Legal People ...

Maddin, Hauser, Roth, & Heller PC is pleased to announce that James M. Reid IV has been recognized in the Oakland County Executive’s Elite 40 Under 40 Class of 2019. An initiative of County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, the Elite 40 Under 40 program spotlights dynamic leaders under the age of 40 who are making a difference in Oakland County and beyond.

The announcement was made by the firm’s president and CEO, Steven D. Sallen.

A shareholder of the firm, Reid serves on Maddin Hauser’s Executive Committee, as co-chairman of its Corporate and Employment Practice Group, and as a member of its Franchise and Distribution Practice Group. He works mainly with employers on a spectrum of employment-related issues including counseling and advising human resource professionals and business owners.

Reid is a frequent local and national presenter on a wide range of employment topics. Along with providing regular advice and counsel to clients, he conducts tailored trainings for staff, management and executive teams to guide them through the landmines and best practices for hiring, managing and separating employees. Reid has also written several articles on topics including strategies for updating employee handbooks and successfully challenging claims for unemployment benefits.

Reid was elected to the Labor and Employment Law Section Council for the State Bar of Michigan and is a member of its Labor and Employment Law Section e-News Committee. He serves as director-elect and director of Resource Partners at the Michigan Society of Human Resources Management and on the Advisory Board of Wayne State University Law School’s Master of Studies in Law degree program.

Reid was named a Michigan Super Lawyers® Rising Star, listed as a Top Lawyer by DBusiness Magazine and received the Oakland County Bar Association’s 2014 Distinguished Service Award.

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Panagos Law Group—a law firm serving businesses throughout Michigan and around the world—has recently expanded by adding partner Linda D. Kennedy and changing its name to Panagos Kennedy. Panagos Kennedy continues to advise clients on intellectual property (IP), business, and technology issues. Because of the firm’s experience in the automotive industry and the aerospace and defense industry, the firm is positioned to help automotive suppliers grow their business with the U.S. Department of Defense.

“We are very pleased that Linda has joined our firm,” said Bill Panagos. “Linda’s background in litigation, IP transactions and government contracts brings added dimension to our team.”

Panagos, founder and managing partner, advises executives in all IP related business matters. As a former chief IP counsel with a Fortune 500 auto supplier, Panagos understands how to design and execute a strategically aligned and cost effective global IP strategy tailored to each client. He has experience in litigation, commercial transactions, and working with the U.S. Army and its contractors. He is especially versed in navigating the intricacies of the FARs and DFARs.

Kennedy recently joined the firm from a Fortune 500 aerospace and defense company. She counsels clients on assessing and mitigating IP risks. She develops strategies to maximize protection of key technologies through patents, trade secrets, copyrights and related contracts. In additional to IP portfolio management and agreement work, Linda brings state and federal court litigation experience to the firm.

Daniel J. Checkowsky, partner, practices all aspects of IP law, with a focus on foreign and domestic patent prosecution. His technical breadth includes complex systems for autonomous vehicles, internal combustion engines, turbines, transmissions and control systems. He is also an experienced litigator in state and federal court and before administrative tribunals.

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Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Michael Warren recently presented to the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts, & Letters (MASAL) at its Annual Conference at Alma College. His presentation, “United States v Michigan—Our Two Constitutions” explained that federalism is an indispensable part of Americans’ conception of liberty, dividing the sovereignty of the People into two governments—the federal government and the states. Although state governments were originally the most dominant in the lives of the Founding generation and antebellum period, more recently the federal government is ascendant. Indeed, to the extent they pay any attention at all, most academicians, media, students, and citizens focus on the federal government while giving state governments de minimis consideration. Despite this inattention, Michigan’s Constitution plays a vital role. To meaningfully participate in civic life, Michiganians must understand their fundamental governing document.

“Comparing the characters of our two Constitutions reveals startling differences reflective of the principles, values, and history of Michiganians and Americans writ large.” Warren reflected. “The age, source of authority, governmental structure, methods of representation, amendment process, and the scope and breadth of power significantly differ between the constitutions; and those differences should be fully comprehended to ensure that our liberties and freedoms are protected on both the state and federal level.”

In preparing for the presentation, Warren relied heavily on his book, “America’s Survival Guide, How to Stop America’s Impending Suicide by Reclaiming Our First Principles and History,” which focuses on the First Principles of Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution, the Constitution, Civil War, Civil Rights Struggles, and suggestions for renewing the spirit of America. For additional information, visit www.AmericasSurvivalGuide.com.

Warren is a former member of the Michigan State Board of Education. He is also the president and chair of the Patriot Week Foundation. Patriot Week spans from 9/11 (the anniversary of the terrorist attacks) to 9/17 (the anniversary of the signing of the Constitution—Constitution Day). Patriot Week renews the spirit of America by celebrating the founding First Principles, key documents and speeches, founding fathers and other great patriots, and flags from the nation’s history. The commemoration was co-founded by Warren with his then 10-year-old, daughter, Leah. For additional information visit www.PatriotWeek.org.