2008 Edition is Now Available!

Published since 1992 by Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, The Complete Guide to Wisconsin Sales and Use Taxes contains a comprehensive anaylsis of the Wisconsin Sales and Use Tax system. This treatise contains over 500 pages of text (including hundreds of examples and planning tips), together with a copy of relevant statutes, regulations, tax forms and a comprehensive index. This valuable book is widely considered the definitive work on the Wisconsin sales and use tax system. For more information, please contact Timothy G. Schally at tgschally@michaelbest.com or 414.225.4987. To view a detailed Table of Contents for the 2008 edition of The Complete Guide, please click here.

We are currently offering The Complete Guide 2008 edition in traditional book format, as well as in a full-text searchable CD-Rom. To purchase a copy of The Complete Guide, please click here to download an order form.

Michael Best is proud to be the exclusive author of the Doing Business in Wisconsin section of the 2008 Doing Business in…. Handbook co-branded by Lex Mundi and Practical Law Company (PLC).  This publication will contain jurisdictional overviews exclusively written by Lex Mundi member firms around the world.

The Fourth Edition of the Wisconsin Environmental Law Handbook is the combined product of attorneys in the Land and Resources Practice Group at Michael Best & Friedrich LLP. The attorneys in the Land and Resources Practice Group provide comprehensive environmental, real estate, public utilities and agribusiness legal services.

Much has changed in environmental law in the 12 years since the Third Edition (1995) was published. Over time, so many environmental regulatory programs were added to Wisconsin Statutes chapter 144 that the chapter outgrew itself. It has been divided into separate program chapters and, along with former chapter 147, moved and renumbered to chapters 281 through 299.

In addition to updating the procedural and substantive areas covered in the Third Edition (1995), the Fourth Edition includes new chapters on public utility infrastructure siting and environmental innovation. Website and internet resources have also been added. Each chapter begins with a list of the applicable statutes, administrative rules and key cases, followed by a discussion of how the laws work in practice. To aid the reader, the Handbook now contains a Table of Chapters, Table of Contents, Table of Cases, Table of Acronyms, and Index of Words and Phrases. As the primary environmental agency in Wisconsin, the DNR is discussed throughout the Handbook. Other agencies with some environmental responsibilities are noted as appropriate in various Chapters.

This Handbook is designed to provide a basic overview of environmental law and regulation in Wisconsin for Wisconsin lawyers who do not regularly practice in the area, environmental lawyers in other states who want to understand how things work in Wisconsin, business owners, plant managers and compliance officers who deal with environmental regulatory requirements among their many other duties, and others who are looking for a resource to help them understand the environmental regulatory framework. It is not a comprehensive treatise and should not be used as a substitute for independent legal advice to address specific fact situations.

About the Author

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP's Land and Resources attorneys provide legal services counsel in all areas of real estate, project development, land use, agribusiness, construction, environmental and utility law. Our breadth of experience in the following land-related fields enables us to address highly complex, multi-faceted issues.

• Agribusiness, Food and Fiber
  
• Construction and Infrastructure
  
• Energy and Utility
  
• Environmental
  
• Land Use
  
• Condemnation
  
• Real Estate
  
• Tax Assisted Development
  
• Retail Development
  
• Residential Development
  
• Telecommunications
  

With nearly 50 professionals at the cutting edge of our fields, it is our priority to know and fully understand our clients' business by keeping abreast of industry trends and practices. We are regular presenters and panelists at industry and legal seminars and conferences. We actively participate in environmental public policy development by serving on advisory committees appointed by the Governor, the Secretaries of DATCP, DNR and DOR, and the Legislature.

Click here to order.

This comprehensive resource guides you through the maze of worker’s compensation — from purchasing worker’s compensation insurance to administering claims — and beyond.

A must-have reference for HR professionals, business owners, claims managers, insurers, government officials and anyone else dealing with Worker’s Compensation issues.

Written in a clear, concise and easy to use format by experienced employment and Worker’s Compensation law professionals, this publication will prove to be a valuable resource for everyone who works with the Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation System. This handbook will provide you with valuable insights on reducing worker’s compensation costs, defending claims and managing difficult employee issues in worker’s compensation cases.

Topics include:

• History, structure, benefits and standards of the Worker’s Compensation Act.
  
• Investigation, documenting and challenging claims. Step-by-step approach, from the initial stages through hearing and appeal.
  
• Methods to respond to and prevent fraud.
  
