From year-to-year, Butzel attorneys and practice areas are consistently ranked in the Chambers USA Legal Guide. The firm is among Michigan’s leading law firms named to Chambers USA 2024 – America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2024 – The Client’s Guide.
Butzel practice areas included in Chambers USA 2024 are:
• Corporate
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Labor & Employment
• Executive Compensation
• Litigation: General Commercial
• Real Estate
• Immigration
Butzel attorneys ranked and highlighted in Chambers USA 2024 include:
—Corporate/M&A
Arthur Dudley II
Jennifer E. Consiglio
Justin G. Klimko
Nicholas J. Stasevich
—Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
Lynn McGuire
Mark W. Jane – Up and Coming
Robert B. Stevenson – Senior Statespeople
—Immigration
Bushra A. Malik
Clara DeMatteis Mager
He Xian
Reginald A. Pacis
—Labor & Employment
Barbara Eckert Buchanan
Brett J. Miller
Carey A. DeWitt
Daniel B. Tukel
James S. Rosenfeld
John P. Hancock Jr.
—Commercial Litigation
Bernard J. Fuhs
Bruce L. Sendek
Cynthia J. Haffey
Daniel R.W. Rustmann
—White-Collar Litigation & Government Investigations
David F. DuMouchel
George B. Donnini
—Real Estate
David W. Hipp – Senior Statespeople
Thomas A. Kabel
In addition, Butzel attorney Jennifer Dukarski will be a guest speaker during the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International Inaugural Connected Vehicles Digital Summit on July 17. Dukarski will examine legal issues emerging within the field of connected vehicles.
Dukarski leads Butzel’s Connected and Autonomous Mobility Team. She focuses her practice at the intersection of technology and communications with an emphasis on emerging and disruptive issues: AI, cybersecurity and privacy, infotainment and shared mobility, and connected and autonomous cars. Dukarski has become a national leader in legal issues facing emerging automotive technology including challenging intellectual property issues surrounding data, artificial intelligence and automated systems.
A self-titled “recovering engineer,” Dukarski was named one of the 30 Women Defining the Future of Technology in January 2020 by Warner Communications for her thoughts and contributions to the tech industry.
Dukarski is a graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law (2010). She also is a graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy College of Engineering and Science, (B.S., Mechanical Engineering, 1996).
• • •
JARC, a metro Detroit nonprofit that serves individuals with developmental disabilities, has announced the appointment of Adam Jahnke as the new president and chairman of the Board of Directors, and will serve a 2-year term. Jahnke takes on the position most recently held by Joshua Tobias, who will now hold the title of past president and will continue to serve on JARC’s Board of Directors.
Jahnke has been a member of JARC’s Board of Directors for nine years, including a one-year term as president-elect in 2023. The nonprofit serves 120 adults with developmental disabilities at 45 locations in metro Detroit, including 24-hour care in group homes and independent living settings, and strives to provide the highest quality of direct care services tailored to each individual’s needs, as well as a wide range of social and recreational experiences to help the people they serve live their lives to the fullest potential.
“While serving nearly a decade on JARC’s Board of Directors, the majority of my time has been spent fundraising, encouraging young adult involvement, promoting events and monitoring organizational finances,” said Jahnke. “In this new role, my goal is to develop innovative ways to provide value and share new perspectives to help JARC continue forward with their important mission as I spend more time both with the people we serve, as well as our incredible staff.”
Since becoming a member of JARC’s Board of Directors in 2015, Jahnke has remained involved with the organization through several engagements. He has served in several officer roles including secretary, treasurer, and most recently president-elect, as well as serving as a chair on the Board’s finance committee and the young adult committee and taking on roles of chairperson and host of various events including young adult bowling, the JARC’s annual fundraiser pre-glow, and more.
Jahnke is a 2004 graduate of University of Michigan Ross School of Business and received his law degree from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law in 2007. He started his career as a real estate attorney at Honigman, Miller, Schwartz, and Cohn LLP in 2007, becoming a partner in 2012. In 2015, he decided to step away from law and with his business partner founded Bloomfield Hills-based Vault Equity Partners, which acquires single-tenant net lease properties throughout the United States. In 2016, Jahnke was named to Crain’s Detroit 40 Under 40 and DBusiness 30 in Their Thirties.
• • •
Ronald R. Stallworth, an attorney, lobbyist and business leader, has joined Warner Norcross + Judd LLP as senior counsel.
Stallworth brings more than 35 years of experience in automotive, health care, and the law to his new role with the firm. He has worked in public affairs, legislative affairs, economic development, crisis management strategy and response, regulatory affairs and related areas for corporations, nonprofits, small businesses, individuals and other entities.
