Legal People ...

Rachael Kohl and Melissa Brown have joined the law firm Pitt, McGehee, Palmer, & Rivers as associate attorneys.

Kohl received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and law degree from Wayne State University Law School.

Before joining the firm, she clerked for Pitt, McGehee, Palmer, & Rivers and interned for Wayne County Circuit Court Chief Judge Robert Colombo Jr. In addition, she is a member of Ann Arbor Civic Theatre and other performing groups.

Brown earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and law degree from Wayne State University Law School.

Before attending law school, Brown worked for elected federal and state officials in Detroit and Lansing. She currently serves as vice chair for the City of Lincoln Park’s Economic Development
Corporation.

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Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy, and Sadler PLC is proud to announce its inclusion in the U.S. News & World Report, 2016 “Best Law Firms” list.

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O’Reilly Rancilio PC is pleased to announce that Eric G. Flinn has joined the firm as Of Counsel.  Flinn has expertise in the areas of municipal law, land use and zoning, and real estate law and related litigation.  He has served as attorney for various municipalities during his career. 

Flinn has a number of published decisions in the Michigan Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. 

Flinn graduated from the Detroit College of Law in 1978 and is a member of the Macomb County and Lapeer County bar associations, past-president of the Macomb Trial Lawyers Association, former co-chair of the First Amendment Liability Subcommittee of the American Bar Association Section on State and Local Government Law and has also conducted seminars for professionals regarding the Michigan Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act.

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Foster, Swift, Collins, & Smith PC attorneys Julie Fershtman and Frank Mamat were named to the 2016 Top Lawyers list in DBusiness Magazine.

Fershtman was listed under both Insurance Law and Litigation – Insurance. Julie is a shareholder in the Farmington Hills office where she concentrates her practice in the areas of insurance defense and coverage. She is also a leading practitioner in Equine Law.

Mamat was named for being a top lawyer in the area of Labor and Employment Law. He is also a shareholder based in the Farmington Hills office. Over the years he has counseled clients on almost every type of complex labor matter possible.

In addition, Foster Swift attorney Ray Littleton was appointed as the chair position of the Rules and Calendar Committee for the Representative Assembly for the State Bar of Michigan.

Littleton’s practice areas include: insurance litigation, commercial litigation, general litigation and employment/labor defense. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, State Bar of Wisconsin and Federal Bar Association. He is also a member of the ICLE litigation seminar committee and has been named as a Michigan Super Lawyer Rising Star for the years of 2013, 2014 and 2015.

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Butzel Long senior attorney Brett J. Miller  is one of 30 attorneys named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2015 Class of “Up & Coming Lawyers.” Attorneys recognized for this honor have distinguished themselves in the practice of law.

Miller focuses his practice on labor and employment-law and fair-housing litigation. In addition to representing clients in federal and state court venues, Miller has appeared before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. Moreover, he has represented clients in labor arbitrations.

Miller is AV® Peer Review Rated by LexisNexis/Martindale-Hubbell. He was named a Rising Star in 2009, 2010, 2013 and 2014 by Super Lawyers. Miller also was recognized as a Top Lawyer by DBusiness Magazine in 2014.

He has published numerous articles and is a frequent speaker on labor and employment matters. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Michigan Healthcare Human Resources Association, and the MHA Business Advisory Counsel.

Miller earned his law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.

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The Law Offices of Jermaine A. Wyrick PLLC is pleased to announce that attorney Jermaine A. Wyrick was honored at the First Annual World Changers Banquet for C.H.O.I.C.E.Z 501(c)(3) non-profit which stands for: C.  (Changing Lives) H. (Helping those in need.) O. (Opening doors of opportunity through mentorship.  I. (Improving living conditions for the homeless) C. (Challenging the Impossible) E. (Empowering our youth for success.  Z. (Zealously solidifying and reuniting families).  C.H.O.I.C.E.Z was established by attorney Tiffany Cartwright to deal with underserved, underprivileged individuals who face societal ills such as homelessness, poverty, violence.  Wyrick was selected as one who is “Committed to Make a Difference in the World.” 

Wyrick is a graduate of the University of Michigan, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, and Wayne State University Law School.  Wyrick has practiced law since 1997.  His commitment to helping people is apparent by his chosen areas of practice which include criminal defense, personal injury, police misconduct, and probate law. 