• The impact of laws such as unemployment compensation, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act on worker’s compensation.
  
• Forms and Regulations
  Contains the entire text of the Wisconsin Worker’s Compensation Act, Administrative Rules and state mandated forms. Also contains unique management forms not available from any other source.
  
  

About the Author

Charles B. Palmer is a partner at Michael, Best & Friedrich LLP, and a member of the Employment Relations Practice Group. He focuses his law practice in worker’s compensation, labor negotiations, employment litigation, Equal Employment Opportunity, wage and hour, restrictive covenants, independent contractor and employment contracts, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration laws and regulation. He is the managing partner of the firm’s Waukesha, Wisconsin office.

Michael Best attorneys Michael A. Stiegel and Brian P. Paul co-authored a chapter in the book titled, Labor and Employment Law 2007: Top Lawyers on Trends and Key Strategies for the Upcoming Year. This book discusses key trends in labor and employment law for 2007, highlighting the major milestones over the past year and providing overall thought leadership for the year ahead. The authors discuss recent changes in laws, decisions, and policies that have affected the practice of labor and employment law, as well as recent case decisions that will impact the future scope of this ever-changing area of law.

Some of the topics addressed by Mr. Stiegel and Mr. Paul in their chapter titled, "Over-Arching Issues Dominating Labor Law," include:

• Releasing employee claims under the ADA and FMLA
• Retaliation issues
• Supervisory issues and the National Labor Relations Act

For more information on how to order this book, please visit Aspatore's Book Store at http://www.aspatore.com/store/bookdetails.asp?id=515.

The Executive's Guide to Understanding the Laws Behind White Collar Crime is an authoritative, insider's perspective on key strategies for representing and advising companies facing a criminal investigation. Featuring partners and shareholders from some of the nation's leading firms, these experts guide the reader through the different phases of a white collar crime case and the key considerations for each phase. These top lawyers reveal their advice to companies on how to handle search warrants and subpoenas, how to conduct internal investigations, how to assess financial implications, and how to make the difficult decision of whether to speak with the government. From common client mistakes and components of client education to strategies for preparedness, including formulating effective compliance programs and advanced planning for crisis management, these authors explain important factors in measuring corporate impact after a white collar crime investigation and give their checklist items for the essential "lessons learned." The different niches represented and the breadth of perspectives presented enable readers to get inside some of the great legal minds of today, as these experienced lawyers offer up their thoughts around the keys to navigating an increasingly-enforced and rapidly-changing area of law.

Michael Best Litigation Partner, John C. Thomure, authored the chapter titled, "Getting Back to Business."

To purchase this book, please visit Aspatore's Book store at http://www.aspatore.com/store/bookdetails.asp?id=378

Cost: $300

The threat of a strike is a union’s most powerful weapon against an employer. A successful strike can cripple an employer from both an economic and public relations standpoint. Many employers underestimate the complex and time-consuming nature of a work stoppage. Work stoppages are often turning points or long lasting milestones in the labor management relationship.

Robert W. Mulcahy, Charles B. Palmer and Marion C. Smith, the authors of the Strike Prevention and Control Manual, bring to you backgrounds of substantial in-the-trenches experience in labor relations. Each author has been extensively involved in collective bargaining negotiations and the preparations of strike plans for companies nationwide.

This practical, easy-to-use manual will empower management to successfully prevent or control a strike. The manual focuses on the following issues:

• Anticipating and identifying the strike signs
• Bargaining to control strikes
• Designing an effective strike plan and legal responses
• State by state analysis of strike breaker legislation
• State by state analysis of eligibility for unemployment compensation benefits
• Understanding the role of NLRB and FMCS
• Structuring the management strike team
• Communications and public relations aspects of the strike
• Post-strike considerations
• Special health care section

This manual is designed for management's use.

If you would like to purchase a copy of the manual, please click here to download an order form.

This Guide to the Fair Labor Standards Act is designed for Human Resources professionals and other designated company officers or staff responsible for the administration of wage and hour policies and practices.  The Fair Labor Standards Act, referred to as the “FLSA” in short, is the federal law that governs wage and hour matters, including minimum wages and overtime.  Many states, including Wisconsin and Illinois, have their own wage and hour laws in addition to the FLSA.  Although this Guide pertains only to the FLSA, it will identify certain issues where a more comprehensive analysis of state law may be necessary.

If you are interested in purchasing this guide, please download the order form here. For questions, please contact Mitchell W. Quick at 414.225.2755 or mwquick@michaelbest.com, or Neil Stekloff at 414.277.3443 or nbstekloff@michaelbest.com.

