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Collins Einhorn Farrell PC is pleased to announce that attorney Frank Misuraca has joined the firm.

Misuraca is an experienced litigator in the firm’s Professional Liability Practice Group. His practice focuses on representing professionals, including lawyers, defending allegations of malpractice.

In addition, he has experience defending liquor establishments against dram shop claims and defending employers against claims of discrimination. Misuraca has also been involved in mediating lawsuits through the state’s case evaluation process.

Misuraca attended the University of Michigan and received his undergraduate degree in Psychology. He received his law degree from the Detroit College of Law.

In addition, Collins Einhorn Farrell is pleased to announce that 21 of the firm’s lawyers have been included in the 2024 editions of Super Lawyers.  Five of the 21 recognized lawyers have been included in the Rising Stars edition.

2024 Super Lawyers recipients include:

David C. Anderson – Professional Liability – Defense

Theresa M. Asoklis – Professional Liability – Defense

Donald D. Campbell – Professional Liability – Defense

Trent B. Collier – Appellate  

Michael J. Cook – Appellate

Katherine A. Crowley – Personal Injury – Products – Defense

Brian D. Einhorn – Professional Liability – Defense

Clayton F. Farrell – Personal Injury – Products – Defense

Kellie L. Howard – Professional Liability – Defense

Matthew S. LaBeau – Personal Injury Litigation – Defense

Deborah A. Lujan – Personal Injury Litigation – Defense

Kari L. Melkonian – Personal Injury Litigation – Defense

Kevin P. Moloughney – Personal Injury Litigation – Defense

Kyle N. Smith – Personal Injury Litigation – Defense

Michael J. Sullivan –  Professional Liability – Defense

Nicole E. Wilinski – Insurance Coverage – Defense

2024 Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” recipients include:

Zabbia N. Alholou – Civil Litigation – Defense

James J. Hunter – Professional Liability – Defense

Stephen D. Jacobites – Personal Injury – Products – Defense

Scott J. Pawlak – Personal Injury Litigation – Defense

Erin J. Rodenhouse –  Appellate Law

Collins Einhorn Farrell is also pleased to announce that 25 lawyers have been included in the 2024 editions of The Best Lawyers in America, including two receiving
“Lawyer of the Year” distinction. Ten of the 25 lawyers have been included in the Ones to Watch edition.

2025 Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” recipients include:

David C. Anderson – Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants

Michael J. Sullivan – Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

2025 Best Lawyers recipients Include:

David C. Anderson – Commercial Litigation, Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Malpractice Law –
Defendants

Theresa M. Asoklis – Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants

Donald D. Campbell – Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law, and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants

Trent B. Collier – Appellate Practice, and Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Daniel E. Collins – Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Michael J. Cook – Appellate Practice

Katherine A. Crowley – Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Brian D. Einhorn – Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Malpractice
Law – Defendants

Clayton F. Farrell – Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Richard A. Joslin – Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants

Deborah A. Lujan – Litigation – Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Liability Litigation –
Defendants

Kari L. Melkonian – Litigation – Insurance, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Kevin P. Moloughney – Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants

Michael J. Sullivan – Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants

Nicole E. Wilinski – Insurance Law

2025 Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” recipients include:

Zabbia N. Alholou – Commercial Litigation, Municipal Law, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Brian A. Catrinar – Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Kyle M. Dysarz – Insurance Law, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

MaryRachel Dysarz – Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Daryle F. Houston – Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Laura McLane – Professional Malpractice Law

Scott J. Pawlak – Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Erin J. Rodenhouse – Appellate Practice

Katharine B. Smith – Professional Malpractice Law

•            •           •

The Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the State Bar of Michigan is proud to announce that the following individuals are recipients of the ADR Section’s major awards in 2024. The awardees will be honored at the ADR Annual Awards Ceremony on Thursday, September 26, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth.

Paul Monicatti is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award.  The Distinguished Service Award is given in recognition of significant contributions to the field of dispute resolution.  Monicatti has devoted his career to practicing, teaching, and mentoring in ADR. He started serving as an arbitrator in 1983 and then as a mediator in 1986, pioneering the use of mediation in Michigan. Monicatti then served in a myriad of roles including, a court-appointed or party-selected mediator, settlement master, arbitrator, facilitator, case evaluator, receiver, expert witness, umpire, and referee.

Monicatti has served as a neutral in several notable cases with a national scope including, a court-appointed settlement master who helped resolve the unprecedented landmark Flint water contamination remediation case in federal court; the court-appointed settlement master who helped resolve the multi-billion-dollar Dow Corning breast implant insurance coverage litigation in state court involving 112 defendants; and the party-selected mediator who helped resolve the largest fair housing discrimination case in U.S. history.

Monicatti donated hundreds of hours of his time and expertise to help establish the pro bono early mediation program for pro se prisoner civil rights cases filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. He is also the founding member of Mediators Beyond Borders, the co-founder of the International Academy of Mediators, a charter member of the National Academy of Neutrals, and served on the Advisory Board of ACCESS ADR, promoting the advancement of diversity in ADR.

Jack Brown is the recipient of the Nanci S. Klein Award, in recognition of his service in the field of community dispute resolution. Brown has mediated hundreds of civil cases, and dozens of domestic, probate and special education cases. He began his mediation journey with Southeastern Dispute Resolution Services (SEDRS) in 2019, during the pandemic, as part of their EDP program, mediating 15 hours a week for four district courts.  He has since become certified in all case types offered in the state, and handles the most special education cases for the MCMA members in the state.   

Brown is one of the selfless volunteers who travels throughout the state covering cases for several centers, doing both in person and remote sessions.  He coaches and helps evaluate new mediators and students for SEDRS, and has been a mentor mediator for SEDRS for 4 years.  

Larry Saylor is the recipient of the Hero of ADR Award.  Saylor has been active in several positions with the ADR Section of the SBM, including the council, executive committee, and co-chair of the Skills Action Team (SAT). Through SAT, Saylor assisted with planning continuing advanced ADR skill-building programs. SAT is charged with offering the section’s annual educational conference each fall, and the annual Spring Summit, which features a nationally renowned mediation trainer.

Saylor is senior counsel at the law firm of Miller Canfield, where he litigates complex business disputes in state and federal courts, and in domestic and international arbitration. He handles antitrust, trade secrets, consumer protection, franchising, and dealer law matters, including class actions, injunctions, and appeals. He has resolved technical matters involving computer software, auto parts, pharmaceuticals, health care, and product design.

Stacey L. Rock is the recipient of the Diversity and Inclusion Award. Rock is the associate general counsel of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and chair of the American Indian Law Section (AILS) of the State Bar of Michigan. In her role as AILS chair, Rock has collaborated for the past few years with the Diversity and Inclusion Action Team (DIAT) of the SBM’s ADR Section to hold engaging and well-attended events of interest to both the ADR and AIL Sections. This year the sections are holding a Peacemaking Circle Demonstration on Wednesday, October 16, from noon to 3 p.m., to be held in person in Lansing and virtually over zoom.

Prior to her current role as associate general counsel, Rock worked at the Pokagon Band Tribal Court for twelve years as assistant court administrator where she was the lead support staff person for the Native Justice Program. Rock has a certificate in mediation and extensive experience in the development and utilization of peacemaking programs and is a proud citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians.

Lisa Okasinski is the recipient of the George N. Bashara Jr. Award. This award is given in recognition of exemplary service to the section and its members. Okasinski is a member of the SBM ADR Council, but more importantly served tirelessly as the Section’s Publication’s Action Team (PAT) chair. In that role, Okasinski took on the task of soliciting, reviewing, and publishing the articles for the ADR Section’s The Michigan Dispute Resolution Journal and collected and edited articles for an ADR theme issue of the Michigan Bar Journal.

In her private practice, Okasinski has been helping people in Michigan resolve real estate and contract related issues for over a decade. She is admitted to practice in all Michigan state courts, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

For additional information about the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the State Bar of Michigan and the ADR Annual Conference (September 20-21) and Awards Ceremony (September 26), visit: https://www.sbmadrconference.com.

•            •           •

Thirty-nine Butzel attorneys have been named to the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers list.

Lee T. Silver has been named to the Michigan Super Lawyers Top 100 list.  Moreover, Derek Mullins, Shanika Owens, Blake C. Padget, and Mitch Zajac have been named “Rising Stars” for the first time.

The local Butzel attorneys included in the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers list are:

—Detroit office

Darius W. Dynkowski, Eminent Domain
Eric J. Flessland, Construction Litigation
Bernard J. Fuhs, Business Litigation
Cynthia J. Haffey, Business Litigation
Justin G. Klimko, Mergers & Acquisitions
Phillip C. Korovesis, Business Litigation
Mark R. Lezotte, Health Care
Reginald A. Pacis, Immigration: Business
James S. Rosenfeld, Employment & Labor
Daniel R.W. Rustmann, Business Litigation
Bruce L. Sendek, Business Litigation

—Troy office

David J. DeVine, Business Litigation
Carey A. DeWitt, Employment & Labor
George B. Donnini, Criminal Defense: White Collar
David F. DuMouchel, Criminal Defense: White Collar
Debra A. Geroux, Health Care
Thomas A. Kabel, Real Estate
Daniel J. McCarthy, Appellate
Max J. Newman, Bankruptcy: Business
Robert P. Perry, Estate & Probate
Joseph E. Richotte, Appellate
Daniel B. Tukel, Employment Litigation: Defense

—2024 Rising Stars

Javon R. David, Business Litigation
Michael C. Decker, Construction Litigation
Steven Eatherly, Business Litigation
Laura E. Johnson, Business/Corp.
Amany Kasham, Immigration: Business
Jonathan L. Kirkland, Real Estate
Derek Mullins, Business Litigation
Shanika Owens, Real Estate
Blake C. Padget, Employment Litigation: Plaintiff
Mitch Zajac, Intellectual Property

In addition, Butzel has been named to Crain’s 2024 Best Places to Work for the fourth straight year, ranking 38 and the only law firm with headquarters in Detroit. Butzel continues to climb in the annual rankings, having been ranked 41 in 2023 and 53 in 2022, respectively.

For Butzel, employee satisfaction is related to client satisfaction. Butzel has a history of offering eligible employees a wide array of quality employee benefits and firm-designed programs.

As a Crain’s 2024 Best Places to Work, Butzel is recognized for offering paid time off for community service as well as gifts and recognitions for professional milestones.

Other Butzel perks include: the “Better Butzel” wellness program, virtual wellness platform, flexible work schedule, lawyer flexible practice/reduced schedule program, employee assistance program with onsite counseling, paid time-off, unlimited vacation for attorneys, paralegals, and managers, parental leave, pregnancy loss paid leave, discounted home office equipment, and work anniversary recognition.

Additional Butzel benefits include a 401(k) with firm employer contribution, paid parking, professional dues, associate attorney student loan repayment assistance program, IVF/fertility coverage, and an available pet insurance program.

Butzel is currently celebrating its 170th anniversary. Earlier this year, the firm added three offices in southwest Michigan and has added several attorneys. It recently moved the firm’s Ann Arbor and Lansing offices into larger spaces with room to grow.

“Butzel team members in each and every department are essential to our success and ability to provide excellent service to our clients,” said, Paul Mersino, president and CEO. “We value our team and provide a workplace in which they can thrive. Together, we always strive to meet and exceed client expectations.”

•            •           •

Plunkett Cooney senior tax attorney Joseph A. Peterson was recently named vice chair of the Oakland County Bar Association’s (OCBA) Tax Law Committee.

The mission of the OCBA Tax Law Committee is to serve as a channel for members to discuss and exchange information on current tax topics while providing networking and educational opportunities for practitioners in the community.

Peterson serves as the Tax Law Practice Group leader of Plunkett Cooney. He primarily focuses his practice on the resolution of individual and business tax controversies, including audit defense, collections and litigation involving the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and/or state of Michigan governmental entities.

A member of the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office, Peterson’s expertise includes negotiating the resolution of outstanding tax issues by utilizing penalty abatements, lien removals, discharge or subordination, installment agreements and offers in compromise to settle tax balances, providing individuals and businesses with a fresh start with the IRS or state of Michigan. He has experience obtaining innocent spouse relief for his clients, and he monitors the IRS transcripts of high-net-worth individuals and businesses to prevent additional tax assessments and to address future audits. Peterson also represents clients in U.S. Tax Court.

