Potestivo & Associates PC is pleased to announce the appointment of Kimberly Goodell to the REOMAC Board of Directors.
Goodell is the assistant vice president-managing attorney at Potestivo & Associates PC. She began working for Potestivo & Associates PC in 2009 as a law clerk. Her focus as a clerk was on foreclosure and title litigation. Upon licensure as an attorney in 2011, she moved into an associate attorney position with the firm. Her focus was on federal debt collection, including student loan debt collection and reverse mortgage foreclosures. In addition, she served and continues to serve as the firm's lead REO counsel for the State of Illinois. In July 2013, she was promoted to Supervising Attorney to oversee the firm's Illinois Foreclosure, Title and REO departments.
Goodell is a licensed attorney in Illinois, Michigan and Missouri. Most recently, in June 2017, she was promoted to assistant vice president-managing attorney at the firm. Her focus remains in the areas of Foreclosure, Title and REO. Goodell reviews and handles legislative and case law updates for the state of Illinois and is focused on keeping clients and industry professionals up to date on the latest trends in the default servicing industry.
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Bodman PLC is pleased to announce that business attorney Kiefer J. Cox has joined the firm as an associate based in the Detroit office.
Cox is a member of Bodman's Business Practice Group. He represents clients in matters concerning corporate formation, mergers and acquisitions, and financing transactions.
Before joining Bodman, he was an associate attorney with large southeast Michigan law firm where he represented clients on a broad range of corporate and finance matters. He also has experience drafting commercial lending and financing documents and has advised technology-based companies on venture capital finance transactions and entity formation.
While in law school, Cox interned with United States District Court Judge Avern Cohn in Detroit, where he wrote bench memoranda regarding civil rights litigation and contract disputes. As an undergraduate, he interned with United States Senator Carl Levin in Washington, D.C. where he conducted research and wrote memoranda on economic and foreign policy.
Cox graduated from Wayne State University Law School.
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Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder today announced the reappointment of Kelly Ann Ramsey to the Governor's Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect restructured by Executive Order 2017-4. She will serve a four-year term expiring Dec. 31, 2021.
The board promotes the health, safety and welfare of Michigan's children and families by funding local programs and services that prevent child abuse and neglect.
Ramsey was elected as a Wayne County Third Circuit judge in 2016, and previously served as a special assistant attorney general in the Michigan Attorney General's Office. She is the co-founder of For The Seventh Generation, a charitable program providing life enrichment to disadvantaged children.
Ramsey earned an associate's degree in mental health from Oakland Community College, a bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School. She will continue to represent judges and attorneys.
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Outgoing Chief Judge Nanci Grant of the Oakland County Circuit Court was honored by the U.S. Marshals Service in a ceremony at the Marshals Service Headquarters for the Eastern District of Michigan.
The U.S. Marshals recognized Grant's dedication to the Fugitive Apprehension Team, Detroit and Oakland, by making herself available 24/7 in order to expedite the process of obtaining search warrants for cases in which the teams were actively on track in apprehending fugitives. Grant's willingness to address their needs at any time directly contributed to the apprehension of several dangerous felons at large.
At the award ceremony, Grant acknowledged the hard work of the teams and the unsung heroes among them. "I am humbled to be part of the amazing work you all do in order to keep our community safe," said Grant. This was the first such award given to an Oakland County Circuit Court judge.
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The firm of Martin, Bacon, & Martin PC is pleased to announced that it is now Janes, Van Camp, Moffatt, & Selzer PC.
Martin, Bacon, and Martin PC was formed in 1980 by James Martin, John Bacon, and Jonathan Martin and has continued as a personal injury defense firm.
The firm was joined by Michael Janes and Kevin Moffatt in 1980, Vic Van Camp in 1983, and Laura Selzer in 2002. James Martin and Paul Van Tol will remain Of Counsel.
The firm will continue at its location at 44 First St., Mt. Clemens, MI 48043.
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Southfield law firm Maddin, Hauser, Roth, & Heller PC is pleased to announce that John A. MacKenzie has joined the firm's growing Complex Litigation and Risk Advisory Practice Group as an associate.
The announcement was made by the firm's president and CEO, Steven D. Sallen.
An experienced litigator, MacKenzie represents clients in commercial litigation, real estate matters and insurance defense. He has tried cases to verdict obtaining favorable results for his clients; and also regularly represents clients in various alternative dispute resolution forums including facilitation and arbitration.
MacKenzie graduated from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School. He is admitted to practice law in Michigan and is a member of the Macomb County and Oakland County Bar Associations.
Sallen also announced that Zoey A. Mayhew has joined the firm's growing Corporate and Employment Practice Group as an associate.
Mayhew works with businesses in a wide array of matters, ranging from entity formation and dissolution, to governance and organizational agreements and business relationship contracts. She also works with employers to prevent, address, and resolve claims of harassment, discrimination, and wrongful termination and to ensure statutory compliance with wage and hour requirements and other significant employment compliance obligations.
Mayhew graduated from Michigan State University College of Law.
