Legal People ...

Anthony T. Pieti recently joined Plunkett Cooney as a partner in its Construction Law and Torts & Litigation practice groups.  

With a background as a former mechanical engineer at Ford Motor Company, Pieti has experience resolving complex litigation in the areas of construction law, commercial liability, professional malpractice claims and product liability. His clients include construction companies and contractors, engineering firms, manufacturers, municipal entities, restaurants, transportation companies and retailers.

A member of the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office, Pieti also defends the interests of professionals, including attorneys, accountants and real estate agents and brokers, who become the targets of malpractice claims. His litigation practice also includes expertise in the areas of first- and third-party auto liability claims, including commercially insured trucking owners and operators.
Pieti is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Michigan Defense Trial Counsel and DRI, the largest international organization of attorneys defending the interests of businesses and individuals in civil litigation.

Licensed to practice in Michigan’s state and federal courts, Pieti graduated in 2003 from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. He received his undergraduate from the University of Michigan – Dearborn in 1998 and master’s degrees from the University of Michigan in 2013.

In addition, Plunkett Cooney recently expanded its Labor & Employment Law Practice Group with the addition of four attorneys from the national law firm Dinsmore.

Frank T. Mamat, Dennis R. Boren, Erik G. Bradberry,
and Brian K. Mitzel have joined the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office.

A partner of the firm, Mamat utilizes his more than 50 years of experience to help companies, contractors, employers, lawmakers and trade associations resolve union matters, including contract negotiations, elections, union avoidance and labor arbitrations. He advises clients on noncompete agreements, unfair labor practice litigation, harassment suits, wage and hour issues and OSHA-MIOSHA safety matters.

Mamat’s experience also includes the resolution of National Labor Relations Board matters, attempted union organization, mass picketing and violence, and secondary boycotts and pressure. Additionally, he advises clients on ERISA trust funds and related fiduciary liabilities.

Mamat received his undergraduate degree from the University of Rochester in 1971 and his law degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 1974.

An Of Counsel member of the firm, Boren focuses his practice on traditional labor law. He specializes in advising employers on compliance with the National Labor Relations Act, collective bargaining negotiations and arbitration proceedings.

Boren spent more than 40 years of his legal career in various attorney positions with the National Labor Relations Board, including 15 years serving as the regional attorney for the Michigan Region 7.

Boren received his undergraduate degree, with distinction, from Wayne State University in 1974 and law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 1977.

Bradberry concentrates his practice in the areas of labor and employment law, labor law and litigation. Admitted to practice in Colorado and Michigan, he represents organizations and individual clients in labor and employment law matters in Michigan’s state and federal courts.

A former educator, Bradberry has expertise in education law, resolving teacher licensing issues, employee discipline, accommodations and employment policies. His labor law practice representing employers in matters before the National Labor Relations Board, as well as at the bargaining table and in arbitration.

Bradberry received his master’s and law degrees from the University of Denver and its Sturm College of Law in 2005 and 2016, respectively.

Rounding out Plunkett Cooney’s new group of labor and employment attorneys is Mitzel, who concentrates his practice primarily on the defense of clients involved in employment liability litigation, as well as regulatory disputes that result in actions by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Michigan Department of Civil Rights.

In addition to his employment law practice, Mitzel has experience defending clients in matters involving premises liability, property and casualty claims and general liability, as well as professional liability lawsuits brought against architects, engineers and certified public accountants.

Mitzel received his law degree in 2016 from University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. He received his undergraduate degree from Wayne State University in 2013.

Plunkett Cooney is also pleased to announce that partner Benjamin M. Glazebrook was recently elected to the board of directors of the Detroit Bar Association.

Glazebrook, who will serve a two-year term on the board, was sworn in during the association’s “Raising the Bar” 2024 Annual Dinner on June 13 at the Detroit Golf Club.

A member of the Detroit office of Plunkett Cooney, Glazebrook will be responsible for providing strategic leadership to attain the Detroit Bar’s goals and objectives, for identifying new members and for developing new opportunities with strategic partners.

