Dykema recently announced the addition of Benjamin Bayram as a senior counsel in its Real Estate Practice Group resident in the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office.
Bayram’s practice is focused on real estate matters including acquisitions, sales, leasing, development, land use, zoning, and litigation. He has experience handling real estate transactions from negotiation through closing and routinely conducts all due diligence and title investigations on behalf of clients. Bayram also routinely handles all ancillary business and corporate matters arising out of real estate transactions.
Bayram is experienced in land use and zoning matters, having appeared before various Planning Commissions, zoning boards, and city councils throughout the state. He also has experience litigating breach of contract matters, declaratory actions, quiet title actions, slander of title matters, actions involving receiverships, and a host of other issues arising out of real estate transactions.
Bayram also has experience in cannabis, corporate, general business, and municipal law matters.
Bayram earned a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and a B.A. in Political Theory & Constitutional Democracy from Michigan State University.
• • •
The Detroit Bar Association is proud to announce the appointment of Tracey Cooley as its new executive director. With a career in the nonprofit and legal sectors spanning 30 years, Cooley brings a range of experience, knowledge, leadership and dedication to the Detroit Bar in her new role.
“I am very honored and humbled to accept this position with such a prestigious association,” Cooley said. “I look forward to collaborating with the membership, staff, and board in furtherance of the mission, vision, and goals.”
As the executive director, Cooley will lead the Detroit Bar in its mission to create and serve a legal community that promotes professionalism and integrity of the legal profession; supports access to justice; and fosters relationships and equity of opportunity for all lawyers.
Cooley has more than three decades of experience in the nonprofit and legal communities with Sparrow Freedom Project as executive director, Kevelighan & Kevelighan PC as senior attorney, Hope Against Trafficking as executive director, Junior League of Birmingham in many leadership roles, Bloomfield Hills Schools in many leadership roles, Law Offices of Dehai Tao as an immigration attorney, and Computech Corporation as in-house counsel.
Cooley earned her law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and a B.A. in Public Affairs and French from Columbia College in South Carolina.
• • •
Collins Einhorn Farrell PC is pleased to announce that attorney Rachel L. Combs has joined the firm.
As a member of the firm’s Professional Liability Group, Combs focuses her practice on the defense of professionals in the legal, medical/dental, insurance, accounting, architectural, engineering, and real estate fields. She also has experience in first and third party insurance defense and veteran’s law. She also serves as an officer in the Michigan Army National Guard.
Combs earned her law degree from Syracuse University College of Law. Prior to that, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Central Michigan University.
• • •
Nicole Kryzhan has joined Miller Johnson as counsel in the firm’s Detroit office. Kryzhan is a seasoned trademark and copyright professional specializing in domestic and international trademark clearance, prosecution, portfolio management, and enforcement matters.
Kryzhan has obtained trademark and copyright registrations for a diverse range of small and large companies in numerous fields, including automotive, pharmaceutical/medical/healthcare, food/beverage, cosmetics, clothing, computer software and services, and financial/insurance services.
Kryzhan advises clients on trademark filing and prosecution strategies and has experience drafting agreements pertaining to ownership and other interests, conducting IP due diligence searches, and handling Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) matters. She participates in enforcement strategies, including monitoring trademark watches, investigating third-party use, and advising as to enforcement. Kryzhan counsels on issues involving data privacy and artificial intelligence.
“I am excited to continue to represent clients in their most valuable trademark, copyright, and intellectual property issues,” said Kryzhan. “Our IP practice has grown and with it the clients relying on our experience is a big draw to utilizing the team approach here. I’m joining peers that are definitely at the leading edge of how to approach client service and that’s translated to favorable outcomes for our clients through expert counsel.”
Kryzhan is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, International Trademark Association, and Michigan Intellectual Property Law Association. She earned her law degrees from Cooley Law School. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Oakland University in 1997.
• • •
Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that Aleanna B. Siacon has joined the firm’s Troy office as an associate.
Siacon focuses her practice on commercial litigation and works on a variety of complex business disputes. She has a passion for civil litigation and all its intricacies. She has experience defending and counseling companies, municipalities, and school districts in a wide array of legal matters, from investigation to matter resolution.
Prior to attending law school, Siacon pursued a career in journalism. Her work has been published in USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, the Associated Press, the Detroit Free Press, Hour Detroit magazine, Inc. magazine, and more.
Siacon serves as treasurer on the Executive Board of the Michigan Asian Pacific American Bar Association. She is an Oakland County Bar Association Fellow and 2024 Inns of Courts participant. She is also a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Federal Bar Association – Eastern District of Michigan Chapter, and the American Bar Association – Forum on Communications Law.
Siacon received three Bachelor’s degrees from Wayne State University (in Journalism, Political Science, and History) and her law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
Dickinson Wright is also pleased to announce that Gage Wakula has joined the firm’s Troy office.
Prior to joining the firm, Wakula worked as an assistant attorney general in the Solicitor General and Criminal Trials and Appeals Divisions at the Michigan Department of Attorney General. These roles allowed him to develop experience in numerous areas, including healthcare, public policy, and government program fraud.
