When Michigan Community Resources asked Bodman to assist Life Remodeled, a local non-profit focused on improving Detroit communities, the firm had no idea what a strong relationship its attorneys would form with the client. Each summer, Life Remodeled undertakes large construction rehab projects for a Detroit school building and the surrounding neighborhood. The project involves the participation of engineers, architects, skilled trades and thousands of volunteers brought in to board up houses, cut back overgrowth, clean and organize facilities, pick up trash, and help repair homes in the school neighborhood. A project so large implicates numerous legal concerns, and Bodman was able to address many of them.

This year’s project involved the area surrounding Detroit’s Osborn High, and many Bodman attorneys stepped forward to volunteer their time. Harvey Berman led the Bodman team, focusing on construction contracts, insurance coverage, and movie contracts. Karen Piper and Susan Kornfield prepared the forms for volunteers to sign, addressing risk management issues (injuries can and do happen in neighborhood clean-up), participation by minors, and consent to be photographed and to appear in a film that will showcase the positive impact of Life Remodeled on the Detroit community.

Later, Life Remodeled asked Bodman for advice when a former Life Remodeled employee asserted that her face and voice could not be used by the organization in its film and other public communications because she did not sign a consent. With production of Life Remodeled‘s film about the 2015 project well underway, the issue required quick action. Alan Harris and Susan Kornfield rose to the task and provided important assistance to Life Remodeled.  Harvey also addressed a post-work issue when a subcontractor’s work did not meet the terms of the contract.

The firm said its attorneys were so enthusiastic about the project that many lent their non-legal talents as well. Harvey, Susan, and Karen were joined by Matt Jane, Brandon Dalziel, Celeste Arduino, and Kim Paulson, as well as the firm’s summer associates. The Bodman team, along with leagues of other volunteers, converged on the neighborhoods surrounding Osborn High bearing trimmers, weed whackers, and rakes. The crew proceeded to clean up the overgrown and garbage-filled yards of several vacant homes.

In recognition of the extensive legal services Bodman provided, Life Remodeled featured the firm’s logo on its welcome banner at the entrance of the work site, the Detroit City Council honored Bodman and the other business and community volunteers at a City Council meeting and with a Spirit of Detroit award, and Life Remodeled presented Bodman with a plaque in appreciation for its contributions. The film about the project has been released and can be seen on screens around the metro area: http://liferemodeled.com/movie.

Bodman is already assisting Life Remodeled prepare for its 2016 project

-Eisha Vatsal, Robert Mathis, and Lynn Ingram contributed to this story. 

Published on March 9, 2016