LEGAL PEOPLE

Stephen J. Hitchcock of Giarmarco, Mullins, & Horton PC has been named a 2013 Top Lawyer by DBusiness and as a Michigan Super Lawyer. He also has an "AV" Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Hitchcock concentrates his practice in the areas of municipal law litigation, employee benefits, and business transactions. He has experience in municipal matters over the past 26 years, handling municipal government and school board issues. He represents a number of insurance companies in litigation defense, fringe benefits, disability and other employment related litigation. He has previously served on the Zoning Board of Appeals and the School Board in Novi. He is currently a trustee with the Novi Educational Foundation. Hitchcock has represented local cities and townships for more than 25 years in matters relating to water/sewer, zoning, planning, land use, ordinance drafting, contract negotiations, and municipal litigation. He represented the City of Romulus as city attorney, the Charter Township of Brownstown, and Kochville Township on various legal matters. Hitchcock has also provided legal services for the City of Hamtramck, Charter Township of Shelby, City of Belleville, City of Ecorse, Charter Township of Redford, City of Taylor, City of Trenton, City of Montrose and other municipalities. Hitchcock earned his BA from the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University, and his law degree from Detroit College of Law. He is admitted to practice in Michigan, Florida, the Michigan Supreme Court, U.S. Court of Appeals and U.S. Supreme Court. * * * Dickinson Wright PLLC is pleased to announce that attorney William H. Honaker has been named a finalist for the Outstanding IP Litigator in Michigan Award presented by Managing Intellectual Property magazine. Honaker is one of five finalists for the award. He is a member in the firm's Troy office. He also serves as the Practice Department manager for the Intellectual Property, Patents & Patent Litigation, Trademarks, and Copyright group. Honaker focuses his practice in the areas of business technology, copyrights, intellectual property, patents, and trademarks. Honaker has experience in all aspects of patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright matters including litigation in a broad range of technologies. For his clients, he evaluates patents, trademarks and copyrights along with advising clients on the protection of inventions and inventors, trademarks and copyrightable subject matter. As an examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, he was responsible for mechanical and electro-mechanical inventions including farm equipment, hydraulic cylinder assemblies, linkage systems, propulsion devices, and gear drive arrangements. Honaker is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the American Bar Association, and the American Intellectual Property Law Association. He is a former chairman of the Intellectual Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. He is also listed in Best Lawyers in America for Intellectual Property Litigation, Patent Litigation, Patent Law, and Trademark Law. Honaker received his B.S.M.E. from the University of Toledo and his law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law and Georgetown University. The Outstanding IP Litigator in Michigan award is a part of Managing Intellectual Property's 2013 North America Awards. In addition to the categories announced this month, awards for best in-house team, milestone cases of 2013 and overall achievement in IP will also be presented at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 19. For a complete list of the finalists, visit http://www.managingip.com/Article/3154351/North-America-Awards-2013-shortlists-revealed. * * * Rader, Fishman, & Grauer PLLC is pleased to congratulate Partner Kristin L. Murphy on her recent recognition by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a 2013 Leader in the Law. Thirty of Michigan's top attorneys have been chosen for Michigan Lawyers Weekly's Leaders in the Law, Class of 2013. Leaders were chosen from numerous nominations from around the state in all areas of law, and included small and large law firm lawyers, politicians, judges and those in public service. Murphy is a managing partner at Rader, Fishman, & Grauer. Her practice encompasses domestic and foreign patent prosecution, patent opinion work, domestic trademark prosecution, trade secret counseling, intellectual property valuations/due diligence and drafting and negotiation agreements relating to technology and intellectual property. Murphy is the current president of the Women's Bar Association - Oakland County Region of WLAM. She is also the first vice-president of the Michigan Intellectual Property Law Association (MIPLA), a former co-chair of the Industrial Advisory Council for the School of Engineering at Western New England University, and serves on the Board of Directors for The Pink Fund; a Michigan-based charity that provides short-term financial aid to women and men who are in active treatment for and recovery from breast cancer. * * * Southfield-based Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer, & Weiss, PC recently announced the formalization of its franchising law practice group. Jaffe CEO Bill Sider made the