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We are experienced attorneys offering innovative and collaborative legal solutions that grow businesses and banks, expand churches, and build nonprofit organizations. Our blog features insight into recent case decisions, advice for budding entrepreneurs and established leaders, as well as commentary on other aspects of the legal profession that we find interesting. Welcome. Please let us know what you think.
How to Select an Attorney for a RLUIPA / Religious Land Use Case
Religious leaders who are unable to use a building or land they purchased because of a land use or zoning issue can easily become frustrated. Picking the right attorney to help navigate the process for what happens next is a critical decision. Not every attorney […]
Read MoreDalton & Tomich, PLC help a local church leave a denomination and keep its property
The history of religious growth in the United States can be traced in no small part to the frequency of schism within religious organizations, which is to be expected where the First Amendment absolutely protects the right to believe whatever one chooses. One result is […]
Read MoreThe Supreme Court declines to hear Church Property Rights Cases
As noted previously, the United States Supreme Court had two cases before it where it had the opportunity to provide a clear direction in the law on denominational trust clause cases and guidance on the ownership of Church property. Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court denied […]
Read MoreSettlement Agreement “Tender Back” Rule Upheld by Michigan Court
Can an employee sue its employer where she released all claims in severance agreement, even though the employer stopped payments per the agreement? In Yob v. Smith and Van Fossen, Mich. Court of Appeals No. 339607 (May 15, 2018), the court of appeals upheld the […]
Read MoreReligious liberty champion attorney Noel W. Sterett joins Dalton & Tomich, PLC, opens Illinois office
Sterett has successfully defended the rights of congregations across the country, recently co-authored guide to help church leaders navigate RLUIPA, land use litigation process Attorney Noel W. Sterett has joined the law firm Dalton & Tomich, PLC. Sterett focuses his practice on the defense of […]
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Supreme Court Reaffirms Religious Liberty Protections in Cake Case; Decision Underscores Importance of RLUIPA and State RFRA’s
This morning the United States Supreme Court, by a 7-2 vote in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case, reaffirmed “the First Amendment’s guarantee that our laws be applied in a manner that is neutral toward religion.” The case involves a Colorado baker, Jack Phillips, who declined on […]
Read MoreDaniel P. Dalton recognized for excellence in land use litigation by America’s Top 100 Attorneys
Religious land use attorney Daniel P. Dalton of Dalton & Tomich, PLC has been recognized with a Lifetime Achievement selection to America’s Top 100 Attorneys®. Dan is the nation’s preeminent expert in the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Person Act, also known as RLUIPA. He […]
Read MoreUpdate on the Supreme Court’s Review of the Enforceability of Denominational Trust Clauses
As noted earlier this year, the Diocese of South Carolina asked the United States Supreme Court to review the enforceability of trust clauses. The Supreme Court ordered the Episcopal Church to file a response, which, occurred on May 8, 2018. In addition to the response […]
Read MoreCourt Clears Way for Use of Unpaid Volunteer Labor
Organizations that use volunteer labor can breathe a sigh of relief. With the latest decision from the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, Acosta v. Cathedral Buffet, Inc., 6th Cir., Case No. 17-3427, (April 16, 2017), the Appellate Court clarified that use of unpaid labor, was […]
Read MorePensions and the Methodist Pastor
Moving to a Pension Plan In 2004, the United Methodist Church made a financial decision relative to the retirement benefits of Methodist clergy contrary to most other religious and private entities: it moved from a 401k retirement plan to a traditional pension plan. The New […]
Read MoreAbout Us
The attorneys of Dalton & Tomich, PLC have the experience and the knowledge to work with you to develop a legal solution that helps accomplish your goals. Our collaborative approach has helped leaders like you grow businesses and banks, develop and expand churches, and build nonprofit organizations nationwide.
Our Practice Areas
- call us: 313.859.6000
- visit us:The Chrysler House
719 Griswold Street, Suite 270
Detroit, Michigan 48226 - parking:Financial District Garage (730 Shelby Street, access via Lafayette and Shelby)
Mitchell CorderAdministrative Bishop Church of God, Tennessee
In my role as Administrative Bishop for the Church of God, quite often we are faced with issues that involve local governments and municipalities. Many of these issues that arise in dealing with entities are land use related. I have found Dalton & Tomich’s experience and expertise in this area to be a valuable resource and asset in every situation.
Tim RhodusLead Pastor, Cross Church Carlinville & Staunton, IL
Never one time during a year-long litigation process did Dalton & Tomich demonstrate anything other than Christ-like professionalism. They managed the legal details, while we continued to do church. How they managed themselves, managed our case, and represented our church set the table for me and our church to be where we are today.
Ronnie HolmesSenior Pastor, Church of the Open Door, Waco, TX
Dalton & Tomich’s expertise and experience helped us through a very difficult legal journey, ultimately achieving a favorable outcome. Their personal interest in helping us went “above and beyond” just the call of duty.