• Understanding the legal implications and risks when recycling or reusing batteries for manufacturers, brokers, transporters, and other stakeholders
• What legal protections are available (UCC, Contracts, Insurance, other?)
• Compare the legal protections for brokers, resellers, repurposed, transporters and other stakeholders
• The efficacy of disclaimers, warranties
Gotthelf is director of Butzel’s Innovation and External Relations and co-chair of the Energy and Sustainability Practice. She provides a holistic approach to client challenges, leveraging her expertise to align legal strategies with client goals, often acting as outside general counsel or crafting innovative solutions.
Gotthelf also chairs the Michigan Manufacturers Association Environmental Policy Committee and is a sought-after speaker on topics like battery recycling regulations, blending business insight, legal expertise, and diverse professional experiences to deliver impactful results.
AbdulNour is a member of Butzel’s IP and Automotive groups. He advises suppliers on automotive compliance and regulatory matters, addressing warranty and product quality disputes, testing non-conformances, and implementing strategies to mitigate risk while aligning with industry standards.
Before transitioning to law, AbdulNour built a foundation in mechanical engineering, holding roles at Wayne State’s Optical Engine Lab, American Axle, Ford Motor Company, and Hanon Systems. At Ford, he worked as a test engineer, conducting hands-on battery cell and pack testing to support product development.
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Prior to joining WWRP in 2022, Pesick led his own firm, Steinhardt, Pesick, and Cohen, for 20 years. He now sits on WWRP’s board of directors. Pesick’s entire legal career has focused on commercial real estate, with specialties in eminent domain and condemnation law, property tax appeals and land use.
Considered the “Dean of Eminent Domain,” Pesick’s milestone achievement is serving as lead counsel on what remains the largest eminent domain verdict in Michigan history—rendering $25 million in a case that involved a 6.3-acre parcel on the Detroit River. Not resting on his laurels, he continues to be in the lead on major eminent domain cases, most recently by successfully representing clients in high profile eminent domain and condemnation projects including the Gordie Howe International Bridge and I-94, as well as numerous clients impacted by the addition of traffic circles (roundabouts) in high traffic business corridors in Oakland County.
Pesick’s other eminent domain cases have included representing property owners in the following projects: Comerica Park and Ford Field, Poletown, Detroit Waterfront Casino and Reclamation Project, I-696, M-59 (Hall Road), M-5 (Haggerty Connector), Northwestern Connector, Van Dyke Highway, Detroit Metropolitan Airport Expansion, Wayne State University Welcome Center, Wayne County Pinnacle Aeropark, Ypsilanti Water Street Redevelopment, and Orchard Lake Road widening.
Pesick also has a track record of success representing clients in major business property tax appeal cases including commercial, office, industrial, agricultural, mixed-use and vacant land.
Committed to advancement of the legal profession and commercial real estate, Pesick has held a variety of leadership roles in the State Bar of Michigan Real Property Law Section, including chair of the section from 2009-2010. He also served as chair of the section’s Eminent Domain Committee for seven consecutive years. In 2022, Pesick was the 13th recipient of the section’s C. Robert Wartel Distinguished Service award. A frequent public speaker, he enjoys presenting to the legal profession and at commercial real estate events on legal trends in the industry.
In 2024, Pesick was admitted to the American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL), the association of commercial real estate lawyers in the United States focused on service to clients, colleagues, and the profession. Other legal honors include multiple consecutive years (to present) as a Michigan Super Lawyer and Best Lawyer, including repeat recognition as the Best Lawyers in America – Eminent Domain and Condemnation Regional “Lawyer of the Year”; DBusiness Top Lawyer; and being named to the Michigan Lawyers Weekly Leaders in the Law class of 2019.
Active in the community, Pesick’s civic activities include serving on the Executive Committee as vice president of Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills, and as a past board member of the National Bone Marrow Transplant Link and the Karmanos Cancer Institute.
Pesick earned his law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan.
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The
Klug, an intellectual property attorney, represents clients spanning industries such as cannabis, automotive, and real estate.
