Legal People ...

Professor Michael Oswalt has been named as Wayne State University Law School’s next associate dean for Research and Faculty Development, following Professors Jonathan Weinberg and Christopher Lund.

An expert in labor law, Oswalt came to Wayne Law in 2022 from Northern Illinois University College of Law.  He combines an academic background with a set of experiences in legal practice—most notably four years in the Office of the General Counsel at the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and a clerkship with then-
judge Sonia Sotomayor when she served on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.  

Since entering academia, Oswalt has become a scholar known nationwide, publishing articles in law reviews and faculty-edited journals like the California Law Review, Law and Contemporary Problems, the Minnesota Law Review, and the U.C. Davis Law Review, and also co-authoring two casebooks.  Several of his pieces have been featured in Jotwell, a forum for top scholars to review important new scholarly work.  He has also written shorter pieces for a wide variety of outlets, including the American Constitution Society, the Law and Political Economy Blog, and Huffpost.

•            •            •

The Southfield office of Foster, Swift, Collins, & Smith PC welcomes attorney Courtney G. Agrusa. She joins the firm’s Municipal practice group.

Agrusa’s experience in municipal law consists of reviewing contracts, millages and ordinances while also researching and drafting opinions and memorandums for public entities on topics including Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Open Meetings Act (OMA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Paid Medical Leave Act (PMLA), Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and Michigan Zoning Enabling Act (MZEA).

In matters of employment law, Agrusa drafts, reviews, and revises personnel policies, procedures, and handbooks while helping clients in matters of employee disciplinary matters, labor negotiations, grievance arbitrations, unfair labor practices, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Charges, Michigan Department of Civil Rights Complaints and Unemployment Insurance Agency Appeals.

Agrusa earned both her B.S. in psychology from Michigan State University in 2009 and her law degree from MSU College of Law in 2012.

•            •            •

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointment of Michael Cantor to the Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates.

Cantor is a trial attorney at the firm of Paskel, Tashman, and Walker in Southfield. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Wayne State University and a law degree from the Detroit College of Law (now known as Michigan State University College of Law). He is appointed to represent a member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan who has been an attorney licensed to practice in Michigan courts for five years or more for a term commencing August 24, 2023, and expiring July 31, 2027. He succeeds Luke McMurray who has resigned.

The Workers’ Compensation Board of Magistrates was established as an autonomous entity within the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency per Executive Order No. 2019-13. Only workers’ compensation magistrates can hear cases for which an application for hearing has been filed with the Workers’ Disability Compensation Agency. The Board of Magistrates hears cases regarding any dispute that arises under the Michigan Worker’s Disability Compensation Act of 1969.  

This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

•            •            •

FisherBroyles LLP is pleased to announce Michael S. Khoury, partner at the firm, is the recipient of the 17th annual Stephen H. Schulman Outstanding Business Lawyer Award.

Awarded by the State Bar of Michigan’s Business Law Section, the award honors business lawyers in Michigan who consistently exemplify characteristics including: the highest quality of professionalism, the highest quality of practice, and an unwavering dedication to service, ethical conduct, and collegiality within the practice of law.

“I am humbled to receive the Stephen H. Schulman Outstanding Business Lawyer Award,” Khoury said.  “To join the list of recipients for the award is quite an honor, while being recognized by my peers is very gratifying. I look forward to continuing my advocacy of continuous education within the legal industry, while simultaneously advising clients within FisherBroyles’ international network.”

Khoury specializes in a wide variety of commercial and technology business matters, particularly corporate and IT transactions and M&A. Throughout his career he has counseled various corporate clients, from small businesses up to Fortune 1000 organizations.

Khoury is a regular speaker and commentator within the legal and business sectors, educating audiences on legal issues related to technology transactions and the interface between technology and insolvency.

Khoury has been a member of the Business Law Section since 1981. He has held various leadership positions throughout this period, including acting as a chair and council member for several years.

Khoury will receive the award at the Schulman Award Ceremony, held on October 6 in Grand Rapids. He will be introduced by Marguerite Donahue, another former chair of the Business Law Section and a corporate attorney with Taft, Stettinius, & Hollister LLP.

