Watch our short video about Outside Legal Counsel PLC
Press Releases and Statements
Judge Rules Federal Lawsuit Against Trespassing EGLE Wetland Inspectors Can Proceed Forward
March 15, 2025 - The federal court has denied dismissal of a federal lawsuit being pursued against two EGLE land inspectors for allegedly violating the Fourth Amendment. Lawsuit Filed Against Independence Bridge Operator Alleging Illegal Tolls
March 04, 2025 - A class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of drivers who were forced to pay an allegedly illegal bridge-toll when crossing the Independence Bridge in Bay City, Michigan starting January 1, 2025. OLC Secures FOIA Win on the 25,000 Pages of the Tanton Papers; University Vows Appeal
February 22, 2025 - After nearly eight years of litigation, two appeals to the Michigan Court of Appeals and a prior challenge to the Michigan Supreme Court, Outside Legal Counsel PLC has secured a final order that the University of Michigan violated the Freedom of Information Act. Bay City Property Owner Files Destroy-and-Dash Amicus Brief with Supreme Court
February 03, 2025 - Anthony Banaszak and his attorney from Outside Legal Counsel in Hemlock have today filed an amicus brief with the United States Supreme Court encouraging the nation's highest court to take up a legal challenge to the "destroy-and-dash" practices of law enforcement, including those from Mid-Michigan. OLC Files Class Action Lawsuit Against Detroit for 'Stolen' Insurance Proceeds
February 03, 2025 - Outside Legal Counsel has filed a federal class action lawsuit against the City of Detroit alleging that its "Fire Insurance Withholding Program" is an unconstitutional taking of private citizen's property under the Fifth Amendment. OLC Attorney Reappointed Class Counsel in Ongoing Tax Equity Lawsuit
January 19, 2025 - Outside Legal Counsel attorney Philip L. Ellison has been reappointed class co-counsel in the ongoing litigation against the State of Michigan in the Michigan Court of Claims on the illegal taking of private property. Class Action Attorneys Call Out Wayne County Officials Over $120+ million In Surplus
September 17, 2024 - Class action attorneys call out Wayne County Executive Warren Evans and Treasurer Eric Sabree for refusal to turn over $120+ million in surplus profits to residents who lost their homes through tax foreclosure Despite two Michigan Supreme Court rulings, Wayne County uses stall tactics, denied FOIA requests in years-long battle to avoid repayment to thousands of residents. OLC Files Federal First Amendment Lawsuit Against Anti-Yard Sign Village
August 25, 2024 - Outside Legal Counsel has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the Village officials' newly adopted practice of a Saginaw County municipality banning campaign yard signs outside a 30-day election timeframe. OLC Files Federal Suit Against Lake Level 'Easing Directives' as Unconstitutional
July 28, 2024 - Outside Legal Counsel has filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of three Roscommon County property owners challenging the constitutionality of recently enacted Public Act 112, a new state law described as "easing Michigan inland lake level management" obligations. OLC Seeks Sanctions and Dismissal of Judge's Lawsuit Against Campaign Opponent
July 18, 2024 - On behalf of a candidate running for probate judge with the Muskegon County Probate Court, Outside Legal Counsel has filed emergency court papers asking for immediate dismissal of a lawsuit seeking to silence her campaign communications. OLC Files Two Separate Legal Challenges on Inspectors 'Ignoring the Constitution'
May 11, 2024 - Outside Legal Counsel has filed two federal civil rights lawsuits, on behalf of three clients, challenging the actions of three government inspectors who have failed to comply with the Fourth Amendment. Judge Orders Roscommon County to Maintain Lake Levels Set by 1982 Decree
April 26, 2024 - After six years of litigation and forging a new legal path for inland lake level management, Outside Legal Counsel has secured a key declaratory judgment to compel Roscommon County to correct its lake mismanagement practices. OLC Files Appeal to the United States Supreme Court on Saginaw County's Civil Asset Forfeiture Practices
April 10, 2024 - On behalf a Shiawassee County retiree, Outside Legal Counsel has filed a petition with the United States Supreme Court asking the highest court to establish a nation-wide prohibition against troubling civil asset forfeiture practices. OLC Files Appeal Challenging New Higgins Lake Special Assessment District
January 08, 2024 - OLC filed a nearly 30-page brief supported by over 300 pages of appendix documents outlining why the Counties of Roscommon and Crawford securing "an undefined, open-ended special assessment on property owners along Higgins Lake" violates Michigan law. OLC Files Amicus Brief to Restore Juries to Lawsuits Against the State
