LEGAL PEOPLE

Taft Detroit Partner Marguerite Donahue has been named the recipient of the 18th Annual Stephen H. Schulman Outstanding Business Lawyer Award by the State Bar of Michigan’s Business Law Section.

This award honors Michigan business lawyers who consistently exemplify the characteristics the Business Law Section seeks to foster and facilitate: the highest quality of professionalism, the highest quality of practice, and an unwavering dedication to service, ethical conduct, and collegiality within the practice of law.

“(Schulman) was very immersed in corporate law and was great with students,” Donahue said. “He was really the godfather of business law in the state. Many firms hired him as a consultant. To be (the recipient) of an award in his name and with so many other influential business lawyers is truly an honor for which I am grateful.”

Donahue’s practice includes mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, private equity and more. During her career, Donahue has managed a variety of transactions, including asset sales, stock and membership interest sales, public and private securities offerings, exchange offers and reorganizations.

At Taft, she is a member of the firm’s Venture Capital and Emerging Companies practice group. Before that she was a shareholder with Seyburn Kahn and an associate with Dykema.

Throughout her career, Donahue has counseled a wide range of corporate clients from small businesses to mid-sized and large organizations in a variety of industries.

•            •           •

Dickinson Wright
is pleased to announce that 43 of the firm’s attorneys have been named 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers. Fifteen Dickinson Wright attorneys have been named 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers “Rising Stars.”

Local Dickinson Wright attorneys recognized on this year’s Michigan Super Lawyers list include:

—Detroit

Richard M. Bolton,
Mergers & Acquisitions
Aaron V. Burrell,
Business Litigation
David R. Deromedi
, Labor & Employment
Phillip J. DeRosier,
Appellate, Top 100 Lawyers in Michigan
K. Scott Hamilton,
Business Litigation
Mark R. High,
Business/Corporate
Steven G. Howell,
Bankruptcy: Business, Top 100 Lawyers in Michigan
Timothy H. Howlett,
Labor & Employment
Sharon R. Newlon,
Environmental
James A. Plemmons,
Creditor Debtor Rights
William P. Shield Jr.,
Banking
Theodore B. Sylwestrzak,
Bankruptcy: Business
L. Pahl Zinn,
Business Litigation

—Troy

J. Benjamin Dolan,
Business Litigation
Deborah L. Grace,
Employee Benefits
Henry M. Grix,
Estate & Probate
Craig W. Hammond,
Government Finance
Monica J. Labe,
Real Estate, Top 50 Women Lawyers in Michigan, Top 100 Lawyers in Michigan
Elizabeth L. Luckenbach,
Estate & Trust Litigation, Top 50 Women Lawyers in Michigan, Top 100 Lawyers in Michigan
James A. Martone,
Business Litigation
Cynthia A. Moore,
Employee Benefits
Edward H. Pappas,
Business Litigation, Top 100 Lawyers in Michigan
Scott A. Petz,
Business Litigation
Daniel D. Quick,
Business Litigation, Top 100 Lawyers in Michigan
William L. Rosin
, Business/Corporate
Kimberly J. Ruppel,
Health Care
Lynn C. Sirich,
Family Law
Benjamin M. Sobczak,
Business Litigation
Peter H. Webster,
Eminent Domain
Kathryn S. Wood,
Employment Litigation: Defense
Katheryne L. Zelenock,
Real Estate

Local Dickinson Wright attorneys recognized on this year’s Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Stars list include:

—Detroit

Max Aidenbaum,
Business Litigation
Myles Baker,
Business Litigation
Angelina R. Delmastro,
Labor & Employment
Rebecca S. Papi, Mergers & Acquisitions
Ariana Pellegrino,
Business Litigation
M. Katherine VanderVeen,
Banking
Adam J. Wallace,
Business/Corporate

—Troy

Juliet R. Boyd,
Estate & Trust Litigation
Brandon L. Debus,
Business Litigation
Kaitlyn Elias,
Real Estate
Eric W. Gregory,
Employee Benefits
Alma Sobo
, Business Litigation

Dickinson Wright is also pleased to announce that 218 of the firm’s attorneys have been included in the Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year, and Ones to Watch 2025 editions.

Local Dickinson Wright attorneys recognized on this year’s Best Lawyers in America® list include:

—Detroit

Allison R. Bach,
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Richard M. Bolton,
Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

William T. Burgess,
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation – Bankruptcy

Aaron V. Burrell,
Commercial Litigation, Employment Law - Management, Litigation - Labor and Employment

Christopher A. Cornwall,
Construction Law

David R. Deromedi,
Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management

Phillip J. DeRosier,
Appellate Practice

Patrick B. Green,
Commercial Litigation

K. Scott Hamilton,
Appellate Practice

Mark R. High,
Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law

Steven G. Howell,
Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation – Bankruptcy

Timothy H. Howlett,
Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment

John K. Lawrence,
Banking and Finance Law

Andrew W. MacLeod,
Corporate Law, International Mergers & Acquisitions, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Private Funds/Hedge Funds Law

Sharon R. Newlon,
Energy Law, Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental

James A. Plemmons,
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Bankruptcy

William P. Shield Jr.,
Banking and Finance Law

Theodore B. Sylwestrzak,
Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Bruce C. Thelen,
International Trade and Finance Law

L. Pahl Zinn,
Litigation – Antitrust

—Troy

Roger H. Cummings,
Corporate Law, International Trade and Finance Law

J. Benjamin Dolan,
Litigation – Real Estate

Alison F. Duffy,
Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs

John P. Gonway,
Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Real Estate Law