Mayhew gained legal experience as a student intern at the Michigan Court of Appeals Research Division and as a 2016 summer associate at Maddin Hauser.
Although born in Canada, Mayhew grew up on the island of St. Maarten. She graduated with honors from McGill University, in Montreal, Quebec, working in education and business administration prior to pursuing her law degree.
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Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC is pleased to announce that Michelle D. Champane has joined the firm. She will practice out of the firm's Royal Oak office.
Champane focuses her practice on business, real estate, civil, and commercial litigation. She has additional experience in insurance defense litigation.
Champane earned a B.A. from James Madison College at Michigan State University in 2013. She pursued her law degree at Wayne State University Law School and graduated in 2016. Champane is licensed to practice in the State of Michigan.
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University of Detroit Mercy School of Law welcomes Jillian Tupper to serve as its director of development to engage in development and donor relations. Tupper will play an integral role in advancing the mission of the School of Law by developing donor strategies and increasing fundraising opportunities.
Prior to joining Detroit Mercy Law, Tupper was the major gift officer at City Year Detroit, an educational nonprofit dedicated to helping Detroit students and schools succeed. Tupper also worked at Orchards Children's Services for five years as the associate director of development.
"Detroit Mercy Law is the crown jewel of higher education, and its students, faculty, alumni, parents, and friends are justly proud of all that this extraordinary institution means to the city of Detroit," said Tupper. "I am honored to work together with our entire Detroit Mercy family to strengthen our engagement and philanthropic efforts now and for future generations."
Tupper is a graduate of Central Michigan University.
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Dickinson Wright PLLC is pleased to announce that attorneys Elizabeth L. Luckenbach, Sara B. Rubino, and Juliet R. Boyd have joined the firm's Troy office.
Luckenbach joins the firm as a member. She focuses her practice on estate planning and administration, with an emphasis in probate litigation, special needs planning, and elder law. She is a past president of the Wayne County Probate Bar Association, a director of the Oakland County Bar Association, and a past president and current trustee of the Oakland County Bar Foundation.
Luckenbach is an author and frequent speaker on topics such as elder law, special needs planning, and estate planning probate and probate litigation. She previously taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. In 2013, Luckenbach was featured in the Michigan Lawyers Weekly "Women in the Law," and is currently recognized in Michigan Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America for Estate and Trust Litigation.
Luckenbach received her B.A. from Michigan State University and her law degree from DePaul University College of Law.
Rubino joins the firm as a member. She focuses her practice on probate litigation and estate planning, with an emphasis on elder law and special needs planning. Rubino is a frequent speaker and author on probate related topics such as guardianships, fiduciary disputes, estate administration and trust contests.
Rubino is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and is active in the local Oakland County Bar Association, serving on its Membership Committee, New Lawyers Board, and as a barrister for the Inns of Court. She is recognized as a leader in her field by Michigan Super Lawyers "Rising Stars."
Rubino received her B.A. from Central Michigan University and her law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
Boyd joins the firm as an associate. She focuses her practice in the area of probate litigation. She was previously an intern for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is a trained and certified mediator.
Boyd received her B.A. from Wayne State University and her law degree from Michigan State University College of Law.
In addition, Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that attorney Monica Labe has been elected to the Midwest Real Estate News "2017 Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame."
The Midwest Real Estate News "2017 Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame" features more than 90 commercial real estate professionals from across the Midwest and represents the best that the industry has to offer.
Labe is a senior member in the firm's Troy office and a member of the firm's Management Group, with oversight responsibility for the firm's Practice Departments and the firm's Business Development and Marketing Department. Prior to holding this position, she was the practice department manager for the Real Estate and Environmental practice groups for several years. She has experience representing multi-national corporations, developers, real estate private equity firms, lenders and real estate investment companies in the acquisition, development, leasing, financing, construction and disposition of industrial, office, commercial, mixed-use and entertainment projects throughout Michigan and the U.S.
Labe is active in her community, serving on various boards and committees for both professional and community organization. She is a Fellow of the American College of Real Estate Attorneys and is a member of the Real Property Council of the State Bar of Michigan. In addition to being a member of the State Bar of Michigan, she is also a member of the California Bar. Labe also sits on the Board of Directors and has served as a mentor to high school students for Winning Futures.
Labe's work in Southeast Michigan led Crain's Detroit Business to name her one of the "50 Names to Know Real Estate" and Michigan Lawyers Weekly named her a "2017 Leader in the Law" and a "2012 Woman in the Law." She is also recognized as a leader in her field by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers in America, and Michigan Super Lawyers (often being named one of the Top 100 Lawyers and Top 25 Women Business Lawyers in the State). She received her B.A. from the University of Michigan and her law degree from Northwestern University School of Law.
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The Michigan Humane Society has elected John F. Schaefer, founder and managing partner of The Law Firm of John F. Schaefer, to its board of directors.
Schaefer, a dog lover and longtime supporter of the nonprofit, said he looks forward to contributing to the board. "As an animal lover and proud owner of a rescued mixed terrier, Apollo, the welfare of animals has long been a concern of mine," said Schaefer. "I am humbled to be made a part of this great organization."