In addition, Peterson has experience regarding the Employee Retention Credit Program (ERC) and Paycheck Protection Program forgiveness. He also consults with clients to safeguard against any future ERC audits conducted by the IRS relating to the program.

Admitted to practice in state and federal courts in Michigan, as well as in the U.S. Tax Court, Peterson received his law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 2015 and his undergraduate degree from Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2012.

•            •           •

Varnum is pleased to announce that Christopher M. Mann has joined the firm as a partner in its Birmingham office, further strengthening the firm’s presence and capabilities in the region.  Mann brings experience in business law, estate planning, tax and trust administration.

Mann expressed his enthusiasm about joining Varnum, stating, “I am excited to join such a dynamic and respected firm. Varnum’s commitment to growth and excellence in Birmingham and beyond is inspiring, and I look forward to contributing to the firm’s success while continuing to provide top-notch service to my clients.”

Mann’s corporate practice involves assisting individual and corporate clients in a variety of different industries, including manufacturing, construction, health care, automotive dealerships and suppliers, and professional service firms. He works closely with these clients in all areas of business law, including business planning issues, mergers and acquisitions, liquidations, joint ventures, general financial issues, corporate governance, shareholder matters, purchases and sales of company interests, and corporate succession planning.

Mann’s expertise extends to estate planning, trust administration and tax planning, where he helps individuals create efficient wealth transfer strategies and guides clients, including corporations and fiduciaries, on compliance matters.

Mann is an active member of several professional and community organizations, including the American Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, Oakland County Bar Association, and Financial and Estate Planning Council of Metropolitan Detroit. Mann is also committed to philanthropic efforts, particularly with the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and Detroit Public Television.

Mann earned his law degree from Wayne State University Law School and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Pre-Law from Michigan State University.

•            •           •

Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that Erin Pawlowski (member, Troy) has been named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2024 Influential Women of Law.  

“I am honored to be selected by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a member of their 2024 Influential Women of Law Class,” said Pawlowski. “This list is filled with such talented and accomplished women, and it’s a privilege to be included among their ranks.”

Pawlowski focuses her practice on complex M&A transactions and serves as outside general counsel to businesses in a variety of industries and stages of growth. She also represents private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, and venture capital funds, among other business clients. Pawlowski is recognized as a leader in her field by The Legal 500 and Best Lawyers in America. She is a member of various organizations, including the Association for Corporate Growth, the American Bar Association, and the State Bar of Michigan.

Pawlowski received her law degree from Wayne State University Law School.

•            •           •

Bodman PLC is pleased to announce that Hebba Aref, co-chair of the firm’s Banking Practice Group, was selected for Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2024 Class of Influential Women in Law.

Aref, who is based in Bodman’s Detroit office, represents financial institutions in commercial lending transactions, including the structuring, negotiating and documenting of loan transactions, including syndicated loans, bilateral loans, subordinated loans and participations.

In addition to her recent appointment as co-chair of Bodman’s largest practice group, Aref devotes time to assisting with associate development and mentorship. Aref is active in several internal management committees related to DEI, professional development, and recruiting. She is active in the Michigan Muslim Bar Association where she is working to expand participation and bring mentorship and networking opportunities to the group. She has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America under Banking and Finance Law and in DBusiness Magazine Top Lawyers under Banking and Financial Services Law.

Bodman is also pleased to share that Alexis Smith-Scott, an associate in the firm’s Business Practice Group, has received two Wolverine Bar Association awards: the Board Member of the Year Award and the Committee Chair of the Year Award.

Smith-Scott is currently a board member of the Wolverine Bar and the chair of the 2024 Detroit Barristers’ Ball Planning Committee.

The 2024 Detroit Barristers’ Ball is an annual signature black-tie charity fundraising gala hosted by the Wolverine Bar Association and Wolverine Bar Foundation that has been noted as one of the largest Barristers’ Balls in the nation. Proceeds from the Ball support the Wolverine Bar Association and Wolverine Bar Foundation student externships, internships, scholarships, education courses, and mentoring, and programs to provide legal information, and representation for the underrepresented. This year, under her leadership as chair, Smith-Scott accomplished record attendance to the event, exceeded fundraising goals, and garnered extensive media attention including her appearance as a guest on Fox 2 Detroit, PBS Detroit, WDIV Local 4 News, and WDET 101.9 FM, to name a few.

The awards were presented to Smith-Scott during the Annual Presidents Dinner on June 27, hosted by the Wolverine Bar Association, the D. Augustus Straker Bar Association, and the Association of Black Judges of Michigan. The Wolverine Bar Association awards recognized the usage of her talents, time, experience, and knowledge to further the mission of the Wolverine Bar Association and leading the organizing and execution of an unprecedentedly successful 62nd Annual Barristers’ Ball.

Smith-Scott is based in Bodman’s Detroit office and represents business clients in connection with complex commercial transactions and corporate law matters including corporate organization and mergers & acquisitions.

•            •           •

Brooks Kushman is proud to announce that President Frank Angileri and CEO Sangeeta Shah were both named in the latest edition of IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading IP Strategists by IAM for the third consecutive year.

Angileri focuses his practice on IP litigation and post-grant proceedings. With nearly 30 years of experience representing small, medium-sized, and large corporations on a variety of contested IP matters, Angileri has tried patent, trademark, trade secret, and copyright cases in the federal courts nationwide, the Courts of Appeals for the Sixth and Federal Circuits, and the International Trade Commission. His litigation experience spans various technologies and industries including automotive, consumer electronics, industrial technologies, food and beverage, and home appliances. More recently, he served as trial counsel for Ford Motor Company in a patent lawsuit involving 13 design patents. Concluding the trial, he obtained an award of almost $3 million in profits and attorneys’ fees, as well as the entry of a permanent injunction.

Prior to becoming president of Brooks Kushman, Angileri was co-chair of the firm’s Post-Grant Proceedings practice.

Shah is responsible for leading the firm’s Executive Committee. In addition to serving as the CEO, she maintains an active docket as an IP practitioner with more than 20 years of experience in managing patent portfolios, PTAB matters, patent litigation, and opinions.?As an early leader in inter partes review proceedings, she remains at the forefront of post-grant practice. Shah has experience successfully implementing enforcement programs that leverage the interplay of IPRs, reexaminations/reissues, strategic prosecution, and patent litigation—resulting in seminal PTAB, district and federal circuit decisions on such issues as standing for an appeal to challenge a PTAB final written decision and the use of newly added claims from a reexamination in pending litigation. She works closely with several Fortune 500 clients for whom she provides strategic counseling and guidance on global intellectual property portfolios. Her patent expertise has resulted in national recognition from Managing IP, Best Lawyers, IAM, AIPLA, and the PTAB Bar Association.

Prior to becoming CEO, Shah served as the firm’s chief diversity officer. She also hosts the Breaking Mindsets Podcast where she interviews leaders who defy expectations and have accomplished great change in their field.

Brooks Kushman is also proud to announce that five of its attorneys were recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.

Those included in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch are:

Isheeta Patel Laxmanan (shareholder)
Alena Vackova Marconi (shareholder)
Chelsea Pasquali (shareholder)
Reza Roghani Esfahani (associate)
Dustin Zak (associate)

In addition, Brooks Kushman has been named to Crain’s Detroit Business’ 2024 Best Places to Work in Southeast Michigan for the firm’s culture and internal programming.

•            •           •

Secrest Wardle is pleased to announce the addition of Samantha J. Orvis to its ADR practice.

Orvis has more than a decade of experience representing individual and corporate clients in a variety of claims, including those involving automotive and trucking litigation, no-fault, premises liability, general negligence, and insurance coverage disputes.

Orvis has completed the 40-hour General Civil Mediation Training which earned her the title of certified civil mediator. She is one of only ten female attorneys on the court-approved roster of civil mediators in Genesee County and she serves as a case evaluator in both Genesee and Saginaw counties.

In addition to her ADR practice, Orvis continues to litigate cases for Secrest Wardle as a member of the General Negligence, Insurance Coverage, Motor Vehicle Litigation and Premises Liability practice groups.

By Berl Falbaum

It was a signature moment for Bernie Sanders when the senator from Vermont took to the podium at the recent Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago.

You could almost hear him thinking:  Yes, I know, this is supposed to be about Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, but I have the podium and I am going to have my say.

And that he did.  Barely mentioning Harris and Walz, for almost 13 minutes, he laid out the legislative plan he expected Harris to pursue if elected.

Perhaps he thought he was still in the running for president because, basically, it was his stump speech that he has delivered in two of his presidential campaigns.

For example: He expects Harris to take on “big pharma…the oligarchs…big oil,” etc.

Surely, Harris/Walz probably knew the risk they were taking in giving him a speaking role, but they did it to placate Sanders’ progressives and probably hoped that perhaps — just perhaps — he might temper his self-importance, spitefulness and arrogance a bit.

He didn’t and no one should be surprised.

Not much — if anything — has been written that, in my view, no one is more responsible for Donald Trump becoming president and for Trumpism to poison our political veins than Sanders. I’ll explain.

Let’s turn the clock back to 2016 when Sanders ran for president. While he had every right to do so and he made important contributions in the discussion of issues, when it became clear that he would lose, he stubbornly refused to bow out, thereby weakening his opponent, Hillary Clinton.

Then, after exiting the race, he waited weeks before endorsing her — a weak endorsement, I might add — sending a message to his followers that he was not happy with her candidacy.

He can argue all he wants about his role in the 2016 election. Sanders’ legacy, however, is that he opened the gates for Trump to become president, a man he described in 2019, when he ran for president again, as the “most corrupt president” in modern U.S. history.

Thousands of Sanders supporters openly opposed Clinton, some pledging to vote for Trump.

When Sanders called for Clinton’s election at his rallies, many in the crowd yelled, “No!” Sanders did little to halt the anti-Clinton movement.

Consider the following: In 2016, Clinton lost four battleground states by slim margins: Michigan, by 2 percent, 10,704 votes; Wisconsin by 0.8 percent, 22,748 votes; Florida by 1.2 percent, 112,911 votes; and Pennsylvania by only 0.7 percent, 44,292 votes.

These four states account for 85 electoral votes. Clinton, who lost to Trump 304 electoral votes to 227, did not need all of these four to win the presidency. She would have won with only 43 additional electoral votes with means that Florida with 29 electoral votes and Pennsylvania with 20 would have given her the victory. All she needed in these two states was 157,203 votes.

Given these numbers, the following statistics from several post-2016 election studies take on additional meaning: 52 percent of white women and 64 percent of non-college educated white women voted for Trump and only 35 percent cast their ballots for Clinton. And, finally overall, 12 percent of Sanders’ minions voted for Trump.

As Peg Tyre wrote in Politico Magazine a week after the 2016 election: “So little of it seemed to matter to so many women in the voting booth: the vulgar language about sexual assault, the serial groping, the fat shaming, all the sharp, crystalline shards of misogyny that were spiked through Donald J. Trump’s presidential campaign.

“Women didn’t just vote for Trump. They voted against Hillary Clinton. And for many, they weren’t voting against her as a woman. They were voting against her as an establishment figure, and her sex didn’t matter all that much.”

A full embrace by Sanders of Clinton may well have given Clinton a victory.  

We would not have Kavanaugh, Barrett and Gorsuch on the Supreme Court, creating a 6-3 conservative majority nor would we have Dobbs. Gun and voting rights laws would not have been weakened, separation between church and state would not be threatened, and so much more.

The Sanders’ progressives staked out a position that if they could not have the presidential candidate they wanted, then they would take their ball and go home. The hell with the consequences.

They were childishly petulant ignoring the fact that Trump or Clinton would be president. There was no other choice. This was not a zero-sum situation. A loss for Clinton would not be a win for them.

They acted, or more accurately did not act, forgetting another truism: You reap what you sow.

They — all of us — have suffered the consequences of their political blindness and petulance.

One more point: It isn’t that there is no precedent for progressive spitefulness. In 2000, Green Party candidate, Ralph Nader, cost Vice President Al Gore the presidency.

True, a Democrat did not face a depraved and corrupt Republican, but the principle is the same.

George W. Bush beat Gore in Florida by only 537 votes. Nader, with absolutely no chance to win, garnered almost 100,000 votes which would have gone to Gore along with Florida’s 25 electoral votes and the presidency.

That’s not all. In New Hampshire (four electoral votes), Nader received about 22,000 votes that could have given Gore a victory in that state and the presidency even without Florida. Bush beat Gore in New Hampshire by only about 7,000 votes.