The Business Law Section established the Stephen H. Schulman Outstanding Business Lawyer Award in 2006. It is named after Professor Stephen H. Schulman, a former professor at Wayne State University Law School. Throughout his tenure he had a significant impact on the lives and careers of thousands of future attorneys as he taught courses on corporations, business planning, and administrative law, amongst others.

In addition to receiving the award, Khoury was also recently named in the Best Lawyers category within the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

•            •            •

Clark Hill recently announced that it has moved its Birmingham office to the newly redeveloped space at 220 Park Street.

With approximately 60 attorneys and 40 additional staff members in its Birmingham location, Clark Hill’s new office will follow a design model similar to its other offices. 

Those concepts include using glass to create an open and bright ambiance, integrated spaces for clients, technology-enabled conference rooms, and hoteling options.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for us to reimagine and further extend our long-standing presence in downtown Birmingham,” said Dan Minkus, member-in-charge of Clark Hill’s Birmingham office. “We are very pleased with the inviting and forward-thinking layout that emphasizes collaboration and technology.”

According to the developers of 220 Park, the three-story building with nearly 48,000 square feet of office space is being redeveloped for three new tenants, including Clark Hill.  Clark Hill will occupy the entirety of the second and third floors of the building.  Clark Hill’s new office location is within walking distance of numerous restaurants,
outdoor spaces, and city attractions.

“The way law is practiced has changed dramatically for attorneys and staff over the past three years, and our new space will embrace and reflect those changes,” Minkus said. “We are excited with our new home and pleased to remain in the center of the city.”

•            •            •

ACG Detroit, a 400-member nonprofit business organization of middle-market M&A professionals that invest in middle-market companies, has elected Danielle Bass as president of its chapter.

Bass, the second female president elected since the chapter was founded in 1984, will serve a two-year term on the ACG Detroit board of directors, effective September 1.  Additionally, Bass is the global organization’s youngest female president elected across its 59 chapters worldwide.

“As a longtime member of ACG Detroit, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative collaboration and strategic partnerships that this organization helps develop,” said Bass. “Our chapter is made up of an extremely distinguished group of professionals and I look forward to collaborating with them and board members to make a lasting impact on the Detroit business community.”

As a partner at Honigman LLP, Bass’s practice is focused on transactional matters involving information technology, intellectual property, data, media and entertainment, with an emphasis on commercial transactions. Outside of the office, Bass plays a role in shaping the next generation of transactional attorneys — teaching a practical course she developed at the University of Michigan Law School and the University of Chicago Law School.

Bass became a member of ACG Detroit in 2015 and has served on the organization’s board of directors for six years, most recently as vice president. In addition to her involvement with ACG Detroit, Bass is also active in the community and undertakes many pro bono matters, including acting as general counsel to a local non-profit organization and as a volunteer mediator for The Eastern District of Michigan’s Early Mediation Program.

A two-time graduate of the University of Michigan, Bass earned her bachelor’s degree in women’s studies, history and social work in 2011 and her law degree from the Law School in 2015. Bass is admitted to the State Bar of Michigan.

•            •            •

Garan Lucow Miller (GLM) is proud to celebrate 75 years of commitment to its clients, communities, and legal excellence as it commemorates its Diamond Anniversary.
Founded in 1984 by three recent law school graduates, Daniel Garan, Milton Lucow, and Albert Miller, the firm has grown from one small office in Detroit to become one of the largest in the State of Michigan serving the Great Lakes Region, including Indiana, Illinois, and Ohio.

Over the decades, GLM has expanded to represent a broad spectrum of insurers, self-insureds, corporations, non-profits and municipalities, consistently selected as one of the best law firms by US News & World Report. Over the years, GLM has played a role in historic legal rulings, particularly in the areas of No-Fault and Automobile Negligence Law and has expanded its areas of representation to include admiralty & maritime, business transactions, intellectual property, commercial litigation, municipal law, and premises liability, among others.

Public service has been a feature of GLM since its inception. In keeping with this tradition, GLM has endowed a Scholarship Fund in Civil Litigation at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. GLM also hosts an annual diversity scholarship competition for law students with a demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in civil litigation to benefit their local community and the clients we serve.

