Legal People ...

Secrest Wardle is pleased to announce that William P. Hampton has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for 2016 in seven practice areas: Commercial Litigation, Family Law, Litigation – Land Use & Zoning, Litigation – Municipal, Litigation – Real Estate, Municipal Law, and Real Estate Law.  Hampton has been recognized as a consistent and dedicated member of the legal community by his inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for 20 years.

Hampton is the immediate past-president of Secrest Wardle, and as senior partner and immediate past-managing partner of the firm’s Municipal Law Practice Group, developed the practice group from its inception into the renowned municipal law practice group that it is today. He has experience as a lawyer, and also as a former Oakland County Circuit Court judge.  Hampton is also a former state legislator.

Hampton was the recipient of the Professionalism Award bestowed by the Oakland County Bar Association in 2007 and received the Michael Franck Award from the State Bar of Michigan in 2010. Throughout his career, spanning over 50 years, Hampton has been recognized on numerous occasions for his achievements, particularly as a leading authority in the area of municipal law. He was named “Municipal Law Lawyer of the Year” for 2012 in the State of Michigan by Best Lawyers in America and in 2013 was named by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a “Leader in the Law.”  Hampton is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, is listed in Who’s Who in American Law, and has been named to Metro Detroit DBusiness magazine’s list of “Top Lawyers.” Hampton has also been included in the list of Michigan Super Lawyers by a vote of his peers from 2006 through the present.

Hampton earned his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University, and his law degree from Wayne State University Law School. He was admitted to the
State Bar of Michigan in 1964 and has been with the firm since 1977.  

Hampton was awarded the Oakland County Bar Association’s “Distinguished Career Achievement Award” in 2014.  Also in 2014, Hampton was recognized by the Bloomfield Hills Optimist Club.  He was presented with the “Respect for Law Award,” honoring his position as a well-respected municipal law attorney in the community.

Hampton serves as general counsel for the Cities of Bloomfield Hills and Auburn Hills, as well as for the Townships of Bloomfield and West Bloomfield.

In addition, Secrest Wardle is pleased to announce that Executive Partner Derk W. Beckerleg has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America, 2016 edition, in the practice areas of Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation-Municipal, and Municipal Law. 

In addition to his listings in The Best Lawyers in America, Beckerleg has consistently been voted for inclusion on the list of Michigan Super Lawyers by his peers, from 2007 through the present.  He has also been recognized on the list of “Top Lawyers” by Metro Detroit’s Dbusiness magazine from 2012 through the present.

Beckerleg is a member of the Oakland County Bar Association and the State Bar of Michigan.  He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University in 1978, and his law degree from University of Detroit Law School in 1981. He was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 1982.

Beckerleg is the managing partner of Secrest Wardle’s Municipal Law Practice Group and serves as city attorney for the City of Auburn Hills, assistant city attorney for the City of Bloomfield Hills, Village attorney for the Village of Bingham Farms, township attorney for Southfield Township, assistant township attorney for the Charter Township of Bloomfield, and assistant township attorney for the Charter Township of West Bloomfield. 

Beckerleg represents the following municipalities with respect to their Michigan Tax Tribunal matters:  City of Auburn Hills, Charter Township of Bloomfield, City of Bloomfield Hills, Charter Township of Independence, Charter Township of West Bloomfield, Southfield Township, City of Dearborn Heights, City of Walled Lake, and Pittsfield Charter Township.

The firm is also pleased to congratulate Mark E. Morley, senior partner and co-managing partner of the firm, on his recent selection by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for 2016 in the practice areas of Litigation-Insurance and Personal Injury Litigation-Defendants.

Morley has tried more than sixty jury trials to verdict.  Over the course of his career, he has developed and sustained a winning defense strategy in his practice areas of Motor Vehicle Litigation, Insurance Coverage, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Employment, Malpractice/Professional Liability, and Product Liability.

Morley has authored numerous seminar materials in the areas of insurance law, extra contractual claims, no fault, and tort reform as well as co-authoring “Professional Practice Alternatives,” R & R Newkirk (1978). He has authored many articles for firm newsletters, and is a frequent speaker at firm-sponsored seminars on topics such as No Fault, Personal Injury Claims, and Tort Reform in Michigan. He has also lectured for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education.

