Bodman PLC is pleased to announce that Corp! Magazine has named the firm a “Diversity Focused Company” for 2017.
The “Diversity Focused” designation honors Michigan-based businesses that have put significant effort into making diversity a priority within their organization and the surrounding community. This year, Bodman was one of 29 companies − and the only full-service business law firm − to receive the designation.
It is the third time that Bodman has garnered honors from Corp! for its diversity initiatives based on a comprehensive review of the firm’s policies and programs.
“Diversity is one of Bodman’s Core Values and is also a priority for our clients, who have taken note of our efforts and provided positive feedback,” said Bodman Chairman Ralph E. McDowell. “Our diversity programming has enhanced the firm’s internal culture and promotes an environment that produces the progressive and creative thinking essential to providing the best legal services.”
Bodman’s focus on diversity starts with hiring and retention issues but also extends well beyond to include support for diverse law students, law schools, and community organizations. For example, Bodman works in conjunction with the Black Law Students Association at both Wayne State University and the University of Detroit Mercy law schools to conduct career-focused programs that encourage greater diversity and multiculturalism in the legal community. The firm has also taken steps to foster an internal culture that promotes understanding of diversity issues, including implementing firm-wide diversity training, raising funds for organizations that promote diversity and inclusiveness, and scheduling group trips to the Charles H. Wright and Holocaust museums.
Bodman’s diversity programming is guided by a Diversity and Social Action Committee that monitors trends and emerging strategies, recommends and implements action plans, and reports to senior management on the firm’s progress toward achieving its diversity goals.
In addition, Bodman is pleased to announce that Charles M. Russman, chair of the firm’s Data Privacy and Security Practice Group, has earned his Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E) and Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) certifications from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).
The IAPP provides a wealth of resources for professionals in a variety of industries to enhance their knowledge of privacy law and help their clients or workplaces protect data. Russman already holds a CIPP/US certification, which is the global gold standard certification for privacy professionals, reflecting a thorough understanding of U.S. privacy laws and regulations.
In his legal practice, Russman helps clients address privacy and security concerns including establishing and clarifying record retention policies, training employees about privacy and security policies to protect customer data, and addressing privacy breaches such as hacking or loss of customer data. As chair of the Data Privacy and Security Practice Group, he oversees a talented team of attorneys helping clients of every industry sector and size to defend their data.
For those interested in learning more about GDPR, Russman will host an informative session titled “What is GDPR? The New Privacy,” on December 7 from 8 to 9 a.m. at Bodman’s Detroit office at Ford Field. Advance registration is required. For more information, contact BodmanEvents@bodmanlaw.com.
• • •
Collins, Einhorn, Farrell PC is pleased to announce that attorney Elizabeth A. Hohauser has joined the firm’s General and Automotive Practice Group. Hohauser will be focusing her practice primarily on first- and third-party automotive liability litigation. Prior to joining the firm, she gained experience representing clients in a wide range of matters, including personal injury, medical malpractice, product liability, and commercial litigation.
Hohauser received a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University in 1993 and went on to obtain a law degree in 1999 from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She is a member of the Oakland County Bar Association and serves on its Law Related Education Committee.
Hohauser serves as a volunteer and fundraising board member of Upland Hills School. She is also a founding member of P.O.W.E.R., a networking group for women business owners in Rochester, Michigan.
• • •
Brian D. Wassom, a partner with the law firm Warner, Norcross, & Judd LLP, has been named vice chair of the American Intellectual Property Law Association’s Copyright Committee.
Wassom will serve a two-year term on the committee, which seeks to increase the interest and involvement of AIPLA members in copyright law and to improve copyright policy, legislation and jurisprudence by working directly with the U.S. Copyright Office and other government agencies and by providing input to Congress and the courts. He also leads the group’s subcommittee on Copyright Office Modernization.
Wassom, who also serves on AIPLA’s 19-member editorial board for the AIPLA Quarterly Journal, is an active writer who has published more than 35 articles, essays and other contributions to publications such as Forbes and The Journal of Arts Management Law & Society. His first book, “Augmented Reality Law, Privacy and Ethics,” was recently published by Syngress.
At Warner Norcross, Wassom focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation and intellectual property litigation. In addition to copyright, trademark and product liability, he is experienced in disputes including social and emerging media, publicity rights, defamation, unfair competition, First Amendment matters and false and deceptive advertising.
