News & Resources

Welcome back to “The Quarterly Compass,” the email newsletter of True North Legal Group.  This resource is designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners, executives, and business-minded professionals in Northern Michigan.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it's a present-day tool reshaping how businesses operate. From automating customer service to optimizing supply chains, AI offers numerous benefits. However, integrating AI into your Michigan business isn't without its legal hurdles. Understanding these challenges is crucial to harnessing AI's potential while staying compliant.

For small business owners in Northern Michigan, the decision to offer employee benefits isn’t just about staying competitive in the labor market — it’s also about understanding a dense network of legal obligations that touch on both federal and state law. Employee benefits can be a powerful recruitment and retention tool, but if not managed carefully, they can also be a source of compliance headaches and legal exposure.

In today’s competitive labor market, Michigan businesses are increasingly turning to international talent to fill specialized roles and address workforce shortages. While hiring foreign employees can offer significant advantages, it also involves navigating a complex landscape of federal and state regulations. This guide provides Michigan employers with a practical roadmap to legally recruit and retain international workers, ensuring compliance and strategic alignment with business goals.

Tourism-based businesses must contend with a unique patchwork of legal requirements, from liquor licensing and accessibility compliance to local zoning and insurance coverage. Whether you’re launching a new venture or fine-tuning operations for the next busy season, understanding these legal fundamentals is critical.

Buying a business is a legal transaction at its core. It involves contracts, liabilities, employment law, regulatory compliance, and tax implications. And first-time buyers often don’t know what they don’t know. That’s where having the right legal guidance can make all the difference. At True North Legal Group, we’ve helped clients throughout Northern Michigan navigate business purchases both large and small. Below, we outline five of the most important legal considerations you need to keep in mind before buying your first business.

Employment discrimination is a serious issue that can lead to legal liability, financial losses, and reputational harm for businesses. In Michigan, both federal and state laws protect employees from discrimination based on various protected characteristics. Business owners must understand these laws to create a fair and inclusive workplace while ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

A business's reputation is one of its most valuable assets. In an era where online reviews, social media posts, and news articles can spread instantly, negative statements—whether true or not—can significantly impact a company’s credibility and financial well-being. While businesses cannot control what others say, they can take legal steps to protect themselves from false and defamatory statements.

Open source software has transformed the way businesses operate, providing access to powerful tools at little to no cost. For Michigan businesses, especially startups and small enterprises, open source software can be a cost-effective solution for development, data management, and digital infrastructure. However, while open source software offers many advantages, it also comes with legal risks that business owners must navigate.

The business world is evolving. More than ever, entrepreneurs are looking beyond profit and prioritizing social and environmental impact. This shift has led to a growing interest in benefit corporations, a corporate structure designed to balance financial success with public good.