Office of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointment of Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Yasmine Isshak Poles to the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect.
Poles is a judge of the Michigan 6th Circuit Court who assumed office in 2020. She is also the presiding judge for the Women’s Adult Treatment Court and a part time faculty member at Wayne State University Law School. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and her law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
Poles is reappointed to represent civil court judges for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring on December 31, 2026.
Created by Executive Order 2013-4, rescinding Executive Order 2010-18, the governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect is established within the Department of Human Services and is designed as a multidisciplinary task force for the purposes of the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act.
The Task Force shall consist of 18 members appointed by the governor for three-year terms who are professionals with knowledge and experience relating to the criminal justice system and issues of child physical abuse, child neglect, child sexual abuse and exploitation, and child maltreatment related fatalities.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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Butzel Long
Butzel has appointed Brett J. Miller co-practice department chair, Labor and Employment. Miller will work alongside co-department chair Daniel B. Tukel as they lead one of the law firm’s largest practice areas.
Based in Butzel’s Detroit office, Miller also serves as the firm’s assistant general counsel for Labor and Employment. He focuses his practice on employment and labor law as well as fair housing litigation. He frequently defends clients in state and federal discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and class action lawsuits.
Miller also defends clients in administrative charges before numerous governmental agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Department of Labor, and the OFCCP. In addition, Miller devotes his practice to representing clients in traditional labor matters such as grievance arbitrations and collective bargaining.
Miller is AV® Peer Review Rated by LexisNexis/Martindale-Hubbell. He is among attorneys named to the Best Lawyers in America – Employment Law – Management, 2024 and was named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s “Leaders in the Law” 2022 and an “Up & Coming Lawyer” in 2015 as well as a Top Lawyer by DBusiness Magazine in 2014, 2020-2023.
He is a frequent speaker on Labor and Employment topics and has written numerous articles on all aspects of employment law.
Miller earned his law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and received his undergraduate degree from James Madison University.
Tukel, based in Butzel’s Troy office, has served as chair of the firm’s Labor and Employment and Employee Benefits Law Department for several years.
Tukel’s practice is devoted to representing both public and private employers in state and federal discrimination and wrongful discharge litigation, as well as traditional labor matters such as collective bargaining, labor arbitrations and union organizational drives. He regularly counsels employers in all aspects of labor and employment law, in statutory compliance and in creating, implementing and administering employee handbooks and other personnel policies and practices. He has lectured on a wide range of employment and labor issues, has served on the faculty of the Institute of Continuing Legal Education.
His other honors include: 2011 Michigan Supreme Court Distinguished Brief Award, awarded by Cooley Law School Law Review; Michigan Top 100 Lawyer, named by DBusiness magazine; Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business - Labor and Employment Law; The Best Lawyers in America: Lawyer of the Year, Labor Law - Management, 2022; The Best Lawyers in America – Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management, Litigation - Labor & Employment; Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers; Michigan Super Lawyer – Employment Litigation Defense; DBusiness’ Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit, Civil Rights Law and Labor and Employment Law.
Tukel is a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys; American Employment Law Council; Michigan Council of School Attorneys; Fellow of the State Bar of Michigan Foundation; American Bar Association (Labor and Employment, and Litigation sections); State Bar of Michigan (Labor and Employment, and Litigation sections); Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association; and Oakland County Bar Association.
Tukel is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School (1982) and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan (1979).
In addition, Butzel announced the addition of attorney Maria T. Sesi.
Based in Butzel’s Troy office, Sesi is an associate attorney. Her practice is focused on corporate and real estate law. She represents and counsels individuals and entities in a wide range of transactional matters, including real property acquisitions and dispositions, real property leasing, corporate structuring and reorganization, business planning, and mergers and acquisitions.
Her corporate practice includes counseling regarding entity formation and the structuring of the requisite organizational documents including partnership, shareholder, and operating agreements. Her expertise also includes counseling clients in corporate governance matters, joint venture formation and counsel, and the preparation and negotiation of various required business and transactional documents.
Prior to joining Butzel, Sesi practiced Corporate and Real Estate Law at an international full-service firm. While in law school, she served as a law clerk to general counsel at a Michigan-based commercial real estate development firm, where she gained experience facilitating commercial real estate transactions from acquisition of vacant land through development and leasing.