Wilson’s practice focuses on trademarks and copyrights for diverse clients, including fashion brands, craft breweries, and medical device companies.
In addition to these individual recognitions, the firm is honored to be awarded a Silver designation in this year’s WTR 1000 rankings. This places Dobrusin among the top four firms in Michigan for trademark services.
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Zawideh primarily represents interested persons in high net worth trust and estate disputes. For more than 34-years He has successfully resolved complex litigation and business matters on behalf of individuals, businesses and municipalities. Zawideh has appeared in Michigan’s trial and appellate courts, including the Michigan Supreme Court, as well as before federal courts, state courts and arbitration panels across the United States. He has appeared in state and federal, trial or appellate courts in Michigan, Ohio, California, Illinois, Louisiana, and Washington, D.C., and has successfully argued before the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.
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Over the past two decades Scharf has enforced federal civil rights laws at K-12 and postsecondary educational institutions throughout Ohio and Michigan. He has conducted investigations and negotiated resolution agreements to ensure compliance with state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and age.
Scharf brings experience in alternative dispute resolution and co-chaired a group responsible for training all employees within a federal agency on mediation best practices. Scharf also has experience delivering presentations to education stakeholders on compliance with federal civil rights laws, having presented to groups including administrative teams, teaching professionals, athletic directors, and parent groups.
Scharf earned his law degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law and a B.A. from Lafayette College.
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Kokoszka brings experience in commercial real estate and corporate law, including sales, leasing, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions and licensing. He is experienced in handling complex business transactions for a diverse range of clients, from individual investors to large corporations.
Kokoszka has been included in Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch since 2021 and was named a Rising Star in Michigan Super Lawyers in 2024.
Kokoszka earned his law degree from Wayne State University Law School and his undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University.
• • •
Rockoff joins the firm as a senior attorney and focuses her practice on real estate and mortgage litigation, securitization transactions, title claims, construction disputes, and financial services matters. She has represented financial institutions, investors, and individuals in both litigation and negotiation settings. Recognized as a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch and Super Lawyers Rising Star, Rockoff was also named a Michigan Mortgage Lenders Association “Rising Star.” She is admitted to practice in Michigan, New York, and the District of Columbia and is an active member of the Oakland County Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan LGBTQA Law Section, and the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. She serves on the board of the Ruth Ellis Center and as membership chair of George Washington Law School’s Lambda Law Alumni Association.
Wright joins Miller Canfield as an associate. She concentrates her practice on complex litigation, real estate and mortgage disputes, business and contractual matters, and financial services litigation. She has represented hospitals, surgical centers and rehabilitation clinics in insurance litigation. Wright earned her law degree from Michigan State University College of Law.
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As leader of the firm’s real estate practice group, Schairbaum counsels clients on acquisitions, dispositions, leasing, zoning, and land use in projects involving multi-family, retail, education, and manufacturing properties. He also negotiates complex design and construction contracts and helps borrowers secure financing from banks and other lenders.
Schairbaum earned a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and a B.A. from Hope College.
Dykema is also proud to share that
The Michigan Chapter of the Women’s White Collar Defense Association was formed in 2016. The group focuses on connecting women in Michigan who engage in government enforcement or white collar criminal defense work as private practitioners or consultants.
As a former federal prosecutor, Beidel is an advocate who uses the insights, investigative experience, and courtroom acumen she gained in that role to guide and protect organizations and individuals in internal investigations, corporate compliance matters, and white-collar criminal defense cases. In civil and criminal matters involving a broad range of regulatory regimes, she protects the interests of a diverse cross-section of clients in heavily regulated industries, including healthcare, life sciences, food and agriculture, cannabis, and financial services.
During her years as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Southern District of New York, Beidel was a member of the Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. She led investigations and prosecutions in various areas, including tax fraud, healthcare fraud, cybercrime, bank and wire fraud, securities fraud, consumer fraud, bribery, and money laundering. She also worked closely with numerous government agencies, including the FBI, SEC, IRS, DEA, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Labor, Secret Service, Postal Inspection Service, and New York State Department of Financial Services.