Deborah L. Grace,
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

Roberta P. Granadier,
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

Eric W. Gregory,
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

Henry M. Grix,
Nonprofit/Charities Law, Trusts and Estates

Craig W. Hammond,
Banking and Finance Law, Public Finance Law

William H. Honaker,
Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law, Trademark Law

Richard A. Jones
, Patent Law

Mark Jotanovic,
Patent Law

Michael R. Kramer,
Corporate Law

Monica J. Labe
, Real Estate Law

Elise S. Levasseur,
Immigration Law

Elizabeth L. Luckenbach,
Trusts and Estates

Michael J. Lusardi,
Real Estate Law

Michael N. MacCallum,
Litigation - Intellectual Property, Litigation - Patent, Patent Law

Christopher C. Maeso,
Corporate Law

Scott A. McBain,
Patent Law

Eric McGlothlin
, Public Finance Law

Cynthia A. Moore,
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

Mahesh K. Nayak,
Commercial Litigation

Shannon M. Nichols,
Banking and Finance Law

Edward H. Pappas,
Arbitration, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Real Estate, Mediation

Erin M. Pawlowski,
Corporate Law, Litigation - Intellectual Property

Scott A. Petz
, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Banking and Finance, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions - Defendants

Daniel D. Quick,
Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Banking and Finance, Litigation – Intellectual Property

Paul Rodriguez,
Patent Law

William L. Rosin,
Corporate Law

Kimberly J. Ruppel,
Commercial Litigation

Lynn Capp Sirich,
Family Law

Joan Cripe Skrzyniarz,
Trusts and Estates

Kimberly M. Slaven,
Patent Law

Robert L. Stearns,
Litigation – Intellectual Property

Michael R. Vogt,
Litigation - Real Estate, Real Estate Law

Peter H. Webster,
Commercial Litigation, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Municipal Law

Mark E. Wilson,
Health Care Law

Kathryn S. Wood,
Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment

Katheryne L. Zelenock,
Banking and Finance Law, Corporate Law, Real Estate Law, Securitization and Structured Finance Law

Local Dickinson Wright attorneys recognized on this year’s Best Lawyers in America® “Lawyer of the Year” list include:

—Detroit

Timothy H. Howlett,
Employment Law - Management
Sharon R. Newlon,
Environmental Law
Bruce C. Thelen,
International Trade and Finance Law

—Troy

Eric W. Gregory,
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Shannon M. Nichols,
Banking and Finance Law
Edward H. Pappas
, Arbitration

Dickinson Wright attorneys recognized on this year’s Best Lawyers in America® Ones to Watch list include:

—Detroit

Max A. Aidenbaum,
Commercial Litigation
Angelina Delmastro,
Labor and Employment – Management, Litigation - Labor and Employment
Ariana D. Pellegrino,
Commercial Litigation
M. Katherine VanderVeen,
Banking and Finance Law
Adam J. Wallace,
Banking and Finance Law, Corporate Law

—Troy

Juliet R. Boyd,
Litigation – Trusts and Estates
Brandon Debus,
Commercial Litigation
Kaitlyn Elias,
Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Real Estate, Real Estate Law
Erick W. Hosner,
Corporate Law
William J. Hurles,
Intellectual Property Law
Erin A. Johnson,
Real Estate Law
Charles W. Kocher,
Intellectual Property Law
James A. Martone,
Commercial Litigation
Corey Neil,
Patent Law
Alma Sobo,
Commercial Litigation, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Litigation - Real Estate, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions - Defendants, Municipal Law

•            •           •

Four attorneys from the Southfield office of Foster Swift have been selected to the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers list while two others have been selected as “Rising Stars.”

2024 Michigan Super Lawyers and their area(s) of practice:

Dirk H. Beckwith
- Transportation/Maritime
Michael R. Blum
- Employment & Labor
Julie I. Fershtman
- Civil Litigation: Defense
Paul J. Millenbach
- Business Litigation

2024 “Rising Stars” and their area(s) of practice:

Robert A. Hamor
- Business Litigation
Rachel G. Olney
- General Litigation

Along with being listed in Super Lawyers, Julie Fershtman was also listed in the “Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers.”

In addition, five attorneys from Foster Swift’s Southfield office were selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2025.
Two others were listed as “Ones to Watch.”

Listed attorneys and their areas of practice are as follows:

—2025 Best Lawyers

Dirk H. Beckwith,
Construction Law
Michael R. Blum,
Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management
Julie I. Fershtman,
Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law
Paul J. Millenbach,
Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants
Brian J. Renaud,
Administrative/Regulatory Law

—2025 “Ones to Watch”

Stefania Gismondi,
Commercial Litigation
Rachel G. Olney,
Commercial Litigation

•            •           •

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
attorneys have been awarded multiple honors by the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine.

Honors included:

Michigan Super Lawyers, which highlighted 35 attorneys in dozens of practice areas in eight of Warner’s offices for the peer-review award that recognizes attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

Top 100 Lawyers, which recognized three attorneys from the firm among all Michigan Super Lawyers.