The Guide Addresses the Following Topics: Scope Of OSH Act and OSHA Standards and Regulations; Record Keeping and Recording; Inspection; Inspection Procedures and Employer Rights; Citations and Penalties; and Contests and Defenses.

If you are interested in purchasing this guide, please download the order form here [PDF - 133KB]. If you would like additional information or have any questions regarding this guide, please contact Charles B. Palmer at (262) 956-6560 or cbpalmer@michaelbest.com.

The Handbook for Wisconsin Municipal Officials is a publication of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities. It was co-authored by Curt Witynski, Claire Silverman and Dan Olson of the League staff. In addition to other contributing authors, the following attorneys and other professionals from Michael Best & Friedrich LLP contributed to Chapter 5: Scott C. Beightol, Robert W. Mulcahy, Kathleen A. Rinehart, and Marion C. Smith, Director of Labor Research. The reference manual discusses the following topics:

• Municipal Governments in Wisconsin;
  
• Municipal Officers;
  
• The Governing Body, Specific Offices, Commissions & Boards;
  
• Conflicts of Interest, Compatibility of Office & Liability;
  
• Municipal Employees;
  
• Municipal Legislative Procedures;
  
• Open Government Laws;
  
• Finance and Taxation;
  
• Municipal Borrowing in Wisconsin;
  
• Land Use;
  
• Contracts;
  
• Public Safety;
  
• Licensing & Regulation; and
  
• Additional Information and Resources
  

If you are interested in purchasing this handbook, please download the order form here. For questions, please contact Robert W. Mulcahy at rwmulcahy@michaelbest.com or (414) 271-6560.

The Federal Family and Medical Leave Act has caused anxiety to countless human resources administrators since it was enacted over nine years ago. Michael Best & Friedrich recognizes our clients’ need to have the resources necessary to handle the myriad issues that arise under this complex law. We have developed the Michael Best & Friedrich LLP Family and Medical Leave Act Reference Manual in response. The Reference Manual Contains The Following Materials:

• FMLA Checklists and Flowchart;
  
• Sample Polices;
  
• Sample Administrative Forms (including forms not found anywhere else);
  
• The federal FMLA Statute as enacted by Congress;
  
• The federal FMLA Final Regulations issued by the Department of Labor;
  
• The comments by the Department of Labor to the Final Regulations;
  
• Guidance concerning the interaction between the FMLA, COBRA, and Cafeteria Plans;
  
• Individualized for the State FMLA law applicable in your state (if any); and
  
• Space for more FMLA materials as you accumulate them.
  

If you are interested in purchasing this manual, please download the order form here [PDF - 59.8KB]. For questions, please contact Charles P. Stevens at cpstevens@michaelbest.com or (414) 225-8268.

Wisconsin welcomes business, foreign investment and trade. With its educated and productive workforce, its pro-business environment, and its high quality of life, the State is an ideal location for business expansion and development. This Guide contains an overview of the legal aspects of conducting business or investing in the State of Wisconsin.

Brand names, slogans, and logos, protected under the law of trademarks, identify the products and services offered by your business and distinguish those products and services from those of your competitors. A trademark can be a word, symbol, logo, design, a color, a sound, or any combination of these items. Trademarks are often associated with or embody a business’s goodwill — that intangible asset that arises from the reputation of a business and its relations with its customers. To view a detailed version of the most recent edition of Selecting and Managing Trademarks, please click here. For more information, please contact Ariana Voigt at 414.271.6560 or agvoigt@michaelbest.com.

Copyright is the most well known legal mechanism for protecting software. Less known, but perhaps more important, is the judicial system’s recognition that software can be patented. In fact, under present laws, software (and business methods) may be protected via patent, copyright, and trade secret mechanisms. Trademark protection may also be used to protect the brand identity of a business and its products or services. These four forms of legal protection are not necessarily mutually exclusive. For example, software can be patented, registered with the U.S. Copyright Office as a copyrighted work and, at the same time, a trademark registration can cover the name under which the software or software services are offered. The costs and benefits of each type of protection vary, and the availability of patent protection in particular varies depending upon the specific advantages achieved by the software application or business method and the timeliness of seeking such patent protection. To view a detailed version of the most recent edition of Protecting Software and Related Business Methods, please click here. For more information, please contact Derek Stettner at 414.271.6560 or dcstettner@michaelbest.com.