Stallworth is based in Warner’s Lansing office and a member of the Government Advocacy and Affairs Practice Group. He will also practice in the firm’s Detroit office.
Prior to joining Warner, Stallworth served as public affairs lead for global automaker Stellantis managing Wayne County and a 10-state region in the Southeast. In this role, he focused on legislative policy and government affairs, monitoring legislative and regulatory activities, managing the writing and review of new policies and securing economic development incentives. Stallworth led a $2.5 billion investment in two Michigan plants, including the first new vehicle assembly plant in Detroit in nearly three decades, creating thousands of jobs for Michigan residents.
“Warner possesses a reputation as a top-notch law firm and a great place to work,” Stallworth said. “With the firm’s presence in Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Detroit, the Government Advocacy and Affairs Practice Group is well-positioned to represent the state’s leading business, political and public policy decision makers. I’m eager to contribute to a great team of attorneys and other professionals.”
Previously, he launched and led the law firm Stallworth and Associates, where he represented corporations, small businesses and individuals throughout Michigan. His Detroit firm focused on commercial real estate, employment, probate and legal agreements, among other matters.
Stallworth also worked at Health Alliance Plan of Michigan, where he held multiple positions of increasing responsibility, including associate general counsel and vice president. He focused on government relations, including developing and executing strategies, directing lobbying activities, managing regulatory compliance and providing education on policy matters, as well as other areas. He also managed HAP’s litigation portfolio and directed litigation strategies with outside legal counsel.
In addition, Stallworth was an associate at Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC where he focused on litigation for federal, state, and municipal courts. He regularly represented financial institutions and county governments in combination proceedings and other corporate legal matters.
Early in his career, he served as chief of staff for the Michigan House of Representatives, where he coordinated the House Public Utilities Committee’s legislative docket and reviewed policy issues. He also served a business information specialist with the Michigan Department of Commerce.
Active in the community, Stallworth serves on numerous boards, including Greening of Detroit, iMPROve Health, Develop Detroit, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and Chandler Park Conservancy, among others. Stallworth is a graduate of Leadership Detroit.
Stallworth earned a bachelor’s degree in public policy from Michigan State University and a law degree from University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
• • •
Howard & Howard is pleased to welcome Alexander Leonowicz to the firm. Leonowicz joins the firm’s Corporate Practice group in the Royal Oak office.
As a corporate attorney, Leonowicz focuses his practice on contract law and complex business transactions. He also advises clients on a range of litigation matters and disputes focusing primarily on business and corporate law as well as commercial litigation. Leonowicz has been recognized for his work both in house and in privately held businesses, including being named in Crain’s “40 Under 40” 2019 edition.
Prior to joining Howard & Howard, Leonowicz served as general counsel and chief operating officer for a Michigan-based cannabis company. While there, he was responsible for the formation and governance of more than 10 entities across multiple states, drafted and negotiated acquisition of retail and cultivation facilities in multiple jurisdictions, and obtained licenses across three different states.
Leonowicz earned his law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and his B.A. from Kalamazoo College.
• • •
On Saturday, June 22, Cooley Law School Board of Directors elected Mitchell Zajac and Aaron Burrell as board chair and vice chair, respectively, as Louise Alderson announced she has concluded her four-year term. Alderson, a retired 54A District Court judge, served her last official act as board chair during the board’s June 22 meeting.
Zajac and Burrell will assume their new roles effective July 1. Alderson will continue to serve on the board in a non-officer capacity.
Zajac, a 2017 Cooley graduate, is a shareholder with Butzel in the firm’s Detroit office where he works in automotive, intellectual property, regulatory and emissions compliance, and sports and entertainment law. He is also a registered patent attorney with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Zajac joined Cooley’s Board of Directors in 2020 and was elected vice-chair in 2022.
“I am honored that my fellow board members entrusted me to serve as Cooley Law School board chair as we continue our work implementing effective strategies to respond to the ABA’s abrupt change in its bar pass standard while also moving forward with curriculum that focuses on blending traditional legal principles with leading-edge practices that prepare students to navigate complex, ever-changing legal landscapes with confidence,” said Zajac. “As we look ahead, Cooley Law School remains committed to its founding principles and is taking the next steps to yet again boldly transform legal education. Cooley is preparing future-ready lawyers through enhanced teaching and learning practices, expansive experiential learning opportunities, and investments in programs to ensure that a legal education remains affordable and accessible to all those who commit themselves to achieving high standards of professional excellence.”