Rising Stars, which recognized 18 attorneys who are under the age of 40 or have been in practice for 10 years or less and have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

Local Warner attorneys by office are (unless otherwise noted, all are Super Lawyers):

—Bloomfield Hills

Roquia K. Draper
Nazli G. Sater


—Detroit

Michael Brady
Kurt M. Brauer
Sean H. Cook
Homayune A. Ghaussi
Mary Jo Larson
Thomas J. Manganello
Lawrence J. Murphy,
also Top 100
Linda Paullin-Hebden
Ashley E. Racette,
Rising Star
Adam T. Ratliff,
Rising Star
Alan T. Rogalski
Zainab H. Sabbagh,
Rising Star
Jeffrey S. Segal,
Rising Star
Lisa B. Zimmer


—Macomb County

Matthew K. Casey
Frank E. Henke
Nina E. Lucido,
Rising Star
John A. MacKenzie,
Rising Star
Brian D. Wassom


•            •           •

Michigan Super Lawyers magazine has named eight attorneys from Plunkett Cooney to its 2024 list of “Super Lawyers.”

Receiving special recognition by the magazine this year with inclusion among the state’s top 50 female lawyers are D. Jennifer Andreou and Mary Massaron. Andreou joins the top 50 list of attorneys practicing in the area of medical malpractice defense for the 10th time in 15 years. For 18 consecutive years, Massaron has been on the top women lawyers list for her appellate expertise. Health care attorney Mark S. Kopson and business litigation attorney Douglas C. Bernstein were also listed among the “Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers.”

Below is a list of local Plunkett Cooney partners who received the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyer designation:

—Bloomfield Hills office

Douglas C. Bernstein
- Bankruptcy: Business
Matthew J. Boettcher
- Business Litigation
Charles W. Browning
  - Insurance Coverage
Mark S. Kopson
- Health Care
Mary Massaron
- Appellate
Scott H. Sirich
- Construction Litigation

—Detroit office

D. Jennifer Andreou
- Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Defense
Matthew J. Stanczyk
- Personal Injury - Products: Defense

In addition, seven attorneys from Plunkett Cooney have been named by Michigan Super Lawyers magazine to its list of “Rising Stars” for 2024.

Below is a list of local Plunkett Cooney attorneys who have received the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyer Rising Star designation:

—Bloomfield Hills office

Stephanie M. Brochert
- Insurance Coverage
Aleasha Hester
- Civil Litigation: Defense
Brian K. Mitzel
- Employment & Labor
Mark W. Oszust
- Business Litigation

—Detroit office

Eric T. Ramar
- Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Defendants

•            •           •

Employee benefits and ERISA law firm J.J. Conway Law is pleased to announce that principal attorney, founder and litigator John Joseph (J.J.) Conway has again been named to the Michigan Super Lawyers list in 2024 for demonstrating excellence in employee benefits law.

Conway, who has been honored as a Michigan Super Lawyer since 2013, adds this recognition to several other Super Lawyers titles including Michigan Super Lawyers’ list of “Rising Stars” 2008–2011 and the Top 50: Michigan Consumer Super Lawyers for 2016 and 2017.

As his firm celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, the nationally recognized trial attorney has navigated the legal complexities of disability, employee health benefits, and ERISA law—ranging from wins in autism services coverage for children to employee benefits protection during the City of Detroit bankruptcy, to mental health coverage for children suffering from life-threatening severe behavioral health conditions.

•            •           •

Elizabeth Hohauser
is this year’s winner of the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly’s Unsung Hero Award. The award honors an attorney who has exhibited the highest standards of practice and commitment for the benefit of others.

Hohauser is this year’s winner for her work with children in the Michigan foster care system, her dedication to helping her clients, and the service she provides for her community.

A 2000 graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, Hohauser, who also earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Michigan State University, decided to become a lawyer to make a positive impact on her community. Since then, she has continued that mission in not only her career but her personal life.

Throughout her career Hohauser has developed a reputation for going above and beyond the call of duty as an attorney. One of her former pro bono clients, a victim of domestic abuse with three children, said of Hohauser, “I am extremely grateful for her, not only for fighting hard and representing  me in this very difficult matter, but also for being there to support me emotionally. It is because of her that I am truly a thriving survivor of domestic violence.”  

Hohauser served as director of Legal Services and Policy for The New Foster Care, and as an attorney for Collins Einhorn Farrell PC, Hohauser Kuchon, and Eagle Automation Services where she was also business manager.

In 2018, she opened her own solo litigation practice, and her level of dedication can be seen through an anecdote she likes to tell: When she established her solo litigation practice in 2018, her husband humorously asked her to promise it wouldn’t turn into a non-profit. (She has since successfully demonstrated that she can sustain herself financially while still serving her community.)

In addition to her legal career, Hohauser is active in her community. She volunteers with elementary students for Mock Trial, offers pro bono legal services to underserved communities, and co-hosts an annual “youth law conference” for high school students.

She said she feels deeply honored to have her contributions recognized by the Representative Assembly.

When she is not working, she spends time gardening, chasing chickens out of the garage, and camping with her family and two dogs.

•            •           •

Foley, Baron, Metzger, & Juip PLLC
(FBMJ) is pleased to announce that seventeen FBMJ attorneys have been honored by Super Lawyers in their 2024 rankings of top Michigan attorneys. Ten of its lawyers have been named by Super Lawyers magazine to the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers list, and seven of its lawyers to the Michigan Rising Stars list. Randy Juip was also honored as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in Michigan, the fourth straight year he has earned this distinction.