Morley received his law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1972 and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Alma College in 1969. He was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 1972 and subsequently admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan in 1973, the U. S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana in 1974, and the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in 1985.

 Morley has received an AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell. Morley was voted by his peers to the list of Michigan Super Lawyers in 2006, and in 2009 through the present. He is also listed in the Super Lawyers Business Edition in the area of Civil Litigation Defense.  Morley was named to the list of Top Lawyers by DBusiness Magazine in 2010.  He is a member of the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance, the Defense Research Institute, and the International Association of Defense Council.  Morley has been inducted into Worldwide Registry.

Additionaly, Margaret A. Scott, an executive partner located in Secrest Wardle’s Troy office, was recently presented with a “Challenge Coin” honoring her
commitment to the North Oakland County Veteran’s Treatment Court (NOCVTC).  Scott was honored as a NOCVTC team member for her service to the program in her role as a prosecuting attorney in the 51st District Court in Waterford.  The ceremony took place July 16 at the courthouse.  Nine veterans graduated from the program during the ceremony, with a combined total of 60 years of service.  Each service member received a Challenge Coin in recognition of their successful completion of the NOCVTC Program.

Veterans’ treatment court uses a hybrid integration of drug court and mental health court principles to serve military veterans, and sometimes active-duty personnel. The courts promote sobriety, recovery, and stability through a coordinated response that involves collaboration with the traditional partners found in drug courts and mental health courts, as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs, healthcare networks, Veterans Benefits Administration, state Departments of Veterans Affairs, volunteer mentors, and organizations that support veterans and veterans’ families (Office of National Drug Control Policy, 2010). 

Scott is a member of Secrest Wardle’s Motor Vehicle Litigation, Municipal, and Property, Fire and Casualty Practice Groups. In addition to receiving recognition as a dedicated prosecutor, Scott is also a familiar figure in the Michigan legal community and beyond as a passionate advocate in the fight against auto theft, arson prevention, and insurance fraud.  She is the past-chair of the Michigan Anti-Car Theft Campaign Committee and is the current chair of the Michigan Arson Prevention Committee’s Governmental Resource Committee.  Scott has recently been named to the Michigan Lawyers Weekly publication’s list of honorees, “Women in the Law” Class of 2015.

Scott obtained her B.A. from Michigan State University in Criminal Justice and Psychology.  She received her law degree from Wayne State University Law School, and was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 1988.  Scott is licensed in all Michigan courts.

Scott has been recognized by her peers for her dedication to the fight against auto theft and insurance fraud.  Scott has received the Bob Sattler Award by the North Central Regional Chapter-International Association of Auto Theft Investigators.  She has also received an Award for Professional Excellence for services provided to the Michigan State Police characterized by outstanding performance of duty and a personal commitment to the excellence associated with the prosecution of a Western Wayne Auto Theft Unit investigation. Additionally, Scott has been awarded the William V. Liddane Award by the Help Eliminate Auto Theft (H.E.A.T.) Organization in recognition of her advocacy in reducing auto-theft related crimes in Michigan. 

Scott is a member of the following associations:

• North Central Regional Chapter-International Association of Auto Theft Investigators.
• Michigan Chapter-International Association of Arson Investigators.
• Michigan Arson Prevention Committee.
• Michigan Help Eliminate Auto Theft Committee.

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Dickinson Wright PLLC is pleased to announce that Chairman Emeritus Dennis W. Archer has been named to the inaugural class of the Lawdragon 500 Hall of Fame.

“I’m excited to be included in the inaugural class of the Lawdragon 500 Hall of Fame,” says Archer. “It is a privilege to be included with the other outstanding lawyers who have made countless contributions to our profession and community.”

Archer served two four-year terms as mayor of the city of Detroit (1994-2001). He continues his support of the city and participated in a meeting at the White House and a White House Summit meeting in Detroit with members of President Obama’s cabinet and their staff as they outlined how they would help Detroit deal with its fiscal crisis.

Archer has long been active in the organized bar. He was the first person of color elected president of the American Bar Association (2003-2004) as well as the State Bar of Michigan. In 1985, Governor James Blanchard appointed Archer as an associate justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. He was elected to an eight-year term the following year. Archer remains actively on call to the State Bar of Michigan and has testified before a United States House Judiciary Subcommittee regarding the under-funding in Michigan of the indigent defense program. He is an outspoken advocate to promote the proper funding for the Michigan courts system and for long overdue pay increases for judges.