Back to Sanders.  He has the ability to stir emotions; to rally the troops, so to speak.  He had another opportunity to do so at the convention. He could have repaired some of the political damage he did to our politics and taken a step toward rehabilitation. But he refused to do so. Spitefulness and arrogance once again trumped — no pun intended — reconciliation, compassion and humility.

Self-examination, obviously, is not one of Sanders’ strong suits. He probably has never reflected on his role in creating Trump & Trumpism. But history surely will.
————————
Berl Falbaum is a veteran journalist and author of 12 books.

On a visit to Washington, D.C. in the summer of 2017, principally to see then U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Damon Keith earn a royal salute at the Supreme Court, I carved out time the following day to stop by the Newseum, the now shuttered shrine to all-things journalism.

The self-guided Newseum tour was a fascinating experience, featuring 15 theaters and a like number of galleries that highlighted the importance of freedom of the press, freedom of thought, and freedom of speech.

The museum, built at a reported cost of $450 million, opened in 2008 as the home of the Freedom Forum, a nonprofit organization founded by then USA Today publisher Al Neuharth. Located along Pennsylvania Avenue with a view of the National Mall, the building featured the 45 words of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, etched into a four-story tall stone panel that graced the front of the 250,000-square-foot facility.

Sadly, the Newseum closed in late 2019, and the building was sold the following year to Johns Hopkins University, which has converted the facility for educational use.

Gone in the remodel, of course, is the towering reminder of the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment, as the gleaming new Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center has been refaced to reflect the university’s increased visibility in the nation’s capital.

Fortunately, on my way out of the Newseum that day seven years ago, I purchased a token memento from my visit, a 3 x 5 magnet inscribed with the message, “Freedom of Speech Is Not a License to Be Stupid.”

In this age of political polarization and moral turpitude, I am reminded of that message all too frequently, perhaps never more so than during an otherwise glorious bike ride through some of the well-to-do neighborhoods surrounding the Cranbrook campus in Bloomfield Hills.

On that sunny weekend morning, in front of one of the mega-mansions that line a particularly hilly section of the area, I came across a sign planted near the entrance to a long and winding driveway. It had a seven-line all-caps message for passersby:

• IN THIS HOUSE WE BELIEVE
• THE NEWS IS PROPAGANDA
• THE STATE IS ORGANIZED CRIME
• TAXATION IS THEFT
• SOCIALISM IS THE GOSPEL OF ENVY
• ALL GUN LAWS ARE AN INFRINGEMENT
• LIBERTY IS EVERYTHING

I’m not sure what the Founding Fathers would think of such beliefs, but I’m very certain that an incredibly unhappy homeowner lives there, whether of the he, she, or they variety.

I’m also fairly certain that such homeowners align with a current presidential candidate who takes daily liberties with the truth, casting aside a belief in the value of honesty and integrity in exchange for the practices of greed and self-indulgence.

Such is the state of today’s society, where as one unnamed observer declared that “the purpose of free speech is to allow the stupid, the vile, and the dangerous to freely self-identify so that we can avoid and shun them. Anything that suppresses that very public self-identification process only drives such speech underground where it is hard to guard against.”

With that in mind, “liberty” is indeed “everything,” especially for those with a warped and sick sense of reality.

Williams, Williams, Rattner, & Plunkett (WWRP) is pleased to announce that 13 firm attorneys have been selected by their peers for inclusion in the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.  

The following WWRP attorneys have been granted the Best Lawyers® designation in their respective categories of distinction:

Robert S. Bick, Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law; Corporate Law

John W. Crowe, Corporate Law

James P. Cunningham, Family Law

Brian E. Etzel, Commercial Litigation; Employment Law – Individuals

John D. Gaber, Litigation – Real Estate

Robert B. Labe, Trusts and Estates

Robert A. LaBelle, Real Estate Law

Jason C. Long, Land Use and Zoning Law; Real Estate Law

Jerome Pesick, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law; Real Estate Law

David E. Plunkett, Commercial Litigation

Richard E. Rassel III, Commercial Litigation; Land Use and Zoning Law; Litigation – Real Estate

Richard D. Rattner, Copyright Law; Land Use and Zoning Law; Litigation – Land Use and Zoning; Litigation – Real Estate; Real Estate Law

C. Kim Shierk, Corporate Law; Land Use and Zoning Law; Real Estate Law

In addition to 2025 Best Lawyers, Shierk has been recognized as a 2025 Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year.” Shierk received this accolade for her longstanding work in Land Use and Zoning Law in the Troy region. Shierk was awarded Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” two times prior, in 2019 and 2021. Her practice at WWRP focuses on residential and commercial real estate development, with an emphasis on condominium law and a wide range of community property development. She also has experience in telecommunications law.

WWRP is also pleased to announce that 12 firm attorneys are being honored for legal excellence by Michigan Super Lawyers in 2024.  The following WWRP attorneys have received the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers designation in their respective practice areas, followed by the years they have been chosen for this distinction:

Alexander A. Ayar, Business Litigation (2021–2024; Rising Star 2013–2016)

Robert S. Bick, Business & Corporate (2007–2024)

James P. Cunningham, Family Law (2006–2024)

Brian E. Etzel, Business Litigation (2013–2024; Rising Star 2008)

William E. Hosler, Real Estate (2018–2024)

Robert B. Labe, Estate Planning & Probate (2009–2024)

Jason C. Long, Eminent Domain (2022–2024; Rising Star 2011–2014)

Jerome P. Pesick, Eminent Domain (2006–2024)

David E. Plunkett, Business Litigation (2013–2024)

Richard E. Rassel III, Business & Corporate (2010–2024; Rising Star 2008–2009)

Richard D. Rattner, Land Use & Zoning (2006–2024)

C. Kim Shierk, Real Estate (2007–2022, 2024)

Shierk will also be included in the special Super Lawyers edition—The Annual List of Top Women Attorneys in Michigan—coming out in March 2025.

In addition, Rebecca L. Weekley, a senior attorney with WWRP), has been named to the Michigan Lawyers Weekly Class of 2024 Influential Women of Law.  The honorees will be celebrated at an awards luncheon on September 27.

Weekley’s practice focuses on business and commercial law, mergers and acquisitions, and all aspects of commercial real estate, including due diligence, real estate acquisition, disposition, leasing, contract reviews, financing, title issues, closing and post-closing leasing and management matters for corporate clients and multi-family housing developers. She also represents condo associations on enforcement matters and landlords with regard to evictions and collections.  She consults with business owners and entrepreneurs on merger and acquisition activities including financing and complex contract reviews.

Weekley is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the State Bar of Michigan Business Law and Real Property Law Sections.  Following a debut in 2023, Weekley was again selected in 2024 to co-present at the popular Summer Conference of the Real Property Law Section, which is among the State Bar of Michigan’s largest sections. A conference for continuing legal education, her topic for both years was the annual “State of the Law” segment, a highly attended event and coveted presentation opportunity that surveys legal developments as to case law and legislation within the past year.

Weekley earned her law degree from the Wayne State University School of Law and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Michigan.

•            •            •

Fishman Stewart PLLC announced that a string of firm attorneys has received repeat recognition for legal excellence by Super Lawyers. Five partners have been named to the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers list, while another was listed among the Rising Stars.

The following Fishman Stewart partners have received 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers recognition in their respective practice areas, followed by the years they have been chosen for this honor:

Michael D. Fishman, Intellectual Property (2006–2013; 2015–2024)

Michael B. Stewart, Intellectual Property (2008–2024)

John P. Guenther, Intellectual Property (2018–2024)

Barbara L. Mandell, Intellectual Property Litigation (2016–2024)

Michelle L. Visser, Intellectual Property (2021–2024)

Partner Kameron F. Bonner has again been named a Rising Star in Intellectual Property, his eighth time on the list (2017–2024).

In addition, attorneys Mandell and Visser will appear in the special Super Lawyers edition—The Annual List of Top Women Attorneys in Michigan—coming out in March 2025.

The firm is also pleased to announce five partners earned an appearance in the 31?? edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, while two have received distinction in the fifth edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America—one of them for the first time.  

The following Fishman Stewart attorneys have been granted the Best Lawyers® designation with their categories of distinction:

Michael D. Fishman, The firm co-founder and managing partner is a multi-year achiever of Best Lawyers recognition since 2012. He has been recognized in the category of Trademark Law.

Michael B. Stewart, Achieving Best Lawyers recognition since 2007, the firm co-founder and managing partner has been recognized in four practice areas: Litigation–Intellectual Property, Litigation–Patent, Patent Law,
and Trademark Law.

Julie A. Greenberg, Receiving the Best Lawyers designation since 2021, Greenberg has been recognized in the category of Trademark Law.

John P. Guenther, Recognized in three categories: Litigation–Intellectual Property, Patent Law, and Trademark Law, Guenther has consecutively made the Best Lawyers list since 2016.

Barbara L. Mandell, A multi-year honoree since 2018, Mandell has been recognized in the area of Litigation–Intellectual Property.

The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® designation has been awarded to two Fishman Stewart attorneys:

Kameron Bonner first came on the scene with Ones to Watch in 2022. For 2025, he has been recognized in three practice areas: Intellectual Property Law, Litigation–Intellectual Property, and Patent Law.

Kristyn Webb. Making her inaugural appearance as a 2025 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, Webb has been recognized in the area of Intellectual Property Law.

Fishman Stewart is also pleased to announce expansion of its patent practice with the addition of patent attorneys Cecily O’Regan, who joins the firm as a partner, and Jeong Seo, who joins as an associate attorney. The announcement was made by Michael Stewart, managing partner of Fishman Stewart.

O’Regan is a veteran Silicon Valley IP practitioner with a passion for helping entrepreneurs identify their sustainable, competitive advantage and create value in their business. Her areas of focus include medical devices, biometrics, software, and clean technologies. She is a named inventor on eight issued patents and author on 12 patent publications in the medical device and software fields.

O’Regan has been a recommended practitioner on the annual IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals list since 2022 and was recognized as a World Intellectual Property Review (WIPR) Leader in 2024. She is admitted to practice in California, Massachusetts, District of Columbia, and the United States Patent and Trademark Office. She is also a UK Solicitor. O’Regan earned law degrees from University of San Francisco School of Law and the University of Edinburgh, a Bachelor of Science from the University of California at Irvine, and a Graduate Certificate in BioDesign from Stanford University.

Seo brings experience as a technical product support engineer as well as in patent prosecution, both as a patent practitioner and examiner. He also has patent experience working closely with inventors from a major Korean appliance and consumer electronics corporation while working at a Korean patent law firm in Seoul, enabling him to serve as a bridge for U.S. clients seeking IP protection in Korea and Korean clients seeking IP protection in the U.S.

Seo has an appreciation for the creative efforts of inventors and the importance of protecting innovations. He is admitted to practice in Michigan, Washington and the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Seo earned a law degree from Michigan State University College of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.

•            •            •

Twenty-nine Plunkett Cooney attorneys were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

In addition to inclusion on the list this year, Douglas C. Bernstein was named the Best Lawyers® 2025 Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Bloomfield Hills.

Below is a list of local Plunkett Cooney attorneys who have received the 2025 Best Lawyers designation:

—Bloomfield Hills

Michael P. Ashcraft (partner) – Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants

Douglas C. Bernstein (partner) – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law and Real Estate Law

Matthew J. Boettcher (partner) – Commercial Litigation and Banking and Finance Litigation

Charles W. Browning (partner) – Insurance Law

Jeffrey C. Gerish (partner) – Appellate Practice

Howard B. Goldman (partner) – Real Estate Law

Mark S. Kopson (partner) – Health Care Law

Patrick C. Lannen (partner) – Banking and Finance Law and Commercial Litigation

David A. Lerner (partner) – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights and Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Scott K. Lites (partner) – Corporate Law and Real Estate Law

Frank T. Mamat (partner) – Construction Law, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management and Litigation – Labor and Employment Law

Mary Massaron (partner) – Appellate Practice

Lauren B. McMillen (partner) – Insurance Law

Kenneth C. Newa (partner) – Insurance Law

Elaine M. Pohl (partner) – Insurance Law and Insurance Litigation

Scott H. Sirich (partner) – Construction Law and Litigation

Michael D. Weaver (partner) – Commercial Litigation, Labor and Employment Litigation and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Patrick E. Winters (partner) – Insurance Law and Insurance Litigation

—Detroit

D. Jennifer Andreou (partner) – Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants

Claudia D. Orr (Of Counsel) – Employment Law, Labor and Employment Litigation

Stanley A. Prokop (Of Counsel) – Insurance Law

Matthew J. Stanczyk (partner) – Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

In addition, nine Plunkett Cooney attorneys, who are earlier in their careers, were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ for outstanding
professional excellence.