The Law Firm of John F. Schaefer was founded in 1996 and is dedicated the practice of matrimonial and family law. Schaefer, an internationally recognized family law expert, specializes in complex and high profile divorce cases and keeps offices in Birmingham, Grosse Pointe, and Harbor Springs.
The Michigan State University College of Law library is named after Schaefer, where he has served as trustee emeritus and adjunct law professor for more than 30 years. He serves, and has served, on numerous boards and associations including the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, where he was past president of its Michigan chapter, and past president of the Oakland County Bar Association.
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Experienced lawyers and insurance professionals David Kramer and Theodore Nittis announce the launch of Gemini Risk Partners, as an independent professional liability insurance brokerage.
The firm will continue to focus on serving law firms, as it did when it was a division of the Oswald Companies. In addition to offering malpractice coverage and risk management services, Gemini will provide recommendations on appropriate coverage and program structure, claims assistance, insurance coverage counseling, and law firm operations consulting.
Kramer and Nittis were formerly employee-owners at Oswald Companies. The pair will continue their affiliation with Oswald for certain insurance business.
"As former practicing attorneys, Theo and I understand the challenges that lawyers and their firms face," said Kramer, principal, Gemini Risk Partners. "It is critical that law firms understand the appropriate amount and breadth of insurance coverage necessary, and work with a broker who can procure that coverage at reasonable prices."
"David and I established Gemini because we bring a different perspective to the legal services community. We have the capabilities to combine practical risk management and best business practices to help maximize profitability for our law firm clients," said Nittis, principal.
For additional information about Gemini Risk Partners visit geminiriskpartners.com.
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Nicole Meisner, an associate at Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer, & Weiss PC, has been named one of the Electronic Transaction Association's (ETA) 2018 Young Payments Professionals (YPP) Scholars. The ETA YPP Scholar Program provides professional development, education, and opportunity to young professionals, while also encouraging leadership within ETA and the payments industry.
Meisner and nine other payments professionals were selected from a pool of 50 applicants by a committee of ETA volunteer leaders to form this year's YPP Scholars cohort. The scholars represent the next generation of leaders from the payments industry and are from a variety of finance, payment and technology firms. There are a number of benefits to being named an YPP Scholar, including being matched with industry mentors for the duration of the program.
Meisner is a member of Jaffe's Electronic Payments Practice Group. She counsels and advises a wide range of financial institutions and companies on the complex and rapidly changing electronic payments business. She concentrates her practice on payments compliance and contractual issues involving money transmitters, payment facilitators, mobile application payment providers, independent sales organizations, sponsorship and licensing agreements, and agent bank and association contracts.
Meisner earned her law degree from Nova Southeastern University in Florida, a Master of Business Administration degree for Financial Services Professionals from the University of Tennessee at Martin, and a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Florida Atlantic University. She is a Certified Financial Crime Specialist through the Association of Certified Financial Crime Specialists (ACFCS) and participates in a number of industry-related organizations, including the Money Services Business Association (MSBA). She was named to the Florida Super Lawyers Rising Stars list in 2016 and 2017.
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The Lipson Neilson law firm is pleased to announce that local attorneys David B. Deutsch and Sandra D. Glazier have been appointed equity partners of the firm.
Deutsch practices in the firm's Bloomfield Hills office and specializes in a broad range of business and taxation matters, regularly counseling clients in estate and business succession planning, merger and acquisition transactions, and real estate transactions.
He has acted as counsel in various business transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, sales of businesses and sales of medical practices, family business transfers, entity selection, and planning issues relating to corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies.
Glazier practices in the firm's Bloomfield Hills office and is known for her expertise and successful track record in probate litigation, estate planning, trust and estate administration, and family law matters.
An AV Preeminent® rated attorney, Glazier has had numerous articles published by some of the legal industry's leading publications, and she continues to be invited to present on estate planning and probate litigation related topics at legal industry conventions across the country.
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Farmington Hills-based Fabian, Sklar, & King PC, a law firm specializing in representing victims of fires and explosions, including businesses and homeowners in property damage disputes with insurers, has changed its name to Fabian, Sklar, King, & Liss PC. Jason Liss has become a shareholder of the firm and Aaron Herskovic has joined the firm as a shareholder.
Liss has more than 25 years of legal experience, including successfully arguing before the Michigan Court of Appeals, the Sixth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals, and the Michigan Supreme Court. He is a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) and has been named a Michigan "Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyers magazine each year since 2010 and "Best Lawyer in America" by Best Lawyers magazine each of the past three years. He is an active member of the Michigan Association for Justice and sits on the organization's executive board.
Liss also serves as secretary and council member for the Insurance & Indemity Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. He earned a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Michigan and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
Herskovic has won acclaim as a trial attorney successfully litigating cases for almost 15 years in a wide range of practice areas, including commercial litigation, insurance litigation, personal injury litigation and criminal defense. He has been named a "Rising Star" by Super Lawyers Magazine each year since 2013.
Herskovic earned a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Michigan in 2000 and a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 2003.
Published: Mon, Feb 05, 2018
