Overview
Foster Swift’s attorneys understand that a license can be one of your most valuable business assets whether it’s for a professional practice such as Medical, Legal, or Finance, or for a specialized industry such as liquor, lottery, or food sale. Our team brings decades of experience navigating a wide range of licensing categories in the complex regulatory environment governing licenses at the local and state level.
We assist you through every stage of the licensing process, including:
- Transaction Assistance – Providing comprehensive support throughout business transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, and asset sales, working closely with clients to facilitate the transition of licenses and ensure all regulatory requirements are maintained during every stage of the deal (e.g., due diligence, license assignment/transfer at appropriate stage of transaction, correspondence with regulatory agencies, etc.).
- Strategic Planning – Helping clients understand collateral consequences of licensing issues, including reporting, credentialing, and participation with insurers and government programs.
- Initial Applications & Renewals – Guiding businesses and professionals through application requirements and addressing denials.
- Compliance & Business Operations – Advising on scope of practice, regulatory obligations, and operational planning under licensed frameworks.
We don’t just process the paperwork, we partner with you to ensure your licensing strategy aligns with your business goals. Our team combines deep regulatory knowledge with practical business insight, making us a trusted resource for entrepreneurs, established companies, and professionals alike. Whether you’re launching a new venture, expanding operations, or facing a licensing challenge, Foster Swift provides the experience, accessibility, and commitment you need to succeed.
License Types
Our team has experience assisting our clients with their various licensing and compliance needs with the following agencies:
- Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) – Advising on licensing and compliance for various food establishments licenses, as well as licenses, permits, and registrations associated with weights and measures, retail motor fuel outlets, nursery dealers, bottled water distributors, among others.
- Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) – Guiding businesses through licensing and compliance matters across multiple divisions within LARA, including the Bureau of Fire Services, Department of Health and Human Services (e.g., WIC Vendors), tobacco sales and regulations, and underground storage tank requirements.
- Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) – Assisting with liquor licensing applications, transfers, renewals, compliance, and representation before the MLCC.
- Michigan Bureau of State Lottery (the Bureau) – Supporting businesses throughout the process of securing, transferring, and maintaining lottery licenses through the Bureau.
- Local Licenses & Permits – Advising business on obtaining and maintaining city and county-specific licenses and permits, including fire permits, alarms permits, seasonal sales authorization, fireworks permits, recreational licenses, and approvals from local health departments.
Meet Your Licensing Team
Every member of our licensing team is committed to delivering practical, business-focused solutions that protect your interests and support your growth.
Taylor Gast
Taylor brings a strong background in business law and mergers & acquisitions to licensing matters. He assists clients in understanding how licensing impacts corporate transactions, compliance, and operational risk management. Taylor’s experience ensures that licensing strategies are integrated into broader business goals, particularly for companies navigating complex regulatory frameworks during growth or acquisition.
Amanda Dernovshek
Amanda advises on business operations and licensing matters, bringing a compliance‑oriented perspective to complex regulatory issues. As part of the Licensing Team, she assists organizations in aligning licensing requirements with business planning and operational policies. Amanda’s approach helps businesses maintain regulatory compliance while supporting efficient transactions and organizational growth.
Lindsey Mead
Lindsey focuses on business law, mergers & acquisitions, intellectual property, and technology law. She also helps clients secure and maintain licenses critical to operations. Lindsey assists businesses with licensing due diligence and actively corresponds with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance under applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
Nicholas Stock
Experienced in navigating complex federal, state, and multistate regulatory frameworks, Nick Stock helps businesses understand and meet state and local licensing requirements that affect their operations. His background spans corporate and partnership law, securities compliance, and advising businesses across highly regulated industries—including energy, manufacturing, real estate, and technology—giving him a practical understanding of how licensing obligations intersect with day‑to‑day business activities.
Megan Cochrane
Megan Cochrane brings extensive experience supporting attorneys across the Business & Tax practice group, making her a valuable resource for businesses navigating state and local licensing requirements. Her work spans mergers and acquisitions, business contracts, entity selection, organizational planning, nonprofit formations, financing transactions, and real estate matters—areas where licensing and regulatory filings frequently arise.