Sesi earned a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in 2021 and her B.A. in Political Science and Art History from Wayne State University in 2018.
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FordHarrison LLP
FordHarrison LLP is pleased to announce that Dennis M. Devaney joined its Detroit office as a partner. He comes to FordHarrison from the Devaney Law Firm.
“I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter with FordHarrison,” says Devaney. “I look forward to working alongside the talented attorneys at the firm to deliver unparalleled legal services for our clients.”
Prior to FordHarrison, Devaney served as a four-time presidential appointee on both the National Labor Relations Board and the U.S. International Trade Commission. Since 2005, he has been recognized in “The Best Lawyers in America” and has also been designated a Michigan Super Lawyer. He is also a fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers and the Michigan State Bar Foundation.
Focused on traditional labor law, Devaney handles cases under the National Labor Relations Act and advises employers on compliance with FLMA, ADA, FLSA, ELCRA, and other employment laws, assisting in the development of personnel policies.
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Plunkett Cooney
Litigation attorney Mark W. Oszust recently joined Plunkett Cooney as a member of the Commercial Litigation and Construction Law practice groups.
Oszust focuses on the resolution of litigation involving business disputes and construction liability claims. His commercial litigation practice includes a variety of complex business torts, contract disputes and real estate. His construction liability expertise involves design defect claims, construction liens and payment disputes on behalf of general contractors, subcontractors, owners and design professionals.
A member of the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office, Oszust is admitted to practice law in state and federal courts in Michigan, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan.
Oszust received his law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 2018 and his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan in 2015.
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Warner, Norcross, + Judd LLP
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP recently welcomed eight new attorneys to the firm, including four who are based in Southeast Michigan.
Jonathan J. Altes, Emily O. Elmer, Mohamad Knio, and De’Andre L. Robbins will be based in the firm’s Detroit office. They have been admitted to the State Bar of Michigan and are gaining experience in a variety of legal matters before selecting a practice group.
Altes received his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Michigan. Prior to attending law school, Altes served as one of Warner’s patent specialists.
Elmer received her law degree from University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She earned a bachelor’s degree in integrative studies from Oakland University and an executive certificate in negotiation from the University of Notre Dame. Elmer previously served as a summer associate with Plunkett Cooney and was a law clerk for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Office of Legal Counsel. Prior to attending law school, she was a paralegal for firms in California and Michigan. She is a member of the Wolverine Bar Association and Women Lawyers Association of Michigan.
Knio received his law degree from Detroit Mercy Law. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from U-M Dearborn and an international baccalaureate degree from Nanjing International School in Nanjing, China.
Robbins received his law degree from Detroit Mercy Law. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wayne State University. Robbins previously worked as a legal intern with auto supplier Meritor and as a judicial extern with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
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Cooley Law School
The Michigan Supreme Court reappointed Jacqueline Freeman to the Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Michigan judiciary. Freeman, who represents Michigan ABA-Accredited law schools, is senior director and special advisor to the president for diversity, equity, and inclusion at Cooley Law School.
The Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Michigan Judiciary was first created in 2021 to assess and work towards elimination of demographic and other disparities within the Michigan judiciary and justice system. The 24-member commission is comprised of Michigan’s legal professionals and stakeholders, including judges from various courts, members of judicial associations, ABA-accredited law schools, and others.
At Cooley Law School, Freeman works to promote the law school’s mission of advancing diversity of the legal profession through professional exploration programs, which provides the opportunity to study law, prepare to pass the bar, and become lawyers.
“The legal profession must have a diverse bar that is representative of the world we inhabit,” said Freeman. “This belief was foundational in the establishment of Cooley Law School and continues today to be a core guiding principle.”
Originally appointed for a one-year term in early 2023 to the Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Michigan judiciary, Freeman’s reappointment allows her to serve through 2026.
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Kitch Attorneys & Counselors PC
Kitch Attorneys & Counselors PC is pleased to announce that U.S. News & World Report has named the firm as one of the 2024 Best Companies to Work For: Law Firms.