Commenting on the 75th anniversary, firm Chairperson Timothy Jordan said, “The core values that are the bedrock of GLM, integrity, commitment and inclusiveness, have allowed the Firm to thrive over the last 75 year and will no doubt carry it into the next 75. I have been very grateful to spend my career working with the dedicated members of the firm. As we look toward the future, we at GLM will continue to dedicate our time and effort to creating a greater tomorrow for our clients, our communities and our families.”

•            •            •

Collins Einhorn Farrell PC is pleased to announce that 27 lawyers have been included in the 2024 editions of The Best Lawyers in America, including three receiving “Lawyer of the Year” distinction.

Eleven of the 27 lawyers have been included in the Ones to Watch edition, which recognizes attorneys who are early in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice.

—2024 Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” recipients:

Theresa M. Asoklis – Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants

Clayton F. Farrell – Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Deborah A. Hebert – Insurance Law

—2024 Best Lawyers recipients:

David C. Anderson – Commercial Litigation, Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants

Theresa M. Asoklis – Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants

Donald D. Campbell – Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law, and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants

Trent B. Collier – Appellate Practice, and Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Daniel E. Collins – Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Michael J. Cook – Appellate Practice

Katherine A. Crowley – Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Brian D. Einhorn – Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Malpractice
Law – Defendants

Clayton F. Farrell – Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Melissa E. Graves – Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants

Deborah A. Hebert – Appellate Practice, and Insurance Law

Richard A. Joslin – Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants

Deborah A. Lujan – Litigation – Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Kari L. Melkonian – Litigation – Insurance

Michael J. Sullivan – Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants

Nicole E. Wilinski – Insurance Law

—2024 Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” recipients:

Zabbia N. Alholou – Commercial Litigation, Municipal Law, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Brian A. Catrinar – Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Kyle M. Dysarz – Insurance Law, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

MaryRachel Dysarz – Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Daryle F. Houston – Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Christopher T. Lang – Commercial Litigation, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Sam S. Mate – Insurance Law, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Laura McLane – Professional Malpractice Law

Scott J. Pawlak – Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Erin J. Rodenhouse – Appellate Practice

Joshua M. Stapp – Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants

•            •            •

Harness IP is proud to announce that four of its attorneys have been listed in the 2023 edition of Super Lawyers magazine.

Principals Monte Falcoff, Glenn Forbis, and Senior Counsel Beth Coakley were chosen as Michigan “Super Lawyers.” Principal Brad Luchsinger was noted as a Michigan “Rising Star.” This is Falcoff’s debut on the annual listing of top attorneys.  The attorneys are based in the firm’s Detroit Metro office.

Harness is also proud to announce that two of its attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers® as 2024 “Lawyer of the Year.” Principal Glenn Forbis and Senior Counsel Beth Coakley were honored as “Lawyer of the Year” for Patent Litigation and Copyright Law, respectively. Both attorneys practice in the Detroit Metro office.

Additionally, 46 of the firm’s intellectual property attorneys were honored in this year’s edition of The Best Lawyers in America for their counsel in one or multiple areas of work. Of these attorneys, eight were lauded as “Ones to Watch” in recognition of their “outstanding legal excellence” and fewer than 10 years of practice.

The following local Harness attorneys are listed in 2024 Best Lawyers in America:

Geoff Aurini – Trademark Law

Beth Coakley – Copyright Law (Lawyer of the Year), Litigation – Intellectual Property, Trade Secrets Law, Trademark Law

Michael Doerr – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law

Mark Elchuk – Patent Law

Stan Erjavac – Patent Law

Monte Falcoff – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law, Trademark Law

Glenn Forbis – Copyright Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent (Lawyer of the Year)

Paul Keller – Copyright Law, Patent Law, Trademark Law

Joe Lafata – Patent Law

Tim MacIntyre – Patent Law

Ryan Massey – Patent Law

Michael Malinzak – Patent Law

Kevin Mierzwa – Patent Law

George Moustakas – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law

Stephen Olson – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law

Jessica Sachs – Trademark Law

Greg Schivley – Patent Law

Brent Seitz – Litigation – Intellectual Property Law

Colleen Shovlin – Patent Law, Trademark Law

Bob Siminski – Patent Law

Jeff Snyder – Appellate Practice, Patent Law

Duke Taylor – Patent Law

Dave Utykanski – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law

Richard Warner – Patent Law

Mike Wiggins – Patent Law

Jennifer Woodside Wojtala – Patent Law

The following local Harness attorneys have been honored in 2024 Best Lawyers in America as “Ones to Watch”:

Jewell Briggs – Litigation – Patent

Jeremiah Foley – Intellectual Property Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property

April Minarik – Litigation – Intellectual Property

Jennie Turchyn – Patent Law

•            •            •

Work/Life balance is key to Butzel’s culture as the law firm of the future. Its comprehensive Work/Life programs set the firm apart. As a result, Butzel has been named to
Crain’s 2023 Best Places to Work for the third straight year, ranking 41 and the only law firm with headquarters in Detroit. Butzel continues to climb in the annual rankings, having been ranked 53 in 2022.

As a Crain’s 2023 Best Places to Work, Butzel was recognized for having a strong financial incentive bonus structure, meditation rooms, and adoption assistance.

Butzel has a list of perks including: the “Better Butzel” wellness program, virtual wellness platform, flexible work schedule, lawyer flexible practice/reduced schedule program, employee assistance program with onsite counseling, paid time-off, unlimited vacation for attorneys, paralegals, and managers, parental leave, pregnancy loss paid leave, discounted home office equipment, and work anniversary recognition.

Additional Butzel benefits include a 401(k) with firm employer contribution, paid parking, professional dues, associate attorney student loan repayment assistance program, IVF/fertility coverage, and available pet insurance program, to name a few.

“Butzel employees are integral to our success,” said Paul M. Mersino, president and CEO. “We value our team and provide a workplace in which they can thrive. Together, we always strive to meet and exceed client expectations.

“We added an office in Grand Rapids in January, continue to expand our staff and look forward to growing our Michigan footprint,” he said. “We have a solid foundation and our future is bright.”

•            •            •

Maddin Hauser is pleased to announce that 19 attorneys have been included in the 2023 list of Michigan Super Lawyers. New this year, Michelle Harrell and Andrew Harris join the list of recognized firm attorneys. For the third consecutive year, Kate Klaus and Julie Teicher appear on the “Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers” list and are named among the “Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers.”

The Maddin Hauser attorneys appearing on the 2023 list of Michigan Super Lawyers are:

David M. Eisenberg – Bankruptcy, Creditor Debtor Rights

Earle I. Erman – Bankruptcy

David H. Freedman – Business & Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions, Real Estate

Michelle C. Harrell – General Litigation

Andrew M. Harris – Business Litigation, Tax, Real Estate

David E. Hart – Business Litigation, Civil Litigation, Insurance Coverage

Mark R. Hauser – Real Estate, Mergers & Acquisitions, Estate Planning & Probate

Harvey R. Heller – Professional Liability, Insurance Coverage

Kathleen H. Klaus – Professional Liability, Employment Litigations, Civil Litigations

Charles M. Lax – Employee Benefits, Business & Corporate, Estate Planning & Probate

Julie C. Mayer – Insurance Coverage, Professional Liability  

Steven D. Sallen – Real Estate, Business & Corporate, Environmental

David M. Saperstein – Professional Liability, Securities Litigation, Appellate

Julie B. Teicher – Bankruptcy, Creditor Debtor Rights, Business Litigation  

Stewart C.W. Weiner – Family Law, Construction Litigation, Estate & Trust Litigation

Steve M. Wolock – Professional Liability, Employment Litigation, Insurance Coverage

Super Lawyers also recognizes the legal profession’s up-and-coming attorneys – “Rising Stars.” These outstanding attorneys, under age 40 or practicing for ten years or less, comprise fewer than two-and-one-half percent of Michigan’s lawyers.  The Maddin attorneys recorgnized include:

Kaitlin A. Brown – Employment & Labor, Business & Corporate

John A. MacKenzie – Business Litigation

Corinne Rockoff – Real Estate

Maddin is also pleased to announce that 26 attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2024 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America for their work across numerous
practice areas.

Two attorneys received the “Lawyer of the Year” designation: Charles Lax in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law and Julie Mayer in Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants.