Burrell, a 2010 Cooley graduate, is a litigation attorney at Dickinson Wright’s Detroit and Troy offices, focusing on complex commercial litigation, appellate law, labor and employment law, and minority business enterprises. He also serves as co-chair of the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee and co-chair of Litigation Training. Burrell was first appointed to Cooley’s Board of Directors in 2019.
“I am humbled to serve Cooley as it writes its next chapter and builds upon its legacy of providing students of all backgrounds access to an outstanding legal education,” said Burrell. “I look forward to serving as the board’s vice chair alongside Mitch and the other esteemed board members as we work together to maintain Cooley’s high level of excellence in shaping the next generation of lawyers.”
• • •
Joel Ashton, a partner in the Livonia office of Cummings, McClorey, Davis, & Acho PLC, was the guest speaker at the Michigan Chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors’ (NAIFA) Virtual Event held on June 18.
Ashton spoke to insurance and financial advisors on the current state of the Michigan No-Fault Act following the substantial amendments of 2019 with a focus on helping the advisors best serve their customers.
Ashton focuses his practice on insurance defense, including Michigan No-Fault claims (PIP, automobile negligence, uninsured/ underinsured motorist), as well as premises liability and general negligence. His practice also includes the defense of contract and liability claims, contract interpretation issues, subrogation claims involving automobile, fire and casualty, commercial, and related coverage.
• • •
Foster, Swift, Collins, & Smith PC welcomes Matthew C. Murray to the firm’s Southfield office, joining the litigation practice group where he represents and advocates for his clients in the areas of premises liability, no-fault, insurance defense, criminal law, mass tort, administrative law, and appellate law.
Murray has conducted research across various practice areas and brings knowledge through hands-on experience in the federal systems.
Murray earned his law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in 2022. Prior to law school, he interned with the State of Michigan Governor’s Office of Urban and Metropolitan Initiatives while he pursued a B.A. in Political Science at Michigan State University. This experience pivoted his career towards the legal field, feeling his skills would be best suited to support those who had been affected by injustices of the system.
• • •
Brooks Kushman is pleased to welcome Abdulai Rashid as the newest addition to its growing intellectual property team.
Rashid focuses his practice on patent prosecution and litigation in the biomedical and automotive fields. He has experience in contract drafting for trademark applications, as well as aiding clients with turning their ideas into businesses or patentable inventions.
Abdulai earned a law degree from Penn State Law. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Central Methodist University.
Butzel practice areas included in Chambers USA 2024 are:
• Corporate
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Labor & Employment
• Executive Compensation
• Litigation: General Commercial
• Real Estate
• Immigration
Butzel attorneys ranked and highlighted in Chambers USA 2024 include:
—Corporate/M&A
Arthur Dudley II
Jennifer E. Consiglio
Justin G. Klimko
Nicholas J. Stasevich
—Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
Lynn McGuire
Mark W. Jane – Up and Coming
Robert B. Stevenson – Senior Statespeople
—Immigration
Bushra A. Malik
Clara DeMatteis Mager
He Xian
Reginald A. Pacis
—Labor & Employment
Barbara Eckert Buchanan
Brett J. Miller
Carey A. DeWitt
Daniel B. Tukel
James S. Rosenfeld
John P. Hancock Jr.
—Commercial Litigation
Bernard J. Fuhs
Bruce L. Sendek
Cynthia J. Haffey
Daniel R.W. Rustmann
—White-Collar Litigation & Government Investigations
David F. DuMouchel
George B. Donnini
—Real Estate
David W. Hipp – Senior Statespeople
Thomas A. Kabel
In addition, Butzel attorney Jennifer Dukarski will be a guest speaker during the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International Inaugural Connected Vehicles Digital Summit on July 17. Dukarski will examine legal issues emerging within the field of connected vehicles.
Dukarski leads Butzel’s Connected and Autonomous Mobility Team. She focuses her practice at the intersection of technology and communications with an emphasis on emerging and disruptive issues: AI, cybersecurity and privacy, infotainment and shared mobility, and connected and autonomous cars. Dukarski has become a national leader in legal issues facing emerging automotive technology including challenging intellectual property issues surrounding data, artificial intelligence and automated systems.
A self-titled “recovering engineer,” Dukarski was named one of the 30 Women Defining the Future of Technology in January 2020 by Warner Communications for her thoughts and contributions to the tech industry.
Dukarski is a graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law (2010). She also is a graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy College of Engineering and Science, (B.S., Mechanical Engineering, 1996).