Wakula is a member of the Federal Bar Association, Eastern District of Michigan, and a board member of the Detroit Institute of Arts Founders Junior Council. He received his B.A. from Michigan State University – James Madison College and his law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
• • •
Eighty-four Clark Hill attorneys have been named 2024 Leading Lawyers.
The firm’s Michigan attorneys include:
— BIRMINGHAM
Dana L Abrahams
Jennifer A. Bielfield
Paul W. Coughenour
William B. Dunn
John L. Gierak
Randi P Glanz
Edward C. Hammond
Douglas R. Kelly
Peter B. Kupelian
J. Thomas MacFarlane
Paul S. Magy
Daniel H. Minkus
Charles E. Murphy
Thomas F. Sweeney
Linda M. Watson
Anne-Marie V. Welch
—DETROIT
Anthony A. Agosta
William G Asimakis Jr.
Frederick W. Batten
Jay M. Berger
Daniel J. Bretz
Connie M. Cessante
David M. Cessante
Martin E. Crandall
Thomas M. Dixon
Daniel J. Dulworth
Maria Fracassa Dwyer
Peter S. Ecklund Jr.
Cynthia M. Filipovich
David M. Hayes
Kevin S. Hendrick
John J. Hern, Jr.
Edward J. Hood
Thomas M. Keranen
Christopher A McMican
William A. Moore
Michael P. Nowlan
Daniel J. Scully, Jr.
Richard A. Sundquist
Duane L. Tarnacki
Christopher M. Trebilcock
Timothy D. Wittlinger
• • •
Taft Detroit is pleased to announce the addition of Katherine Razdolsky Rothstein, from Bodman, as senior counsel in the firm’s Paytech and Payment Systems group.
Rothstein focuses her practice in electronic payments and technology, providing clients with strategic business guidance in critical business areas.
“I am so thrilled to join this team. Taft has an impressive Paytech and Payment Systems practice with a national presence, and I greatly look forward to collaborating and partnering with this talented team,” said Rothstein.
Rothstein received her B.A. from the University of Michigan and her law degree from Wayne State University Law School. She is active in the legal community, serving on the board of trustees for the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan Foundation, and on the board of directors for the Great Lakes Association for Financial Professionals.
Additionally, Rothstein is a co-author of three publications related to gender-responsive procurement strategies, contract and business impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and navigating regulatory issues for fintech clients. She regularly presents to industry groups on legal issues related to payments.
Bayram’s practice is focused on real estate matters including acquisitions, sales, leasing, development, land use, zoning, and litigation. He has experience handling real estate transactions from negotiation through closing and routinely conducts all due diligence and title investigations on behalf of clients. Bayram also routinely handles all ancillary business and corporate matters arising out of real estate transactions.
Bayram is experienced in land use and zoning matters, having appeared before various Planning Commissions, zoning boards, and city councils throughout the state. He also has experience litigating breach of contract matters, declaratory actions, quiet title actions, slander of title matters, actions involving receiverships, and a host of other issues arising out of real estate transactions.
Bayram also has experience in cannabis, corporate, general business, and municipal law matters.
Bayram earned a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and a B.A. in Political Theory & Constitutional Democracy from Michigan State University.
• • •
The Detroit Bar Association is proud to announce the appointment of Tracey Cooley as its new executive director. With a career in the nonprofit and legal sectors spanning 30 years, Cooley brings a range of experience, knowledge, leadership and dedication to the Detroit Bar in her new role.
“I am very honored and humbled to accept this position with such a prestigious association,” Cooley said. “I look forward to collaborating with the membership, staff, and board in furtherance of the mission, vision, and goals.”
As the executive director, Cooley will lead the Detroit Bar in its mission to create and serve a legal community that promotes professionalism and integrity of the legal profession; supports access to justice; and fosters relationships and equity of opportunity for all lawyers.
Cooley has more than three decades of experience in the nonprofit and legal communities with Sparrow Freedom Project as executive director, Kevelighan & Kevelighan PC as senior attorney, Hope Against Trafficking as executive director, Junior League of Birmingham in many leadership roles, Bloomfield Hills Schools in many leadership roles, Law Offices of Dehai Tao as an immigration attorney, and Computech Corporation as in-house counsel.
Cooley earned her law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and a B.A. in Public Affairs and French from Columbia College in South Carolina.
• • •
Collins Einhorn Farrell PC is pleased to announce that attorney Rachel L. Combs has joined the firm.
As a member of the firm’s Professional Liability Group, Combs focuses her practice on the defense of professionals in the legal, medical/dental, insurance, accounting, architectural, engineering, and real estate fields. She also has experience in first and third party insurance defense and veteran’s law. She also serves as an officer in the Michigan Army National Guard.
Combs earned her law degree from Syracuse University College of Law. Prior to that, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Central Michigan University.