announcement. "We have been providing business counsel and growth support to franchisors and franchisees for many years," said Sider. "This announcement is really the formalization of a group of specialized attorneys in our office that have been highly active in this industry for more than 30 years." The group represents clients in the complete development of franchise systems, including the creation of franchise disclosure documentation, the securing of intellectual property rights, compliance with federal and state franchise regulations, adherence to state franchise registration laws and advertising compliance. In addition to comprehensive franchise law services, Jaffe is positioned to also provide expertise in corporate formation, real estate acquisition and leasing, employee benefit plan development, employment agreement negotiation, and tax planning and reporting. The practice group will be led by Jay Welford, a veteran partner at Jaffe, and David L. Steinberg of David L. Steinberg PC who has joined the firm as of counsel. Welford has more than 30 years of experience in corporate representation and restructuring. His experience includes multiple industry sectors and practices, including franchising. Welford received his bachelor's in business degree from the University of Michigan and his law degree from Wayne State University Law School. Steinberg is a leader in the field of franchise law, representing numerous national franchisors and franchisees throughout North America. A graduate of the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and communications, Steinberg then went on to the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law for his law degree. He continued his education by earning a master's degree in international trade regulation from the Georgetown University Law School. * * * Rachel Hom, a third-year law student, is poised to follow her Wayne State University Law School success with the launch of a career in international law after graduation. She's been hired by Deloitte Tax LLP to work in the firm's Detroit office in the Renaissance Center. "I am thrilled to join such a large and prestigious firm with a well-respected global presence," Hom said. "I secured the job through on-campus interviews during Wayne State's fall recruitment. I initially applied for the interview after the prompting of fellow classmates who worked at accounting firms in the city and thought I would find it a good fit. Their recommendations alone are reflective of the Wayne Law community, because it is truly that - a community." Hom, who earned her undergraduate degree in political science and sociology at the University of Michigan, said one reason she chose Wayne for law school was for its "strong community presence." She's had a broad exposure to international law through her studies with the Law School's Program for International Studies, which drew her interest soon after she started at Wayne Law. "Each opportunity I've encountered in law school, locally or abroad, has significantly impacted my career path," Hom said. "One of the most influential international experiences was studying at The Hague Academy of International Law." Hom completed her studies in the Netherlands last summer as a recipient of the Freeman Fellowship, which is awarded once a year to a student studying with the Program for International Legal Studies at Wayne Law so he or she can attend classes at The Hague Academy. While she was in the Netherlands, she met international attorneys who worked with Deloitte. "Not only were they working with Deloitte, but most were also involved in Jessup International Moot Court in their home country, either in a student or coach capacity," Hom said. She is chancellor of Wayne Law's Jessup team, which has always done well in regional competition, and this year, under Hom's leadership, came out on top, and soon will be going on to international competition. Hom also is involved with five different student associations, is a member of the Wayne Law Review, and in 2011, won an International Public interest Law Fellowship to serve as a legal intern with The Bahamas Crisis Centre. Hom worked in 2010 as a foreclosure intern at Orlans Associates PC and in 2012 as a summer associate with Dickinson Wright PLLC. All of these experiences have strengthened her interest in international law, she said. "Unlike domestic law, international law provides constant change, conflict and uncertainty in its binding/non-binding governance on various state and private sectors," Hom said. "Determining which laws to apply and in what capacity is consistently challenging and very exciting." She expects to work with client issues relating to tax and accounting events at Deloitte, she said. "There will be the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the client's individual and business needs, and a chance to build strong, long-term relationships within a variety of situations," Hom said. "I look forward to gaining diverse exposure to many areas of tax and in whatever areas my supervisors at Deloitte believe they can best utilize my legal skills and training." * * * Sarah Harwood joined Abbott Nicholson as an associate attorney in 2013. Harwood is working in the firm's Business and Dispute Resolution Practice groups. Prior to joining Abbott Nicholson, Harwood was