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Sriro represents companies in technology transactions and data privacy and data security matters. He has experience counseling clients on a range of privacy, cybersecurity, and information management issues in the context of vendor/vendee agreements, data and data security issues related to mergers and acquisitions, compliance, business strategy, technology transactions, litigation, incident response preparation, insurance, data breach/incident, and regulatory compliance issues.
Sriro is a Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) with the International Association of Privacy Professionals.
In addition, Taft Detroit Technology and Artificial Intelligence Chair and Partner
Bisdorf provides strategic legal and business advice to clients to maximize the value of their patents, trademarks, copyrights, and other proprietary information. He serves as general counsel and advisor to a variety of privately-held businesses in different industry segments where technology and know-how are key business assets. In his practice, Bisdorf counsels clients on contracts, national and international intellectual property protection, business negotiations, licensing matters, business formation issues, corporate governance, ownership transfers, and tax planning strategies.
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A former law clerk to Michigan Supreme Court Justice Patricia J. Boyle, Massaron has handled or supervised the handling of more than 400 appeals, resulting in approximately 150 published opinions, including more than 100 appeals in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Massaron has won numerous victories before the Michigan Supreme Court for public- and private-sector clients, overturning multi-million-dollar judgments and establishing new legal principles.
In addition to this honor, MiLW selected Massaron as a Leader in the Law in 2009 and she has twice received Western Michigan Cooley Law Review Award Distinguished Brief Award for the best briefs filed in the Michigan Supreme Court. She has also been recognized by Best Lawyers in America for Appellate Law and has been repeatedly acknowledged as one of Michigan’s top 100 lawyers, top 50 business lawyers, top 25 women business lawyers, top 50 female lawyers, and top appellate law practitioners by Michigan Super Lawyers. She was recognized as the Best Lawyers 2017 and 2021 Appellate Practice “Lawyer of the Year” in Bloomfield Hills, and DBusiness Magazine named her top appellate lawyer for the past five years.
In addition, Plunkett Cooney associate attorney
A member of Plunkett Cooney’s Bloomfield Hills office, Alfaro practices in Plunkett Cooney’s Transportation Law Practice Group and focuses his practice primarily in the areas of motor vehicle negligence and no-fault law. He routinely defends insured motorists, rental car companies and corporations in no-fault coverage disputes and negligence suits.
As leader of the firm’s Immigration Law Practice Group, Alfaro maintains a multi-faceted immigration law practice through which he assists individuals and families with family-based petitions and Visa processing, including permanent residency and removal of residency conditions. He also handles naturalization and other types of applications.
Alfaro currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Hispanic Bar Association of Michigan. He is a member of the Oakland County and Detroit bar associations and the Immigration Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, where he served as treasurer.
In addition to the MiLW honor, Alfaro has been designated by Best Lawyers as one of their Ones to Watch in immigration and transportation law since 2023. He received his law degree from Cooley Law School in 2020 and his undergraduate degree from Baker College in 2004.
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The program fosters professional growth by allowing participants to practice their legal skills in a supportive environment while building connections with established leaders in the industry. Special thanks go to
Conway’s practice focuses on trademark and copyright clearance, prosecution, and enforcement. She works with clients in a variety of industries, including technology, entertainment, consumer products, sports, and hospitality. She regularly performs trademark clearance searches and prepares trademark applications, drafting identifications of goods and services and responding to office actions. She also prepares cease and desist letters and files opposition proceedings for enforcement of existing trademark rights. Conway is also a team member of the firm’s due diligence practice and focuses on preparing trademark-related agreements, such as licensing agreements, confidentiality, non-disclosure, and settlement agreements.
Cusumano is a registered patent attorney with expertise in intellectual property law, including patent and trademark enforcement, preparation, and prosecution. Her practice spans diverse technology sectors such as industrial chemicals, materials science, and automotive systems. She earned her law degree from Wayne State University Law School and a degree in Chemistry from the University of Michigan.