• • •
Nicole Kryzhan has joined Miller Johnson as counsel in the firm’s Detroit office. Kryzhan is a seasoned trademark and copyright professional specializing in domestic and international trademark clearance, prosecution, portfolio management, and enforcement matters.
Kryzhan has obtained trademark and copyright registrations for a diverse range of small and large companies in numerous fields, including automotive, pharmaceutical/medical/healthcare, food/beverage, cosmetics, clothing, computer software and services, and financial/insurance services.
Kryzhan advises clients on trademark filing and prosecution strategies and has experience drafting agreements pertaining to ownership and other interests, conducting IP due diligence searches, and handling Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP) matters. She participates in enforcement strategies, including monitoring trademark watches, investigating third-party use, and advising as to enforcement. Kryzhan counsels on issues involving data privacy and artificial intelligence.
“I am excited to continue to represent clients in their most valuable trademark, copyright, and intellectual property issues,” said Kryzhan. “Our IP practice has grown and with it the clients relying on our experience is a big draw to utilizing the team approach here. I’m joining peers that are definitely at the leading edge of how to approach client service and that’s translated to favorable outcomes for our clients through expert counsel.”
Kryzhan is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, International Trademark Association, and Michigan Intellectual Property Law Association. She earned her law degrees from Cooley Law School. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Oakland University in 1997.
• • •
Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that Aleanna B. Siacon has joined the firm’s Troy office as an associate.
Siacon focuses her practice on commercial litigation and works on a variety of complex business disputes. She has a passion for civil litigation and all its intricacies. She has experience defending and counseling companies, municipalities, and school districts in a wide array of legal matters, from investigation to matter resolution.
Prior to attending law school, Siacon pursued a career in journalism. Her work has been published in USA Today, the Chicago Tribune, the Associated Press, the Detroit Free Press, Hour Detroit magazine, Inc. magazine, and more.
Siacon serves as treasurer on the Executive Board of the Michigan Asian Pacific American Bar Association. She is an Oakland County Bar Association Fellow and 2024 Inns of Courts participant. She is also a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Federal Bar Association – Eastern District of Michigan Chapter, and the American Bar Association – Forum on Communications Law.
Siacon received three Bachelor’s degrees from Wayne State University (in Journalism, Political Science, and History) and her law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
Dickinson Wright is also pleased to announce that Gage Wakula has joined the firm’s Troy office.
Prior to joining the firm, Wakula worked as an assistant attorney general in the Solicitor General and Criminal Trials and Appeals Divisions at the Michigan Department of Attorney General. These roles allowed him to develop experience in numerous areas, including healthcare, public policy, and government program fraud.
Wakula is a member of the Federal Bar Association, Eastern District of Michigan, and a board member of the Detroit Institute of Arts Founders Junior Council. He received his B.A. from Michigan State University – James Madison College and his law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
• • •
Eighty-four Clark Hill attorneys have been named 2024 Leading Lawyers.
The firm’s Michigan attorneys include:
— BIRMINGHAM
Dana L Abrahams
Jennifer A. Bielfield
Paul W. Coughenour
William B. Dunn
John L. Gierak
Randi P Glanz
Edward C. Hammond
Douglas R. Kelly
Peter B. Kupelian
J. Thomas MacFarlane
Paul S. Magy
Daniel H. Minkus
Charles E. Murphy
Thomas F. Sweeney
Linda M. Watson
Anne-Marie V. Welch
—DETROIT
Anthony A. Agosta
William G Asimakis Jr.
Frederick W. Batten
Jay M. Berger
Daniel J. Bretz
Connie M. Cessante
David M. Cessante
Martin E. Crandall
Thomas M. Dixon
Daniel J. Dulworth
Maria Fracassa Dwyer
Peter S. Ecklund Jr.
Cynthia M. Filipovich
David M. Hayes
Kevin S. Hendrick
John J. Hern, Jr.
Edward J. Hood
Thomas M. Keranen
Christopher A McMican
William A. Moore
Michael P. Nowlan
Daniel J. Scully, Jr.
Richard A. Sundquist
Duane L. Tarnacki
Christopher M. Trebilcock
Timothy D. Wittlinger
• • •
Taft Detroit is pleased to announce the addition of Katherine Razdolsky Rothstein, from Bodman, as senior counsel in the firm’s Paytech and Payment Systems group.
Rothstein focuses her practice in electronic payments and technology, providing clients with strategic business guidance in critical business areas.
“I am so thrilled to join this team. Taft has an impressive Paytech and Payment Systems practice with a national presence, and I greatly look forward to collaborating and partnering with this talented team,” said Rothstein.
Rothstein received her B.A. from the University of Michigan and her law degree from Wayne State University Law School. She is active in the legal community, serving on the board of trustees for the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan Foundation, and on the board of directors for the Great Lakes Association for Financial Professionals.
Additionally, Rothstein is a co-author of three publications related to gender-responsive procurement strategies, contract and business impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and navigating regulatory issues for fintech clients. She regularly presents to industry groups on legal issues related to payments.
