Law firm commits $1M to Mich. startup companies

LANSING (AP) -- A Michigan-based law firm says it will donate up to $1 million in legal services over the next five years to assist start-up and developing businesses in the state. Varnum LLP made the announcement Wednesday with Gov. Rick Snyder. It's associated with a program Snyder rolled out last week to boost economic development in the state. The businesses that Varnum will help would be referred by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and possibly other agencies. The statewide initiative would provide free legal services associated with starting a business, capital formation and other items. The program will be offered in conjunction with the MEDC's Pure Michigan Business Connect project. A Varnum executive said a potential benefit to his firm would be that some of the businesses could become clients. Published: Fri, Jun 10, 2011