Glazebrook focuses his practice in the areas of first- and third-party motor vehicle liability claims. He has expertise in conducting investigations of alleged fraud and suspicious claims involving insurance policyholders and medical providers. He represents several national insurance companies and has successfully resolved numerous fraud cases, resulting in the recovery of overpaid and ill-gotten benefits.

Admitted to practice before state and federal courts in both Michigan and Texas, Glazebrook is a 2006 graduate of Wayne State University Law School. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan in 2002.

•           •            •

The Jewish Bar Association of Michigan announces its newly elected 2024-2026 leaders:

• President – Jordan Zuppke
• Executive Vice President – Jessica Davidova
• Vice President of Finance – Andrew Cohen
• Vice President of Communications – Robert Goldman
• Vice President of Policy and Compliance – Victor Wandzel
• Board of Directors:
   Yvgenia Gazman
   Michael Feldman
   Burton May
   Frank Mamat
   Joseph Phillips
   David Sachs
   Loren Shevitz
   Elina Shipper
   Avi Snider


•           •            •

The Dobrusin Law Firm is pleased to announce that two of its attorneys, Erin Klug and Rebecca L. Wilson, have been recognized as WTR Global Leaders for 2024. Only seven attorneys from Michigan were recognized on the Global Leaders list.

Klug’s clients range from large corporations to solo entrepreneurs. She has experience guiding clients from various industries through all aspects of intellectual property protection, including patents, trademarks, and copyrights. As a registered patent attorney with experience in mechanical and electrical arts, including automobiles, brake assemblies, medical devices, packaging, and mobile applications, she understands the technical aspects as well as the needs of her clients to craft an IP strategy aligned with their objectives. Klug’s work has garnered recognition in numerous publications, including Crain’s Detroit Business, DBusiness Magazine, and Michigan Lawyers Weekly.

Wilson understands what it takes to create a successful small business brand. She has dedicated her practice to the prosecution of trademarks from inception to registration and copyright protection. She works closely with businesses to build and protect their brands and offers advice on new and ongoing branding initiatives. Wilson’s clients include clothing designers, liquor manufacturers, and medical device companies.

•           •            •

McDonald Hopkins
is proud to welcome attorney David Lane to its national Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice Group.

“I was drawn to the strength and breadth of McDonald Hopkins’ Data Privacy and Cybersecurity practice,” Lane said.  “McDonald Hopkins has a strong team of specialized attorneys who possess a deep knowledge of all aspects of this growing area. I was also drawn to the collegial atmosphere of the firm and the collaborative approach to handling data privacy matters.”

Lane joins as member in the firm’s Detroit office. He is accredited by the International Association of Privacy Professionals as a Certified Information Privacy Professional for the United
States Private Sector. His experience stems from his work helping clients through nearly every stage of a data breach. Lane has advised and coached businesses, assisted forensic
investigators, and offered incident response plans that are compliant with the numerous state, federal, international and industry-specific privacy laws and breach notification laws. He also specializes in privacy litigation, regulatory defense, and wire fraud matters.

•           •            •

Dickinson Wright
is pleased to announce that Aaron Burrell (member, Detroit) has received a 2024 Trailblazer Award from the D. Augustus Straker Bar Association.

The 30th Annual Trailblazers Award and Scholarship Ceremony occurred on June 13 at the Westin Southfield Hotel. This year’s theme was “Disruptors in the Legal Community: Fighting to Redress Injustice and Inequality.” Burrell, along with three other members of the association, was honored with the Trailblazer Award for his work within Detroit’s legal and business communities.

“I’m honored to receive one of this year’s Trailblazer Awards from the D. Augustus Straker Bar Association and look forward to continuing to work together with the organization to advance the cause of justice,” Burrell said.

Burrell is a member of Dickinson Wright and is co-chair of the firm’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. He is a commissioner on the American Bar Association’s Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession and the State Bar of Michigan Board of Commissioners.  He also serves on the board of directors of Cooley Law School and the Oakland County Bar Association.