FBMJ lawyers named to the 2024 Super Lawyers list include:

Richard Baron
Cathy Bowerman
Carole Empey
Randy Juip
Joseph McGill
Clyde Metzger
Tony Pignotti
Brian Richtarcik
Kim Sveska
Brian Whitelaw


FBMJ lawyers named to the 2024 Rising Stars list include:

Sarah Cherry
James Frisch
Hussein Houjaij
Nicole Joseph-Windecker
Silvia Mansoor
Lauren Rhoads
Catherine Rodey


•            •           •

The Dobrusin Law Firm
is proud to announce that eight of our attorneys have been distinguished in the 2024 Super Lawyers rankings.

Four intellectual property attorneys from The Dobrusin Law Firm were selected for inclusion in the 2024 Super Lawyers list:

Eric Dobrusin
serves as the founding shareholder of The Dobrusin Law Firm. This marks his 19th consecutive selection for the annual Super Lawyers list.

Kristen Pursley
is the managing shareholder of The Dobrusin Law Firm. This is her sixth consecutive year of being selected to the Super Lawyers list, following six consecutive years of being named a Rising Star.

Rebecca  Wilson
is a shareholder of The Dobrusin Law Firm. 2024 marks her fifth consecutive year of being selected to the Super Lawyers list.

Paul Palinski
is a shareholder of The Dobrusin Law Firm. This is his second consecutive Super Lawyers selection, following seven consecutive Rising Star distinctions.

Four intellectual property attorneys at The Dobrusin Law Firm were selected for the 2024 Rising Stars list.

The Dobrusin Law Firm shareholders Erin Klug and Daniela Walters both received their eighth consecutive selections to the annual Rising Stars list. Shareholder Katherine Pacynski was selected to the Rising Stars list for the sixth year in a row. The Dobrusin Law Firm associate Eric Hydorn was chosen for the 2024 Rising Stars list, making this his third consecutive selection.

•            •           •

Miller Johnson
attorneys have been selected as 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers and several have been selected as 2024 Michigan Rising Stars.

Local Miller Johnson 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers include:

—Detroit

Todd A. Holleman
- Business Litigation
Emily C. Palacio
s - Land Use/Zoning
Local Miller Johnson 2024 Michigan Rising Stars include:

—Detroit

Josh Apel
- Business Litigation
Ali Fardoun
- Business / Corporate

•            •           •

Seven attorneys at McDonald Hopkins have been selected to the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers list and three McDonald Hopkins attorneys have been selected to the 2024 Michigan Rising Stars list.

Michigan Super Lawyers:

John E. Benko,
member, Litigation Department

James J. Giszczak,
firm co-president; co-chair, Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice Group

Stephen M. Gross,
member, Strategic Advisory and Restructuring Department; chair, Automotive Practice Group

Patrick A. Karbowski,
member, Real Estate Practice Group

Michael G. Latiff,
chair, Litigation Department

Miriam L. Rosen,
member, Labor and Employment Practice Group; Detroit managing member

Michael P. Witzke,
chair, Estate Planning and Probate Practice Group

Michigan Rising Stars:

Adam Baginski,
associate, Business Department

Vanessa L. Bailey,
associate, Mergers and Acquisitions Practice Group

Mitchell Capp,
associate, Business Department

•            •           •

Zausmer
is pleased to announce that four attorneys have been named 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers. Additionally, 12 Zausmer attorneys were honored as Rising Stars.

2024 Michigan Super Lawyers:

Mischa M. Boardman
- Business Litigation, 2017-2024

Michael L. Caldwell
- Environmental Litigation, 2015-2024

Nicole M. Wright
- Civil Litigation: Defense, 2013-2024

Mark J. Zausmer
- Civil Litigation: Defense, 2006-2024

2024 Michigan Rising Stars:

Dylan M. Beadle
- Insurance Coverage, 2019-2024

Theresa A. Bodwin
- Insurance Coverage, 2018-2024

Danielle R. DePriest
- Insurance Coverage, 2023-2024

Cristy M. DeVos
- Personal Injury General Defense, 2020-2024

Elena Djordjeski
- Personal Injury General: Defense, 2023-2024

Chad M. Duschinsky
- Insurance Coverage, 2022-2024

Daniel I. Jedell
- Civil Litigation: Defense, 2015-2024

Michael H. Jernukian
- Insurance Coverage, 2023-2024

Nicole B. Lockhart
- Business Litigation, 2024

Breanne M. Patton
- Land Use/Zoning, 2023-2024

Kyle A. Warwick
- Insurance Coverage, 2020-2024

Amanda P. Waske
- Appellate, 2024

•            •           •

BSP Law
is proud to congratulate the 13 BSP Law attorneys included among the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.

—Super Lawyers:

Bishop A. Bartoni
Stephanie A. Douglas
Roger P. Meyers
Moheeb H. Murray
Patrick G. Seyferth
Justin B. Weiner


—Rising Stars:

Mahde Y. Abdallah
Lena M. Gonzalez
Dylan G. Goodwin
Brian D. King
Derek J. Linkous
William E. McDonald III
Michael A. Ohly


In addition, BSP Law is proud to announce that nine of its attorneys are featured in the 2025 edition of “The Best Lawyers.”

Mahde Y. Abdallah,
Litigation - Insurance

Bishop A. Bartoni,
Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

Stephanie A. Douglas,
Appellate Practice and Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants

Amy Bice Larson,
Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

Derek J. Linkous,
Commercial Litigation

William E. McDonald,
Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

Roger P. Meyers,
Commercial Litigation

Moheeb H. Murray,
Insurance Law

Patrick G. Seyferth,
Commercial Litigation, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

BSP Law also congratulates three attorneys for their inclusion in the 2025 edition of “The Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch.”