Sheryl Silberstein makes her debut on the Best Lawyers list this year. Newly recognized in the “Ones to Watch” category are Katie Brown, Cody Corbin, Rita Lauer, Mariel Newhouse, and Sydney Wright.

The 2024 list names 17 Maddin Hauser attorneys as Best Lawyers.

Stuart Bordman (Franchise Law)  

David Eisenberg (Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation – Bankruptcy)

Earle I. Erman (Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Commercial Litigation, and Litigation – Bankruptcy)

David H. Freedman (Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Corporate Law)

Mark Hauser (Real Estate Law)

Harvey R. Heller (Insurance Law and Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants)

Robert D. Kaplow (Tax Law and Trusts and Estates)

Kathleen H. Klaus (Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants)

Charles M. Lax (Corporate Law and Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law)

Michael W. Maddin (Real Estate Law)

Julie Chenot Mayer (Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants)

Steven D. Sallen (Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) and Real Estate Law)

Sheryl K. Silberstein (Land Use and Zoning Law)

Ronald A. Sollish (Employment Law – Individuals and Employment Law – Management)

Julie B. Teicher (Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Commercial Litigation, and Litigation – Bankruptcy)

Steven M. Wolock (Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants)

Craig E. Zucker (Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation – Bankruptcy)

Nine Maddin Hauser attorneys earned the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch designation this year, more than double the number recognized in 2023. Included are:

Kaitlin A. Brown (Labor and Employment Law – Management)

Cody J. Corbin (Insurance Law)

Rachael Frawley-Panyard (Banking and Finance Law and Litigation – Real Estate)

Rita M. Lauer (Business Organizations including LLCs and Partnerships)

John A. MacKenzie (Commercial Litigation and Litigation – Real Estate)

Mariel G. Newhouse (Commercial Litigation and Labor and Employment Law – Management)

Corinne S. Rockoff (Banking and Finance Law, Litigation – Construction, and Real Estate Law)

Jesse L. Roth (Insurance Law)

Sydney E. Wright (Commercial Litigation and Financial Services Regulation Law)

•            •            •

A trio of attorneys from Southfield-based Ottenwess Law have been designated 2023 Michigan Super Lawyers.

The firm is pleased to announce the following honorees:

Founding Partner David Ottenwess has been named in the category of Medical Malpractice – Defense. David has been listed as a Michigan Super Lawyer since 2007.

Managing Partner Stephanie Ottenwess has been named as a Michigan Super Lawyer in the area of Health Care Law.

John Monnich Sr., Of Counsel, has also been selected as a Michigan Super Lawyer since 2006.  He was listed in the category of Insurance Coverage.

•            •            •

Twenty-one Zausmer attorneys, from multiple practice areas, have been named 2023 Michigan Super Lawyers or Rising Stars.

—Super Lawyers

Mark J. Zausmer – Civil Litigation: Defense, Eminent Domain, Personal Injury – General: Defense, 2006-2023

Mischa M. Boardman – Business Litigation, Eminent Domain, General Litigation, Construction Litigation: Business, Real Estate: Business, 2017-2023

Michael L. Caldwell – Environmental Litigation, Business Litigation, Environmental, 2015-2023

Stephen R. Estey – Land Use & Zoning, Eminent Domain, General Litigation, 2013-2021

Cinnamon A. Plonka – Personal Injury – General: Defense, 2021-2023

Nicole M. Wright – Civil Litigation: Defense, Employment Litigation: Defense, 2013-2023

—Rising Stars

Dylan M. Beadle – Insurance Coverage, Personal Injury – General: Defense, 2019-2023

Theresa A. Bodwin – Insurance Coverage, Energy & Natural Resources, Environmental, Environmental Litigation, 2018-2023

John C. Cusmano – Personal Injury – General: Defense, 2023

Katelyn M. DePrekel – Civil Litigation: Defense, 2022, 2023

Danielle R. DePriest – Insurance Coverage, 2023

Cristy M. DeVos – Personal Injury – General: Defense, 2020-2023

Elena Djordjeski – Insurance Coverage, 2022, Personal Injury – General: Defense, 2023