Below are the local Plunkett Cooney attorneys who have received 2025 Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch in America™” recognition:

—Bloomfield Hills

Arturo Alfaro – Immigration Law and Transportation Law

Stephanie M. Brochert – Insurance Law

Emily M. Coyle – Personal Injury Litigation: Defendants

Aleasha Hester – Transportation Law

Tanya M. Murray – Insurance Law

Anthony T. Pieti – Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, and Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants

Nicole C. Ruggirello – Insurance Law

—Detroit

Eric T. Ramar – Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Defendants

•            •            •

Three FisherBroyles attorneys in Detroit who were named to The Best Lawyers in America® for 2025:

Jess A. Bahs – Tax Law

Michael S. Khoury – Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships); Corporate Law; Information Technology Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Douglas P. LaLone – Litigation – Intellectual Property; Patent Law

•            •            •

Personal injury and civil rights law firm Moss & Colella PC is pleased to announce that founding partners David M. Moss and A. Vince Colella are making their third appearance on the annual Best Lawyers® list. Both attorneys have been selected by their peers for inclusion in the 31st edition of The Best Lawyers in America.  They have been named 2025 Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation–Plaintiffs.  The duo devotes 100% of their practice to litigation.

Moss has spent his 40-year legal career entirely devoted to his clients in personal injury law representing victims and their families in a variety of cases against insurance companies, national corporations, hospitals, municipalities, and individual defendants. He has successfully argued at the appellate level, both before the Court of Appeals and the Michigan Supreme Court.  He is also a skilled negotiator. He was recently recognized as a “Go To Lawyer in Negligence Law” by the legal publication Michigan Lawyers Weekly.

Colella has trial experience that includes automobile negligence, police brutality and misconduct, premises liability, trucking accidents, insurance disputes, medical malpractice, sexual harassment, sexual assault, discrimination, and wrongful death.

The firm is also pleased to announce that founding partners Moss, Colella, and senior appellate counsel Matthew C. McCann have been named 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers.  

Recognized as a Michigan Super Lawyer for the past 17 years, Moss was selected in the category of Personal Injury General: Plaintiff.

Also honored in the Personal Injury General: Plaintiff category, Colella marks his 14th consecutive year as a Michigan Super Lawyer.

After relocating from New York in 2023, McCann joined Moss & Colella as an experienced litigator in civil rights, special education, negligence matters, environmental torts, and business disputes. Although making his second appearance on the Michigan Super Lawyers list in the category of Schools and Education, McCann likewise practices in the areas of civil rights and personal injury, in addition to appellate law. He has represented individual and institutional members of the financial industry in criminal and regulatory matters, as well as in employment-related negotiations and lawsuits.

McCann has also built a legal niche representing the families of students with autism and other special needs to help them navigate the educational system and advocate for a free, appropriate public education and related student services.

Before Michigan Super Lawyers, McCann was recognized by New York Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star” in both Criminal Defense: White Collar from 2015–2017 and in Employment Law in 2018, and a New York Super Lawyer in Business Litigation in 2019 as well as in Education Law in 2020.

•            •            •

Employee benefits and ERISA law firm J.J. Conway Law is pleased to announce that principal attorney, founder and litigator John Joseph (J.J.) Conway has again been named to the Michigan Super Lawyers list in 2024 for demonstrating excellence in employee benefits law.

Conway, who has been honored as a Michigan Super Lawyer since 2013, adds this recognition to several other Super Lawyers titles including Michigan Super Lawyers’ list of “Rising Stars” 2008–2011 and the Top 50: Michigan Consumer Super Lawyers for 2016 and 2017.

As his firm celebrates a milestone 25 years in 2024, Conway has navigated the legal complexities of disability, employee health benefits, and ERISA law—ranging from wins in autism services coverage for children to employee benefits protection during the City of Detroit bankruptcy, to mental health coverage for children suffering from life-threatening severe behavioral health conditions.

•            •            •

Detroit-based management-side labor and employment law firm Nemeth Bonnette Brouwer PC is pleased to announce that three attorneys have merited Michigan Super Lawyers.

The following Nemeth Bonnette Brouwer attorneys have been named 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers:

Managing Partner Deborah Brouwer has been named in the category of Employment Litigation: Defense. Brouwer has been listed as a Michigan Super Lawyer since 2019.

Partner Terry W. Bonnette, who has also been included on the Michigan Super Lawyers list since 2019, has been named in the area of Employment & Labor: Employer.

Patricia Nemeth, Of Counsel, who founded Nemeth Law in 1992 and has been selected as a Michigan Super Lawyer since 2006, was listed in the category of Employment Litigation: Defense.

In addition, Brouwer and Nemeth will be included in the special Super Lawyers edition—The Annual List of Top Women Attorneys in Michigan—coming out in March 2025.

•            •            •

Jackson Lewis PC is pleased to announce two attorneys from its Detroit office have been recognized in the 2024 edition of Chambers USA.  The firm congratulates:

Principal Maurice G. Jenkins (Labor & Employment)
Principal Marlo Johnson Roebuck (Labor & Employment)

•            •            •

Cooley Law School Distinguished Professor Emeritus Marla Mitchell-Cichon has been selected to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2024 Class of Influential Women of the Law.  A recognition ceremony will be held on  Sept. 27, at Petruzzello’s in Troy.

In addition to teaching professional responsibility at Cooley, Mitchell-Cichon served as director of Cooley Law School’s Innocence Project, which she currently serves as counsel.  

Before joining the academia profession, Mitchell-Cichon served as a public defender for two years in Stark County, Ohio. In this role, she practiced extensively in criminal and poverty law. She has litigated cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the Ohio Supreme Court, the Michigan Supreme Court, and trial and appellate courts in both Ohio and Michigan, and worked on legislative reform to improve the criminal justice system.

•            •            •

Three professional organizations recognized McKeen & Associates attorneys as best in their field.

Super Lawyers named Brian McKeen, managing partner and founder of McKeen & Associates as one of its Top Ten Lawyers in Michigan. Additionally, eight McKeen & Associates attorneys were recognized on the 2024
Super Lawyers list: Jody Aaron,  J. Kelly Carley,  Richard Counsman,  John LaParl,  Andrew Kay,  Kenneth Lee,  Norman Rosen,  and David Tirella.

Best Lawyers named McKeen & Associates one of its 2025 Best Law Firms for Medical Malpractice and Personal Injury Litigation for plaintiffs.

Leading Lawyers named seven McKeen & Associates attorneys for its 2024 list: Brian McKeen,  Jody Aaron,  J. Kelly Carley,  Richard Counsman,  John La Parl,  Norman Rosen,  and David Tirella. The listing will appear in DBusiness magazine’s Detroit 500 Most Powerful Business Leaders issue.

•            •            •

On August 8, Foley, Baron, Metzger, & Juip (FBMJ) attorney Sarah Cherry presented “Medical Malpractice: Charting Errors & Implications – Emergency Medicine Edition,” at Henry Ford Hospital Grand Rounds in Detroit.
She presented to more than 40 emergency medicine residents, interns, and physicians about appropriate charting in the emergency department. The presentation was designed to enhance the medical professionals’ understanding of the importance of following documentation best practices and the legal ramifications that could result when failing to do so.

Cherry’s presentation included discussions about the anatomy of a medical malpractice lawsuit, why clear charting is important in the legal setting, and the many implications of failing to include information in a medical chart. Cautionary tales and actual case studies were presented to illustrate the adverse consequences of failing to follow best practices.

Cherry is a partner at FBMJ, and has spent her career defending medical professionals, including hospitals, physicians, physician assistants, CRNAs, nurses, and CAAs.

In addition, FBMJ is pleased to announce that Carole Empey, a member of the firm, has been selected for the Class of 2024 “Influential Women of Law” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.

Empey has represented clients in complex civil litigation matters through her balanced approach for over 25 years. From individuals to Fortune 500 companies, Empey defends her clients in medical malpractice claims, corporate healthcare matters, products liability litigation, general liability, construction litigation, insurance coverage disputes, managed care litigation, and physician staff privilege claims.

Empey gives back to the legal profession as an active member of Washtenaw County Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan, and Michigan Defense Trial Counsel. She has also served in leadership roles in the Michigan Society of Healthcare Risk Management (MSHRM).

•            •            •

The Dobrusin Law Firm is proud to announce that seven of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2025 Editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.  

The firm is particularly proud to announce that its founding shareholder Eric M. Dobrusin has been awarded “Lawyer of the Year” for patent litigation in the Troy region for the 2025 Edition.

The firm’s attorneys in the 2025 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America include:

• Eric Dobrusin earned recognition in Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law, and Trade Secrets Law categories.

• Erin Klug earned recognition in the Patent Law category.

• Kristen Pursley earned recognition in Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law, and Trademark Law categories.

• Rebecca Wilson earned recognition in Copyright Law and Trademark Law categories.

The firm also congratulates three of its attorneys who have been named to the 2025 Edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America. Katherine Pacynski, Paul Palinski, and Daniela Walters  have all earned recognition in Intellectual Property Law and Patent Law. They have each been honored with this distinction since the inaugural 2021 Edition.

•            •            •

Forty-seven McDonald Hopkins attorneys were recognized in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers in America.  The firm’s Michigan attorneys listed are:

Colin Battersby, Privacy and Data Security Law

John E. Benko, Commercial Litigation

James J. Boutrous II, Litigation - Labor and Employment

James J. Giszczak, Commercial Litigation, Trade Secrets Law

Stephen M. Gross, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Patrick A. Karbowski, Litigation - Real Estate, Real Estate Law

Michael G. Latiff, Commercial Litigation

Dominic Paluzzi, Privacy and Data Security Law

Antoinette M. Pilzner, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

Miriam L. Rosen, Employment Law – Individuals, Employment Law – Management

McDonald Hopkins also congratulates the following Michigan attorney for their inclusion in Best Lawyers 2025: Ones to Watch:

Ashley Jericho, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

•            •            •

Fifteen Zausmer attorneys have been honored in two different award categories for the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers.

Managing Shareholder Mark Zausmer has been recognized as a Best Lawyer for the 18th consecutive year for his exemplary work in Commercial Litigation and Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law.

Shareholder Michael Caldwell has been honored as a Best Lawyer for the 12th consecutive year, awarded for his significant contributions in Environmental Law and Environmental Litigation.

Shareholder Stephen R. Estey has been recognized as a Best Lawyer for the 8th consecutive year. His awards come from his extensive work in Eminent Domain and Condemination Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Real Estate Litigation, and Real Estate Law.

Additional Best Lawyers honorees include:

Mischa Boardman, Commercial Litigation
Julian Heidenreich, Insurance Litigation
Cinnamon A. Plonka, Insurance Law, Insurance Litigation Insurance
Michael A. Schwartz, Insurance Litigation

Best Lawyers separately recognizes emerging legal talent with the Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch award. Zausmer is proud to announce that 12 of its attorneys have been named to the 2025 Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch list:

Theresa A. Bodwin, Insurance Law
Cristy M. DeVos, Insurance Law
Kristina M. Macionski, Insurance Law
Bryan R. Padgett, Insurance Law
Breanne M. Patton, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Corporate Law
Adam Post II, Insurance Law
Devin R. Sullivan, Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
Kyle A. Warwick, Insurance Law

•            •            •

Varnum partner Jaye Quadrozzi was recently named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s “Influential Women of Law” Class of 2024.

Quadrozzi specializes in complex commercial litigation, focusing on business disputes with a particular emphasis on intellectual property, including patent, trade secret and copyright infringement cases. With experience in handling multimillion-dollar cases across federal and state courts nationwide, Quadrozzi has built a career marked by high-profile, precedent-setting cases. She represented Oakland County in the City of Detroit bankruptcy, the largest municipal bankruptcy filing in U.S. history.