Lena M. Gonzalez,
Commercial Litigation

Brian D. King,
Insurance Law, Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants and Transportation Law

Ryan J. Vanderford,
Commercial Litigation

•            •           •

Cummings, McClorey, Davis, & Acho PLC
is proud to announce that several attorneys from the firm have been selected for inclusion in the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers & Rising Stars list.

The following attorneys have been selected to the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers list:

Jim Acho,
Top Rated Civil Litigation Defense
Jeff Clark,
Top Rated State, Local & Municipal
Tim Ferrand,
Top Rated State, Class Action & Mass Torts
Haider Kazim,
Top Rated State, Local & Municipal
Norman Richards,
Top Rated Elder Law
Christopher Schultz,
Top Rated Business and Corporate
Allan Vander Laan,
Top Rated State, Local & Municipal

The following attorneys have been selected to the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Stars list:

Matthew Cross,
Top Rated State, Local & Municipal
Stephen Johnston,
Top Rated Estate Planning & Probate
Carol Smith,
Top Rated Personal Injury Defense
Matthew Wayne,
Top Rated Business and Corporate

•            •           •

FisherBroyles LLP
is proud to announce that 55 of its attorneys have been named to The Best Lawyers in America® for 2025.  

The following Detroit FisherBroyles attorneys are included in the 2025 Best Lawyers lists:

Jess A. Bahs
- Tax Law

Michael S. Khoury
- Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships); Corporate Law; Information Technology Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Douglas P. LaLone
- Litigation - Intellectual Property; Patent Law

•            •           •

Bodman PLC
is pleased to announce that 58 of the firm’s attorneys have been included in the 2024 edition of Michigan Super Lawyers.

The local Bodman attorneys listed in Michigan Super Lawyers 2024 (by office location, including practice area) are:

—Detroit

Marc M. Bakst
(Bankruptcy: Business)
Andrew H. Curoe
(Estate & Probate)
Laurence B. Deitch
(Business/Corporate)
Robert J. Diehl Jr
. (Creditor-Debtor Rights)
Kathleen O’Callaghan Hickey
(Banking)
David P. Larsen
(Estate & Probate)
Ralph E. McDowell
(Bankruptcy: Business)
Jeffrey G. Raphelson
(Business Litigation)
Nicholas P. Scavone Jr.
(Real Estate)
Joseph J. Shannon
(Business Litigation)
Larry R. Shulman
(Banking)
Jaimee L. Witten
(Creditor-Debtor Rights)

—Troy

Adam Behrendt
(Business Litigation)
John T. Below
(Employment & Labor)
John C. Cashen
(Employment & Labor)
Steven R. Cole
(Tax)
Michelle Thurber Czapski
(Business Litigation)
Stephen P. Dunn
(Business Litigation)
Gary S. Fealk
(Employment Litigation: Defense)
Thomas J. Tallerico
(Business Litigation)
Thomas Van Dusen
(Business Litigation)

The local Bodman attorneys selected for the 2024 Michigan Rising Stars list are:

—Detroit

Sarah L. Cylkowski
(Business Litigation)
Fawzeih H. Daher
(Business Litigation)
Nathan D. Dupes
(Business Litigation)
Michelle L. Kolkmeyer
(Business Litigation)
Kelly M. Lockman
(Real Estate)
Alexandra C. Markel
(Business Litigation)
Chelsey L. Jones
(Real Estate)
Julia C. Massaro
(Estate & Probate)
Nashara A. L. Peart
(Business Litigation)
Christopher J. Rambus
(Estate & Probate)
Noel J. Ravenscroft
(Bankruptcy: Business)
Thomas J. Rheaume Jr.
(Business Litigation)
Erica J. Sarver
(Real Estate)
Matthew A. Slipchuk
(Mergers & Acquisitions)
Alexis A. Smith-Scott
(Mergers & Acquisitions)

—Troy

Donovan S. Asmar
(Business Litigation)
Ryan M. Olson
(Business/Corporate)
Rebecca C. Seguin-Skrabucha
(Employment & Labor)
Melissa M. Tetreau
(Employment & Labor)
Kyle Traver
(Business/Corporate)

•            •           •

Dykema
announced that 26 of its attorneys from the firm’s Michigan offices - and from multiple practice areas - were named to the 2024 Super Lawyers list by Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine. Additionally, 21 of the firm’s attorneys were named to the 2024 Michigan Rising Stars list.

The local Dykema attorneys named on the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers list, identified by office and the practice area(s) for which they are being recognized, are:

—Bloomfield Hills

Laura C. Baucus
- Business Litigation; Creditor Debtor Rights
Brendan J. Cahill
- Business & Corporate; Mergers & Acquisitions; Securities & Corporate Finance
Mark D. Chutkow
- White Collar Crimes; Business Litigation
James P. Feeney
- Products Liability; Civil Litigation; Class Action & Mass Torts
Adam M. Fishkind
- Real Estate; Banking; Creditor Debtor Rights
Alan M. Greene
- Land Use & Zoning; Eminent Domain; Construction Litigation
Kyle R. Hauberg
- Real Estate
Howard B. Iwrey
- Antitrust Litigation; Franchise & Dealership
Mark G. Malven
- Technology Transactions; Mergers & Acquisitions; Business & Corporate
Bonnie Mayfield
- Employment Litigation; Products Liability; Class Action & Mass Torts
Brian M. Moore
- Business Litigation; General Litigation; Real Estate
Sheryl L. Toby
- Bankruptcy; Business & Corporate; Creditor Debtor Rights