Chad M. Duschinsky – Insurance Coverage, 2022, 2023

Daniel I. Jedell – Civil Litigation: Defense, Personal Injury – General: Defense, 2015-2023

Michael H. Jernukian – Insurance Coverage, 2023

Timothy M. Kaufmann – Civil Litigation, 2021-2023

Breanne M. Patton – Business Litigation, 2023

Bryan R. Padgett – Personal Injury – General: Defense, Civil Litigation: Defense, Insurance Coverage, 2013-2023

Adam Post II – Insurance Coverage, 2023

Kyle A. Warwick – Insurance Coverage, 2020-2023

Zausmer is also pleased to announce that 14 of its attorneys have been honored in three different award categories for the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers.

Best Lawyers 2024 recognized Zausmer shareholder Michael L. Caldwell as “Lawyer of the Year” for Environmental Law and Environmental Litigation. This is Caldwell’s fifth award as Lawyer of the Year in the environmental area.

—Best Lawyers in America

Managing Shareholder Mark Zausmer received the rank of Best Lawyer for the 17th year in a row. He received this award for his work in Commercial Litigation, Eminent Domain, and Condemnation Law.

Shareholder Michael Caldwell received the award of Best Lawyer for the 11th year in a row. He was awarded for his work in Environmental Law and Environmental Litigation.

Shareholder Stephen R. Estey received the award of Best Lawyer for the sixth time. He was awarded for his work in Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation – Real Estate, and Real Estate Law.

Zausmer is also proud to announce that 12 of its attorneys have been named to the 2024 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch list. The recipients are:

Theresa A. Bodwin, Insurance Law

Katelyn M. DePrekel, Insurance Law

Cristy M. DeVos, Insurance Law

Nicole L. Gettler, Insurance Law, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants

Kristina M. Macionski, Insurance Law

Bryan R. Padgett, Insurance Law

Breanne M. Patton, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Corporate Law

A. Adam Post II, Insurance Law

Michael A. Schwartz, Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, Transportation Law

Devin R. Sullivan, Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law

Kyle A. Warwick, Insurance Law

•            •            •

Burris Law is proud to announce that two of the firm’s attorneys have been selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2024 Best Lawyers in America® lists.

Founder Kelly Burris was included in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America for Patent Law. This is the fourth consecutive year she has been recognized in this
category.

Attorney Neal Sanborn was included in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch for Intellectual Property Law. This is the fourth consecutive year that he has been recognized in this category.

•            •            •

Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy, & Sadler PLC is proud to announce the attorneys who have been recognized in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers in America.

—Best Lawyers

Frances Belzer Wilson, Commercial Litigation

Paul A. Bringer, Real Estate Law

Alfredo Casab, Litigation – Real Estate Real Estate Law

Randal R. Cole, Commercial Litigation, Employment Law – Management

Brian J. Considine, Energy Law, Environmental Law

Edward C. Dawda, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Real Estate Law

Dana A. Kreis Glencer, Real Estate Law

Daniel M. Halprin, Real Estate Law

Joseph M. Judge, Real Estate Law

Christopher M. Mann, Corporate Law, Trusts and Estates

Christopher R. Martella, Real Estate Law

Jeffrey D. Moss, Corporate Law Tax Law, Trusts and Estates

John Mucha III, Commercial Litigation, Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation – Real Estate

Glenn G. Ross, Trusts and Estates

Susan J. Sadler, Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental, Litigation – Real Estate

Marc K. Salach, Corporate Law

Todd A. Schafer, Real Estate Law

Leon M. Schurgin, Litigation – Real Estate,, Real Estate Law

Wayne S. Segal, Real Estate Law

Neil S. Silver, Banking and Finance Law Environmental Law

Tyler D. Tennent, Environmental Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation – Land Use and Zoning

James J. Vlasic, Commercial Litigation, Corporate Law

—Lawyers of the Year

Curtis J. Mann, Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law

Michael D. Mulcahy, Corporate Law

—Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch

Kylie E. Bergmann, Corporate Law, Real Estate Law

Samuel P. Kokoszka, Corporate Law, Real Estate Law

Erin Bowen Welch, Corporate Law, Real Estate Law

•            •            •

The 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ has named 395 Jones Day lawyers across 69 different areas of practice spanning the firm’s 18 U.S. offices.  Among
those recognized was Ann T. Hollenbeck who was featured in the Lawyers of the Year list for Health Care Law; Detroit.

