Michigan attorney knows full well the dynamics of a family-run firm
For the past decade or so, attorney Melissa Demorest LeDuc has gathered once a month with a small group of professionals who share one thing in common: They all are part of a family business.
The “Next Generation in the Family Business” peer group provides its members a confidential place to openly discuss the challenges and experiences that are encountered by those poised to be next in line to lead a family business or small enterprise.
“It’s a somewhat unique position to be in,” says Demorest LeDuc, who 17 years ago joined the business and real estate law firm her father founded in Royal Oak, Mich. “Most of us don’t have friends we can talk to who are also in a family business.”
The peer group is organized under the umbrella of MichBusiness, a business association that provides small businesses with resources and educational programs. Through sharing experiences and best practices, the peer group forum can help members find solutions to common issues surrounding conflict resolution, succession, leadership, and other general business concerns. The mix of family and business can produce issues that require special sensitivity. With respect to confidentiality, the group has what Demorest LeDuc likens to a “Vegas policy” — what happens in the room stays in the room.
Demorest LeDuc is well acquainted with the peculiar dynamics involved in a family-run business. In one sense, she grew up in her father’s practice.
The “Next Generation in the Family Business” peer group provides its members a confidential place to openly discuss the challenges and experiences that are encountered by those poised to be next in line to lead a family business or small enterprise.
“It’s a somewhat unique position to be in,” says Demorest LeDuc, who 17 years ago joined the business and real estate law firm her father founded in Royal Oak, Mich. “Most of us don’t have friends we can talk to who are also in a family business.”
The peer group is organized under the umbrella of MichBusiness, a business association that provides small businesses with resources and educational programs. Through sharing experiences and best practices, the peer group forum can help members find solutions to common issues surrounding conflict resolution, succession, leadership, and other general business concerns. The mix of family and business can produce issues that require special sensitivity. With respect to confidentiality, the group has what Demorest LeDuc likens to a “Vegas policy” — what happens in the room stays in the room.
Demorest LeDuc is well acquainted with the peculiar dynamics involved in a family-run business. In one sense, she grew up in her father’s practice.
Jerry Weitzel
Kozacky Weitzel McGrath, P.C., Chicago, Illinois
Kozacky Weitzel McGrath, P.C., Chicago, Illinois
What is one thing you would like to learn to do?
"I would like to re-learn Japanese. I spent five years in Kobe and Tokyo as a child and spoke the language well but have lost it over the years. I’d love to travel back there with my sons and be able to communicate wherever we went."
"I would like to re-learn Japanese. I spent five years in Kobe and Tokyo as a child and spoke the language well but have lost it over the years. I’d love to travel back there with my sons and be able to communicate wherever we went."
Coffee & Conversation
February 13th at 10:00 am EST
Developing a Career in Commercial Litigation
Klaus Oblin
OBLIN Rechtsanwälte, Vienna, Austria
February 13th at 10:00 am EST
Developing a Career in Commercial Litigation
Klaus Oblin
OBLIN Rechtsanwälte, Vienna, Austria
If you are interested in being featured in a future edition of the Primerus™ Weekly, please contact Katie Bundyra at kbundyra@primerus.com.
Good People who Happen to be Good Lawyers.
Everything about Primerus™ is encompassed in our first trademark, “Good People Who Happen to Be Good Lawyers™.”
Simple and yet meaningful, the expression has served as our identity for more than three decades, and has two distinct components, “Good People” and “Good Lawyers.
Simple and yet meaningful, the expression has served as our identity for more than three decades, and has two distinct components, “Good People” and “Good Lawyers.
Changing the World in the Nick of Time
Twin concepts of kindness and respect serve as building blocks for our future
Random Act of Kindness Day will be celebrated on February 17. In many respects, it should become a sacred holiday to be marked on a global scale from this point forward.
Author Anne Herbert is widely credited with coining the phrase “practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty.” She reportedly penned those immortal words on a placemat at a restaurant in Sausalito, Calif. in 1982, inspiring her to write a book by a shortened version of that phrase in 1993, recounting in vivid detail real-life examples of profound acts of kindness.
Her work would later lead to the creation of the Random Act of Kindness Foundation, a worldwide phenomenon that is driven by the spirit of so-called “Raktivists,” those who have made the endearing practice part of their daily lives.
Author Anne Herbert is widely credited with coining the phrase “practice random acts of kindness and senseless acts of beauty.” She reportedly penned those immortal words on a placemat at a restaurant in Sausalito, Calif. in 1982, inspiring her to write a book by a shortened version of that phrase in 1993, recounting in vivid detail real-life examples of profound acts of kindness.
Her work would later lead to the creation of the Random Act of Kindness Foundation, a worldwide phenomenon that is driven by the spirit of so-called “Raktivists,” those who have made the endearing practice part of their daily lives.
Primerus™ Weekly invites different points of view
The Primerus™ Weekly welcomes letters to the editor and op-ed columns on timely topics or items of general interest.
Submissions should be limited to 800 words and must be timely, well written, and reflect a relevant point of view that will enlighten our readers. All submissions will be edited for clarity, grammar, and style. Anonymous submissions will not be accepted, nor will those that contain falsehoods or potentially libelous information.
For those interested in contributing a letter to the editor or an op-ed column, please include a short bio (20-30 words) along with your contact information. Submissions should be sent to Robin Lewis at rlewis@primerus.com.
October 26-29, 2023
2023 Global Conference
Versailles, France
SAVE THE DATE & CHECK YOUR PASSPORT IS UP TO DATE!
2023 Global Conference
Versailles, France
SAVE THE DATE & CHECK YOUR PASSPORT IS UP TO DATE!
February 21st
IPC Owl Call/Primerus™ University
Presented by: International Practice Committee
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IPC Owl Call/Primerus™ University
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February 23rd
Marketing Section Networking Call
Presented by: Marketing Partners & Staff Section
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Marketing Section Networking Call
Presented by: Marketing Partners & Staff Section
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