Active professionally, Wassom is a member of the Federal Bar Association, where he co-chairs the Intellectual Property Committee, and the State Bar of Michigan. He is also a member of the American Bar Association and the Macomb County Bar Association.
Wassom practices in both the firm’s Southfield and Macomb offices.
• • •
Paul A. McDonald joins Secrest Wardle’s Troy office as an executive partner. He is a member of the firm’s Motor Vehicle Litigation Practice Group. McDonald has experience handling first and third-party no-fault matters, with an emphasis on SIU/fraud-related cases.
McDonald obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University in 2002, majoring in Business Administration. He earned his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law in 2010. Before becoming an attorney, he worked as an adjuster for a large automobile insurance carrier.
McDonald is licensed to practice law in Michigan. He was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 2010 and is a member of the Insurance and Indemnity Law section. He is also admitted to practice law in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Michigan and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. McDonald also is an active member of the Michigan Defense Trial Counsel.
In addition, Secrest Wardle associate Paul Shkreli was recently appointed to the State Bar of Michigan (SBM) Social Media and Website Advisory Committee. In this role, he will be supporting SBM in meeting its responsibilities to its members and the public by assisting with the development of content for the SBM website and social media accounts. Shkreli will also be providing guidance to staff related to social media and working to promote the SBM website, social media, and SBM e-publications (e-Journal, Public Policy Newsletter and SBM News).
Shkreli is an associate attorney located in the firm’s Troy office. Shkreli represents clients in defense litigation in the areas of first-party automobile claims, third-party automobile negligence, and personal injury. He graduated from Michigan State University in 2009 with a degree in Psychology. In 2012, he earned his law degree from the Michigan State University College of Law.
Shkreli is a member of the Oakland County Bar Association and the Albanian American Bar Association of Michigan.
Secrest Wardle also announces that Melissa Schoder has joined the Troy office as an associate. She is a member of the firm’s Motor Vehicle Litigation Practice Group. Schoder defends civil litigation cases with an emphasis on insurance defense matters including PIP, third party, general negligence and premises liability.
Schoder received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Pre-Law) and Criminal Justice from Michigan State University in 2010. She earned her law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 2014.
Schoder is licensed to practice law in Michigan. She was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 2014. Schoder is also admitted to practice law in the U.S. District Courts of the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan.
Secrest Wardle has also proudly received multiple rankings on the U.S. News & World Report – Best Lawyers 2018 “Best Law Firms” list in the following categories:
Metropolitan Tier 1
Troy
• Municipal Law
Metropolitan Tier 2
Troy
• Insurance Law
• Land Use & Zoning Law
• Litigation – Municipal
Metropolitan Tier 3
Troy
• Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
• • •
Dickinson Wright PLLC is pleased to announce that it received 23 national rankings and 180 state/metropolitan rankings in the 2018 “Best Law Firms” report by U.S. News and Best Lawyers. The firm received 115 first-tier rankings.
Besides the national rankings, the firm was recognized for legal excellence for practice in the Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Troy, Mich.; Austin and El Paso, Texas; Columbus, Ohio; Las Vegas and Reno, Nev.; Lexington, Ky.; Nashville, Tenn.; Phoenix, Ariz.; and Washington, D.C. offices.
Below are Dickinson Wright’s 2018 “Best Law Firms” rankings:
National Rankings
Tier 1
Commercial Litigation
Construction Law
Litigation – Real Estate
Real Estate Law
Tax Law
Tier 2
Banking and Finance Law
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Corporate Law
Litigation – Bankruptcy
Litigation – Construction
Litigation – Labor & Employment
Mergers & Acquisitions Law
Native American Law
Tier 3
Appellate Practice
Employment Law – Management
Franchise Law
Labor Law – Management
Land Use & Zoning Law
Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
Litigation – Intellectual Property
Litigation – Securities
Public Finance Law
Trusts & Estates Law
Local Rankings
Tier 1
DETROIT
Appellate Practice
Banking and Finance Law
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Commercial Litigation
Construction Law
Corporate Governance Law
Corporate Law
Employment Law – Management
Environmental Law
International Trade and Finance Law
Labor Law – Management
Litigation – Banking & Finance
Litigation – Bankruptcy
Litigation – Intellectual Property
Litigation – Labor & Employment
Litigation – Mergers & Acquisitions
Litigation – Securities
Litigation – Trusts & Estates
Mergers & Acquisitions Law
Municipal Law
TROY
Arbitration
Banking and Finance Law
Commercial Litigation
Corporate Law
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Energy Law
Environmental Law
Health Care Law
Immigration Law
Land Use & Zoning Law
Litigation – Construction
Litigation – Intellectual Property
Litigation – Real Estate
Mediation
Municipal Law
Patent Law
Public Finance Law
Real Estate Law
Securitization and Structured Finance Law
Trusts & Estates Law
Tier 2
DETROIT
Energy Law
Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
Litigation – Antitrust
Litigation – Environmental
Litigation – Tax
Real Estate Law
Tax Law
Trusts & Estates Law
TROY
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Family Law
Litigation – Banking & Finance
Litigation – Environmental
Non-Profit/Charities Law
Trademark Law
Tier 3
TROY
Litigation – Patent
In addition, Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that 53 of the firm’s attorneys have been included in DBusiness Magazine’s 2018 Top Lawyers.