Kassem is a dedicated trademark and copyright attorney who focuses on trademark and copyright clearance, prosecution, and enforcement for clients in industries such as technology,
entertainment, consumer
products, sports, and hospitality. She handles trademark clearance
searches, applications, office actions, cease and desist letters, and
opposition proceedings to protect clients’ intellectual property. Kassem
earned a dual J.D. and MBA from Michigan State University and a BBA in
Finance from the University of Michigan Dearborn.
Spain focuses her practice on patent prosecution support in the life sciences practices. Her technical expertise includes molecular biology, genetics, human physiology, biochemistry, biotechnology, physics, and biology. Prior to joining the firm, Spain was a research associate at Wayne State University School of Medicine Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics where she was working to understand the molecular mechanisms of retinal degeneration and regeneration. Spain earned a law degree from the University of Richmond School of Law and her Ph.D. in Biological and Biomedical Sciences from Oakland University.
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Goodman Acker
“This new location marks an important new chapter in the continued growth of the firm,” said Goodman. “Since establishing our firm in 1993, we’ve supported clients through their toughest moments and delivered case wins that have changed lives. We are eager to continue that work in a new, expanded office that will provide an enhanced space for clients and our team.”
The move represents the firm’s “evolution as a reflection of its success, built on a legacy of dedicated legal advocacy, community involvement, and commitment to achieving justice for clients across Michigan,” Goodman indicated. The modernized space allows its staff of 30 to reinforce a culture of teamwork and mentorship that has long been a hallmark of Goodman Acker.
“We have a proven track record that continues to drive our achievements,” said attorney Amanda Warner, a partner at the firm. “With our 99 percent win rate, clients want to work with us. As such, we are planning to increase hiring as we look to grow by at least 10 percent over the next 12 months, focused on bringing on more attorneys and staff.”
As a multi-generational law firm, Goodman Acker continues to uphold the vision, leadership and values that have defined its impact for more than three decades.
“It is truly meaningful to be part of this next chapter of the Goodman Acker law firm,” said Jordan Acker, a partner at the firm. “While many of the tactics and technology used to practice law today have evolved, the importance of delivering positive results for our clients has been a constant. My father and Barry built this law firm on a foundation of integrity, dedication, and a deep commitment to our clients. As we continue to grow, we remain devoted to serving the community, fighting for justice and ensuring Goodman Acker thrives for generations to come.”
Spain focuses her practice on patent prosecution support in the life sciences practices. Her technical expertise includes molecular biology, genetics, human physiology, biochemistry, biotechnology, physics, and biology. Prior to joining the firm, Spain was a research associate at Wayne State University School of Medicine Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics where she was working to understand the molecular mechanisms of retinal degeneration and regeneration. Spain earned a law degree from the University of Richmond School of Law and her Ph.D. in Biological and Biomedical Sciences from Oakland University.
• • •
“This new location marks an important new chapter in the continued growth of the firm,” said Goodman. “Since establishing our firm in 1993, we’ve supported clients through their toughest moments and delivered case wins that have changed lives. We are eager to continue that work in a new, expanded office that will provide an enhanced space for clients and our team.”
The move represents the firm’s “evolution as a reflection of its success, built on a legacy of dedicated legal advocacy, community involvement, and commitment to achieving justice for clients across Michigan,” Goodman indicated. The modernized space allows its staff of 30 to reinforce a culture of teamwork and mentorship that has long been a hallmark of Goodman Acker.
“We have a proven track record that continues to drive our achievements,” said attorney Amanda Warner, a partner at the firm. “With our 99 percent win rate, clients want to work with us. As such, we are planning to increase hiring as we look to grow by at least 10 percent over the next 12 months, focused on bringing on more attorneys and staff.”
As a multi-generational law firm, Goodman Acker continues to uphold the vision, leadership and values that have defined its impact for more than three decades.
“It is truly meaningful to be part of this next chapter of the Goodman Acker law firm,” said Jordan Acker, a partner at the firm. “While many of the tactics and technology used to practice law today have evolved, the importance of delivering positive results for our clients has been a constant. My father and Barry built this law firm on a foundation of integrity, dedication, and a deep commitment to our clients. As we continue to grow, we remain devoted to serving the community, fighting for justice and ensuring Goodman Acker thrives for generations to come.”