December 28, 2023 - OLC filed an amicus brief on behalf of Bay County builder and property developer whose current lawsuit about police tactics is being refused a jury trial. Federal Court Finds Three Government Inspectors Violated the Fourth Amendment; Hits Neighbor With Trespass Trial
October 02, 2023 - A federal judge ruled that an Alcona County building inspector, a Caledonia Township zoning officer, and a multi-county health department sanitarian all violated the Fourth Amendment when secretly and warrantlessly entering land near Hubbard Lake. Michigan Court Orders UM to Release Tanton Papers
September 16, 2023 - After nearly six years of litigation and a prior appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court, the Michigan Court of Claims ordered the University of Michigan to release the donated advocacy papers of Dr. John Tanton being held at the University of Michigan's Bentley Historical Library. US Supreme Court to Hear Case Started by OLC in Federal Court
April 24, 2023 - The Supreme Court decided on Monday to take up a Michigan federal court case started by OLC to decide whether individuals can sue public officials who block them on social media. Supreme Court Permits Higgins Lake Water Level Case to Proceed Forward
March 10, 2023 - The Michigan Supreme Court issued an order today rejecting the attempts of a Northern Michigan county to avoid maintaining the legal lake-water levels of Higgins Lake. OLC Secures Restraining Order Against Alleged Illegal Appointment Process
January 25, 2023 - The Michigan Court of Appeals issued an emergency injunction against the Genesee County Board of Commissioners from self-appointing a replacement to the seat vacated by former Commissioner Chairman Domonique Clemons. Statement of Attorney Philip L. Ellison Regarding Ruling on Michigan's Newborn Screening Program
September 16, 2022 - Attorney Philip L. Ellison issues a public statement regarding the recent decision on the constitutionality of the Michigan Newborn Screening Program and the Michigan Neonatal Biobank. Federal Court Finds Tire Chalking Unconstitutional, Orders Payment for Each Swipe of the Chalk
August 08, 2022 - After five years of litigation, Judge Thomas L. Ludington held tire chalking to be unconstitutional. Lawsuit: Roscommon County Commissioners Violated the Open Meetings Act
April 15, 2022 - Three members of the Roscommon County Board of Commissioners have been sued for their violations of the Open Meetings Act. Court of Appeals Reverses and Returns Higgins Lake Water Level Case Back to Local Court
March 17, 2022 - The Michigan Court of Appeals has reversed the dismissal of a lawsuit brought by a group of Higgins Lake residents and homeowners challenging Roscommon County's practice of keeping the lake level too low. Judge Orders Shiawassee Board To Immediately Appear in Court on OMA Lawsuit
July 23, 2021 - A judge assigned to the Open Meetings Act lawsuit filed by Outside Legal Counsel has ordered the Board of Commissioners of Shiawassee County to appear for an expedited hearing. OLC Confirms New Path to Hold Public Officials Responsible for Open Meetings Act Violations
July 08, 2021 - The Michigan Court of Appeals today issued a decision establishing new precedent confirming that when officials violate Michigan's Open Meetings Act, it is no longer a defense to say we "substantially" compiled. Michigan Supreme Court Affirms FOIA Win By Split Decision
April 10, 2021 - OLC secured affirmance in the Tanton Papers case before the Michigan Supreme Court. OLC Files Amicus Brief on Behalf of Advocacy Group in Michigan Legislature's Historic Lawsuit
May 14, 2020 - Outside Legal Counsel's Philip L. Ellison and co-counsel Matthew Gronda have filed an amicus brief to correct the unconstitutional imbalance created by Michigan's emergency response laws. Michigan Law Students Spur Suit Against Governor Challenging COVID Travel Ban
April 27, 2020 - Michigan's prior ban between two residences violated Michiganders' constitutional rights. New Lawsuit Challenges Michigan Governor's Exercise of Emergency Powers
April 22, 2020 - On behalf of a nonprofit advocacy group, OLC has filed a new lawsuit challenging the actions of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the two laws being utilized to issue nearly four dozen executive orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Citizens File Lawsuit Challenging Governor's COVID-19 Authority to Suspend FOIA
April 07, 2020 - OLC has filed a lawsuit against the State of Michigan and Governor Gretchen Whitmer challenging the legal authority to issue Executive Order No. 2020-38 suspending Michigan's transparency and citizen oversight law. OLC Files First Amendment Lawsuit Against Comment-Deleting City Official
April 03, 2020 - A federal lawsuit filed by OLC alleges that a City Manager has been deleting comments criticizing the government's response to COVID-19 which violates the First Amendment. Power to the People, the Governor, or the Legislature; Who Knows?