Below is a list of local Dickinson Wright attorneys named Top Lawyers:
DETROIT
• Allison R. Bach, Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights Law
• Richard M. Bolton, Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law
• William T. Burgess, Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights Law
• Bernadette M. Dennehy, Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law
• David R. Deromedi, Labor and Employment Law
• Phillip J. DeRosier, Appellate Law
• K. Scott Hamilton, Appellate Law
• Steven G. Howell, Banking & Financial Service Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights Law
• Kenneth J. McIntyre, Antitrust Law
• Thomas G. McNeill, Litigation – Commercial
• Sharon R. Newlon, Environmental Law
• James A. Plemmons, Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights Law
• William P. Shield Jr., Banking & Financial Service Law
• Theodore B. Sylwestrzak, Banking & Financial Service Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights Law
• Bruce C. Thelen, International Trade Law
• L. Pahl Zinn, Antitrust Law
TROY
• Christian S. Allen, Immigration Law
• Timothy L. Andersson, Corporate Law
• John S. Artz, Litigation – Patents
• Stephen E. Dawson, Land Use & Zoning, Real Estate Law
• J. Benjamin Dolan, Litigation – Real Estate
• Terence M. Donnelly, Municipal Law, Public Finance Law
• Deborah L. Grace, Employee Benefits Law
• Roberta P. Granadier, Employee Benefits Law
• Eric W. Gregory II, Employee Benefits Law
• Henry M. Grix, Nonprofits/Charities Law, Trusts and Estates
• Craig W. Hammond, Banking & Financial Service Law
• William H. Honaker, Intellectual Property and Patent Law
• Monica J. Labe, Real Estate Law
• Judith Fertel Layne, Trusts and Estates
• Elise S. Levasseur, Immigration Law
• Michael J. Lusardi, Real Estate Law
• Anna M. Maiuri, Environmental Law
• Eric McGlothlin, Public Finance Law
• Cynthia A. Moore, Employee Benefits Law
• Gregory W. Moore, Health Care Law
• John H. Norris, Energy Law
• Edward H. Pappas, Arbitration, Mediation
• Craig A. Phillips, Information Technology Law
• Daniel D. Quick, Litigation – Commercial
• Michael T. Raymond, Corporate Law
• Joan Cripe Skrzyniarz, Trusts and Estates
• Jared A. Smith, Corporate Law, Information Technology Law
• Wendy R. Underwood, Public Finance Law
• Rhonda D. Welburn, Public Finance Law
• Rose J. Willis, Health Care Law
• Mark E. Wilson, Health Care Law
• Paul M. Wyzgoski, Public Finance Law
• • •
Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy, & Sadler PLC recently announced that 21 of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by DBusiness as 2018 Top Lawyers in their respected legal practice areas. Managing Member Ed Dawda made the announcement.
“Having 21 members of our firm recognized by DBusiness as 2018 Top Lawyers is a testament to our firm’s commitment to representing our clients’ best interest,” said Dawda. “We have a quality group of attorneys at Dawda Mann, and receiving praise from our peers for their accomplishments is quite an honor.”
