ABCSEMI Issue 1, 2021

Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 1 2021 5 LEGAL EAGLES ABC’S LEGAL EAGLES In an industry plagued by cash flow issues and bankruptcy, contractors are often left without payment and without the means to fight for it. Your contract should contain detailed stipulations that outline project expectations, payment amounts, and payment schedules. Furthermore, your contract must protect your right to payment. Have you reviewed a contract to determine if it contains a “pay if paid” clause? What about if it waives your lien right? Am I doing the right thing? It can be both frustrating and confusing but that is where a strong legal team can assist you from making a good decision bad, or a bad decision worse! The Associated Builders and Contractors of Southeastern Michigan (ABC SEMI) for the past 34 years has retained as its Chapter Attorney Frank T. Mamat of Barnes and Thornburg because of his nearly 45 years of deep experience helping companies, contractors, and employers with their complex labor and union matters. “Through the years, Frank has successfully counseled ABC members on virtually every type of labor matter,” said ABC SEMI President and CEO Keith Ledbetter. “We joke that he had forgotten more about labor law than most attorneys know, but everyone knows Frank doesn’t forget anything either. He was also instrumental in preparing the Michigan Senate in 2012 Michigan’s “Right to Work” law—a major win for ABC members.” In addition, Mamat provides counsel and assistance regarding union matters such as contract negotiations, elections, union avoidance, and labor arbitrations; noncompetes; unfair labor practice litigation; harassment suits; wage and hour issues; National Labor Relations Board cases; organizing attempts by unions, mass picketing and violence, secondary boycotts and pressure; and OSHA-MIOSHA and safety matters. He also advises clients on ERISA trust funds and related fiduciary liabilities. ABC State Chairman, Robert Clancy points to Frank’s experience that makes him so sought after in greater Detroit and around the country. In addition, he serves as labor counsel for several major employer associations and nonprofit trade associations, as well as on local and national boards of directors. Clancy says ABC relies on his intuition on major trade, labor, and employment law issues—not to mention his passion and knowledge in politics. “Frank has represented and advised businesses, political groups and governments in legislative and political issues,” Clancy stated. “He has advised a former U.S. president, as well as multiple governors, U.S. and state senators, congressmen, mayors, and county executives, along with dozens of candidate campaigns and political parties. He was special counsel to the Attorney General and Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder regarding enforcement of anti-mandatory PLA statutes and special campaign counsel for Michigan to President Donald Trump. He was also considered by four U.S. presidents to serve as a federal judge in Michigan, as assistant secretary of labor, as chair of the National Labor Relations Board, and as chair of the Federal Labor Relations Authority. To say the least Frank keeps us up to speed on what is happening politically that will impact our members now and for years to come.” ABC SEMI is also fortunate to have Eric Flessland, attorney for Butzel Long as its Board Secretary. He is a shareholder practicing in Butzel Long’s Detroit office. Frank T. Mamat, Barnes and Thornburg Jacqueline Kaltz-Coulombe, KaltzCoulombe PLLC Eric Flessland, Butzel Long Law is on Your Side at ABC SEMI continues on page 6 >>