In addition to her legal practice, Quadrozzi contributes to the community through her service on the boards of the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) and the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority. As a GLWA board member, Quadrozzi represents Oakland County and plays a role in overseeing an organization that supplies nearly 40 percent of Michigan’s population with high-quality water and efficient wastewater services.

Quadrozzi is a University of Michigan Law School graduate and is admitted to practice in Michigan, Illinois, and California, and before numerous federal district and appellate courts.

•            •            •

Burris Law is proud to announce that founder Kelly Burris has been included in the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers® list published by Thomson Reuters.

Thie firm is also proud to announce that founder Burris has been selected by her peers for inclusion in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. She was recognized in the area of Patent Law for the Detroit region.

•            •            •

Honigman LLP is pleased to announce its list of Michigan-based attorneys recognized as 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers. Twenty-four Honigman attorneys have been named Super Lawyers and 40 have been recognized as rising stars.

Top 100 – Joseph Aviv, I.W. Winsten

Super Lawyers – Joseph Aviv, Aaron E. Bass, Michael S. Ben, Sean F. Crotty, Michael D. DuBay, David A. Ettinger, Carol A. Friend, Andrea L. Hansen, Raymond W. Henney, Michael Hindelang, Michael J. Huget, Michael A. Indenbaum, Anessa O. Kramer, Donald J. Kunz, Steven Migliore, David N. Parsigian, J. Adam Rothstein, Todd E. Sable, Lowell D. Salesin, Mark A. Stern, Deborah (Bea) J. Swedlow, Linda A. Wasserman, Glenn S. Walter, and I.W. Winsten.

Rising Stars – Daniel R. Ackerman, Jonathan Ajlouny, Emphani A. Aldridge, Elaina S. Bailey, Gabriel E. Bedoya, Sarah Bishara, Amanda M. Blackburn, Brian Braum, Andrew W. Clark, Raechel T.X. Conyers, Ian J. Cosgrove,
Rian C. Dawson, Shannon C. Duggan, Yafeez S. Fatabhoy, Angela I. Gamalski, Nola Garcia Pickman, Jewel Haji Boelstler, Paul W. Howarah, Brandon M. Jackson, Emily J. Johns, Maryam Karnib Parshall, Spencer W. Layson, Timothy D. Lee, Jeffrey I. Lehrberg, Daniel R. Lemon, Douglas E. Mains, Jennifer L. Muse, Renee D. Naylor, Megan J. Parpart, Andrew Pauwels, Collin J. Rosenbaum, Ahmad H. Sabbagh, Clara L. Seymour, Tyler D. Schofield, Jenna R. Simon, Amy H. Smith, Kory M. Steen, Brian D. Towne, Brandon J. Wilson, Haba K. Yono, and Katelyn M. Young.

In addition, the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 163 attorneys from Honigman across 63 practice areas.  Additionally, Best Lawyers 2025 has awarded the title of “Lawyer of the Year” to nine Honigman partners in their respective fields and regions.

The local Honigman attorneys named Best Lawyers 2025 “Lawyers of the Year,” identified by region and the practice area for which they are being recognized, are:

—Detroit

Richard A. Barr – Land Use and Zoning Law

David Foltyn – Corporate Law

Raymond W. Henney – Bet-the-Company Litigation, Litigation - Mergers and Acquisitions

Michael A. Indenbaum – Litigation and Controversy – Tax, Tax Law

Donald J. Kunz – Corporate Governance Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

—Troy

Charles Nida – Nonprofit / Charities Law

The local Honigman attorneys featured in the 2025 Best Lawyers in America guide, identified by region and the practice areas for which they have been recognized, are:

—Bloomfield Hills

Thomas J. Appledorn, Copyright Law, Patent Law, Trademark Law

Joseph Aviv, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Family Law, Litigation - Mergers and Acquisitions, Litigation - Securities, Litigation - Trusts and Estates

Scott D. Barnett, Litigation - Intellectual Property, Patent Law

Aaron E. Bass, Real Estate Law

Andrew J. Boes, Litigation - Intellectual Property, Patent Law

Jonathan R. Borenstein, Real Estate Law

Richard J. Burstein, Real Estate Law

Amy B. Folbe, Family Law

Michael K. Hauser, Tax Law

Jeffrey S. Horowitz, Real Estate Law

David J. Jacob, Real Estate Law

Anessa Owen Kramer, Copyright Law, Trademark Law

Joel M. Krugel, Real Estate Law

Timothy D. Lee, Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

David G. London, Real Estate Law

Michael E. Morden, Nonprofit / Charities Law, Tax Law, Trusts and Estates

Renee D. Naylor, Real Estate Law

Charles Nida, Nonprofit / Charities Law, Tax Law, Trusts and Estates

Karen R. Pifer, Real Estate Law

Rodney C. Ploucha, Real Estate Law

J. Adam Rothstein, Leisure and Hospitality Law, Real Estate Law

Lowell D. Salesin, Real Estate Law

Alan J. Salle, Real Estate Law

Matthew H. Szalach, Litigation - Intellectual Property, Litigation - Patent, Patent Law

Leigh C. Taggart, Litigation - Intellectual Property, Patent Law

Grace K. Trueman, Corporate Law, Nonprofit / Charities Law, Trusts and Estates

Linda A. Wasserman, Nonprofit / Charities Law, Tax Law, Trusts and Estates

Brandon J. Wilson, Commercial Litigation, Real Estate Law

—Detroit

Richard A. Barr, Economic Development Law, Environmental Law, Land Use and Zoning Law

Gabriel E. Bedoya, Commercial Litigation

Michael S. Ben, Securities / Capital Markets Law, Securities Regulation

Jennifer L. Benedict, Health Care Law

Andrew W. Clark, Commercial Litigation

James H. Combs, Tax Law

Meghan N. Covino, Immigration Law

Sean F. Crotty, Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management, Litigation - Labor and Employment

Michael W. Domanski, Tax Law

Michael D. DuBay, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Kimberly A. Dudek, Corporate Law

David A. Ettinger, Antitrust Law, Franchise Law, Litigation - Antitrust

David Foltyn, Corporate Compliance Law, Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law, Securities Regulation

Carol A. Friend, Immigration Law

Nick Gorga, Commercial Litigation

Raymond W. Henney, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Mergers and Acquisitions, Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy), Litigation - Securities

Michael P. Hindelang, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Securities, Privacy and Data Security Law

Karl A. Hochkammer, Corporate Law, Information Technology Law

William O. Hochkammer, Health Care Law, Insurance Law

Michael A. Indenbaum, Litigation and Controversy - Tax, Tax Law

S. Lee Johnson, Environmental Law

Eric M. Jones, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Nicholas J. Jones, Corporate Law

John P. Kanan, Corporate Law, International Mergers and Acquisitions, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Douglas E. Kelin, Real Estate Law

Matthew R. Keuten, Health Care Law

Scott B. Kitei, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation, Bankruptcy

Donald J. Kunz, Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law, Securities Regulation, Venture Capital Law

Jeffrey K. Lamb, Commercial Litigation

Evan J. Leibhan, Corporate Law, Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law

Lawrence A. Lichtman, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Jeremy D. Lockhart, Commercial Litigation

Stewart L. Mandell, Litigation and Controversy - Tax, Tax Law

Paul W. Mardirosian, Land Use and Zoning Law

Chauncey C. Mayfield II, Commercial Transactions / UCC Law, Corporate Law

Steven J. Migliore, Corporate Law

Matthew G. Mrkonic, Commercial Litigation

Steven C. Nadeau, Environmental Law

Joshua F. Opperer, Corporate Law

Alex L. Parrish, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law

Ryan Peruski, Tax Law

Christine L. Phillips, Banking and Finance Law

Matthew E. Radler, Employment Law - Management

Robert M. Riley, Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation

Julie E. Robertson, Health Care Law, Insurance Law

G. Scott Romney, Corporate Law, Government Relations Practice

E. Todd Sable, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation - Bankruptcy

Steven P. Schneider, Litigation and Controversy - Tax

Alan S. Schwartz, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law

Michael B. Shapiro, Litigation - Real Estate

Khalilah V. Spencer, Commercial Litigation

Mark A. Stern, Appellate Practice, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation

Glenn S. Walter, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Sheldon P. Winkelman, Real Estate Law

I.W. Winsten, Appellate Practice, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation

Richard E. Zuckerman, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Litigation and Controversy - Tax

The Honigman attorneys listed as 2025 Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch,” identified by region and the practice area for which they are being recognized, are:

—Bloomfield Hills

Elias de Wit, Real Estate Law

Tyler J. Kemper, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Trusts and Estates

Catherine B. Niedermaier, Patent Law

Megan J. Parpart, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Tax Law

—Detroit

Daniel R. Ackerman, Antitrust Law, Commercial Litigation, Corporate Law

Justin M. Azar, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Laura E. Biery, Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense: White-Collar

Alex F. Bowman, Corporate Law

M. Brian Braum Jr., Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

George M. Cobane, Corporate Law

Ian J. Cosgrove, Construction Law, Real Estate Law

Michael J. Dauphinais, Litigation - Labor and Employment

Rian C. Dawson, Commercial Litigation

Michelle Bleda Drew, Banking and Finance Law, Corporate Law

Angela I. Gamalski, Administrative / Regulatory Law, Corporate Law, Health Care Law

D’Antae D. Gooden, Litigation - Labor and Employment, Municipal Law, Transportation Law

Paul W. Guenther, Corporate Law

Paul W. Howarah, Real Estate Law, Tax Law

Rama M. Jawad, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

David J. Krueger, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Spencer W. Layson, Corporate Law

Jennifer L. Muse, Labor and Employment Law - Management, Litigation - Labor and Employment

Maryam Karnib Parshall, Real Estate Law

Nola Garcia Pickman, Banking and Finance Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Richard A. Plowden, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Ahmad H. Sabbagh, Corporate Law

Tyler D. Schofield, Real Estate Law

Sherwin S. Shushtari, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Jenna R. Simon, Health Care Law, Insurance Law

Amy H. Smith, Banking and Finance Law, Corporate Governance and Compliance Law, Corporate Law

Kory M. Steen, Commercial Litigation

Haba K. Yono, Labor and Employment Law - Management, Litigation - Labor and Employment

Katelyn M. Young, Commercial Litigation

Mahja D. Zeon, Labor and Employment Law - Management, Litigation - Labor and Employment

•            •            •

Bodman PLC is pleased to announce that 72 of its attorneys have been listed in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Local Bodman attorneys listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2025, including the practice areas under which they are listed, are:

—Detroit

Hebba Aref (Banking and Finance Law)

Marc M. Bakst (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation-Bankruptcy)

Eric C. Bartley (Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law, Real Estate Law)

Andrew H. Curoe (Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law, Trusts and Estates)

Sarah L. Cylkowski (Commercial Litigation)

Brandon M. Dalziel (Health Care Law)

Jessica L. Davis (Banking and Finance Law)

Herold M. Deason (Corporate Law)

Laurence B. Deitch (Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law)

Robert J. Diehl Jr. (Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Litigation-Banking and Finance, Litigation-Bankruptcy)

Forrest O. Dillon (Corporate Law)

Fredrick J. Dindoffer (Environmental Law, Litigation-Environmental)

Christopher J. Dine (Non-Profit / Charities Law)

Anthony T. Finn (Banking and Finance Law)

Brian P. Foley (Real Estate Law)

Aaron D. Graves (Employment Law-Management)

Scott P. Gyorke (Banking and Finance Law)

David M. Hempstead (Trusts and Estates)

Kathleen O’Callaghan Hickey (Banking and Finance Law)

George G. Kemsley (Commercial Litigation)

Joseph J. Kochanek (Banking and Finance Law)

David P. Larsen (Litigation-Trusts and Estates, Trusts and Estates)

Marguerite Munson Lentz (Trusts and Estates)

Melissa A. Lewis (Banking and Finance Law)

Carla S. Machnik (Banking and Finance Law)

Ralph E. McDowell (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Litigation-Bankruptcy)

Adam B. Norlander (Banking and Finance Law)

Michael B. Peterman (Banking and Finance Law, Real Estate Law)

Jane Derse Quasarano (Commercial Litigation)

Jeffrey G. Raphelson (Commercial Litigation)

Damali A. Sahu (Banking and Finance Law)

Nicholas P. Scavone Jr. (Banking and Finance Law, Real Estate Law)

Joseph J. Shannon (Commercial Litigation)

Bonnie S. Sherr (Banking and Finance Law)

Larry R. Shulman (Banking and Finance Law)

Brian R. Trumbauer (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation-Bankruptcy)

Jaimee L. Witten (Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships))

—Troy

Adam Behrendt (Litigation-Banking and Finance)

John T. Below (Commercial Litigation, Litigation-Labor and Employment)

David C. Bosman (Banking and Finance Law)

Barbara A. Bowman (Banking and Finance Law, Municipal Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law)

Robert J. Cambridge (Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law)

John C. Cashen (Employment Law-Management, Labor Law-Management, Qui Tam Law)

Steven R. Cole (Corporate Law, Tax Law)

Michael G. Costello (Commercial Litigation, Corporate Law, Insurance Law)

Anthony P. Cracchiolo (Trusts and Estates)

Michelle Thurber Czapski (Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, Litigation-Insurance)

Andrea M. DeFrain (Trusts & Estates)

Gary S. Fealk (Employment Law-Management, Labor Law-Management)

Gregory J. Gamalski (Real Estate Law)

Jennifer M. Hetu (Trademark Law)

Michael B. Lewiston (Commercial Litigation, Litigation-Real Estate, Litigation-Trusts and Estates)

Mark W. Peters (Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law)

Karen L. Piper (Labor Law-Management)

Mara Letica Saad (Commercial Litigation)

Andrew Z. Spilkin (Real Estate Law)

Thomas J. Tallerico (Commercial Litigation)

Thomas Van Dusen (Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation-Trusts and Estates)

David B. Walters (Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law)

Glen M. Zatz (Real Estate Law)

Bodman is pleased to announce that 21 of its attorneys have been listed in the 2024 edition of the highly respected publication Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.