—Detroit

Robert A. Boonin
- Employment & Labor; Employment Litigation
James R. Case
- Construction Litigation; Surety
Michael P. Cooney
- Products Liability; Business Litigation; Class Action & Mass Torts; Intellectual Property Litigation
Sherrie L. Farrell
- General Litigation; Business Litigation; Bankruptcy
Grant P. Gilezan
- Environmental; Environmental Litigation; Lobbying
James F. Hermon
- Employment Litigation; Employment & Labor
Peter M. Kellett
- Class Action & Mass Torts; Business Litigation; Products Liability
Thomas M. Schehr
- Business Litigation

The local Dykema attorneys named on the 2024 Michigan Rising Stars list, identified by office and the practice area(s) for which they are being recognized, are:

—Bloomfield Hills

John D. Black
- Products Liability; Class Action & Mass Torts
Nardeen Dalli
- Tax
Joseph Duffy
- Business Litigation; Antitrust Litigation; Appellate
Nina Gavrilovic
- Products Liability
Samuel Kilberg
- Real Estate
Scott R. Kocienski
- Tax; Business & Corporate; Estate Planning & Probate
Igli Psari
- Business & Corporate
Victoria E. Remus
- Estate Planning & Probate; Tax
Connor Walby
- Class Action & Mass Torts; Products Liability; Business Litigation
Ryan Warsh
- Real Estate
Robert Zak
- Estate Planning & Probate

—Detroit

Matthew R. Cassar
- Business Litigation; Construction Litigation; Products Liability
Mark J. Makosk
i - Business Litigation
Giuliano D. Mancini
- Real Estate
Nasseem S. Ramin
- Business Litigation
John F. Rhoades
- Business Litigation
Ryan J. VanOver
- Appellate; Business Litigation

•            •           •

Clark Hill
is pleased to announce the following local attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, with 14 individuals recognized with the “Lawyer of the Year” distinction.

Daniel J. Bretz
has been named Detroit, Michigan’s 2025 Labor Law – Management “Lawyer of the Year.”

Kevin S. Hendrick
has been named Detroit, Michigan’s 2025 Litigation – Construction and Mediation “Lawyer of the Year.”

Thomas M. Keranen
has been named Detroit, Michigan’s 2025 Construction Law “Lawyer of the Year.”

Best Lawyers in America:

—Birmingham

Dana L. Abrahams
- Corporate Law, Education Law, Real Estate Law

John B. Alfs Jr.
- Commercial Litigation

Andrew A. Ayar
- Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Corporate Law

William B. Dunn
- Real Estate Law

Thomas E.F. Fabbri
- Litigation - Trusts and Estates

Kevin A. Fanning
- Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Real Estate

John L. Gierak
- Education Law, Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management

Randi P. Glanz
- Family Law

Jennifer Green
- Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Banking and Finance

Edward C. Hammond
- Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

Douglas R. Kelly
- Commercial Litigation

Peter B. Kupelian
- Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Insurance, Litigation - Labor and Employment

Thomas MacFarlane
- Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Tax Law, Trusts and Estates

Paul S. Magy
- Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Real Estate Law

Jonathan Martone
- Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Trusts and Estates

Daniel H. Minkus
- Corporate Law

Ronald M. Stern
- Real Estate Law

Linda M. Watson
- Commercial Litigation

Anne-Marie V. Welch
- Employment Law - Management

—Detroit

Anthony A. Agosta
- Commercial Litigation, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Stephon B. Bagne
- Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law

Jay M. Berger
- Commercial Litigation, Construction Law

Jennifer A. Bielfield
- Banking and Finance Law

Daniel J. Bretz
- Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management

Jason R. Canvasser
- Commercial Litigation

Connie M. Cessante
- Employment Law - Management, Litigation - Labor and Employment

David M. Cessante
- Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management, Litigation - Labor and Employment

Paul W. Coughenour
- Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management, Litigation - Labor and Employment

Martin E. Crandall
- Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Litigation - Labor and Employment

Thomas M. Dixon
- Construction Law, Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Trusts and Estates

Daniel J. Dulworth
- Commercial Litigation

Maria Fracassa Dwyer
- Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management, Litigation - Labor and Employment

Cynthia M. Filipovich
- Appellate Practice

Jeffrey M. Gallant
- Construction Law, Litigation - Construction

Scott D. Garbo
- Construction Law, Litigation - Construction

David M. Hayes
- Construction Law, Litigation - Construction

Kevin S. Hendrick
- Arbitration, Construction Law, Litigation - Construction, Mediation

John P. Hensien
- Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

John J. Hern Jr.
- Banking and Finance Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Edward J. Hood
- Arbitration, Construction Law, Litigation - Construction

Thomas M. Keranen - Construction Law, Litigation - Construction

William A. Moore - Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management

Michael P. Nowlan - Immigration Law

Daniel J. Scully
- Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

Richard A. Sundquist
- Land Use and Zoning Law, Real Estate Law

Duane L. Tarnacki
- Corporate Law, Nonprofit/Charities Law

Christopher M. Trebilcock
- Employment Law - Management, Government Relations Practice, Litigation - Labor and Employment