Several publications recognize Burrell as a leader in his field, including Diversity MBA Magazine, Profiles in Diversity Journal, Crain’s Detroit Business, Michigan Lawyers Weekly, and Michigan Super Lawyers.

•           •            •

Dykema
is proud to announce that Sheryl Toby was among those listed as 2024 Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers.

As a bankruptcy and restructuring attorney, Toby is known for her creativity and tenacity on behalf of creditors, debtors, and lenders who find themselves addressing precarious financial situations. She has decades of experience as lead counsel in numerous significant bankruptcy cases throughout the country.

In both traditional and advanced technology manufacturing, Toby works closely with purchasing groups, in-house legal, finance, and other business teams to develop effective strategies that address the full spectrum of supply chain challenges they face daily. She’s consistently recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® and Super Lawyers.

•           •            •

John Sier
was presented with the President’s Award at the Detroit Bar Association’s annual Raising the Bar dinner on June 13. The award recognizes attorneys who exhibit high standards of service in their profession, clients, and the public.

Sier heads Kitch’s commercial and construction litigation practice. With more than three decades of experience, Sier concentrates his practice on dispute avoidance and resolution of commercial, healthcare, and construction issues.

•           •            •

Giarmarco, Mullins, & Horton PC
is pleased to announce that Jordyn Hawk has joined the firm as an associate attorney in the Medical Malpractice Defense group. Hawk focuses on defending health systems and healthcare providers of all specialties from initial investigation through trial. She also has experience in defending claims of alleged malpractice and negligence against emergency medical technicians and handling appellate matters in the Michigan Court of Appeals.

Hawk graduated from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, where she concentrated on healthcare law. Before law school, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in political science from Oakland University.

•           •            •

Brooks Kushman
is proud to announce its inclusion in Chambers and Partners guide of 2024 top intellectual property firms. Additionally, Chambers and Partners has also recognized the work of President Frank Angileri, naming him in the highest level, Band 1, for his litigation experience.

“I am honored to be recognized and included in the distinguished Chambers USA 2024 publication for the last eight years,” Angileri said. “This acknowledges the persistent hard work from our legal team, and I am extremely proud to be part of our dedicated team. We greatly value our relationships with our clients and promote quality service above everything. We are certain it shows in the work we do on their behalf.”

Angileri is the president of Brooks Kushman and focuses his practice on IP litigation and post-grant proceedings. With nearly 30 years of experience representing small, medium-sized, and large corporations on a variety of contested IP matters, Angileri has tried patent, trademark, trade secret, and copyright cases in the federal courts nationwide, the courts of appeals for the Sixth and federal circuits, and the International Trade Commission. His litigation experience spans various technologies and industries including automotive, consumer electronics, industrial technologies, food and beverage, and home appliances. More recently, he served as trial counsel for Ford Motor Company in a patent lawsuit involving 13 design patents. Concluding the trial, he obtained an award of almost $3 million in profits and attorneys’ fees, as well as the entry of a permanent injunction.

Prior to becoming president of Brooks Kushman, Angileri was co-chair of the firm’s Post-Grant Proceedings practice.

In addition, Brooks Kushman is pleased to announce that attorneys Dustin Zak and Francesca Cusumano have been voted onto the 2024-2025 Executive Committee for the Michigan Intellectual Property (IP) Inn of Court. Zak will be serving as the Linn Inn Alliance Liaison, and Cusumano will serve as the events chair.

Zak is a registered patent attorney who focuses his practice on patent litigation and prosecution. He possesses a range of technical experience, from chemical and material arts to software applications and artificial intelligence. Zak has technical knowledge related to cyber security and computer technologies. During his studies, he has immersed himself in many technical topics including C++, Java, and visual basic programming, networking, open-source networking, end-user computing, ethical hacking and offensive security, cyber intelligence, Linux security administration, information security, risk-vulnerability analysis, and digital forensics.

Cusumano, a registered patent attorney, specializes in intellectual property litigation, including patent and trademark enforcement. She works in a variety of technology areas including industrial chemicals, material sciences, and automotive systems.