The following Dawda Mann attorneys were included in the 2018 Top Lawyers:
• Brian R. Balow: Copyright Law, Information Technology Law
• Randal R. Cole: Labor and Employment Law
• Brian J. Considine: Energy Law, Environmental Law
• Edward C. Dawda: Commercial Law, Corporate Law, Real Estate Law
• Daniel M. Halprin: Real Estate Law
• Theresa C. Joswick: Employee Benefits Law
• Joseph M. Judge: Real Estate Law
• Adam B. Kutinsky: Insurance Law, Litigation – Insurance
• Christopher M. Mann: Trusts and Estates
• Curtis J. Mann: Trusts and Estates
• David A. Mollicone: Litigation – Banking and Finance
• Jeffrey D. Moss: Nonprofit/Charities Law, Tax Law, Trusts and Estates
• John Mucha III: Construction Law, Land Use & Zoning, Litigation - Commercial
• William L. Rosin: Corporate Law
• Glenn G. Ross: Trusts and Estates
• Susan J. Sadler: Energy Law, Environmental Law
• Marc K. Salach: Corporate Law
• Todd A. Schafer: Real Estate Law
• Wayne S. Segal: Banking & Financial Service Law
• Tyler D. Tennent: Environmental Law, Land Use & Zoning
• Robert A. Wright III: Banking & Financial Service Law
• • •
Butzel Long has received national recognition in the 2018 “Best Law Firms,” rankings by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers.
Butzel Long is ranked in multiple legal specialties in the Ann Arbor, Bloomfield Hills, Detroit, Lansing, and Washington, D.C. offices.
Below is a list of Butzel Long’s 2018 Best Law Firm rankings:
National Rankings
Tier 2
Commercial Litigation
Litigation – Labor & Employment
Tier 3
Corporate Law
Employment Law – Management
Environmental Law
Litigation – Securities
Securities Regulation
LOCAL RANKINGS
Tier 1
Bloomfield Hills
Commercial Litigation
Construction Law
Employment Law – Management
Environmental Law
Labor Law – Management
Litigation – Antitrust
Litigation – ERISA
Litigation – Labor & Employment
Litigation – Real Estate
Real Estate Law
Trusts & Estates Law
DETROIT
Commercial Litigation
Construction Law
Corporate Law
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Employment Law – Management
Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law
Immigration Law
International Trade and Finance Law
Labor Law – Management
Litigation – Labor & EmploymentPersonal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Securities/ Capital Markets Law
Securities Regulation
Tier 2
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/ Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law
Corporate Governance Law
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Litigation – Construction
Litigation – Environmental
Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Tax Law
DETROIT
Antitrust Law
Corporate Compliance Law
Corporate Governance Law
Litigation – Construction
Mergers & Acquisitions Law
Tier 3
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
Corporate Law
Immigration Law
Litigation – Trusts & Estates
Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
DETROIT
Health Care Law
In addition, 62 Butzel Long attorneys have been named Top Lawyers in metro Detroit 2018 by DBusiness magazine. The list appears in the November/December 2017 edition. The local attorneys and their practice areas are listed below:
BLOOMFIELD HILLS OFFICE
• Stephen A. Bromberg, Real Estate Law
• Jennifer Consiglio, Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law
• Mark E. Crane, Family Law
• Carey A. DeWitt, Labor and Employment Law, Trade Secrets
• W. Patrick Dreisig, Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law
• Damien DuMouchel, White-Collar Criminal Defense
• John A. Forrest, Franchise Law
• Debra A. Geroux, Health Care Law
• Amy L. Glenn, Trusts and Estates
• Beth S. Gotthelf, Energy Law, Environmental Law
• D. Stewart Green, Real Estate Law
• Robert A. Hudson, International Trade Law
• Laura E. Johnson, Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law
• Susan L. Johnson, Energy Law, Environmental Law
• Thomas A. Kabel, Real Estate Law
• Sheldon H. Klein, Antitrust Law, Litigation – Antitrust
• Robin Luce-Herrmann, Copyright Law
• Bushra A. Malik, Immigration Law
• Daniel P. Malone, Product Liability
• Robert M. Nemzin, Tax Law, Trusts and Estates
• Max J. Newman, Bankruptcy and Creditor /Debtor Rights Law
• Neil Patel, Mergers & Acquisitions Law
• Robert P. Perry, Trusts & Estates
• Thomas Radom, Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights Law
• Joseph E. Richotte, Appellate Law, White-Collar Criminal Defense
• Robert H. Schwartz, Health Care Law
• Thomas L. Shaevsky, Employee Benefits Law
• Roxana Zaha, Real Estate Law
DETROIT OFFICE
• Geaneen M. Arends, Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law, Real Estate Law
• Linda J. Armstrong, Immigration Law
• Frederick (Rick) A. Berg, Litigation – Commercial, Litigation – Construction
• James C. Bruno, Commercial Law, Corporate Law, International Trade Law
• Michael C. Decker, Litigation - Construction
