- Adoption
- Assault
- Business DisputesPracticing Business Law, Employment Law, Labor Law, Real Estate Law, Estate Planning, Charter School Law and Personal Injury. See our Practice Areas
- Business TransactionsMelvin S. McWilliams, P.C. provides an array of business legal services to corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies, including assistance with choice of entity, formation and operation, commercial transactions, buy-sale agreements, antitrust and trade regulation, government contracting, risk management and equipment leasing. We assist clients in getting their businesses off the ground with assistance with bylaws, operating agreements and partnership agreements. Melvin S. McWilliams, P.C. has expertise reviewing uniform franchise offering circulars (UFOCs) for franchised businesses, as well as the proposed franchise agreements, exhibits and manuals. When it is necessary to terminate a franchise relationship, Melvin S. McWilliams, P.C.'s expertise is valuable in formulating a strategy that is consistent with the FTC rules and Michigan's regulatory requirements. Melvin S. McWilliams P.C. also collaborates with individuals and businesses that choose to form nonprofit corporations and obtain 501(c)(3) determinations from the Internal Revenue Service for their charitable endeavors.
- Limited Liability Companies
- Construction Contracts
- Antitrust
- Workers Compensation
- Employment ContractMelvin S. McWilliams P.C. possesses expertise advising charter schools on matters involving organizational disputes, hiring and purchasing practices, personnel policies, disciplinary proceedings involving employees and pupils, special education issues, acquisition of facilities, employment contracts, preparation of request for proposals and qualifications, and disputes involving chartering bodies and educational service providers (ESPs).
- Real Estate LitigationOur expertise includes the representation of municipalities, drainage districts, private corporations and individuals in condemnation proceedings, zoning disputes, nuisance matters, drainage disputes, wetland issues, boundary disputes, property exchanges and related litigation.
- Construction LitigationPrior to 1996, Mr. McWilliams served as Chief Assistant City Attorney for the City of Lansing where he was actively involved in the management of the City of Lansing's legal affairs, including supervision of legal staff and litigation involving employment and labor disputes, zoning and nuisance disputes, police liability claims, and construction disputes. Mr. McWilliams also drafted and reviewed proposed ordinances and contracts, authored numerous opinions, and represented the City Attorney at public and community meetings and serving as a spokesperson on a variety of legal matters. He has also held the positions of Supervising Attorney with the UAW-GM Legal Services Plan, and of Assistant City Attorney with the City of Jackson, Michigan.
- Real Estate TransactionsMelvin S. McWilliams, P.C. provides a full range of legal services involving real estate transactions. We can assist you in the purchase, sale or lease of commercial or residential properties, and have assisted businesses and charter schools with the expansion of their facilities. We have experience in zoning and other regulatory restrictions, and are experienced in the representation of parties involved in the construction process – primarily owners and contractors – as well as the construction documentation process.
- Land Use and ZoningMelvin S. McWilliams, P.C. also possesses expertise in collaborating with clients involved in affordable housing projects. This expertise involves assistance with entity formation, property acquisition, document preparation and review including architectural and construction contracts, collaborating with local elected officials on, planning and zoning issues, and addressing title issues, and, if necessary, litigation assistance.
- Personal InjuryMr. McWilliams is the managing shareholder of Melvin S. McWilliams PC, which represents clients in a variety of areas with an emphasis on general business, employment and labor, real estate, wills, trusts & estate planning, personal injury matters, and the representation of public bodies. Mr. McWilliams was also for several years a shareholder with Howard & Howard Attorneys, PC.
- Medical MalpracticeMelvin S. McWilliams P.C. represents individuals seeking compensation for serious injuries suffered as a result of the negligence or gross negligence of others. We believe that when individuals suffer serious injuries, through no fault of their own, they are entitled to representation so that they can obtain appropriate compensation for their pain, suffering, disfigurement, loss of consortium, mental distress and loss of earning power. In many cases, individuals are forced to endure multiple operations as a result of their injuries which require that arrangements be made to pay for medical and other care for many years. When special expertise is needed, Melvin S. McWilliams P.C. will oftentimes work cooperatively with other firms with on a referral basis to ensure the best possible result on a particular case. We have expertise in representing individuals in automobile accidents, slip and falls, assaults, medical malpractice, worker's compensation, and in social security disability matters.
- Social Security Disability
- Estate PlanningMr. McWilliams received a BA degree from Kalamazoo College in 1972 and a JD degree from Valparaiso University School of Law in 1976. He is admitted to all state courts of Michigan, the United States Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. Mr. McWilliams is a member of the State Bar of Michigan (its Solo & Small Firm, Probate and Estate Planning, Negligence, and Elderly Law & Disability Rights Sections). Mr. McWilliams has also chaired one of the State Bar of Michigan's District Panels for the Character and Fitness Committee.
- WillsMelvin S. McWilliams P.C. provides a full complement of legal services to assist individuals and businesses with secession planning. The services provided range from basic last wills & testaments, lady bird deeds, to more complicated trust packages and family limited liability companies. Typically, the trust packages desired by clients include revocable trusts, pour-over wills, both financial and health care powers of attorney, and instructions to loved ones concerning final arrangements, cremation, and organ or body donation. We also provide probate administrative legal services throughout the State of Michigan and related services necessary for the settlement of a decedent's legal affairs.
- Power of Attorney
- Probate