• • •
JARC, a metro Detroit nonprofit that serves individuals with developmental disabilities, has announced the appointment of Adam Jahnke as the new president and chairman of the Board of Directors, and will serve a 2-year term. Jahnke takes on the position most recently held by Joshua Tobias, who will now hold the title of past president and will continue to serve on JARC’s Board of Directors.
Jahnke has been a member of JARC’s Board of Directors for nine years, including a one-year term as president-elect in 2023. The nonprofit serves 120 adults with developmental disabilities at 45 locations in metro Detroit, including 24-hour care in group homes and independent living settings, and strives to provide the highest quality of direct care services tailored to each individual’s needs, as well as a wide range of social and recreational experiences to help the people they serve live their lives to the fullest potential.
“While serving nearly a decade on JARC’s Board of Directors, the majority of my time has been spent fundraising, encouraging young adult involvement, promoting events and monitoring organizational finances,” said Jahnke. “In this new role, my goal is to develop innovative ways to provide value and share new perspectives to help JARC continue forward with their important mission as I spend more time both with the people we serve, as well as our incredible staff.”
Since becoming a member of JARC’s Board of Directors in 2015, Jahnke has remained involved with the organization through several engagements. He has served in several officer roles including secretary, treasurer, and most recently president-elect, as well as serving as a chair on the Board’s finance committee and the young adult committee and taking on roles of chairperson and host of various events including young adult bowling, the JARC’s annual fundraiser pre-glow, and more.
Jahnke is a 2004 graduate of University of Michigan Ross School of Business and received his law degree from the University of Southern California Gould School of Law in 2007. He started his career as a real estate attorney at Honigman, Miller, Schwartz, and Cohn LLP in 2007, becoming a partner in 2012. In 2015, he decided to step away from law and with his business partner founded Bloomfield Hills-based Vault Equity Partners, which acquires single-tenant net lease properties throughout the United States. In 2016, Jahnke was named to Crain’s Detroit 40 Under 40 and DBusiness 30 in Their Thirties.
• • •
Ronald R. Stallworth, an attorney, lobbyist and business leader, has joined Warner Norcross + Judd LLP as senior counsel.
Stallworth brings more than 35 years of experience in automotive, health care, and the law to his new role with the firm. He has worked in public affairs, legislative affairs, economic development, crisis management strategy and response, regulatory affairs and related areas for corporations, nonprofits, small businesses, individuals and other entities.
Stallworth is based in Warner’s Lansing office and a member of the Government Advocacy and Affairs Practice Group. He will also practice in the firm’s Detroit office.
Prior to joining Warner, Stallworth served as public affairs lead for global automaker Stellantis managing Wayne County and a 10-state region in the Southeast. In this role, he focused on legislative policy and government affairs, monitoring legislative and regulatory activities, managing the writing and review of new policies and securing economic development incentives. Stallworth led a $2.5 billion investment in two Michigan plants, including the first new vehicle assembly plant in Detroit in nearly three decades, creating thousands of jobs for Michigan residents.
“Warner possesses a reputation as a top-notch law firm and a great place to work,” Stallworth said. “With the firm’s presence in Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Detroit, the Government Advocacy and Affairs Practice Group is well-positioned to represent the state’s leading business, political and public policy decision makers. I’m eager to contribute to a great team of attorneys and other professionals.”
Previously, he launched and led the law firm Stallworth and Associates, where he represented corporations, small businesses and individuals throughout Michigan. His Detroit firm focused on commercial real estate, employment, probate and legal agreements, among other matters.
Stallworth also worked at Health Alliance Plan of Michigan, where he held multiple positions of increasing responsibility, including associate general counsel and vice president. He focused on government relations, including developing and executing strategies, directing lobbying activities, managing regulatory compliance and providing education on policy matters, as well as other areas. He also managed HAP’s litigation portfolio and directed litigation strategies with outside legal counsel.
In addition, Stallworth was an associate at Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC where he focused on litigation for federal, state, and municipal courts. He regularly represented financial institutions and county governments in combination proceedings and other corporate legal matters.
Early in his career, he served as chief of staff for the Michigan House of Representatives, where he coordinated the House Public Utilities Committee’s legislative docket and reviewed policy issues. He also served a business information specialist with the Michigan Department of Commerce.
Active in the community, Stallworth serves on numerous boards, including Greening of Detroit, iMPROve Health, Develop Detroit, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and Chandler Park Conservancy, among others. Stallworth is a graduate of Leadership Detroit.
Stallworth earned a bachelor’s degree in public policy from Michigan State University and a law degree from University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
• • •
Howard & Howard is pleased to welcome Alexander Leonowicz to the firm. Leonowicz joins the firm’s Corporate Practice group in the Royal Oak office.