His previous awards include the 2003, “Five Under Ten” Award from the University of Michigan African American Alumni Counsel; 2004, “Civil Rights and Education”  Black History Month  Award from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Michigan; 2004 Jordan Educational Services, “Trailblazer Award”; 2006, Pepsi Everyday Freedom Hero Award;  and 2007, Detroit Urban Lutheran School “Striving for Excellence”

He has lectured for several organizations, including the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association, Lorman Education Services, and the NAACP George W. Crockett Community Law School.  He currently serves on the board for the Fair Housing Center of Metropolitan Detroit and the 10 Core Law Society.

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Alison M. Quinn, a partner in Secrest Wardle’s Troy location, has been chosen as one of 30 members of the Michigan Lawyers Weekly Class of 2015 “Up & Coming Lawyers.” 

The 2015 Class of “Up & Coming Lawyers” will be recognized at an awards luncheon on December 17 at the Detroit Marriott in Troy.  Secrest Wardle extends congratulations to all of the members of the Class of 2015 “Up & Coming Lawyers.”

Quinn is recognized across Secrest Wardle and the legal community at large as a leader.  She currently serves as co-chair of the Firm’s Motor Vehicle Litigation Practice Group.  She is additionally a member of the Firm’s Appellate Practice Group.

Quinn has personally authored numerous articles for Secrest Wardle newsletters and frequently presents webinars for the firm.  Quinn has been published in the Journal of Insurance and Indemnity Law on the subject of medical fee schedules in the area of no-fault law.  She recently served as a presenter at the Insurance Institute of Michigan’s Annual Conference on the topic, “Fraud: Tried and True Strategies for Paying Only When You Owe and What You Owe.”

Quinn is a member of the State Bar of Michigan. She has been selected to the list of Rising Stars for 2014 and 2015 by Michigan Super Lawyers magazine.  Quinn has also been named to the 2015 list of “The Top Women Attorneys in Michigan” by Hour Detroit magazine.

Quinn has been a member of the Operation Give Foundation since 2008.  She serves in a leadership position within the organization, as treasurer on the Board of Directors.  Operation Give Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports local charities in the Metro Detroit area.  In her position with Operation Give,  Quinn volunteers her time to support the organization in its endeavors to serve Metro Detroit, such as providing medical treatment and services at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation’s Hamtramck School-Based Health Center.  The organization also supports other local charities. 

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Plunkett Cooney recently welcomed former Michigan Court of Appeals clerk Nicole C. Ruggirello to the firm as the newest attorney in its Insurance Law Practice Group.

Ruggirello, who previously clerked for Judge Michael J. Riordan, is a member of the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office. She represents property and casualty insurance providers in coverage litigation that involves such complex issues as environmental contamination, construction defects, and products liability.

In addition to her clerkship, she worked as a judicial intern on behalf of Michigan Supreme Court Justice Stephen Markman and Chief Judge Gerald Rosen of the U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Ruggirello, who received both her law degree and undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame, is a member of the Oakland County Bar Association, and the State Bar of Michigan for which she serves as a panel member for the Character and Fitness District Committee.

In addition, Plunkett Cooney senior attorney Evan H. Kaploe was recently named by Michigan Super Lawyers magazine as one of its 2015 “Rising Stars” in the area of tax law.

Kaploe serves as the Tax Management Practice Group leader at Plunkett Cooney. He said his practice has grown over the years to include personal and business tax plans and tax controversies.

“We live in a time of unprecedented tax regulation for individuals and businesses,” said Kaploe. “While compliance is challenging for our clients, from my perspective as an attorney, it is an exciting time because the practice requires creativity in order to be successful and an aggressive attitude to protect the interests of my clients.”

A member of the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office, Kaploe represents individuals and business ranging in size from small businesses to large privately-held corporations in various industries throughout Michigan. He has the distinction of having won more than 20 trials in tax court, federal court and before the tax tribunal. In a recent matter of note, Kaploe successfully argued for attorneys’ fees against the federal government, which is an extremely rare outcome for a tax controversy matter.

Kaploe received his law degrees from Northwestern University and Michigan State University College of Law. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan.

A member of several professional organizations, including the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association’s Inns of Court, the American Bar Association and the State Bar of Michigan, Kaploe currently serves as chair of the Tax Section of the Oakland County Bar Association.

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Bodman PLC has again been named a “highly recommended” Michigan law firm for business litigation by the internationally-recognized peer and client review journal Benchmark Litigation 2016. 

