Troy Business Law Attorneys Guiding You Through Every Step
Every company, regardless of its position in the market or its industry, will obtain meaningful benefits by working closely with experienced legal counsel. Based in Troy, Michigan, and serving regional and national businesses, we at Driggers, Schultz & Herbst, provide results-oriented, dynamic legal counsel. Our practice areas include:
- Partnership/shareholder litigation: Intracompany disputes can jeopardize a company’s future. Our law firm prosecutes and defends such claims, providing strong analysis and determining the best way to protect our clients’ interests.
- Contract disputes: Contracts are the foundation of any agreement between businesses. When this foundation is shaken due to one party’s failure to adhere to contractual terms, our attorneys can intervene.
- Business transactions: We advise and counsel companies of all sizes in the full range of business transactions, including partnership agreements, finance, buying or selling a business, and entity selection and formation.
- Real estate: We represent purchasers, sellers, developers, investors in sales and acquisitions, development and planning, and financing and leasing matters.
- Loan workouts: Our law firm assists clients with the financial, tax, and real estate issues associated with distressed businesses and properties.
- Consumer litigation defense: We defend manufacturers and sellers in state and federal courts. While we have tried numerous cases to a verdict, our lawyers emphasize the necessity of resolving matters quickly and cost-efficiently whenever possible.
- Products liability defense: We aggressively defend design, manufacturing, and failure-to-warn cases against manufacturers and sellers throughout Michigan and the Midwest, providing cost-effective representation of the highest quality.
- Business formation: Our team works with you to select the right entity for your business to minimize liability and help your enterprise thrive.
- Mergers and acquisitions: We advise you on the many moving parts of mergers and acquisitions, from due diligence to contract review, to facilitate successful M&As.
Our approach goes far beyond simply “winning” the matter at issue. Our objective in any matter is to create strategies that situate our clients for success in both the short and long term. This can prevent future litigation and preserve business relationships. With many of our clients, we fill the role of in-house counsel, advising on day-to-day legal and business matters. Whatever your company’s legal needs, our lawyers and staff stand ready to achieve your objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions: Michigan Business Law
Below, our attorneys address common business law concerns and questions with clear, practical explanations under Michigan law.
What are the legal differences between forming an LLC and a corporation under Michigan law?
In Michigan, both structures provide liability protection, but they differ significantly in governance, tax treatment and administrative obligations.
LLCs are created by filing articles of organization with the state, and they operate under a flexible structure that allows members to manage the business or appoint managers. LLCs receive default pass‑through taxation, so profits and losses move to members’ personal tax returns.
Corporations are formed by filing articles of incorporation and must follow a formal hierarchy involving shareholders, a board of directors and corporate officers. Additionally, corporations must adopt bylaws, issue stock, hold annual meetings and maintain written minutes. They face entity‑level taxation unless they qualify as an S corporation with the IRS.
What legal elements are required for a commercial contract to be legally binding under Michigan law?
Michigan requires several essential elements for an enforceable contract to support clarity and fairness. A binding contract must include:
- A definite offer
- An acceptance that matches the offer
- Consideration exchanged between the parties
- Mutual assent, meaning parties agree to the same material terms
Each party must have legal capacity, including adulthood, mental competence and authority to bind a business entity. The agreement must also involve a lawful purpose, and certain contracts must be in writing under Michigan’s Statute of Frauds. Examples include real estate agreements and contracts that cannot be performed within one year.
How does the Oakland County Circuit Court resolve commercial disputes involving local businesses?
Commercial cases exceeding $25,000 are typically assigned to the Oakland County Business Court, a specialized division of the Circuit Court. Whether your business is in Troy or the broader Oakland county including Detroit’s northern suburbs, this court tends to service the case. This court handles complex matters such as shareholder disputes, contract claims, business torts and legal issues involving trade secrets.
Judges use structured case management tools, including early scheduling conferences, tailored discovery plans and mandatory mediation or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to streamline resolution. The court issues written opinions that create consistent precedent, helping businesses evaluate their legal risks and anticipate potential outcomes.
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