April 02, 2020 - Under the Michigan Constitution, "the executive power is vested in the governor" yet it says virtually nothing about the governor issuing emergency executive orders or who is in charge in an emergency. Higgins Lake Litigants Fire Back at County's Legal Excuses, Seek Dismissal of State Intervenor
March 22, 2020 - Higgins Lake Property Owners: Roscommon County is intentionally causing the mid to later summer lake levels to repeatedly drop below the level mandated by the Legal Lake Level Order to the detriment of the users of Higgins Lake. New Mandamus Lawsuit Filed Against Roscommon County Board of Commissioners on Higgins Lake Water Levels
November 30, 2019 - A new mandamus lawsuit seeks to legally force the implementation of lake level recommendations from a 2010 engineering study and force Roscommon County to use best practices and available technology to properly maintain the actual level of Higgins Lake. Two Months, Three Easements Obtained
November 30, 2019 - In the past six weeks, OLC has secured three extremely valuable water rights or "riparian" easements for our clients through Michigan. OLC Brings Legal Action Against Roscommon County on Higgins Lake Water Levels
May 21, 2019 - A finding of contempt is being sought against Roscommon County for not maintaining water lake levels on Higgins Lake OLC Challenges Unconstitutional Use of Non-Disclosure Agreements by the State Tax Commission
February 26, 2019 - A new federal lawsuit challenges the government’s use of Non Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) as being in violation of the First Amendment. First Court Hearing to be Held in Mid Michigan Class Action Property Tax Case
January 04, 2019 - Oral arguments before the Tuscola County Circuit Court to held on Monday, January 7, 2019 following the filing of a six-county class action lawsuit challenging the legality of tax foreclosures by county treasurers. OLC's Representation Results in St Clair County Judge's PPO Practice Being Deemed Unconstitutional
December 15, 2018 - Judges using personal protection orders to supplement the rules that we all live in society by is deemed unconstitutional. Newborns and Parents to Sixth Circuit: We Do Have Constitutional Rights
October 05, 2018 - The parents of nine Michigan children have filed an appeal to a local federal judge’s decision concluding that they lack constitutional rights to be free from newborn blood draws. New Lawsuit Questions Whether Sanford Lake Property Owners Have Water Rights
September 09, 2018 - Do lake-front property owners have "riparian" rights? Sixth Circuit Rules Oxford Village Police Volunteers Are Eligible for Constitutional Name Clearing Hearings
June 28, 2018 - The Sixth Circuit issued a key appellate decision in the case involving three police reserve officers of the Village of Oxford Police Department and their right to demand their government hold a public hearing to clear their good names. Lawsuit: U of M Cannot Hide Donor's Papers by Contract
February 22, 2018 - Outside Legal Counsel PLC has today file a merits brief on behalf of a Virginia attorney seeking access to the "Tanton Papers" held at the Bentley Historical Library inside the University of Michigan. Grand Rapids Court Requested to Fine Rockford Over a Million Dollars for FOIA Violations
January 04, 2018 - Outside Legal Counsel has today filed a motion with the Kent County Circuit Court seeking summary disposition on a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit which seeks impose a new civil fine against the City of Rockford in excess of one million dollars. FOIA Documents Secured From Overcharging City Government