“We are truly honored by this recognition. Our employees are the heart of our firm and we strive to provide an environment where they can thrive in their lives and in their unique contributions professionally.” Mark Wisniewski, chair and CEO
Kitch scored high in the six factors recognized by U.S. News as “best” employers. The six factors include:
• Quality of pay and benefits
• Job and company stability
• Belongingness and esteem
• Career opportunities and professional development
• Work/life balance and flexibility
• Physical and psychological comfort
The firm is proud to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its achievements and progress towards in creating a successful work environment.
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Varnum LLP
U.S. News & World Report has named Varnum to its 2024 Class of Best Companies to Work For among U.S. law firms.
Varnum earned commendable results in all six factors. The recognition from U.S. News & World Report emphasizes Varnum’s ongoing commitment to providing an environment that nurtures the professional and personal well-being of its team members.
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Foley & Lardner LLP
Foley & Lardner LLP has elected 23 lawyers to the firm’s partnership, effective February 1.
The new partners represent 13 of Foley’s offices nationwide and span all four of the firm’s key sectors — Energy, Health Care & Life Sciences, Innovative Technology, and Manufacturing. The class consists of 43% women and 26% racial/ethnic minorities.
Among those elected to partnership is Leah R. Imbrogno, Litigation, of the Detroit office.
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Kemp Klein Law Firm
Amanda Afton Martin has joined Kemp Klein as a shareholder and will be actively involved in the estate planning, real estate, probate and trust administration, business planning, and tax planning practice groups.
“I was drawn to Kemp Klein for the opportunity to collaborate with professionals focusing in the same and complementary practice areas that will allow me to further expand my knowledge,” Martin said. “During my first month, I met with several attorneys and other professionals eager to share ideas and analyze our respective client matters together. I am grateful to join this welcoming team, dedicated to serving our clients.”
Martin serves families and businesses by developing wealth management strategies for clients to effectively manage and preserve their assets. This includes designing comprehensive estate plans, establishing business and charitable entities, and providing tax planning. She brings a combination of experience and education in taxation, estate planning and administration, and business law, offering valuable representation and guidance to clients at Kemp Klein.
Martin is a contributor to the Institute of Continuing Legal Education. Additionally, she is honored to be a Fellow of the Oakland County Bar Foundation, which is committed to ensuring access to justice and promoting an understanding of the law in our community.
Martin graduated from Michigan State University College of Law and furthered her legal education at Wayne State University Law School where she earned a Master of Laws degree in Taxation. She also earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics from Eastern Michigan University. She has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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Burris Law PLLC
Burris Law founder Kelly Burris assumed her role as co-chair of the National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firm’s (NAMWOLF) Intellectual Property Practice Area Committee.
The committee fosters collaboration with its members and provides resources to other non-IP NAMWOLF attorneys and law firms as well as corporate counsel desiring to work with NAMWOLF firms on IP-related matters.
NAMWOLF’s mission is to promote diversity in the legal profession by fostering successful relationships among preeminent minority and women owned law firms and private/public entities.
In addition, Burris was elected to a five-year term on the Board of Directors of the Detroit Athletic Club on January 23. In her role, Burris will help steer the club through some ambitious future plans, including additional renovations slated for this year.
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Miller Canfield
U.S. News & World Report has named Miller Canfield one of the best law firms for lawyer to work in 2024.
“We are incredibly proud to have been recognized as one of the best law firms to work for,” said Miller Canfield CEO Megan Norris. “At our firm, we believe that a welcoming and inclusive workplace is not just something that’s ‘nice to have.’ Rather, it’s a necessity for anyone committed to the rigors of practicing law at the highest level and providing superior client service. Our success is built on a strong work ethic, teamwork, and ample opportunities for training, growth, and advancement, ensuring that our attorneys and staff know they are valued.”
Headquartered in Detroit since 1852, Miller Canfield is also ranked in Chambers & Partners’ Chambers USA Guide. The firm and its attorneys are recognized in Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers and Best Law Firms, Forbes’ list of America’s Top Corporate Law Firms, and Top Lawyers (Detroit and Grand Rapids). The firm has earned Mansfield Plus Certification, which is awarded to law firms that meet high standards for significant representation of women and minority attorneys in firm leadership roles.