Timothy D. Wittlinger
- Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Construction

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch:

—Birmingham

Lauren K. Burton - Environmental Law, Municipal Law, Natural Resources Law

Mallory A. Kallabat
- Trusts and Estates

Loukas Kalliantasis
- Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions

Nicholas Papasafakis
- Trusts and Estates

Jonathan Roffe
- Commercial Litigation

—Detroit


Robert N. Dare
- Labor and Employment Law - Management

Theodore L. Degenhardt IV
- Litigation - Construction, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants

Steven R. Pacynski
- Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions

Hannah K. Reisdorff
- Labor and Employment Law - Management

Stephanie V. Romeo
- Litigation - Labor and Employment

Vince C. Sallan
- Labor and Employment Law - Management, Litigation - Labor and Employment

Brian D. Shekell
- Labor and Employment Law - Management, Litigation - Labor and Employment

•            •           •

Kitch Attorneys & Counselors
congratulates its attorneys who have been nominated and evaluated by their peers, and selected for recognition by Super Lawyers. Below are our honorees:

—Super Lawyers


Jenna Wright Greenman
- Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Defense

Carina Kraatz
- Intellectual Property Litigation

John M. Sier
- Construction Litigation

Richard Suhrheinrich
- Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Defense

Mark A. Wisniewski
- Personal Injury-Products: Defense

—Rising Stars


Arooj Anjum
- Civil Litigation: Defense

Brian Boehne
- Personal Injury General: Defense

Katharine Gostek
- Appellate

Farah Israel
- Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Defense

Ahndia Mansoori
- Immigration: Business

Laura Sherbrook
- Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Defense

In addition, Kitch congratulates its attorneys who were recognized by their peers for their hard work and leadership. The Kitch 2025 honorees are:

Gregory G. Drutchas
- Health Care Law

Meghan Kennedy Riordan
- Immigration Law

Jenna Wright Greenman
- Medical Malpractice Law: Defendants

John M. Sier
- Construction Law and Litigation - Construction

Craig S. Thompson
- Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, and Litigation - Construction

Ralph F. Valitutti
- Medical Malpractice Law: Defendants

Michael Vecchioni
- Tax Law

Ronald E. Wagner
- Product Liability Litigation: Defendants

Mark A. Wisniewski
- Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions - Defendants

•            •           •

Brooks Kushman
attorneys Isheeta Patel Laxmanan, Abha Fadipe, and Muhammad Siwani have been named to serve on the board of the South Asian Bar Association (SABA) of Michigan. Isheeta Patel Laxmanan was appointed as president, Abha Fadipe as secretary, and Muhammad Siwani as Communications/Social Media director.

The SABA Michigan Chapter organizes business and professional networking opportunities to promote the advancement and development of South Asian attorneys. The organization supports, guides, and mentors South Asian law students as well as providing referral services and supporting the provision of legal services to the South Asian community.

Laxmanan is a registered patent attorney who has experience working with a range of clients that vary in size, from Fortune 100 companies to small start-ups. She focuses her practice on preparing and prosecuting domestic patent applications in the chemical engineering and materials arts. She also advises her clients on various IP-related strategies, such as whether they have freedom to operate and by assessing the validity of patents. She provides insight to clients regarding business-critical decisions and has experience supporting IP negotiations, settlements, and litigation.

Fadipe focuses her practice on domestic and foreign patent preparation and patent prosecution in electrical and computer technologies. She is experienced in a variety of technology areas including thermal systems, 5G-antenna systems, electric drive systems, electric power systems, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Fadipe has experience in consulting with international counsel, especially in Japan, China, Germany, and across Europe, on how to respond to actions by foreign patent offices to provide a comprehensive international portfolio. Prior to entering the legal profession, Fadipe was a product engineer for more than three years at a tier-1 automotive supplier. Fadipe earned a law degree, as well as a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering, all from Wayne State University (WSU).

Siwani focuses his practice on patent prosecution and covers a wide range of technologies from advanced material compositions to automotive innovations. Siwani  as a registered patent agent is experienced in conducting patent searches, drafting patent applications, writing responses to first through final office actions, and drafting patentability memos for clients. Siwani earned a law degree Wayne State University Law School. He also holds an MBA from the Mike Ilitch School of Business and received a Bachelor of Engineering in Materials Science from the University of Michigan. Prior to working at Brooks Kushman, Siwani gained working experience in the legal department of a multinational Tier 1 automotive supplier in metro Detroit and also worked in the field as an engineer. During this time, he gained experience verifying and validating perception software that gives a vehicle a view of surrounding objects through sensor data fusion. He also spent time as a project manager where he conducted a range of automotive testing for both component and vehicle levels.

•            •           •

Maddin Hauser
is thrilled to announce the addition of four new attorneys, David B. Deutsch, Steven H. Malach, Michael Curhan, and Carly R. Kolo, as well as paralegals Debra L. Alster and Megan E. Fisher.

Deutsch and Malach join as shareholders. They will be instrumental in enhancing the firm’s capabilities in estate planning, probate and trust administration, probate litigation, corporate, mergers and acquisitions, and tax. Deutsch specializes in business and tax law matters, including estate and business succession planning, mergers and acquisitions, and real estate transactions. Malach oversees the Center for Estate Planning and has a remarkable breadth of experience handling probate litigation, complex trusts, wills, and estate plans.

Curhan joins the firm as Of Counsel. A veteran litigator, his experience comprises employment litigation, business divorce, and commercial litigation matters.  Kolo, an associate, has distinguished herself in estate planning, probate, and trust administration.

