Alane & Chartier, PLC

The International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, or IACP, has accepted a proposal by Natalie Alane, Esq.; Gary Direnfield, MSW,  RSW, of Ontario, Canada; and Daniel G. Cantone, Esq., of Camillus, NY, to present at the IACP’s International Forum on October 30, 2010, in Washington, D.C.  The group’s topic is “Collaborative Draftmanship: Finessing the Successful Preparation of Minutes and Agreements.”  Session notes are a critical part of the collaborative process, and the timing, content, and use of the notes impacts the team in many ways.  The IACP Forum is attended by collaborative professionals from over 20 countries worldwide.  This timely topic is sure to be well-received by the collaborative community!

Alane & Chartier has scored its second victory in the Michigan Supreme Court in less than a month.  On Mary Chartier’s Motion for Reconsideration, the Supreme Court reversed its previous ruling that the defendant should not be granted a new trial.  But after considering Mary’s motion to reconsider that decision, the Court voted unanimously, 7 to 0, to reinstate the Court of Appeals decision and grant the defendant a new trial.  This huge victory is justice served for the defendant, who was convicted after the jury was given improper oral and written jury instructions.

Led by the outstanding efforts of Mary Chartier, Alane & Chartier has prevailed in the Michigan Supreme Court against Mt. Hope Church in Lansing.  The decision reinstated the jury verdict for the defamed plaintiff, allowing the plaintiff to finally recover the damages awarded to her for the egregious conduct of the church’s pastor.  The case confirms that churches cannot hide behind the legal premise of “qualified privilege” to defame others.  This important win represents a victory for those who may be subjected to untruthful words or writings about them disseminated by others.

On February 6, 2010, Mary Chartier presented to over 50 local criminal defense attorneys on how to preserve the record at trial for appellate purposes.  Ms. Chartier’s specialized appellate knowledge and her reputation as a brilliant criminal defense attorney was a huge draw for the panel presentation!

The Institute of Continuing Legal Education selected Natalie Alane to record video of her top tips for winning and defending motions to change domicile.  She’s just finished recording the first set of tips for winning a motion to change domicile, and in March, she’ll record a second set for defending a motion to change domicile.  The videos will be distributed to 9,000 lawyers state-wide and will be permanantly available on ICLE’s website for members to view.

The Institute of Continuing Legal Education has again selected Ms. Alane to present to Michigan family law attorneys.  In September 2010, she will speak at a seminar on handling property in divorce matters on the subject of valuing assets.

Ms. Chartier has argued a case to the Michigan Supreme Court on behalf of a plaintiff defamed by a local church.  This important case asks the court to decide the parameters of a pastor’s liability when uttering defamatory remarks about a congregant.  A decision is expected sometime this year.

Embarking on her third year on the board of the Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan, Ms. Alane completed a year as the organization’s secretary to begin a year as its treasurer.

Ms. Alane & Ms. Chartier proudly introduce their new legal assistant, Ms. Kim Thelen.  Ms. Thelen is a fantastic addition to the law firm, to which she brings outstanding skills and terrific client service.

Ms. Chartier has been elected as a board member of the Ingham County Bar Association.  Congratulations!