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Dykema
Dykema, recently announced several new management appointments, each of which commenced on January 1. Among those appointed was Courtney F. Kissel of the Bloomfield Hills office.
Kissel was selected as director of the firm’s Regulated Industries Department. Much of her practice is devoted to guiding K-12 schools, universities, utilities, insurance companies, and other clients through the complex regulations that govern their operations. Because of her understanding of regulatory and legislative processes, she drafts proposed legislation, helps implement compliance procedures, and interprets complicated statutory and constitutional issues both before regulatory agencies and courts.
In addition to general corporate representation on these issues, Kissel is also experienced in handling significant appellate cases for clients.
Kissel earned her law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School and an A.B. from the University of Michigan.
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Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC
Howard & Howard is pleased to announce Timothy Wittebort as the firm’s new Business & Corporate Group Chairperson.
For more than 35 years, Wittebort has been an integral part of Howard & Howard’s success. He has worked with many clients on various business ventures and private equity companies, including corporate mergers & acquisitions, disposition and divestitures, real property development, financing and leasing, as well as advising on various governmental incentives. Wittebort has experience representing both downtown development authorities and developers in downtown redevelopment projects involving tax increment financing and other similar types of tax incentives and credits. Wittebort also has represented the purchaser of a professional sports franchise, as well as the sale of a professional sports stadium and related facilities.
In 2008, Wittebort was appointed by former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm as a member of the Financial Review Team formed to oversee and assist the city of Pontiac with its financial deficit problems. Since then, he’s advised on several similar issues involving Michigan’s Emergency Manager Law for governmental entities.
Outside of his practice, Wittebort is heavily involved in the firm’s Community Reinvestment Fund, an employee-funded, donor-advised trust in which the firm gives funds to tax-exempt organizations in the communities serviced by Howard & Howard.
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Garan Lucow Miller is pleased to announce that effective January 1 Fiona Heady has been elected as a shareholder of the firm. Heady joined GLM’s Troy office in 2021.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointment of Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Yasmine Isshak Poles to the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect.
Poles is a judge of the Michigan 6th Circuit Court who assumed office in 2020. She is also the presiding judge for the Women’s Adult Treatment Court and a part time faculty member at Wayne State University Law School. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and her law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
Poles is reappointed to represent civil court judges for a term commencing January 31, 2024, and expiring on December 31, 2026.
Created by Executive Order 2013-4, rescinding Executive Order 2010-18, the governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect is established within the Department of Human Services and is designed as a multidisciplinary task force for the purposes of the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act.
The Task Force shall consist of 18 members appointed by the governor for three-year terms who are professionals with knowledge and experience relating to the criminal justice system and issues of child physical abuse, child neglect, child sexual abuse and exploitation, and child maltreatment related fatalities.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
—————
Butzel Long
Butzel has appointed Brett J. Miller co-practice department chair, Labor and Employment. Miller will work alongside co-department chair Daniel B. Tukel as they lead one of the law firm’s largest practice areas.
Based in Butzel’s Detroit office, Miller also serves as the firm’s assistant general counsel for Labor and Employment. He focuses his practice on employment and labor law as well as fair housing litigation. He frequently defends clients in state and federal discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and class action lawsuits.
Miller also defends clients in administrative charges before numerous governmental agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the National Labor Relations Board, the Department of Labor, and the OFCCP. In addition, Miller devotes his practice to representing clients in traditional labor matters such as grievance arbitrations and collective bargaining.
Miller is AV® Peer Review Rated by LexisNexis/Martindale-Hubbell. He is among attorneys named to the Best Lawyers in America – Employment Law – Management, 2024 and was named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s “Leaders in the Law” 2022 and an “Up & Coming Lawyer” in 2015 as well as a Top Lawyer by DBusiness Magazine in 2014, 2020-2023.
He is a frequent speaker on Labor and Employment topics and has written numerous articles on all aspects of employment law.
Miller earned his law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and received his undergraduate degree from James Madison University.
Tukel, based in Butzel’s Troy office, has served as chair of the firm’s Labor and Employment and Employee Benefits Law Department for several years.