November 09, 2017 - OLC secures documents sought to be kept secret by using an illegal fee to constructively deny access. Federal Lawsuit Against Gratiot County and Treasurer Claim Illegal Property Theft
November 09, 2017 - On behalf its client Donald Freed, Outside Legal Counsel has recently filed a federal lawsuit challenging the decision and actions of Gratiot County Treasurer Michelle Thomas in what is described in the complaint as governmental theft. OLC Forces the Michigan Prison System to Release Prisoner Telephone Recording
October 26, 2017 - The Michigan Court of Claims has sided with Outside Legal Counsel and its client, Scott Lewis Private Investigations, LLC, and ordered the disclosure of a telephone recording created and held by the Michigan Department of Corrections. OLC Client Secures Trial on Michigan Right to Farm Act Protection
June 25, 2017 - Outside Legal Counsel PLC has secured a legal victory for a local pig farmer against a local government that sued to shut down a small local piggery. OLC Files First-of-Its-Kind Federal Lawsuit against Oxford Over Horse Mounted Unit
March 11, 2017 - OLC recently filed a federal lawsuit against the Village of Oxford, its president, manager, and others alleging that its actions at a January 2017 meeting violated the constitutional rights of three members of the local police department. OLC's Ellison Admitted to Practice Before the US Supreme Court
August 15, 2016 - On August 8, 2016, Outside Legal Counsel attorney Philip L. Ellison has been accept for admission to practice and argue cases before the Supreme Court of the United States, located in Washington DC. OLC Requests Sixth Circuit En Banc Rehearing on First Amendment Recording Case
June 03, 2016 - OLC has today filed a petition with the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit requesting all active serving federal Sixth Circuit appellate judges to collectively review the three-judge decision in a case seeking recognition of the First Amendment right to audio and video record court proceedings. Former Cottrellville Supervisor Found Personally Liable in Open Meetings case
May 30, 2016 - Former Cottrellville Township supervisor Kelly Fiscelli was ordered to be held personally liable for her actions in violating Michigan Open Meetings Act Judgment Entered Against Jackson County Sheriff's Office for FOIA Violation
May 12, 2016 - OLC has obtained a judgment against the Jackson County Sheriff's Office for violations of the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Judge Denies Baker College's Request for Dismissal in Vaccine Case
March 08, 2016 - The Genesee County Circuit Court has denied the request of Baker College to dismiss or otherwise highly restrict the lawsuit brought by a former nursing student who claims she was wrongly dismissed from the nursing program at Baker's Owosso campus due to discussions involving vaccines. OLC Secures Private Easement Non-Abandonment Victory at Michigan Supreme Court
March 04, 2016 - By a peremptory order, the Michigan Supreme Court has granted Outside Legal Counsel's clients a reversal of the trial court and Court of Appeals decisions dissolving the former's private road easement in a subdivision. OLC'S Response: Local Political Apathy Is Not A Virtue
December 31, 2015 - Outside Legal Counsel's response to the December 30, 2015 editorial of The Times Herald newspaper Judge Finds Goodrich Area Schools Violated FOIA
December 28, 2015 - After violating the required production deadline and attempting to charge high five-figures for records, a Michigan court ruled in favor of Outside Legal Counsel's client finding that Goodrich Area Schools violate Michigan's Freedom of Information Act. OLC Asks Supreme Court: Who is a Public Official?