a judicial law clerk for former Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Marilyn Kelly. Harwood is admitted to the practice of law in the State of Michigan and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Harwood is an active member of the Oakland County Bar Association, where she is a director on the New Lawyer's Committee. She is also active in the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association and the Women Lawyer's Association of Michigan in Wayne and Oakland Counties. Harwood earned her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University (B.S. Horticulture, 2000) and her law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law (2010). * * * Southfield-based Maddin, Hauser, Wartell, Roth, & Heller PC announced that Franchise attorney Rebecca M. Turner was recognized recently at the International Franchise Association's (IFA) annual convention in Las Vegas, as a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) by the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives. The Institute is the academic branch of the IFA's Educational Foundation. To receive the CFE designation, Turner had to complete a comprehensive course of study, seminars and workshops in franchise management offered by the Institute. At Maddin Hauser, Turner advises franchisors in corporate organization, business operation and structure, franchise disclosure document registration, contract negotiations, and other business and real estate issues impacting the franchise industry. The Rochester resident also counsels franchisees, companies and entrepreneurial individuals, assisting them to structure their businesses to promote growth, maximize efficient use of resources and minimize risk. In addition to franchise law, Turner concentrates her practice in the areas of corporate law and real estate transactions. As a shareholder, she is active in firm management, serving on the recruiting committee and as the shareholder advisor to the associate group. The Syracuse University College of Law alum is an Oakland County Bar Foundation Fellow. She is a member of the International Franchise Association, Women's Franchise Network of Southeast Michigan, American Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan and Oakland County Bar Association. Additionally, Turner is a past president of the Women's Bar Association (Oakland Region of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan). Additionally, Maddin Hauser announced that 16 of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 19th edition of The Best Lawyers in America® 2013. Of the 16, shareholders Harvey R. Heller, John E. Jacobs, Robert D. Kaplow, Richard J. Maddin, Richard F. Roth, and Steven M. Wolock were recognized in multiple practice areas. The recipients and the respective categories in which they were honored include:. * Stuart M. Bordman, shareholder; Franchise Law. * Mark R. Hauser, managing director and executive management committee member; Real Estate Law. * Harvey R. Heller, shareholder and executive management vommittee member; Insurance Law and Legal Malpractice Law -- Defendants. * John E. Jacobs, shareholder; Corporate Law and Real Estate Law. * Robert D. Kaplow, shareholder; Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. * Kathleen H. Klaus, shareholder; Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants. * Charles M. Lax, shareholder; Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. * Michael S. Leib, shareholder; Litigation - Bankruptcy. * Michael W. Maddin, president emeritus and executive management committee mmber; Real Estate Law. * Richard J. Maddin, shareholder; Construction Law, Land Use & Zoning Law, Litigation -- Construction, Litigation -- Land Use and Zoning, Litigation -- Real Estate, and Real Estate Law. * Richard F. Roth, shareholder; Real Estate Law and Trusts and Estates. * Lowell D. Salesin, shareholder and executive management committee member; Real Estate Law. * Steven D. Sallen, president, CEO and executive management committee member; Real Estate Law. * Ronald A. Sollish, shareholder; Employment Law - Individuals. * Steven M. Wolock, shareholder; Legal Malpractice Law -- Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law -- Defendants. * L. Jeffrey Zauberman, shareholder; Banking and Finance Law. * * * Varnum is pleased to announce that business and corporate attorney Matthew W. Bower has joined the firm as counsel in the Metro Detroit office. Bower's practice focuses in the area of general business and commercial transactions with particular emphasis representing technology, internet and software startup to mid-sized companies. He also practices intellectual property law, specifically copyright, publishing, and licensing. Bower is a presenter on intellectual property matters and is the author of several published articles on internet law matters. He serves on the board of directors of the Michigan Youth Arts Association and serves on the advisory committee for ArtServe Michigan's Lawyers for the Creative Economy Program, where he also serves as a volunteer lawyer. Bower earned his law degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo School Of Law in New York. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Theatre from the University of Michigan. Bower practiced law in New York and most recently with a small Michigan firm prior to joining Varnum. Varnum is also pleased to announce that attorney Dennis M. Devaney has joined its Metro Detroit office. Devaney has more than 25 years experience practicing labor and employment law. His career includes working in private practice, public policy, and legal education. Over the past 25 years, Devaney practiced in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Florida, and Detroit. He has represented clients in labor and employment disputes, in litigation and on legislative and regulatory matters. His labor and employment practice has focused on union corporate campaigns, unfair labor practice and representation case litigation, duty of fair representation, contract negotiations, arbitrations, and labor advice with respect to the structuring of corporate transactions and employment discrimination. He has litigated cases before the National Labor Relations Board, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and in state and federal courts. Devaney served as commissioner of the U.S. International Trade Commission, was a board member on the National Labor Relations Board for five years, and served as general counsel for the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Among his accomplishments, Devaney has taught as an associate professor at Wayne State University Law School and a Fulbright Scholar at Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest, Hungary. Devaney has also acted as a visiting professor at George Washington University, Boston University Law School, Cornell Law School, Tulane Law School, Wayne State University Law School, and Cooley Law School. Devaney is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell. He has been listed since 2005 in Best Lawyers of America and Michigan Super Lawyers. He is a Fellow of both the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers and the Michigan Bar Foundation. Devaney earned his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center and his undergraduate and graduate degrees from University of Maryland. Additionally, veteran attorney Richard P. Manczak has joined the Metro Detroit office. Manczak has been practicing law for 30 years and joins the firm with experience in all major areas of corporate, business and commercial law. Manczak has experience in many areas of law including business planning and startup, entity formation, corporate governance and finance, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, contracts, product distribution, private securities transactions, transportation and logistics, real property and energy. In addition to his tenure at Butzel Long PC, he served as general counsel to a consolidated group of more than 80 privately held companies anchored by City Management Corporation, the then seventh largest corporation in the domestic solid waste collection, transportation and disposal market. Manczak is a member of both the State Bar of Michigan and State Bar of Colorado. He graduated from University of Denver College of Law . He earned both his MBA and undergraduate degree from Michigan State University. Prior to starting his career in law, Manczak worked in Southeast Michigan in the Michigan Department of Social Services for 10 years as a social worker and then an administrator. Manczak is a long time resident of Southeast Michigan where he is active in the community. He serves as a board member and secretary on both the Great Lakes Literary Arts Council and Michigan Sustainable Energy Coalition. Additionally, he is a member and volunteer for the Huron River Watershed Council. * * * Health care attorney Mark R. Lezotte has rejoined Butzel Long as a shareholder based in the firm's Detroit office. Lezotte joined Butzel Long out of law school in 1981. In 1996, he joined Oakwood Healthcare System, where he served as general counsel until 2009, when he joined Hall, Render, Killian, Heath, & Lyman in Troy. He has experience in corporate, health care, tax, and exempt organization matters, including corporate and nonprofit governance, business transactions, tax-exempt issues, hospital-physician ventures, and regulatory investigations. "Unprecedented changes are occurring in health care today," said Lezotte. "I look forward to working with our clients to meet their growing needs, and I'm excited to join with some former colleagues, as well as many new ones, to do that." Lezotte has conducted presentations on a number of topics involving health law, nonprofit organizations and tax matters. He has been active in numerous bar and professional organizations. Lezotte has been recognized in "The Best Lawyers in America" (health care law), published by Woodward/White, Inc. for 2013; and has been selected to Michigan Super Lawyers, published by Thomson Reuters, in 2008-2012. He has served on many civic and community boards, including the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, United Cerebral Palsy Association, Metropolitan Affairs Coalition, and Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service. Lezotte earned both his law degree and B.B.A. degree from the University of Michigan. He is admitted to the bars of Michigan, U. S. District Court (Eastern District of Michigan), U. S. Court of Appeals (Sixth Circuit), and U.S. Tax Court. Published: Mon, Feb 25, 2013