In 2013, Archer was awarded The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon by the Emperor of Japan and the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Michigan Corporate Counsel of America for his advocacy for diversity and inclusion. In that same year, Archer announced that his Dennis W. Archer Foundation surpassed $1 million dollar in scholarships for students attending Wayne State University and Western Michigan University.

Dickinson Wright is also pleased to announce that the firm’s Real Estate Practice has been listed as the #2 law practice by Midwest Real Estate News for their “2015 Best of the Best” issue.

“We are honored to be named the #2 practice in this year’s 2015 Best of the Best of Midwest Real Estate Law Firms by Midwest Real Estate News,” says Harlan W. Robins, practice department manager for real estate, environmental, and energy & sustainability. “Our outstanding team of real estate attorneys strives to provide our clients with the expertise and unwavering dedication that they have come to expect from Dickinson Wright since 1878. Our deal volume reflects their hard work, shoulder to shoulder with our clients.”

Dickinson Wright’s real estate practice is comprised of more than 95 lawyers who are actively involved in diverse real estate matters and regularly represent a wide variety of clients including property owners, developers, managers, contractors, lenders, investors, corporations, nonprofits, and governments, among others, in all aspects of real estate.

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Ken Neuman, managing partner of Neuman Anderson PC, a Birmingham-based business law firm specializing in complex commercial litigation, has been named one of “The Best Lawyers in America” in the practice area of real estate litigation by Best Lawyers.

Neuman concentrates his practice in complex commercial litigation and business consulting, with a focus on corporate, real estate/construction and contract disputes. He has more than 30 years of experience in the courtroom and has obtained multiple verdicts and arbitration awards in excess of one million dollars.

Neuman is also a registered Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Additionally, he is an active member of the Oakland County Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan, the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants, the Michigan Association for Justice, and the American Association of Attorney-Certified Public Accountants. He has been recognized by DBusiness as a Top Rated Lawyer and by Super Lawyers as a Top 50 Business Lawyer in Michigan and a Super Lawyer of Michigan.

In addition, Jennifer Grieco, a partner at Neuman Anderson, has been named one of “The Best Lawyers in America” in the professional malpractice for plaintiffs by Best Lawyers.

Grieco concentrates her practice in the area of complex commercial litigation and possesses more than 18 years of trial experience. She has been awarded multiple highprofile verdicts and arbitration awards, as well as been granted summary judgment/disposition on numerous occasions in favor of her clients as both the plaintiff and the defendant.

Grieco has been recognized as a Super Lawyer for the past four years in a row, including recognition as one of the Top 50 Women Lawyers, as one of the Top 100 Lawyers, one of the Top 50 Business Lawyers and one of the Top 25 Women Business Lawyers in Michigan. She was most recently re-elected to the State Bar of Michigan Board of Commissioners in 2014 and elected to serve as Treasurer for the 2014-2015 term. In addition, Greico also serves as a member of the State Bar of Michigan Negligence Council, American Bar Association, and Michigan Association for Justice.

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Michael Skoczylas has joined Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer, & Weiss PC as an associate in the firm’s Tax Practice Group. Jaffe CEO William Sider made the announcement.
Prior to joining Jaffe, Skoczylas was an associate at a midsize law firm in Detroit where he was responsible for assisting in matters related to tax planning for corporate entities and individuals. He is also a certified public accountant with experience working for a “Big Four” accounting firm for over two years.

As an associate in the firm’s Tax Practice Group, Skoczylas will focus his practice on tax law—specializing in the areas of individual, partnership and corporate taxation, as well as estate planning.

Skoczylas is an active member of the State Bar of Michigan, American Bar Association, Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He also serves as the treasurer for the Akiva Hebrew Day School.

Skoczylas graduated with an Associate of Arts from Isaac Breuer College, Bachelor of Science from Yeshiva University and law degree from Wayne State University Law School.

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Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder recently announced the appointment of Melinda Deel to the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect.

Executive Order 2013-4 established the task force, which is an 18-member panel of professionals with knowledge and experience relating to the criminal justice system and issues of child physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse and exploitation, and maltreatment related fatalities.