November 29, 2015 - The Michigan Supreme Court has ordered oral argument in a case brought by Outside Legal Counsel regarding a simple question: who is a public official? Two Courts Rule Against 'Grant Now, Produce Later' FOIA Practice
November 23, 2015 - OLC has obtain two favorable rulings in two separate courts regarding the same illegality the FOIA practice of giving a written notice of "granting" a request but not actually timely producing requested records. Cass County Drops $4,000 Demand for FOIA Fees; Produces Email Records
September 29, 2015 - After trying to demand thousands of dollars for copies of simple emails, Outside Legal Counsel and Cass County reached an agreement requiring the immediate disclosure of nearly 2,000 pages emails and documents at no cost. Appeals Court Reverses Case Dismissal and Orders Trial On Cottrellville Township Supervisor Actions
August 27, 2015 - The Michigan Court of Appeals today reversed the dismissal of a legal action filed by a former township trustee and two residents who were improperly silenced by a township supervisor at a public meeting. OLC's Clients and Public Granted Unprecedented Access to Secret Police Records
May 30, 2015 - Following a series of lawsuits involving the Village of Oakley, Outside Legal Counsel PLC has successfully obtained nearly 2000 pages of secret records involving controversial pay-to-play policing program. Lawsuit: Village of Oakley Violates FOIA Again
May 07, 2015 - Outside Legal Counsel of Hemlock has filed another lawsuit against the Village of Oakley for ignoring valid requests for financial information. OLC Secures Reversal in FOIA Costs Case Ahead of Major Law Change
May 06, 2015 - The Michigan Court of Appeals adopts OLC's arguments that excessive fees under a FOIA is actionable at law. Saginaw Court: Village of Oakley Violated Open Meetings Act
December 29, 2014 - In an issued opinion, the Saginaw County Circuit Court has declared that the Village of Oakley has "clearly" violated the Open Meetings Act in regards to a secret closed-session meeting after excluding the public from observing the same. Lawsuit: City of Portage Wrongfully Plays Favorites With Police Reports
December 04, 2014 - Can a Michigan city play favorites with who it releases or refuses to release standard police reports to? The answer is no, according to a new lawsuit. Ellison, Hemlock Litigator, Named Up-and-Coming Michigan Attorney
October 31, 2014 - Outside Legal Counsel attorney and civil litigator Philip L. Ellison has been selected by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as one of the state's Up and Coming Lawyers for 2014. OLC Obtains Order Shutting Down Entire Police Dept
October 13, 2014 - Upon the application and evidentiary hearings conducted by OLC, the Saginaw County Circuit Court as ordered the immediate shut down of the Village of Oakley Police Department. Supreme Court Considers OLC's Arguments Made by Filed Amicus Brief
October 13, 2014 - By an order of the Michigan Supreme Court, an amicus brief written and filed by Outside Legal Counsel will be considered by the high court. Cottrellville Township 'Secret Meeting' Lawsuit Settled
August 28, 2014 - Today, the on-going lawsuit between Cottrellville Township and its Board of Trustees and local citizen Caroline Zoran was settled after an hour-long discussion between the parties, their attorneys, and the St. Clair County Circuit Court.
Public Act 56 Suffers Its First Change in 2014
July 29, 2014 - A change to Public Act 56 came into effect in June 2014. Lawsuit: Algonac School Board Held Secret Email Meetings in Drafting Superintendent's Six-Figure Contract
May 29, 2014 - The lawsuit alleges the Algonac Community School's Board of Education of violating the state's Open Meetings Act. Cottrellville Township Residency Lawsuit Appealed to Michigan Supreme Court
May 03, 2014 - OLC filed papers on behalf of township trustee Michael Zoran requesting the Michigan Supreme Court to assume control over the challenge to a township supervisor's failure to adhere to residency requirements. Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Grandparents
April 23, 2014 - The Michigan Supreme Court ruled in favor of OLC's clients, two grandparents who have long been denied the opportunity to seek visitation rights under Michigan’s grandparenting statute. Supreme Court "Rail-Trail" Decision Upholds Rule of Property Law
March 10, 2014 - Comments of Attorney Philip L. Ellison, a water-rights and property-rights attorney at Outside Legal Counsel, following the 8-1 decision in Marvin M. Brandt Revocable Trust v. United States. TC Resident and Grand Traverse Board Settle Open Meetings Lawsuit