As a corporate attorney, Leonowicz focuses his practice on contract law and complex business transactions. He also advises clients on a range of litigation matters and disputes focusing primarily on business and corporate law as well as commercial litigation. Leonowicz has been recognized for his work both in house and in privately held businesses, including being named in Crain’s “40 Under 40” 2019 edition.
Prior to joining Howard & Howard, Leonowicz served as general counsel and chief operating officer for a Michigan-based cannabis company. While there, he was responsible for the formation and governance of more than 10 entities across multiple states, drafted and negotiated acquisition of retail and cultivation facilities in multiple jurisdictions, and obtained licenses across three different states.
Leonowicz earned his law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and his B.A. from Kalamazoo College.
• • •
On Saturday, June 22, Cooley Law School Board of Directors elected Mitchell Zajac and Aaron Burrell as board chair and vice chair, respectively, as Louise Alderson announced she has concluded her four-year term. Alderson, a retired 54A District Court judge, served her last official act as board chair during the board’s June 22 meeting.
Zajac and Burrell will assume their new roles effective July 1. Alderson will continue to serve on the board in a non-officer capacity.
Zajac, a 2017 Cooley graduate, is a shareholder with Butzel in the firm’s Detroit office where he works in automotive, intellectual property, regulatory and emissions compliance, and sports and entertainment law. He is also a registered patent attorney with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Zajac joined Cooley’s Board of Directors in 2020 and was elected vice-chair in 2022.
“I am honored that my fellow board members entrusted me to serve as Cooley Law School board chair as we continue our work implementing effective strategies to respond to the ABA’s abrupt change in its bar pass standard while also moving forward with curriculum that focuses on blending traditional legal principles with leading-edge practices that prepare students to navigate complex, ever-changing legal landscapes with confidence,” said Zajac. “As we look ahead, Cooley Law School remains committed to its founding principles and is taking the next steps to yet again boldly transform legal education. Cooley is preparing future-ready lawyers through enhanced teaching and learning practices, expansive experiential learning opportunities, and investments in programs to ensure that a legal education remains affordable and accessible to all those who commit themselves to achieving high standards of professional excellence.”
Burrell, a 2010 Cooley graduate, is a litigation attorney at Dickinson Wright’s Detroit and Troy offices, focusing on complex commercial litigation, appellate law, labor and employment law, and minority business enterprises. He also serves as co-chair of the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee and co-chair of Litigation Training. Burrell was first appointed to Cooley’s Board of Directors in 2019.
“I am humbled to serve Cooley as it writes its next chapter and builds upon its legacy of providing students of all backgrounds access to an outstanding legal education,” said Burrell. “I look forward to serving as the board’s vice chair alongside Mitch and the other esteemed board members as we work together to maintain Cooley’s high level of excellence in shaping the next generation of lawyers.”
• • •
Joel Ashton, a partner in the Livonia office of Cummings, McClorey, Davis, & Acho PLC, was the guest speaker at the Michigan Chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors’ (NAIFA) Virtual Event held on June 18.
Ashton spoke to insurance and financial advisors on the current state of the Michigan No-Fault Act following the substantial amendments of 2019 with a focus on helping the advisors best serve their customers.
Ashton focuses his practice on insurance defense, including Michigan No-Fault claims (PIP, automobile negligence, uninsured/ underinsured motorist), as well as premises liability and general negligence. His practice also includes the defense of contract and liability claims, contract interpretation issues, subrogation claims involving automobile, fire and casualty, commercial, and related coverage.
• • •
Foster, Swift, Collins, & Smith PC welcomes Matthew C. Murray to the firm’s Southfield office, joining the litigation practice group where he represents and advocates for his clients in the areas of premises liability, no-fault, insurance defense, criminal law, mass tort, administrative law, and appellate law.
Murray has conducted research across various practice areas and brings knowledge through hands-on experience in the federal systems.
Murray earned his law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in 2022. Prior to law school, he interned with the State of Michigan Governor’s Office of Urban and Metropolitan Initiatives while he pursued a B.A. in Political Science at Michigan State University. This experience pivoted his career towards the legal field, feeling his skills would be best suited to support those who had been affected by injustices of the system.
• • •
Brooks Kushman is pleased to welcome Abdulai Rashid as the newest addition to its growing intellectual property team.
Rashid focuses his practice on patent prosecution and litigation in the biomedical and automotive fields. He has experience in contract drafting for trademark applications, as well as aiding clients with turning their ideas into businesses or patentable inventions.
Abdulai earned a law degree from Penn State Law. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Central Methodist University.