•            •            •

Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that Kathryn S. Wood was welcomed into the 2023 Class of Fellows by the Michigan State Bar Foundation. Wood is a member partner in the firm’s Troy office and focuses her practice on employment litigation, commercial litigation, and appellate practice, including discrimination, harassment and whistleblower/retaliation claims, class actions, non-compete/non-solicitation matters, defamation clams, contract disputes, fraud claims, and business tort claims. She is also an experienced advisor to employers regarding employment issues that arise outside of the litigation context.  

When asked what it means to be named as a Fellow, Wood replied, “I am honored to be a Fellow of the Michigan State Bar Foundation. Access to legal assistance and the availability of educational legal programming to assist all citizens of Michigan in understanding their legal rights and responsibilities are critically important to a just legal system.”

Established in 1984, the Michigan State Bar Foundation’s Fellows Program recognizes distinguished Michigan lawyers for their professional excellence and service to the community. The Fellows Program supports the Foundation in providing leadership and grants for improvements in the administration of justice and the delivery of civil legal aid to low-income individuals and families. For additional information on the Michigan State Bar Foundation and its Fellows program, visit www.msbf.org.

 •            •            •
Bodman PLC is pleased to announce that 70 of its attorneys have been listed in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Local Bodman attorneys listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2023, including the practice areas under which they are listed, are:

—Detroit office

Hebba Aref (Banking and Finance Law)

Marc M. Bakst (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation-Bankruptcy)

Eric C. Bartley (Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law, Real Estate Law)

Andrew H. Curoe (Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law, Trusts and Estates)

Sarah L. Cylkowski (Commercial Litigation)

Jessica L. Davis (Banking and Finance Law)

Herold M. Deason (Corporate Law)

Laurence B. Deitch (Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law)

Robert J. Diehl Jr. (Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Litigation-
Banking and Finance, Litigation-Bankruptcy)

Forrest O. Dillon (Corporate Law)

Fredrick J. Dindoffer (Environmental Law, Litigation-Environmental)

Christopher J. Dine (Non-Profit / Charities Law)

Anthony T. Finn (Banking and Finance Law)

Brian P. Foley (Real Estate Law)

Aaron D. Graves (Employment Law-Management)

Scott P. Gyorke (Banking and Finance Law)

David M. Hempstead (Trusts and Estates)

Kathleen O’Callaghan Hickey (Banking and Finance Law)

George G. Kemsley (Commercial Litigation)

Joseph J. Kochanek (Banking and Finance Law)

David P. Larsen (Litigation-Trusts and Estates, Trusts and Estates)

Melissa A. Lewis (Banking and Finance Law)

Carla S. Machnik (Banking and Finance Law)

Ralph E. McDowell (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Litigation-Bankruptcy)

Adam B. Norlander (Banking and Finance Law)

Joseph G. Nuyen Jr. (Health Care Law)

Michael B. Peterman (Banking and Finance Law, Real Estate Law)

Jane Derse Quasarano (Commercial Litigation)

Jeffrey G. Raphelson (Commercial Litigation)

Damali A. Sahu (Banking and Finance Law)

Nicholas P. Scavone Jr. (Banking and Finance Law, Real Estate Law)

Joseph J. Shannon (Commercial Litigation)

Bonnie S. Sherr (Banking and Finance Law)

William S. Shipman (Health Care Law)

Larry R. Shulman (Banking and Finance Law)

Brian R. Trumbauer (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation-Bankruptcy)

Jaimee L. Witten (Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law)

—Troy office

Adam Behrendt (Litigation-Banking and Finance)

John T. Below (Commercial Litigation, Litigation-Labor and Employment)

David C. Bosman (Banking and Finance Law)

Barbara A. Bowman (Banking and Finance Law, Municipal Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law)

Robert J. Cambridge (Mergers and Acquisitions Law)

John C. Cashen (Employment Law-Management, Labor Law-Management, Qui Tam Law)

Steven R. Cole (Corporate Law)