Tukel’s practice is devoted to representing both public and private employers in state and federal discrimination and wrongful discharge litigation, as well as traditional labor matters such as collective bargaining, labor arbitrations and union organizational drives. He regularly counsels employers in all aspects of labor and employment law, in statutory compliance and in creating, implementing and administering employee handbooks and other personnel policies and practices. He has lectured on a wide range of employment and labor issues, has served on the faculty of the Institute of Continuing Legal Education.
His other honors include: 2011 Michigan Supreme Court Distinguished Brief Award, awarded by Cooley Law School Law Review; Michigan Top 100 Lawyer, named by DBusiness magazine; Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business - Labor and Employment Law; The Best Lawyers in America: Lawyer of the Year, Labor Law - Management, 2022; The Best Lawyers in America – Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management, Litigation - Labor & Employment; Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers; Michigan Super Lawyer – Employment Litigation Defense; DBusiness’ Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit, Civil Rights Law and Labor and Employment Law.
Tukel is a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys; American Employment Law Council; Michigan Council of School Attorneys; Fellow of the State Bar of Michigan Foundation; American Bar Association (Labor and Employment, and Litigation sections); State Bar of Michigan (Labor and Employment, and Litigation sections); Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association; and Oakland County Bar Association.
Tukel is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School (1982) and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan (1979).
In addition, Butzel announced the addition of attorney Maria T. Sesi.
Based in Butzel’s Troy office, Sesi is an associate attorney. Her practice is focused on corporate and real estate law. She represents and counsels individuals and entities in a wide range of transactional matters, including real property acquisitions and dispositions, real property leasing, corporate structuring and reorganization, business planning, and mergers and acquisitions.
Her corporate practice includes counseling regarding entity formation and the structuring of the requisite organizational documents including partnership, shareholder, and operating agreements. Her expertise also includes counseling clients in corporate governance matters, joint venture formation and counsel, and the preparation and negotiation of various required business and transactional documents.
Prior to joining Butzel, Sesi practiced Corporate and Real Estate Law at an international full-service firm. While in law school, she served as a law clerk to general counsel at a Michigan-based commercial real estate development firm, where she gained experience facilitating commercial real estate transactions from acquisition of vacant land through development and leasing.
Sesi earned a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in 2021 and her B.A. in Political Science and Art History from Wayne State University in 2018.
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FordHarrison LLP
FordHarrison LLP is pleased to announce that Dennis M. Devaney joined its Detroit office as a partner. He comes to FordHarrison from the Devaney Law Firm.
“I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter with FordHarrison,” says Devaney. “I look forward to working alongside the talented attorneys at the firm to deliver unparalleled legal services for our clients.”
Prior to FordHarrison, Devaney served as a four-time presidential appointee on both the National Labor Relations Board and the U.S. International Trade Commission. Since 2005, he has been recognized in “The Best Lawyers in America” and has also been designated a Michigan Super Lawyer. He is also a fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers and the Michigan State Bar Foundation.
Focused on traditional labor law, Devaney handles cases under the National Labor Relations Act and advises employers on compliance with FLMA, ADA, FLSA, ELCRA, and other employment laws, assisting in the development of personnel policies.
—————
Plunkett Cooney
Litigation attorney Mark W. Oszust recently joined Plunkett Cooney as a member of the Commercial Litigation and Construction Law practice groups.
Oszust focuses on the resolution of litigation involving business disputes and construction liability claims. His commercial litigation practice includes a variety of complex business torts, contract disputes and real estate. His construction liability expertise involves design defect claims, construction liens and payment disputes on behalf of general contractors, subcontractors, owners and design professionals.
A member of the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office, Oszust is admitted to practice law in state and federal courts in Michigan, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan.
Oszust received his law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 2018 and his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan in 2015.
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Warner, Norcross, + Judd LLP
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP recently welcomed eight new attorneys to the firm, including four who are based in Southeast Michigan.
Jonathan J. Altes, Emily O. Elmer, Mohamad Knio, and De’Andre L. Robbins will be based in the firm’s Detroit office. They have been admitted to the State Bar of Michigan and are gaining experience in a variety of legal matters before selecting a practice group.
Altes received his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Michigan. Prior to attending law school, Altes served as one of Warner’s patent specialists.
