Legal Question in Business Law in Michigan

I run a home-based computer repair business and would like to expand by hiring others to work under my name, providing home-based computer repair services from their own homes.

My job would ideally be mainly limited to marketing: I would ensure that the phone rings at their location, or hub. I'm interested in growing a fleet of home-based computer repair experts and promoting them.

Here's my main concern: I don't want to hire an employee right off the bat (because I'm assuming this is more difficult and entails a larger commitment), but I would like to hire independent contractors (at least at first). This raises the following legal questions: Are there any advertising laws that might get in my way? How should I limit my liability? What are the legal prerequisites before hiring my first tech? My business is an LLC in Michigan.


Asked on 1/23/10, 8:45 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Adel Fakhouri Latinis, Fakhouri & Haddad, PLC

There are a variety of things you could do. I agree that it would be better to begin by hiring independent contractors prior to them becoming full time employees, or franchisees as the case may be. In doing so, a few limitations arise (e.g. you can only maintain limited control of a independent contractor otherwise they may be deemed to be an employee).

As for the advertising laws and liability issues, there are also proper channels to navigate to both limit your liability in these areas and to protect your rights as a business owner.

As part of our practice, we provide "in-house counel" services tailored to meet the specific needs of our small to mid-size business owners. I would be happy to set up a formal consultation to introduce you to our firm and to better familiarize ourselves with your business objectives.

Adel Fakhouri

Latinis, Fakhouri & Haddad, PLC

26300 Telegraph Rd

Southfield, MI 48033

(248) 945-3400

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Answered on 1/28/10, 10:20 am


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