•            •           •

Seventy-six Butzel attorneys have been chosen by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025. Seventeen firm attorneys have been named to Best Lawyers in America® 2025 Ones to Watch. In addition, seven attorneys have been named “Lawyer of the Year.”

The following local Butzel attorneys have been named “Lawyer of the Year” – Jennifer E. Consiglio (Business Organizations – including LLCs and Partnerships) – Troy; George B. Donnini (Criminal Defense: White-Collar) – Troy; W. Patrick Dreisig (Corporate Governance Law) – Troy; Justin G. Klimko (Securities/ Capital Markets Law) – Detroit; Bushra A. Malik (Immigration Law) – Troy; and Reginald A. Pacis (Immigration Law) – Detroit.

The following local Butzel attorneys have been named to Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch: Steven Eatherly (Commercial Litigation) – Detroit;
Jonathan L. Kirkland
(Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions) – Troy; Joseph Kuzmiak (Commercial Litigation) – Detroit; Nicholas Nahat (Litigation – Labor and Employment) – Troy; Sarah Nirenberg (Labor and Employment -Management and Litigation – Labor and Employment – Troy; Shanika A. Owens (Corporate Law and Real Estate Law) Detroit; Blake Padgett (Labor and Employment Law – Management and Litigation – Labor and Employment) – Troy; James J. Pierce (Commercial Litigation) – Detroit; Quendale G. Simmons (Commercial Litigation) – Detroit; Ivonne M. Soler (Family Law) – Detroit; Blaine A. Veldhuis (Commercial Litigation and Labor and Employment Law – Management – Troy; and Barrett Young (Appellate Practice and Commercial Litigation) – Detroit.

The following local Butzel attorneys were selected for the 2025 edition:

—Detroit office


Geaneen Arends,
Real Estate Law

Frederick Berg,
Commercial Litigation, Construction Litigation, Real Estate Law

James C. Bruno,
Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Corporate Law, International Mergers and Acquisitions, International Trade and Finance Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Rebecca S. Davies,
Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment

Arthur Dudley II,
Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Darius Dynkowski,
Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Real Estate Law

Eric J. Flessland,
Construction Law, Litigation – Construction

Bernard J. Fuhs,
Commercial Litigation

Cynthia J. Haffey,
Commercial Litigation

John P. Hancock Jr.,
Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management , Litigation – Labor and Employment

Justin G. Klimko,
Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Corporate Compliance Law, Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Securities/Capital Markets Law, Securities Regulation

Phillip C. Korovesis,
Commercial Litigation, Mediation

Mark R. Lezotte,
Health Care Law, Tax Law

Clara DeMatteis Mager,
Immigration Law

Paul Mersino,
Commercial Litigation

Brett Miller,
Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management  

Donald B. Miller,
Commercial Litigation , Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment, Mass Tort Litigation/ Class Actions - Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Reginald A. Pacis,
Immigration Law

James S. Rosenfeld,
Employment Law – Management , Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment

Daniel R.W. Rustmann,
Commercial Litigation, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Bruce L. Sendek,
Commercial Litigation

Nicholas J. Stasevich,
Corporate Law, International Trade and Finance Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

John C. Valenti,
Commercial Litigation, Mass Tort Litigation/ Class Actions – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Kurtis T. Wilder,
Appellate Practice, Arbitration, Commercial Litigation, Employment Law – Management, Mediation, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

—Troy office


Linda J. Armstrong,
Immigration Law

D. Scott Brinkmann,
Real Estate Law

Barbara E. Buchanan,
Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment

Jennifer E. Consiglio,
Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Michael C. Decker,
Litigation – Construction

David J. Devine,
Commercial Litigation

Carey A. DeWitt,
Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment , Trade Secrets Law

George B. Donnini,
Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense: White-Collar

W. Patrick Dreisig,
Banking and Finance Law, Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law, Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Damien DuMouchel,
Criminal Defense: White-Collar

David F. DuMouchel,
Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law, Health Care Law

Geoffrey S. Gallinger,
Corporate Law, Real Estate Law

Debra A. Geroux,
Commercial Litigation, Electronic Discovery and Information Management Law, Health Care Law, Litigation – Health Care

Amy L. Glenn,
Trusts and Estates

Beth S. Gotthelf,
Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental

David W. Hipp,
Real Estate Law

Robert A. Hudson,
Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law

Laura Johnson,
Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law

Susan L. Johnson,
Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental

Thomas A. Kabel,
Real Estate Law

Sheldon H. Klein,
Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Antitrust

William J. Kliffel,
Commercial Litigation, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

Bushra A. Malik,
Immigration Law

Daniel J. McCarthy,
Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Mediation

Max J. Newman,
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/ Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Commercial Litigation

Scott T. Patterson,
Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment  

Robert P. Perry,
Trusts and Estates

Steven R. Pohl,
Corporate Law

R. Peter Prokop,
Corporate Law, Tax Law

Thomas B. Radom,
Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/ Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Commercial Litigation

Richard E. Rassel,
Commercial Litigation

Joseph Richotte,
Appellate Practice

Craig S. Schwartz
, Employment Law – Management,  Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment  

Robert H. Schwartz,
Health Care Law, Litigation – Health Care

David W. Sommerfeld,
Litigation – Trusts and Estates, Trusts and Estates

Daniel B. Tukel,
Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment

Roxana Zaha,
Real Estate Law