Elmer received her law degree from University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She earned a bachelor’s degree in integrative studies from Oakland University and an executive certificate in negotiation from the University of Notre Dame. Elmer previously served as a summer associate with Plunkett Cooney and was a law clerk for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Office of Legal Counsel. Prior to attending law school, she was a paralegal for firms in California and Michigan. She is a member of the Wolverine Bar Association and Women Lawyers Association of Michigan.
Knio received his law degree from Detroit Mercy Law. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from U-M Dearborn and an international baccalaureate degree from Nanjing International School in Nanjing, China.
Robbins received his law degree from Detroit Mercy Law. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wayne State University. Robbins previously worked as a legal intern with auto supplier Meritor and as a judicial extern with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
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Cooley Law School
The Michigan Supreme Court reappointed Jacqueline Freeman to the Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Michigan judiciary. Freeman, who represents Michigan ABA-Accredited law schools, is senior director and special advisor to the president for diversity, equity, and inclusion at Cooley Law School.
The Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Michigan Judiciary was first created in 2021 to assess and work towards elimination of demographic and other disparities within the Michigan judiciary and justice system. The 24-member commission is comprised of Michigan’s legal professionals and stakeholders, including judges from various courts, members of judicial associations, ABA-accredited law schools, and others.
At Cooley Law School, Freeman works to promote the law school’s mission of advancing diversity of the legal profession through professional exploration programs, which provides the opportunity to study law, prepare to pass the bar, and become lawyers.
“The legal profession must have a diverse bar that is representative of the world we inhabit,” said Freeman. “This belief was foundational in the establishment of Cooley Law School and continues today to be a core guiding principle.”
Originally appointed for a one-year term in early 2023 to the Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Michigan judiciary, Freeman’s reappointment allows her to serve through 2026.
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Kitch Attorneys & Counselors PC
Kitch Attorneys & Counselors PC is pleased to announce that U.S. News & World Report has named the firm as one of the 2024 Best Companies to Work For: Law Firms.
“We are truly honored by this recognition. Our employees are the heart of our firm and we strive to provide an environment where they can thrive in their lives and in their unique contributions professionally.” Mark Wisniewski, chair and CEO
Kitch scored high in the six factors recognized by U.S. News as “best” employers. The six factors include:
• Quality of pay and benefits
• Job and company stability
• Belongingness and esteem
• Career opportunities and professional development
• Work/life balance and flexibility
• Physical and psychological comfort
The firm is proud to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its achievements and progress towards in creating a successful work environment.
—————
Varnum LLP
U.S. News & World Report has named Varnum to its 2024 Class of Best Companies to Work For among U.S. law firms.
Varnum earned commendable results in all six factors. The recognition from U.S. News & World Report emphasizes Varnum’s ongoing commitment to providing an environment that nurtures the professional and personal well-being of its team members.
—————
Foley & Lardner LLP
Foley & Lardner LLP has elected 23 lawyers to the firm’s partnership, effective February 1.
The new partners represent 13 of Foley’s offices nationwide and span all four of the firm’s key sectors — Energy, Health Care & Life Sciences, Innovative Technology, and Manufacturing. The class consists of 43% women and 26% racial/ethnic minorities.
Among those elected to partnership is Leah R. Imbrogno, Litigation, of the Detroit office.
—————
Kemp Klein Law Firm
Amanda Afton Martin has joined Kemp Klein as a shareholder and will be actively involved in the estate planning, real estate, probate and trust administration, business planning, and tax planning practice groups.
“I was drawn to Kemp Klein for the opportunity to collaborate with professionals focusing in the same and complementary practice areas that will allow me to further expand my knowledge,” Martin said. “During my first month, I met with several attorneys and other professionals eager to share ideas and analyze our respective client matters together. I am grateful to join this welcoming team, dedicated to serving our clients.”
Martin serves families and businesses by developing wealth management strategies for clients to effectively manage and preserve their assets. This includes designing comprehensive estate plans, establishing business and charitable entities, and providing tax planning. She brings a combination of experience and education in taxation, estate planning and administration, and business law, offering valuable representation and guidance to clients at Kemp Klein.