February 26, 2014 - Traverse City resident Ann Laurence and the Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners today settled their lawsuit involving various allegations of violations of Michigan’s Open Meetings Act. Saginaw Court Rules Oakley Violated FOIA, But Orders Protection of Anonymous Donors to Secret Police Fund
February 26, 2014 - On February 20, 2014, Saginaw County Circuit Court Judge Robert L. Kaczmarek issued his 22 page decision outlining his long-awaited decision regarding a Freedom of Information Act challenge. Unconstitutional: Saginaw County Courthouse Electronics Ban
January 20, 2014 - Outside Legal Counsel, a Saginaw-based law firm, has filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of a client against Saginaw County Sheriff William Federspiel and one of his subordinates asking for the recently enacted Electronics Ban Order to be halted. Rare Court Proceeding Challenges Township Supervisor's Authority to Hold Office
December 20, 2013 - In a first of its kind legal action, a request for "special leave" has been filed with the St. Clair County Circuit Court seeking judicial permission to conduct a legal challenge on whether the Cottrellville Township Supervisor is illegally holding her local municipal office. Grandparents File Brief After Supreme Court Orders Further Arguments Regarding Grandparenting Rights
November 27, 2013 - On behalf of two grandparents seeking visitation rights under Michigan’s grandparenting statute, Attorneys Colin Dill of Dill Law PLLC and Philip L. Ellison of Outside Legal Counsel PLC have filed a supplemental brief after the Michigan Supreme Court ordered oral argument on whether to hear the case. FOIA Lawsuit Seeks Restraining Order on New Court of Claims Law, PA 164
November 14, 2013 - Outside Legal Counsel PLC has filed for an emergency temporary restraining order against the State, the Department of Corrections, and its agents from taking any steps to transfer the already underway case to the newly created Court of Claims at the Michigan Court of Appeals. Cottrellville Township's Squashing Public Participation Ruled Illegal
November 04, 2013 - Cottrellville Township - The St. Clair County Circuit Court ruled today that the actions of Cottrellville Township and its supervisor, Kelly Ann Lisco, violated the Michigan Open Meetings Act Case Study: OLC Reclaims Riparian Rights for Lake Front Property by Court Decision
November 02, 2013 - After litigating for more than a year, Outside Legal Counsel PLC has re-established riparian rights to the shorelands of an inland lake in West Michigan paving the way for the landowner to begin enjoying its riparian rights, including building and maintaining a dock. Lawsuit Filed Against Cottrellville Township, Supervisor for Cutting Public Comments Short
July 22, 2013 - Outside Legal Counsel PLC has filed a lawsuit in St. Clair County Circuit Court for a township prematurely ending public comment at its public meetings. Hastings Senior Sues His School District Over Secret Expulsion Proceedings, Records
May 24, 2013 - A high school senior, within a few weeks of graduation, has filed a lawsuit against his school district alleging violations of the Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act for his district’s failure to disclose who it has expelled over the past three years. Sunshine Lawsuit Against Gaming Board Challenges >$4,000 FOIA Fee
April 29, 2013 - OLC has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Oakland County resident who requested a few legal records and was assessed more than $4,000 in fees before the agency would even begin to look into the request. OLC Files FOIA Lawsuit Over Police Reservists Records
April 24, 2013 - Outside Legal Counsel PLC has filed a lawsuit against the Village of Oakley alleging violations of Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Michigan Law Still Bans Knives Despite TSA Change (But Not For Long)
March 18, 2013 - Despite the change of federal law, Michigan also has opted to continue a previously enacted state-level ban more restrictive than TSA's former rules but the Michigan law will likely be trashed under a legal doctrine known as preemption. OLC Secures Judgment for Activist Against City's Secret Email Meeting
February 08, 2013 - OLC has secured a judgment against the City of Ludington on behalf of a citizen activist and community blogger regarding the illegal use of email-based city council meeting and voting practices.