• David J. DeVine, Litigation – Commercial, Litigation – Construction
• George B. Donnini, White –Collar Criminal Defense
• Arthur Dudley II, Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law
• David F. DuMouchel, White-Collar Criminal Defense
• Eric J. Flessland, Construction Law, Litigation – Construction
• Bernard J. Fuhs, Franchise Law, Trade Secrets
• Cynthia J. Haffey, Litigation – Commercial
• Ziyad Hermiz, Litigation – Commercial
• Justin G. Klimko, Corporate Law, Mergers & Acquisitions Law, Securities Law
• Phillip C. Korovesis, Litigation – Commercial, Trade Secrets
• Mark R. Lezotte, Health Care Law, Nonprofit/Charities Law
• Clara DeMatteis Mager, Immigration Law
• Paul M. Mersino, Litigation – Commercial, Trade Secrets
• Donald B. Miller, Legal Malpractice Law
• Reginald A. Pacis, Immigration Law
• James S. Rosenfeld, Labor and Employment Law
• Daniel R.W. Rustmann, Product Liability
• Bruce L. Sendek, Litigation – Antitrust, Litigation – Commercial
• Ivonne M. Soler, Family Law
• Nicholas J. Stasevich, International Trade Law
• James E. Wynne, Product Liability
• • •
Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer, & Weiss, PC’s Justin A. Hanna was named to the Michigan Lawyers Weekly “Up & Coming Lawyers Class of 2017.”
Hanna, an associate in Jaffe’s Corporate Practice Group, focuses on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and commercial real estate transactions. Over the past 12 months, he has been involved in at least 13 of the firm’s M&A transactions, including managing and closing his own M&A deals. Since joining the firm in 2016, he has also actively engaged a number of his own clients to work with the firm.
Hanna’s accomplishments extend to the local community. In June, Hanna established and led an effort on behalf of the firm that assisted more than 140 Iraqi nationals from the metro Detroit area who were detained as part of a push to increase immigration enforcement. Hanna collaborated with CODE Legal Aid and recruited a team of Jaffe attorneys to file emergency motions for those individuals who did not have representation to fight their imminent deportations. With the help of the firm, he personally ensured that all the affected individuals had the proper legal representation and opportunity to address their immigration claims.
Hanna earned a law degree from Wayne State University Law School in Detroit. Concurrently while in law school, he earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with a concentration in finance from WSU’s Mike Illitch School of Business where he was also recognized for high academic achievement. Hanna received a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a concentration in management from WSU.
He is an active member of the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce and the Association for Corporate Growth.
• • •
Foster, Swift, Collins, & Smith PC welcomes Toufic Saati who participated in the firm’s summer associate program and was sworn in on October 31.
Saati will serve as a part of the firm’s Litigation Practice Group in Southfield. The addition of Saati is also the second time in as many months that Foster Swift’s Southfield office has expanded: five attorneys were added on September 18.
• • •
Southfield law firm Maddin, Hauser, Roth, & Heller PC announced that it has been ranked in the 2018 U.S. News-Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” list regionally in 14 practice areas, and nationally in one practice area.
“We are honored that Maddin Hauser has been ranked, once again this year, in the top tier for so many of our core practice areas.” said President and CEO Steven D. Sallen. “This recognition reflects the continued dedication and commitment of our entire organization to provide clients with high quality, result-focused legal solutions.”
The firm’s Detroit metropolitan rankings are as follows:
Tier 1:
• Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
• Employment Law – Individuals
• Franchise Law
• Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants
• Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants
• Real Estate Law
• Trusts & Estates Law
Tier 2:
• Construction Law
• Corporate Law
• Insurance Law
• Litigation - Real Estate
• Tax Law
Tier 3:
• Land Use & Zoning Law
• Litigation – Construction
The firm was also ranked nationally as a Tier 3 firm in Land Use & Zoning Law.
• • •
Five attorneys in the Southfield and Macomb County offices of Warner, Norcross, & Judd LLP have been selected as 2018 Top Lawyers by DBusiness.
Results will be published in the November edition of the Detroit business magazine. Warner Norcross & Judd attorneys who will be recognized are:
• Kurt M. Brauer
• Matthew K. Casey
• Sean H. Cook
• David M. Thoms
• Linda Paullin-Hebden
• • •
To submit an announcement for the next Legal People section, e-mail: editor@legalnews.com.