Martin is a contributor to the Institute of Continuing Legal Education. Additionally, she is honored to be a Fellow of the Oakland County Bar Foundation, which is committed to ensuring access to justice and promoting an understanding of the law in our community.
Martin graduated from Michigan State University College of Law and furthered her legal education at Wayne State University Law School where she earned a Master of Laws degree in Taxation. She also earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics from Eastern Michigan University. She has practiced law for more than 20 years.
—————
Burris Law PLLC
Burris Law founder Kelly Burris assumed her role as co-chair of the National Association of Minority and Women Owned Law Firm’s (NAMWOLF) Intellectual Property Practice Area Committee.
The committee fosters collaboration with its members and provides resources to other non-IP NAMWOLF attorneys and law firms as well as corporate counsel desiring to work with NAMWOLF firms on IP-related matters.
NAMWOLF’s mission is to promote diversity in the legal profession by fostering successful relationships among preeminent minority and women owned law firms and private/public entities.
In addition, Burris was elected to a five-year term on the Board of Directors of the Detroit Athletic Club on January 23. In her role, Burris will help steer the club through some ambitious future plans, including additional renovations slated for this year.
—————
Miller Canfield
U.S. News & World Report has named Miller Canfield one of the best law firms for lawyer to work in 2024.
“We are incredibly proud to have been recognized as one of the best law firms to work for,” said Miller Canfield CEO Megan Norris. “At our firm, we believe that a welcoming and inclusive workplace is not just something that’s ‘nice to have.’ Rather, it’s a necessity for anyone committed to the rigors of practicing law at the highest level and providing superior client service. Our success is built on a strong work ethic, teamwork, and ample opportunities for training, growth, and advancement, ensuring that our attorneys and staff know they are valued.”
Headquartered in Detroit since 1852, Miller Canfield is also ranked in Chambers & Partners’ Chambers USA Guide. The firm and its attorneys are recognized in Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers and Best Law Firms, Forbes’ list of America’s Top Corporate Law Firms, and Top Lawyers (Detroit and Grand Rapids). The firm has earned Mansfield Plus Certification, which is awarded to law firms that meet high standards for significant representation of women and minority attorneys in firm leadership roles.
—————
Dykema
Dykema, recently announced several new management appointments, each of which commenced on January 1. Among those appointed was Courtney F. Kissel of the Bloomfield Hills office.
Kissel was selected as director of the firm’s Regulated Industries Department. Much of her practice is devoted to guiding K-12 schools, universities, utilities, insurance companies, and other clients through the complex regulations that govern their operations. Because of her understanding of regulatory and legislative processes, she drafts proposed legislation, helps implement compliance procedures, and interprets complicated statutory and constitutional issues both before regulatory agencies and courts.
In addition to general corporate representation on these issues, Kissel is also experienced in handling significant appellate cases for clients.
Kissel earned her law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School and an A.B. from the University of Michigan.
—————
Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC
Howard & Howard is pleased to announce Timothy Wittebort as the firm’s new Business & Corporate Group Chairperson.
For more than 35 years, Wittebort has been an integral part of Howard & Howard’s success. He has worked with many clients on various business ventures and private equity companies, including corporate mergers & acquisitions, disposition and divestitures, real property development, financing and leasing, as well as advising on various governmental incentives. Wittebort has experience representing both downtown development authorities and developers in downtown redevelopment projects involving tax increment financing and other similar types of tax incentives and credits. Wittebort also has represented the purchaser of a professional sports franchise, as well as the sale of a professional sports stadium and related facilities.
In 2008, Wittebort was appointed by former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm as a member of the Financial Review Team formed to oversee and assist the city of Pontiac with its financial deficit problems. Since then, he’s advised on several similar issues involving Michigan’s Emergency Manager Law for governmental entities.
Outside of his practice, Wittebort is heavily involved in the firm’s Community Reinvestment Fund, an employee-funded, donor-advised trust in which the firm gives funds to tax-exempt organizations in the communities serviced by Howard & Howard.
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Garan Lucow Miller is pleased to announce that effective January 1 Fiona Heady has been elected as a shareholder of the firm. Heady joined GLM’s Troy office in 2021.