Local Bodman attorneys listed in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, including the practice areas under which they are listed, are:

—Detroit

Fawzeih H. Daher (Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation)

Michelle L. Kolkmeyer (Labor and Employment Law – Management)

Kelly M. Lockman (Banking and Finance Law, Real Estate Law)

Alexandra C. Markel (Commercial Litigation)

Chelsey L. Jones (Real Estate Law)

Julia C. Massaro (Trusts and Estates)

Christopher J. Rambus (Tax Law, Trusts and Estates)

Noel J. Ravenscroft (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law)

Erica J. Sarver (Commercial Litigation)

Alexis A. Smith-Scott (Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law)

Annalise A. Lekas (Health Care Law)

—Troy

Donovan S. Asmar (Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation)

Melissa M. Chapman (Intellectual Property Law, Patent Law)

Brigid D. Fox (Trusts and Estates)

Ryan M. Olson (Mergers and Acquisitions Law)

Rebecca C. Seguin-Skrabucha (Labor and Employment-Management)

In addition, Bodman is pleased to announce that nine of its attorneys have been named “Lawyers of the Year” for 2025 by the publisher of The Best Lawyers in America.

Local Bodman attorneys included as 2025 Lawyers of the Year are:

John C. Cashen has been named the 2025 Troy Lawyer of the Year for Employment Law – Management. Cashen represents employers in all aspects of employment law and related litigation. He served as chairperson of
Bodman’s Workplace Law Practice Group for ten years. Cashen also received the “Lawyer of the Year” award in 2021 under Labor-Law Management. He has also been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since
2005.

Michelle Thurber Czapski has been named the Troy 2025 Lawyer of the Year for Litigation – Insurance. Czapski serves as co-chair of the Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Practice Group and chair of the Insurance Practice Group. She has more than three decades of experience representing major corporate clients in litigation and alternative dispute resolution proceedings and counseling clients on business disputes, claims, decisions, and risk management issues. She has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 2021.

Robert J. Diehl Jr. has been named the 2025 Detroit Lawyer of the Year for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Diehl is the chair of the Bankruptcy and Debtor-Creditor Rights Practice Group. He represents lenders in out-of-court workouts and in bankruptcy proceedings involving all types of businesses and collateral, especially automotive-related businesses and real estate and construction businesses. He has previously received the Lawyer of the Year award in 2018 and 2010 under Banking and Finance Law and in 2012 under Litigation – Banking and Finance. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 1995.

David P. Larsen has been named the 2025 Detroit Lawyer of the Year for Trust and Estates. Larsen is the senior member of the firm’s High Net Worth Practice Group and provides highly individualized and comprehensive legal advice to many high net worth families, their family offices, and their closely-held businesses. He has been a consistent recipient of Lawyer of the Year award with recognitions in 2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, and 2016 under Litigation-Trust and Estates. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 2003.

Michael B. Lewiston has been named the Troy 2025 Lawyer of the Year for Litigation – Trusts and Estates. Lewiston specializes in a wide range of business litigation, formation, and negotiation. He has represented major sports franchises, business executives and their companies, law firms, and real estate developers. Lewiston has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 2005.

Ralph E. McDowell has been named the 2025 Detroit Lawyer of the Year for Litigation – Bankruptcy. McDowell is a former chair of Bodman’s Executive Committee. He assists clients primarily in the areas of commercial bankruptcy, debtors’ and creditors’ rights, workouts, and commercial lending. McDowell also received the Lawyer of the Year award in 2017 and 2020 under Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, in 2019 under Bet-the-Company Litigation, and in 2015 and 2021 under Litigation – Bankruptcy. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 2003.

Larry R. Shulman has been named the 2025 Detroit Lawyer of the Year for Banking and Finance Law. Shulman is the former chair of Bodman’s Executive Committee. He represents lenders in commercial loan originations. His practice also encompasses loan workouts, contracts, and other general business matters, as well as counseling lenders on lender liability issues. Shulman has been a recipient of the Lawyer of the Year award in 2009, 2016, and 2020 under Banking and Finance and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 2003.

•            •            •

Ninety-one Miller Canfield lawyers have been named in Best Lawyers 2025.

Additionally, eight Miller Canfield attorneys were recognized with Lawyer of the Year awards:

Brad B. Arbuckle, Securities/Capital Markets

Paul M. Collins, Environmental Law

Thomas W. Cranmer, Criminal Defense: General Practice; Litigation-Securities

Michael P. McGee, Public Finance Law

Michael Palizzi, Litigation-Intellectual Property

Thomas C. O’Brien, Personal Injury Litigation

Amanda Van Dusen, Government Relations Practice

Sherri A. Wellman, Natural Resources Law

Miller Canfield attorneys recognized in Best Lawyers 2025 include:

Frederick A. Acomb, Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Intellectual Property

Matthew P. Allen, Commercial Litigation

Danielle Mason Anderson, Commercial Finance Law

Thomas G. Appleman, Corporate Governance Law; Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Securities / Capital Markets Law; Securities Regulation

Brad B. Arbuckle, Corporate Governance Law; Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Securities / Capital Markets Law; Securities Regulation

Jeffrey S. Aronoff, Public Finance Law

LeRoy L. Asher Jr., Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Real Estate

Robin W. Asher, Commercial Litigation

Kasturi Bagchi, Real Estate Law

Ronald E. Baylor, Environmental Law; Litigation - Environmental

Marjory G. Basile, Litigation - Intellectual Property; Litigation - Patent; Trademark Law

Kimberly A. Berger, Trademark Law

Harold W. Bulger Jr., Public Finance Law

Steven E. Chester, Environmental Law

Alexander J. Clark, Real Estate Law

Michael P. Coakley, Arbitration; Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Intellectual Property; Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy); Litigation - Securities

Thomas D. Colis, Public Finance Law

Paul M. Collins, Energy Regulatory Law; Environmental Law

Thomas W. Cranmer, Bet-the-Company Litigation; Commercial Litigation; Criminal Defense, General Practice; Criminal Defense, White-Collar; Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law; Litigation - Environmental;
Litigation - Securities; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

Michelle P. Crockett, Employment Law - Management

Darryl R. Davidson, Public Finance Law

Robert L. DeJong, Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Construction; Litigation - Real Estate; Litigation - Trusts and Estates; Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants

Paul R. Dimond, Real Estate Law

Lawrence M. Dudek, Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Bankruptcy; Litigation - Construction; Litigation - Real Estate

W. Mack Faison, Commercial Litigation

Lawrence W. Falbe, Environmental Law

Joseph M. Fazio, Litigation - Real Estate; Real Estate Law

Steven M. Frank, Public Finance Law

Brian T. Gallagher, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

Robert E. Gilbert, Real Estate Law

Leonard D. Givens, Employment Law - Management; Labor Law - Management

Gerald J. Gleeson II, Bet-the-Company Litigation; Commercial Litigation; Criminal Defense, General Practice; Criminal Defense, White-Collar

Gary R. Glenn, Tax Law

Jonathan S. Green, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Saul A. Green, Criminal Defense, White-Collar

Matthew J. Greenberg, Environmental Law

Joseph D. Gustavus, Corporate Law

Michael W. Hartmann, Commercial Litigation; Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants; Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants

Ronald E. Hodess, Construction Law; Project Finance Law; Real Estate Law

Brian H. Holt, Real Estate Law

Shawn N. Hopper, Banking and Finance Law; Commercial Finance Law; Real Estate Law

Paul D. Hudson, Appellate Practice; Commercial Litigation

Joseph Huntzicker, Real Estate Law

Amy M. Johnston, Commercial Litigation, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

David D. Joswick, Banking and Finance Law; Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Securities / Capital Markets Law; Securities Regulation

Douglas M. Kilbourne, Banking and Finance Law

Samantha A. Kopacz, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

Jeffrey L. LaBine, Corporate Law; Securities / Capital Markets Law

Stephen S. LaPlante, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Litigation - Bankruptcy

Scott R. Lesser, Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Real Estate; Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law; Real Estate Law

Thomas W. Linn, Banking and Finance Law

Anthony J. Mavrinac, Banking and Finance Law

Michael P. McGee, Public Finance Law

Patrick F. McGow, Public Finance Law

Jeffrey M. McHugh, Public Finance Law

Charles S. Mishkind, Employment Law - Management; Litigation - Labor and Employment

Sonal Hope Mithani, Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Construction; Litigation - Real Estate

Michael E. Moore, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Bankruptcy

Kristin E. Nied, Public Finance Law

Megan P. Norris, Employment Law - Management; Litigation - Labor and Employment

Gregory A. Nowak, Litigation and Controversy - Tax; Tax Law

Thomas C. O’Brien, Bet-the-Company Litigation; Commercial Litigation; Criminal Defense, General Practice; Criminal Defense, White-Collar; Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs

Stephen J. Ott, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

Elisa Angeli Palizzi, Commercial Litigation

A. Michael Palizzi, Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Intellectual Property

Stephen G. Palms, Real Estate Law

Steven A. Roach, Banking and Finance Law; Litigation - Banking and Finance

Stephen C. Rohr, Trusts and Estates

Jerry T. Rupley, Education Law; Public Finance Law

Jennifer L. Sabourin, Litigation - Labor and Employment

Marina N. Saito, Patent Law

Larry J. Saylor, Appellate Practice; Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Antitrust; Litigation - Intellectual Property

Brian Schwartz, Employment Law - Management; Litigation - Labor and Employment

Kimberly L. Scott, Litigation - Intellectual Property

Erik H. Serr, Corporate Law

Julianne Cassin Sharp, Immigration Law

James A. Simpson, Banking and Finance Law; Corporate Law; Real Estate Law; Securities / Capital Markets Law; Securitization and Structured Finance Law

James E. Spurr, Commercial Litigation; Construction Law; Litigation - Construction

Steven M. Stankewicz, Real Estate Law

Marc N. Swanson, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Trent J. Taylor, Banking and Finance Law; Commercial Finance Law; Commercial Transactions / UCC Law; Real Estate Law

Nancy A. Valentine, Banking and Finance Law; Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Litigation - Banking and Finance; Litigation - Bankruptcy; Litigation - Real Estate

Amanda Van Dusen, Banking and Finance Law; Education Law; Government Relations Practice; Municipal Law; Public Finance Law

John G. Van Slambrouck, Litigation - Trusts and Estates; Trusts and Estates

Joseph G. Vernon, Commercial Litigation

Carl H. von Ende, Banking and Finance Law; Bet-the-Company Litigation; Commercial Litigation

Richard A. Walawender, International Trade and Finance Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Shusheng Wang, Corporate Law

Jerome R. Watson, Employment Law - Management; Labor Law - Management; Litigation - Labor and Employment

Sherri A. Wellman, Energy Law; Energy Regulatory Law; Natural Resources Law

John H. Willems, Employment Law - Management; Labor Law - Management

Robert T. Zielinski, Labor Law - Management; Litigation - Labor and Employment

Ones to Watch:

Elizabeth B. Baker, Immigration Law

Megan Baxter-Labut, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Karen L. Boore, Real Estate Law

Joel C. Bryant, Appellate Practice

Katrina Piligian Desmond, Public Finance Law

Christopher M. Dutot, Immigration Law

Caroline B. Giordano, Commercial Litigation

William R. Hancock, Intellectual Property Law

Stephen M. Ragatzki, Commercial Litigation

Reshma Sambare, Construction Law

Eric M. Stein, Banking and Finance Law; Real Estate Law

Matthew Warmbir, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

In addition, Miller Canfield is pleased to announce that 32 of its lawyers have been recognized in Super Lawyers and Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2024. Several Miller Canfield lawyers were also named to the Super
Lawyers top lists. They are:

Matthew Allen, Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers

Thomas Cranmer, Top 10 Michigan Super Lawyers, Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers

Gerald Gleeson, Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers

Megan Norris, Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers, Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers

The list of Miller Canfield attorneys in the 2024 edition of Super Lawyers includes:

Frederick Acomb, International

Matthew Allen, Business Litigation

Eric Bergeron, Banking, Rising Star

Russell Bucher, Energy & Resources, Rising Star

Michael Coakley, Business Litigation

Thomas Colis, State/Local/Municipal Law

Thomas Cranmer, Criminal Defense, White Collar

William Danhof, Government Finance

Lawrence Dudek, Real Estate

Joseph Fazio, Real Estate

Erika Giroux, Business Litigation, Rising Star

Gerald Gleeson, Criminal Defense, White Collar

Jonathan Green, Bankruptcy, Business

Paul Hudson, Appellate

Amy Johnston, Business Litigation

Michael McGee, Government Finance

Sonal Hope Mithani, Business Litigation

Robert Murkowski, Business Litigation

Megan Norris, Employment and Labor

Michael Palizzi, Business Litigation

Stephen Palms, Real Estate

Steven Roach, Creditor Debtor Rights

Jennifer Sabourin, Employment and Labor

Marina Saito, Intellectual Property Litigation

Larry Saylor, Business Litigation

Kimberly Scott, IP Litigation

Marc Swanson, Bankruptcy, Business

Trent Taylor, Banking

Nancy Valentine, Creditor Debtor Rights

Amanda Van Dusen, Government Finance

Jerome Watson, Employment Litigation, Defense

Robert Zielinski, Employment and Labor

•            •            •

Dykema announced that 216 of its attorneys, in multiple practice areas and markets, have been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 guide and the Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” list. Additionally, attorneys
from the firm have earned 21 Best Lawyers 2025 “Lawyer of the Year” distinctions.

The local Dykema attorneys named Best Lawyers 2025 “Lawyers of the Year,” identified by office location and the practice area for which they are being recognized, are:

—Bloomfield Hills

James P. Feeney– Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants

Alan M. Greene – Litigation - Real Estate, Litigation - Land Use and Zoning

Joseph H. Hickey – Litigation - Banking and Finance

Brian T. Smith – Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

—Detroit

Robert A. Boonin – Litigation - Labor and Employment

Todd G. Gattoni – Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants

The local Dykema attorneys listed in the 2025 Best Lawyers in America guide, identified by office location and the practice areas for which they have been recognized, are:

—Bloomfield Hills

James G. Aldrich Jr. – Immigration Law

Laura Baucus – Banking and Finance Law; Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Banking and Finance

Jennifer L. Beidel – Criminal Defense: White-Collar

John D. Black – Commercial Litigation; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

Brendan J. Cahill – Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Amy M. Christen – Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

Mark D. Chutkow – Commercial Litigation; Criminal Defense: White-Collar

Michael G. Cumming – Tax Law; Trusts and Estates

Joseph DeHondt– Corporate Law

James P. Feeney – Arbitration; Bet-the-Company Litigation; Commercial Litigation; Corporate Law; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants; Product Liability Litigation -
Defendants

Adam M. Fishkind – Project Finance Law; Real Estate Law

Douglas J. Fryer – Commercial Litigation; Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law

Alan M. Greene – Land Use and Zoning Law; Litigation - Land Use and Zoning; Litigation - Real Estate; Real Estate Law

Clay Guise – Commercial Litigation; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

Nazneen S. Hasan – Trusts and Estates

Kyle R. Hauberg – Project Finance Law; Real Estate Law

Joseph H. Hickey – Banking and Finance Law; Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Banking and Finance; Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law

Howard B. Iwrey – Antitrust Law; Litigation - Antitrust

Courtney Kissel – Energy Law; Energy Regulatory Law

Eric S. Klein – Health Care Law

Bonnie Mayfield – Employment Law - Management; Litigation - Labor and Employment

Thomas T. Moga – Litigation - Patent; Patent Law; Technology Law

Brian M. Moore – Commercial Litigation

Paul Nystrom – Commercial Litigation; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

Todd C. Schebor – Environmental Law; Litigation - Environmental

Brian T. Smith – Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants;

Scott A. Steinhoff – Real Estate Law

Sheryl L. Toby – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Litigation – Bankruptcy

Jeanne M. Whalen – Corporate Law

—Detroit

Michael Bernard – Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Robert A. Boonin – Education Law; Employment Law - Management; Labor Law - Management; Litigation - Labor and Employment

Lisa A. Brown – Commercial Litigation; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

James R. Case – Construction Law; Litigation - Construction

Michael P. Cooney – Commercial Litigation; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants; Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Sherrie L. Farrell – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Commercial Litigation; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants

Todd G. Gattoni – Commercial Litigation; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants; Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Grant P. Gilezan – Environmental Law; Litigation - Environmental

James F. Hermon – Employment Law - Management; Litigation - Labor and Employment

Mark D. Jacobs – Environmental Law

Peter M. Kellett – Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Securities; Mediation; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

Jin-Kyu Koh – Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships); Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Securities / Capital Markets Law

Rochelle Lento – Real Estate Law

Carl Rashid Jr. – Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law; Land Use and Zoning Law; Litigation - Real Estate; Litigation and Controversy - Tax; Real Estate Law; Tax Law

John F. Rhoades – Commercial Litigation

Daniel J. Schairbaum – Construction Law; Real Estate Law

Thomas M. Schehr – Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Banking and Finance; Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law

Dante A. Stella– Commercial Litigation; Electronic Discovery and Information Management Law

Boyd White III – Commercial Litigation; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants

The local Dykema attorneys listed as 2025 Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch,” identified by office location and the practice area for which they are being recognized are:

—Bloomfield Hills

Nardeen Dalli – Tax Law

Joseph Duffy – Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Antitrust

Antonia Giles – Corporate Law

Jonathan Kama – Commercial Litigation; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

Erin Katz – Litigation - Banking and Finance

Samuel Kilberg – Real Estate Law

Robert Pollock – Real Estate Law

Igli Psari – Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Victoria Remus – Tax Law

Connor Walby – Commercial Litigation; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

Ryan Warsh – Real Estate Law

—Detroit

Matthew Cassar – Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Construction

Mark Makoski – Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Real Estate

Giuliano Mancini – Litigation - Real Estate

Ryan VanOver – Appellate Practice; Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Banking and Finance

•            •            •

Taft is pleased to announce that 363 Taft attorneys were selected to Best Lawyers in America® 2025. Following are the local Taft honorees:

—Detroit

Marko J. Belej, Tax Law

Jeremy D. Bisdorf, Information Technology Law

Jordan S. Bolton, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Banking and Finance

Trey Brice, Land Use and Zoning Law

Mark G. Cooper, Insurance Law, Litigation – Insurance

Joseph J. DeVito, Corporate Law, Real Estate Law

Joel S. Golden, Trusts and Estates

Paul R. Hage, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Michelle C. Harrell, Land Use and Zoning Law

Jeffrey Heuer, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Construction

Ethan R. Holtz, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Construction

Michael Jacobson, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Real Estate

Shirley Kaigler, Trusts and Estates

Lee B. Kellert, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Mark Kowalsky, Litigation – Securities

Mark Krysinski, Real Estate Law

Bill Lentine, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Tax Law, Trusts and Estates

Susan S. Lichterman, Family Law, Family Law Arbitration

Eli Maroko, Immigration Law

Judith Greenstone Miller, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Gregory W. Moore, Health Care Law

Brian Raznick, Real Estate Law

James Rose, Appellate Practice

Mark D. Rubenfire, Real Estate Law

Aaron Sherbin, Trusts and Estates, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

William Sider, Tax Law

Arthur H. Siegal, Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental

Peter Sugar, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law, Securities Regulation

Susan M. Sutton, Trusts and Estates

Scott R. Torpey, Commercial Litigation

Arthur A. Weiss, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Real Estate Law, Tax Law

Jeffrey M. Weiss, Banking and Finance Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Jay L. Welford, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation – Bankruptcy

Richard A. Zussman, Real Estate Law

The following local Taft attorneys have been named Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year”:

—Detroit

Mark G. Cooper, Litigation – Insurance

Mark L. Kowalsky, Litigation – Securities

Following is the list of local Taft attorneys selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers® “Ones to Watch”:

—Detroit

Kelley Donnelly, Commercial Litigation

Ian Evans, Banking and Finance Law

Justin A. Hanna, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

James L. Kresta, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Real Estate

Emily M. Mayer, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law

Michael Pomeranz, Commercial Litigation

Kate L. Ringler, Trusts and Estates

Jacob J. Simon, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)

Rose M. Speece, Real Estate Law

Paige M. Szymanski, Litigation – Securities

Bridget V. Tignanelli, Corporate Law

Daniel M. Ungar, Technology Law

Natalie A. Watkins, Corporate Governance and Compliance Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

•            •            •

Garan Lucow Miller PC is pleased to announce that seven attorneys, across multiple practice areas, were named to the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers list. Local GLM attorneys featured are:

—Super Lawyers

Ebony L. Duff and John J. Gillooly were recognized for State, Local, and Municipal law.

Frederick B. Plumb was recognized for Personal Injury General: Defense law.

Daniel S. Saylor was recognized for Appellate law.

GLM is also pleased to announce that fourteen of the firm’s lawyers were recognized in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

In Michigan, Ebony L. Duff was recognized for Municipal Law. John J. Gillooly was recognized for Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants.

Christopher Jelinek was recognized for Product Liability Litigation – Defendants.

Stacey L. King and Susan M. Williams were recognized for Insurance Law.

Dennis P. Partridge was recognized for Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers.

Frederick B. Plumb was recognized for Insurance Law, Litigation – Insurance, and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants.

Rosalind Rochkind and Daniel S. Saylor were recognized for Appellate Practice and Insurance Law.

•            •            •

Brooks Kushman is proud to announce that nine of the firm’s attorneys have been named to the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers list for their accomplishments in intellectual property law by Super Lawyers Magazine.

Brooks Kushman attorneys recognized are:

Frank Angileri
Mark Cantor
Marc Lorelli
William Abbatt
Chanille Carswell
Hope Shovein
Thomas Lewry
Molly Mack Crandall
Rachel Smith

Three of the firm’s attorneys were also named to the 2024 Rising Stars list:

Chelsea Pasquali
Reza Roghani Esfahani
Fatima Kassem

The firm is also proud to announce that eight Brooks Kushman attorneys were recognized in The Best Lawyers in America©.

Frank Angileri was also recognized as the 2025 “Lawyer of the Year.” Angileri was recognized for Intellectual Property Litigation in Detroit.

Those included in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America© are:

Frank Angileri, president
Mark Cantor, chairman emeritus & general counsel
John LeRoy, co-chair litigation
Marc Lorelli, co-chair litigation
Hope Shovein, shareholder
Rachel Smith, shareholder
Tiffany Fidler, shareholder
Erin Bowles, shareholder

In addition, Brooks Kushman is pleased to announce that attorney Reza Roghani Esfahani has been selected by the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD) as a Detroit City Lead.

As a City Lead, Esfahani will be responsible for tailoring regional programming toward region-specific interests and industries to provide networking, career-building, and engagement opportunities with the Michigan membership. The City Leads are dedicated to both fostering relationships among current LCLD members and growing LCLD participation in the local area. Esfahani will also help facilitate access to role models and support for diverse legal professionals in the Detroit community.

