare, Insurance, Private Pay)

• Anne Perillo

Oil & Gas

• David Porteous

Personal Injury

• Roger L. Wotila
• Jason J. Elmore

Wills, Trust, and Estate Administration

• David S. McCurdy

· Wendy A. Divozzo

· Nathan Piwowarski