Deel is an attorney with Melinda N. Deel PLLC, a solo practitioner in a family law practice providing legal services to individuals in child custody and child protection proceedings, divorce, and probate matters in the trial and appellate courts. She previously served as staff attorney for Oakland County Circuit Court and an attorney with Deel & Deel PLLC.

Deel earned both a bachelor’s degree in political theory and a law degree from Michigan State University. She represents child advocates and fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Terrance Gilsenan.

Deel serves the remainder of a three-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2016. Her appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the state Senate.

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Brooks Kushman, intellectual property (IP) and technology law firm, has been named one of the 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For™ in Metro Detroit for the second consecutive year.

“We are very pleased to receive the 101 Best and Brightest award for the second consecutive year,” said Mark Cantor, president of Brooks Kushman. “We are constantly working to create an environment where our employees enjoy coming to work. We appreciate everyone’s hard work and dedication over the years, both in the office and in the community.”

Brooks Kushman employs more than 90 IP professionals handling a full range of IP matters nationally and around the world.

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Continuum Services, a single-source, full-service building maintenance and facility services company, headquartered in Southfield, announced Dan Ringo has joined the organization as chief operating officer (COO).

Continuum is an affiliated company of REDICO, a national real estate development, investment, construction and property management company.

As COO, Ringo will assume leadership responsibility for Continuum Services with a focus on corporate operations and strategic planning, sales leadership, employee development/retention and recruitment/performance management, in addition to corporate client services, including client development, management and satisfaction. Ringo joins the organization with 20 years of experience in operations management. He most recently served as vice president of facility operations at SodexoMAGIC in Chicago.

Ringo will report to Dale L. Watchowski, chairman and CEO, Continuum Services. Watchowski also serves as president and CEO of REDICO and American House Senior Living Communities, both with headquarters in Michigan.

Ringo will work closely with Scott Milligan, senior vice president, Continuum Services. Milligan will remain in his current position and continue to provide a significant foundation in the company’s growth.

Prior to joining SodexoMAGIC, where Ringo also served as district manager, he was general manager of Sodexo USA. While at Sodexo, Ringo’s primarily responsibility was for the Chicago Public School system.

Ringo has also served as director of operations at Powerlink Facility Management Services, where he was responsible for overall direction and maintenance of the Detroit Public School’s facility services, as well as executive director at the International Union of Operating Engineer Local 324 and facility manager at Detroit Public Schools.

Ringo received his law degree from Wayne State University Law School, a bachelor of technology degree from WSU, and an associate of applied science in electrical/mechanical technology from the Community College of the Air Force at the Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama.

Ringo holds the City of Detroit Stationary Engineer First Class License, City of Dearborn Chief Engineer License and State of Michigan Mechanical Contractor’s License. He is also a City of Detroit Unlimited Refrigeration Journeyman. Ringo has received several awards and accolades from the Air Force, City of Detroit and Sodexo.

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For the ninth year in a row, Warner, Norcross, & Judd LLP has been named one of Metro Detroit’s 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For.

Warner Norcross, which has offices in Southfield and Macomb County, was evaluated on the basis of communication, community initiatives, compensation and benefits, diversity, employee development, employee engagement and commitment, recognition and retention, recruitment and selection, and work-life balance.

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Berry Moorman PC welcomes  Timothy E. Harden  as an associate to the  firm.  Harden has been in practice for 13 years, concentrating on tax law, business law, and estate planning. He earned law degrees from the University of Michigan Law School and Wayne State University Law School.

Berry Moorman PC represents  individuals and businesses in diverse industries and pursuits with clients ranging from  small and emerging enterprises to large, publicly held corporations, governmental bodies, non-profit educational and charitable organizations.  Berry Moorman has offices in Detroit, Birmingham, and St. Petersburg, Russia.

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The Best Lawyers in America 2016 has recognized Honigman, Miller, Schwartz, and Cohn LLP as a “Top-Listed” firm in Michigan in 23 key practice areas.  Overall, 117 Honigman attorneys were selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2016 list, including 4 lawyers from the firm’s new Chicago office. Thirteen Honigman attorneys received the designation “Lawyer of the Year.”