Homeowner Sues Consumer Rights Group for Violating Consumer Rights Law, Ironic Lawsuit Alleges
February 01, 2013 - On behalf of an exploited homeowner, Outside Legal Counsel PLC has filed a lawsuit against the Better Business Bureau of West Michigan, Inc alleging its business rating system and business accreditation program are being operated in violation of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act. Online Passwords & Social Media Accounts Now Legally Protected
December 30, 2012 - Michigan Governor Rick Snyder today signed into law Public Act 478 of 2012, a new law designed to prohibit employers and educational institutions from requiring employees and students to hand over or even request passwords or access to personal online accounts. Hey Hunters, Recreational Trespass Is Real and Illegal
November 11, 2012 - Hunters need to pay attention to property rights and property lines or they might find themselves afoul with the law Ludington City Council Spent ≈$100K in Secret Email Meeting, Lawsuit Alleges
November 09, 2012 - On behalf a local resident, Outside Legal Counsel PLC has filed a lawsuit against the City of Ludington alleging violations of Michigan's Open Meetings Act. Kalamazoo Appeals Court Rules Against Jack's Wholesale Windows in Favor of Wronged Homeowners
November 01, 2012 - Outside Legal Counsel PLC has secured an improved civil judgment against Jack's Wholesale Windows and Design of Schoolcraft, Inc, a replacement-windows company located in Southwest Michigan. Case Study: Lifting of Stop Work Order
September 03, 2012 - OLC has successfully assisted a husband and wife homeowner from the effects of a Stop Work Order issued on the building of a retirement home on Lake Huron in Iosco County, Michigan. Mount Pleasant Hospital Sued Over Exploiting Unpaid Internships
August 03, 2012 - OLC files lawsuit against Mount Pleasant, MI-based hospital over its unpaid student internship employment practices. OLC Secures Civil Judgment in Lawsuit Against Jack's Wholesale Windows
July 26, 2012 - On behalf of a young couple in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the law firm of Outside Legal Counsel PLC has secured a civil judgment against local window company, Jack's Wholesale Windows and Design of Schoolcraft, Inc. 5 Years of Jail Time Possible for Accessing Spouse's Email
June 06, 2012 - Accessing the email and Facebook of your significant other without permission is against Michigan law. OLC Attorney Featured as Guest Columnist in the May 2012 Woods-n-Water Magazine
May 09, 2012 - OLC attorney Philip L. Ellison has been featured as a guest columnist in the May 2012 issue of the Woods-N-Water News magazine I'll See You in Small Claims Court
May 02, 2012 - Michigan's small claims courts handle cases where the parties are disputing a money claim in the amount of $3,000 or less. Local Attorney Comments on Story Regarding Employer's Demand for Facebook Passwords
March 26, 2012 - Attorney Philip L. Ellison comments on two leading Democratic US senators' inquiry of whether employer-required access to individual Facebook profiles violates federal laws.
A Michigan Court Grants OLC's Request to Serve a Subpoena via Facebook
March 16, 2012 - In an age of instant communications and interconnectivity, OLC has secured a court order allowing it to serve a Michigan trial subpoena through the social networking site Facebook. Michigan's Crime Victims' Law is a Little Known Tool for Crime Victims
February 04, 2012 - Michigan's crime victims' law is a powerful tool for the victims of crimes in response to unlawful acts of criminals, but only if utilized. Constitution Week - Unusual Particulars From the US Constitution
September 17, 2011 - Starting Saturday, September 17th, Michigan is officially celebrating the US Constitution. The US Constitution contains a number of other unusual and unknown legal aspects. Michigan Landlord-Tenant Law Silent as to Michigan Bedbugs
September 04, 2011 - But once an infestation of bedbugs as occurred, the question becomes who is responsible for the cost of their eradiation under Michigan law? First Circuit Rules Public Can Videotape Cops in Public Places
September 02, 2011 - The First Circuit Court of Appeals has recently ruled that members of the public have a 'clearly established' First Amendment right to film police officers conducting police business in a public place. Michigan Appeals Court Declines to Address Challenge to Michigan's Son of Sam Law
September 02, 2011 - The Michigan Court of Appeals declined to review a legal challenge to Michigan's 'Son of Sam' law, a statute within Michigan's Crime Victim's Rights Act, that prohibits a convicted individual from profiting from marketing or publicizing previous criminal acts unless full restitution, compensation, and other costs has been first paid. How Can a Judge Order CMU Professors Back to Work?