Benchmark also recognizes individual litigation attorneys as “Litigation Stars” or “Future Stars.” Bodman attorneys listed as “Litigation Stars” include Thomas P. Bruetsch, Michelle Thurber Czapski, Jason R. Gourley, George G. Kemsley, Dennis J. Levasseur, Alan N. Harris, Jeffrey G. Raphelson, Joseph J. Shannon, Thomas J. Tallerico, and Thomas Van Dusen.  Bodman attorneys listed as “Future Stars” are G. Christopher Bernard and Gary D. Reeves.

Bodman’s Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Practice Group serves clients ranging from local entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies.  Its attorneys appear before state and federal courts, and also non-judicial forums such as national and international arbitral panels.  Client issues vary from breach of contract claims to antitrust, securities, professional liability, and other complex matters.  The group’s expertise spans many industries including accounting, banking and financial services, automotive, insurance, healthcare, manufacturing, real estate and zoning, and construction, among others.

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Dickinson Wright PLLC is pleased to announce that attorney J. Bryan Williams has been honored by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners in a written proclamation for his years of service as the Oakland County representative on the Board of Water Commissioners of the City of Detroit.

“I’m deeply humbled and honored to receive a proclamation from the Oakland County Board of Commissioners for my years of service on the Board of Water Commissioners of the City of Detroit,” said Williams. “I’m proud to have participated as a member of the Board of Water Commissioners and to continue Dickinson Wright’s long-standing commitment to public service.”

On October 22, Williams was presented with a proclamation from the Oakland County Board of Commissioners in Pontiac by Michael J. Gingell, chairman of the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, and Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash. In its proclamation, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners recognized Williams for serving with distinction as the Oakland County representative on the Board of Water Commissioners of the City of Detroit. The proclamation further pointed out that Williams has worked diligently to serve Oakland County rate payers by supporting the creation of an accountable, viable, and transparent regional water and sewer system that future generations of Oakland County residents will benefit from for decades to come.

Williams is a member in the firm’s Troy office and previously served as CEO of Dickinson Wright for nearly a decade. He is the former vice chairman of the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Board of Directors of the Detroit Economic Club, and currently serves as a member of the City of Birmingham’s Planning Board.

Williams received his A.B. from the University of Notre Dame and his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School.

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Professional Resolution Experts of Michigan (PREMi), a group of alternative dispute resolution neutrals, is pleased to welcome Lee Hornberger to its ranks.

Hornberger, whose practice is based in Traverse City, has a range of alternative dispute resolution experience from the countless matters he has helped facilitate as an arbitrator, hearing officer, hearing referee, and mediator in Michigan courts, state and federal agencies, and community resolution organizations, as well as the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians.

With a background in employment law, Hornberger’s ADR practice also includes resolution of legal disputes involving commercial, securities, corporate, tort, personal injury, family, and probate issues. He chairs the Traverse City Human Rights Commission, serves on the State Bar of Michigan’s Representative Assembly, and has held leadership positions with the State Bar’s ADR Section, the Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association, and the Grand Traverse County Board of Canvassers.

“PREMi is a well-regarded name in the Michigan legal community,” said Hornberger. “It is a great honor to be a part of the organization, and I will work hard to live up to its high professional
standards and reputation.”

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Brooks Kushman is pleased to announce the firm has hired Lauren B. Rennert and Justin Barry as associates, adding to the firm’s trademark, patent prosecution and IP litigation teams.

Rennert’s practice primarily focuses on intellectual property litigation. She works with the firm’s litigation team on a variety of matters regarding patent, trademark, and copyright infringement, as well as trade dress, trade secret, and contract related matters. Rennert also has experience with post-grant review proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. Her practice extends beyond litigation and includes clearance, procurement, maintenance, licensing and enforcement of trademark rights.

Prior to joining Brooks Kushman as an associate, Rennert was a law clerk for the firm’s litigation and trademark practices. She also served as a case evaluator for the American Bar Association Intellectual Property Section on the organization’s Copyright Litigation Sub-Committee and as a student attorney for the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Project.

Barry’s practice focuses on patent prosecution and intellectual property litigation. He works with clients in a variety of industries and technologies, including communication systems, hybrid electric vehicles, and control systems.

Barry previously served as a law clerk for the firm’s patent prosecution and litigation department. He also served as an intellectual property intern with a Michigan-based law firm and as an electrical design engineer with American Electric Power at the company’s Cook Nuclear Plant.