Esfahani is an intellectual property attorney, with a focus on patent and trade secret litigation involving a wide range of technologies including mechanical, chemical, and computer sciences. She is also a member of Brooks Kushman’s post-grant practice group.

•            •            •

Several Kerr Russell attorneys have been named in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers®. Two Kerr Russell attorneys have been recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” recipients for their practice areas; Patrick Haddad for Securities Regulation and Joanne Geha Swanson for Antitrust Litigation.

Kerr Russell’s 2025 Best Lawyers in America include:

Robert S. Anderson – Immigration Law

Jason W. Bank – Bankruptcy & Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency & Reorganization Law; Litigation – Bankruptcy

Kevin T. Block – Commercial Transactions; Corporate Law; Real Estate Law

Richard C. Buslepp – Corporate Law

James R. Cambridge – Corporate Law

Michael D. Carroll – Construction Law; Litigation – Construction

Mark M. Cunningham – Construction Law

James E. DeLine – Commercial Litigation

Catherine Edwards – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants

Daniel J. Ferris – Appellate Practice; Commercial Litigation

John D. Gatti – Corporate Law; Tax Law

Patrick J. Haddad – Health Care Law; Insurance Law; Securities Regulation

Fred K. Herrmann – Antitrust Law

Mark C. Knoth – Employment Law – Management

Eric I. Lark – Corporate Law; Insurance Law

Kate M. McCarroll – Immigration Law

Stephen D. McGraw – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants

Miroslava Orduño Rincón – Immigration Law

Daniel J. Schulte – Administrative / Regulatory Law; Health Care Law

Lauri B. Stewart – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants

Joanne Geha Swanson – Appellate Practice; Litigation – Antitrust

James E. Tamm – Land Use and Zoning Law; Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants; Municipal Law

Kurt R. Vilders – Real Estate Law

Kerr Russell’s 2025 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch include:

Cody Attisha – Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Tax Law

Chaoyi Ding – Corporate Law

Olivia Hankinson – Corporate Law; Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law; Labor and Employment Law – Management; Litigation – Labor and Employment

Paul M. Indyk – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants

Kevin A. McQuillan – Civil Rights Law; Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants; Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants

Amanda M. Phillips – Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Kathleen A. Westfall – Health Care Law; Insurance Law

•            •            •

Harness IP is pleased to announce that four attorneys have been listed in the 2024 edition of Super Lawyers Magazine.

Senior Counsel Lisabeth H. Coakley, Principal Monte L. Falcoff, and Principal Glenn E. Forbis have been selected to the 2024 “Michigan Super Lawyers” list.  Additionally, Principal J. Bradley Luchsinger has been selected to the “Michigan Rising Stars” list.

Harness IP is also pleased to announce that 43 attorneys have been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® for 2025, including four who were named “Lawyer of the Year” in their respective locations and practice areas. Additionally, 10 attorneys were included as Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.

Best Lawyers in America “Lawyer of the Year”:

—Detroit

Glenn E. Forbis – Copyright Law

Paul A. Keller – Trademark Law

Best Lawyers In America:

—Detroit

Geoffrey D. Aurini – Trademark Law

Lisabeth H. Coakley – Copyright Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Trade Secrets Law, Trademark Law

Michael P. Doerr – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law

Lisa DuRoss – Trademark Law

Mark D. Elchuk – Patent Law

Stanley M. Erjavac – Patent Law, Trademark Law

Monte L. Falcoff – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law, Trademark Law

Glenn E. Forbis – Copyright Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law, Trademark Law

Paul A. Keller – Copyright Law – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law, Trademark Law

Joseph M. Lafata – Patent Law

Bradley Luchsinger – Patent Law

Timothy D. MacIntyre – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law

Michael Malinzak – Patent Law

Timothy J. Martin – Patent Law

Ryan W. Massey – Patent Law

Kevin G. Mierzwa – Patent Law

Stephen T. Olson – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law

Jessica S. Sachs – Trademark Law

Gregory Schivley – Patent Law, Trademark Law

Brent Seitz – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law

Colleen Shovlin – Patent Law, Trademark Law

Robert M. Siminski – Patent Law

R. Duke Taylor – Patent Law

David P. Utykanski – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law

Steven D. Wangerow – Patent Law

Richard Warner – Patent Law

Michael D. Wiggins – Patent Law

Jennifer Woodside-Wojtala – Patent Law

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch:

—Detroit

Jewell N. Briggs – Litigation – Patent, Patent Law

Jeremiah J. Foley – Intellectual Property Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law

Paul R. Hoffer – Intellectual Property Law

April M. Minarik – Litigation – Intellectual Property

Jennifer R. Turchyn – Patent Law

•            •            •

Maddin Hauser is pleased to announce that 16 attorneys have been included in the 2024 list of Michigan Super Lawyers. Rita Lauer is named for her work in corporate and business matters, joining the list of recognized
attorneys for the first time. For the fourth consecutive year, Julie Teicher appears on the “Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers” list and she and Kate Klaus are named among the “Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers.”
The Maddin Hauser attorneys appearing on the 2024 list of Michigan Super Lawyers are:

David M. Eisenberg – Bankruptcy: Business

David H. Freedman – Business & Corporate

Andrew M. Harris – Business Litigation

David E. Hart – Business Litigation

Mark R. Hauser – Real Estate

Harvey R. Heller – Professional Liability: Defense

Kathleen H. Klaus – Professional Liability: Defense

Rita M. Lauer – Business & Corporate

Charles M. Lax – Employee Benefits

Julie C. Mayer – Insurance Coverage

Steven D. Sallen – Real Estate

David M. Saperstein – Professional Liability: Defense

Julie B. Teicher – Bankruptcy: Business

Stewart C.W. Weiner – Family Law

Steve M. Wolock – Professional Liability: Defense

Super Lawyers also recognizes the legal profession’s up-and-coming attorneys – “Rising Stars.” In 2024, Corinne Rockoff is named for her Real Estate expertise.

Maddin Hauser is also pleased to announce that 28 attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2025 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for their work across numerous practice areas.

For the 2025 edition, two Maddin Hauser attorneys received “Lawyer of the Year” designations: Harvey Heller in Insurance Law and Kate Klaus in Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants.

The 2025 list names 22 Maddin Hauser attorneys as Best Lawyers:

Stuart Bordman (Franchise Law)

David Eisenberg (Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation – Bankruptcy)

David H. Freedman (Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Corporate Law)

Martin S. Frenkel (Construction Law)

Andrew M. Harris (Litigation – Real Estate)

David Hart (Financial Services Regulation Law and Litigation – Real Estate)

Mark Hauser (Real Estate Law)

Harvey R. Heller (Insurance Law and Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants)

Robert D. Kaplow (Tax Law and Trusts and Estates)

Kathleen H. Klaus (Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants)

Gary A. Kravitz (Real Estate Law)

Charles M. Lax (Corporate Law and Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law)

Julie Chenot Mayer (Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants)

Steven D. Sallen (Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) and Real Estate Law)

David M. Saperstein (Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants)

William E. Sigler (Corporate Law, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, and Real Estate Law)

Sheryl K. Silberstein (Land Use and Zoning Law)

Ronald A. Sollish (Corporate Law, Employment Law – Individuals, and Employment Law – Management)

Julie B. Teicher (Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Commercial Litigation, and Litigation – Bankruptcy)

Stewart C. W. Weiner (Family Law)

Steven M. Wolock (Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants)

Craig E. Zucker (Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation – Bankruptcy)

Additionally, six Maddin Hauser attorneys earned the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch designation.

Rachael Frawley-Panyard (Banking and Finance Law and Litigation – Real Estate)

Rita M. Lauer (Business Organizations including LLCs and Partnerships)

Mariel G. Newhouse (Commercial Litigation and Labor and Employment Law – Management)

Corinne S. Rockoff (Banking and Finance Law, Litigation – Construction, and Real Estate Law)

Jesse L. Roth (Insurance Law)

Sydney E. Wright (Commercial Litigation and Financial Services Regulation Law)

By John F. Sase
Gerard Senick, editor
Julie Sase, copy editor
William Gross, research

Using the Works of Plato as Building Blocks During the Nineteenth Century—a Northern European Example

In recent months, I discovered the newest, most thorough, and clearest translation of all the “Complete works of Plato, Edited, with Introduction and Notes,” by John M. Cooper published by Hackett Publishing based in Indianapolis and Cambridge. Cooper and more than forty other academic writers. This compilation of more than 1,740 pages purports to include the complete collection of all writing by Plato. This is not a bathroom book unless one has a terrible case of constipation.

For those who grew up reading the works of Plato, this compilation begins with the Euthyphro, Apology, and Crito. It ends with Eryxias, Axiochus, and Epigrams…all translated and carefully edited in a manner engaging to the modern reader. Having been taught by Jesuit brothers and priests for twelve years, I find this modern translation to be well worth the read and further study. This extensive work has encouraged me to consider and write about my modern family history. It has helped me contribute to forming my modern worldview of life and events.

Plato’s view of history has assisted me in expressing the more recent history of myself and the family backgrounds of many of us. It appears that a majority of us, across our respective and chosen fields, have found that who we have become reflects and resounds upon ancestries over hundreds and years with numerous higher and lower points that have brought us into the 21st Century.

Generally, we have been blessed with the observations and experiences of multiple generations shared with us by numerous generations with lifetimes filled with practical applications of inherent skills.

When humans look ahead or go back in time, we find that structures, dimensions, and time itself become increasingly vague and gossamer.

The further back in time that we look, the more gossamer our family histories become. Most of us accumulate such knowledge that has been passed along from generation to generation. Often, we discover our similarities with others through common events of the past centuries. In our current era, we may have the good fortune to tie together numerous past episodes. Given stacks of history books and common folklore, we may often find pieces to the puzzle through common roots that fade into a gossamer past.

For example, many of us have heard of common experiences involving our more immediate families that have emerged through various collaborations and partnerships of the families who made their living from what our ancestors had drawn from the lakes, seas, and oceans. Sometimes, through sharing their catch with those habitants residing in the inland areas and mountains, comraderies through the mixing of families who lived in a mountain chateau, along with others who successfully mined gold and similar minerals may have discovered a common and successful path to modern banking. More recently, Caroline Bouvier Kennedy found her way into such a family in recent years. In Detroit, at least one from an ancient mountain family followed his passion through studying sunny days and other climate changes.

In Detroit, the children of the younger son (one who was second in line to inherit) of a family who began in the ancient European fishing trade, followed his passion for wagon and carriage building in Ohio. The elder son and his family escaped a certain death instigated by Otto von Bismark.  Those who escaped from Northern Europe through the Devil’s Bite just to the west of Hamburg, through the aid of family and friends.

For the many coming, as planned, to Michigan, they understood and chose to start anew, through a somewhat alternative way of life in the lumber camps along the Au Sable River. This group movement commenced in 1885. However, the “changes to come” appear to have emerged some 90 years preceding an extensive migration to America.

Française et Polonaise

The great French migration to America fell into step during the decades following the French Revolution of 1776 through 1799. Given this observation, we may suspect that the major Polish families developed in accord with major French families until the latter quarter of that previous century. The French settled in Michigan, while strongly focused on redevelopment of the ancient cities along the strait between Lake Huron and Lake Erie. Hence, the new French settlement became known as the City of Detroit (in French, La Cite de la Troit ... the city of the Strait ... aka, Detroit).

Along with their wives and the traditional form of arranged marriages practiced by the Piasecki (anglicized to Sands) and members of other related communities from along the Atlantic coast, multiple “daughters of Poland” and “sons of Saxony” traveled westward to Mideastern-Michigan. Taught by elder kin who continued to accompany their younger heirs as they reached adulthood, numerous couples built and managed food and supply stores in the small town of Emery Junction (now known as National City) and adjacent locations along the old Detroit-Mackinac Railroad line.

The store owners prepared and sold box and bag lunches to travelers who journeyed northward into Michigan from the Lake Erie shores of Ohio.

Meanwhile, early craftsmen who built wagons and carriages discovered new prosperity in Detroit and beyond throughout the early years of the newly formed vehicle industry. For these folks, the tasks of hunting and fishing began to emerge as more of a matter of sport and fine dining, instead of one of harsher daily survival.

However, the further the digression from the finite, a vaguer progression appeared to head toward the infinite which brought forth a greater (though subtler) clarity beyond current time and space. In turn, such approaches led to greater clarity of consciousness that accompanied subtle understanding that appeared beyond the goal of precision.