August 25, 2011 - On Monday, August 22, 2011, the Honorable Paul A Chamberlin issued a court order against the protesting faculty members requiring the professors to return to work based upon a complaint filed by Central Michigan University. Survey: Three in Ten Americans Cannot List Any First Amendment Rights
July 13, 2011 - A survey conducted by the First Amendment Center has found that most Americans can name at least one of the five freedoms found in the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. Yet, a staggering three in ten could not list a single First Amendment right. OLC Attorney Featured as Guest Columnist in July 2011 Woods-n-Water Magazine
June 24, 2011 - OLC attorney Philip L. Ellison has been featured as a guest columnist in the July 2011 issue of the Woods-N-Water News magazine. Filing FOIA Requests for Professors' Emails
March 30, 2011 - The idea of using the Freedom of Information Act to receive copies of a professor�s emails has spread to Michigan causing a 'perfect storm' of competing principles. OLC represents landlord regarding a motion to halt sale of former tenant's seized vehicle to pay rent debt.
March 07, 2011 - Outside Legal Counsel PLC has recently represented a Saginaw, Michigan property-owner with a minor legal issue but a difficult media situation. Michigan FOIA: 180 Day Time Limit Starts at Mailing of Denial
February 28, 2011 - In a published decision by the Michigan Court of Appeals, the Court ruled that a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) denial occurs when the public body issues, rather than drafts, a written notice. OLC Secures Legal Victory Ensuring Lake Access Rights for Hundreds in Northeast Michigan
February 11, 2011 - In a lawsuit that started almost two years ago regarding riparian (lake access) rights on a northeast Michigan lake, Outside Legal Counsel PLC attorney Philip L. Ellison has secured a legal victory for the owners of the nearly 480 lots in the Shady Shores Park subdivision near Rose City, Michigan. Legal Obligations for Snowpocalypse
February 01, 2011 - With the high amount of expected snowfall, Michigan citizens are reminded of a few key legal provisions on what to do with the wet, cold snow. Michigan Court of Appeals: 90 Days or Bust on Michigan Whistleblower Claims
January 26, 2011 - The Michigan Court of Appeals explicitly affirmed a strict 90-day window from the occurrence of the alleged violation to bring a claim under the Michigan Whistleblowers' Protection Act. Governor Snyder Calls for End of Price Item Law, But What Is It Really?
January 22, 2011 - In his first State of the State address, newly inaugurated Michigan Governor Rick Snyder called for an end to certain provisions of Michigan's Pricing and Advertising of Consumer Items Act, Act 449 of 1976. But the current law is much more than just about price stickers. MLK Day: Celebrate Your Civil Rights
January 14, 2011 - Martin Luther King, Jr. once wrote, while confined in the Birmingham jail, that an injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Today, several important state and federal laws exist to give and protect citizens’ civil rights.
Michigan Supreme Court Expansively Defines Lakefront Riparian Property Rights Abutting Public Roadways
January 06, 2011 - The Michigan Supreme Court released its lengthy 4-3 opinion regarding Michigan riparian rights for properties separated from a lake by a public roadway. Looking Under the Lid of the CAN-SPAM Act
December 27, 2010 - The CAN-SPAM Act imposes certain requirements to send emails of a commercial nature. CAN-SPAM does not ban spam outright, but rather provides a code of conduct to regulate commercial email messaging practices. OLC Lawyer Filed Appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court; Justices Take Only 8 Days to Answer
December 26, 2010 - In a land property dispute case, Portage attorney Philip L. Ellison filed an extraordinary appeal request with the Michigan Supreme Court. Two Tips on Using Your Sales Contract to Keep Down Your Account Receivable Ratio
November 21, 2010 - A few changes in your sales contracts can put you in a stronger position when attempting to collect on the uncollectible. In this tight economic climate, cash flow is the absolute most important short-term factor in business survival. Most businesses have excellent products or services yet struggle when their customers do not or will not pay on-time.
Ogemaw County Property Rights Case Immediately Appealed Before Trial
November 01, 2010 - Outside Legal Counsel, along with co-counsel from Gronda PLLC, has filed an extraordinary pre-trial application to appeal with the Michigan Court of Appeals. The case involves the requested vacation of platted property privately dedicated for shared private use at "Shady Shores." ---