Michael G. Costello (Commercial Litigation, Corporate Law, Insurance Law)

Anthony P. Cracchiolo (Trusts and Estates)

Michelle Thurber Czapski (Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, Litigation-Insurance)

Gary S. Fealk (Employment Law-Management, Labor Law-Management)

Gregory J. Gamalski (Real Estate Law)

Jennifer M. Hetu (Trademark Law)

Marguerite Munson Lentz (Trusts and Estates)

Michael B. Lewiston (Commercial Litigation, Litigation-Real Estate, Litigation-Trusts and Estates)

Mark W. Peters (Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law)

Karen L. Piper (Labor Law-Management)

Mara Letica Saad (Commercial Litigation)

Andrew Z. Spilkin (Real Estate Law)

Thomas J. Tallerico (Commercial Litigation)

Thomas Van Dusen (Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation-Trusts and Estates)

David B. Walters (Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law)

Glen M. Zatz (Real Estate Law)

Bodman is also pleased to announce that 19 of its attorneys have been listed in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch.

Local Bodman attorneys listed in The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch, including the practice areas under which they are listed, are:

—Detroit office

Fawzeih Daher (Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation)

Michelle L. Kolkmeyer (Labor and Employment Law-Management)

Kelly M. Lockman (Banking and Finance Law, Real Estate Law)

Alexandra C. Markel (Commercial Litigation)

Chelsey L. Marsh-Jones (Real Estate Law)

Julia C. Massaro (Trusts and Estates)

Christopher J. Rambus (Tax Law, Trusts and Estates)

Noel J. Ravenscroft (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law)

Rebecca C. Seguin-Skrabucha (Labor and Employment-Management)

Erica J. Shell (Commercial Litigation)

Annalise Lekas Surnow (Health Care Law)

—Troy office

Donovan S. Asmar (Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation)

Brigid D. Fox (Trusts and Estates)

Ryan M. Olson (Mergers and Acquisitions Law)

Jacob J. Simon (Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships))

In addition, Bodman is pleased to announce that five of its attorneys have been named “Lawyers of the Year” for 2024 by the publisher of The Best Lawyers in America.

Local Bodman attorneys included as 2024 Lawyers of the Year are:

Robert J. Diehl Jr. has been named the 2024 Detroit “Lawyer of the Year” for Banking and Finance Law and Litigation-Banking and Finance. Diehl is the co-chair of Bodman’s Banking Practice Group and the chair of the Bankruptcy and Debtor-Creditor Rights Practice Group. He represents lenders in out-of-court workouts and in bankruptcy proceedings involving all types of businesses and collateral, especially automotive-related businesses and real estate and construction businesses. He has also received “Lawyer of the Year” awards in 2018 and 2010 under Banking and Finance Law and in 2012 under Litigation – Banking and Finance. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 1995.

David P. Larsen has been named the 2024 Detroit “Lawyer of the Year” for Litigation-Trust and Estates. Larsen is the senior member of the firm’s High Net Worth Practice Group and provides highly individualized and comprehensive legal advice to many high net worth families, their family offices, and their closely-held businesses. He has been a consistent recipient of the “Lawyer of the Year” award with recognitions in 2022, 2020, 2018, and 2016 under Litigation-Trust and Estates. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 2003.

Marguerite Munson Lentz has been named the 2024 Detroit “Lawyer of the Year” for Trust and Estates. Lentz is an Of Counsel member of the firm’s High Net Worth and Exempt Organizations and Impact Investing practice groups. She concentrates her practice on representing high net worth individuals in estate planning, probate, and trusts and regularly advises nonprofit and tax exempt organizations regarding obtaining and maintaining exempt status, corporate governance, and general operational issues. She has received the “Lawyer of the Year” award in 2020, 2018, and 2016 under Trust and Estates. She has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 2008.

David B. Walters has been named the 2024 Troy “Lawyer of the Year” in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. Walters is a member of the firm’s Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation and Workplace Law practice groups. He concentrates his practice in employee benefits, corporate law and estate planning and has more than 30 years of experience counseling employers on all aspects of employee benefit plan formation, administration, and taxation. He has been received the “Lawyer of the Year” award in 2020, 2017, and 2015 under Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 2007.