Legal People

Giarmarco, Mullins, & Horton, P.C.
Andrew Baran, chairman of the Labor and Employment Section of Giarmarco, Mullins, & Horton P.C., was the presenting attorney at the American Society of Employer’s Employment Law Workshop. This full day workshop addressed a diverse group of topics in the area of employee relations. Attorney-led panels and specialized breakouts reviewed a number of everyday laws and regulations that impact the employer/employee relationship. Baran presented Accommodations Galore-from Disability, Pregnancy, USERRA, Religion and More and during the luncheon featured “Ask the Lawyers,” a panel presentation on employee relations topics.

Baran concentrates his practice in matters relating to employment and commercial disputes, including cases involving breach of contract, discrimination, harassment, wrongful discharge, and agreements restricting competition. He has experience as a counselor and advisor to employers across the Midwest. He has litigation experience in both federal and state courts and, regularly handles cases before federal and state agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and the National Labor Regulations Board. He also frequently represents employers in connection with issues relating to labor unions, including elections, contract negotiation and arbitration.

Baran is a graduate of Harvard University.

Baran has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013. He was also recognized as “Top Lawyer in Labor & Employment Law” by D-Business and Super Lawyer 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Additionally, Elizabeth A. Favaro, member of the Litigation Section of the firm, has been appointed for the second time to the State Bar of Michigan Law and the Media Committee. Favaro, an associate in the Business Litigation Group, has specialized knowledge regarding the media and First Amendment Rights, having spent four years as an Emmy award-winning television reporter prior to attending law school. The Law and the Media Committee gives her the opportunity to work with other lawyers and members of the media to enable the media to more accurately and effectively report legal issues.

She has tried a variety of cases, has experience in complex and class action litigation, and has worked on a number of significant appeals. Michigan Super Lawyers has recognized Favaro as a Rising Star for the years 2009 through 2012.

Geoffrey Wagner  of Giarmarco Mullins  has been selected to participate in the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Leadership Detroit program, a 10-month transformational leadership program designed to challenge emerging and existing community leaders from Southeast Michigan to bring about positive change.

As part of Leadership Detroit’s Class XXXIV, Wagner will join 69 executives from across the region, representing a cross-section of the community, including business, organized labor, government, education, media, civic groups, health services and community organizations.

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Collins, Einhorn, Farrell & Ulanoff PC

Southfield-based Collins, Einhorn, Farrell, & Ulanoff announced Super Lawyers Magazine named 12 attorneys from the firm to its 2012 Michigan Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Of the nine, Noreen L. Slank was selected among the Top 100 attorneys in 2012 Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine. Deborah A. Hebert and Theresa M. Asoklis joined Slank on the list of Top 50 Women Attorneys in 2012 Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine. Other Michigan Super Lawyers selections from the firm include: Michael J. Sullivan, Brian D. Einhorn, Janice G. Hildenbrand, Clayton F. Farrell, Timothy F. Casey, and David C. Anderson.

Geoffrey M. Brown, Trent Collier and Melissa E. Graves represent Collins Einhorn on the list as “Rising Stars.”

Slank has been selected among the Michigan Super Lawyers in each of the publication’s seven years rating attorneys in the state and returns to the Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers for the third consecutive year. The Wayne State University Law School alumna also was honored among the Top 50 Women for the fifth year in a row. She has practiced in the state and federal appellate courts since 1980 with an emphasis on the defense of medical and legal malpractice actions, insurance coverage disputes, and the defense of catastrophic personal injury cases.
Like Slank, Sullivan and Hebert earned their seventh Michigan Super Lawyer selections. Sullivan has more than 25 years of litigation experience. In the professional liability arena, University of Detroit School of Law alum has defended attorneys, physicians, accountants, architects, engineers, real estate appraisers, real estate brokers and title agents in defense of significant claims involving personal injury, property damage and business loss.

Hebert also is a four-time honoree among the Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers. Hebert’s specialties are appellate litigation and insurance coverage. She has served for nearly 30 years as lead counsel in hundreds of appeals at both the state and federal levels. A considerable portion of her practice today is devoted to preparing coverage opinions and drafting dispositive motions and appeal briefs in declaratory judgment actions.

Asoklis, a five-time Michigan Super Lawyers selection who also was listed among the Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers for the last three years, has focused her practice on the defense of professional liability claims, and attorney and judicial disciplinary proceedings for more than 20 years. The Wayne State University Law School alumna also maintains an active general liability defense practice, including claims arising out of auto and trucking accidents, and complex premises liability matters. The Wayne State University Law School alum has litigated numerous court cases and disciplinary proceedings that have shaped Michigan law with issues ranging from lawyers’ potential liability to clients for defamation, to judicial candidates’ free speech rights.

Hildenbrand is a six-time Michigan Super Lawyers selection. For more than 25 years, the University of Georgia School of Law alumna has represented employers and other defendants in employment, professional liability and general liability actions. Her employment defense practice encompasses both private and public sector employee claims (including claims arising from municipal and school employment) in state and federal court.

Farrell, who was named Michigan Super Lawyers for the fourth consecutive year, concentrates his practice on multi-party, complex litigation, including litigation in the areas of environmental torts, product liability, toxic torts and emerging claims. The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law alum’s trial experience spans more than three decades and includes approximately 100 cases to verdict.

Casey also is a four-time Michigan Super Lawyers honoree. The St. Louis University School of Law alum has nearly three decades of experience in insurance coverage and indemnity contract matters, including preparing opinions, declaratory judgment actions and other litigation, appeals and alternative dispute resolution. His practice includes a range of general liability, construction, environmental, asbestos, toxic torts, automobile, homeowners, professional liability, umbrella/excess and other specialty coverage matters.

Anderson, who earned his third Michigan Super Lawyers selection, focuses his practice on the defense of professional liability claims. For more than a decade, he has successfully defended lawyers, accountants and a variety of insurance and real estate professionals. The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law alum also maintains an active general liability defense practice, including claims arising out of product liability matters, automobile liability, as well as complex premises liability matters.

Brown receives distinction from Michigan Super Lawyers-Rising Stars Edition 2012 for the fifth consecutive year. His work is focused primarily on the defense of medical and legal malpractice cases at the appellate level. The University of Michigan Law School alum also handles a variety of professional, commercial, and general liability appeals.

Collier, a first-time selection among the “Rising Stars,” focuses his practice on the defense of legal and other professional malpractice claims at the appellate level and at summary judgment. Additionally, the University of Michigan Law School alum represents clients in defending insurance, commercial, and general liability claims at both the appellate and trial level.

Graves was named among the “Rising Stars” for the second time in three years. She concentrates her practice on the defense of professional liability claims and has represented both attorneys and health care professionals. The Wayne State University Law School alumna also is involved in the defense of general liability matters.

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Butzel Long
Butzel Long shareholders were recently selected by their peers as 2013 Best Lawyers® in America “Lawyers of the Year” in the fields of real estate law, international trade and finance law and litigation - construction. The local attorneys include:

• James C. Bruno has been named the Best Lawyers’ 2013 Detroit International Trade and Finance Law “Lawyer of the Year.”

• Reginald A. Pacis has been named the Best Lawyers’ 2013 Detroit Immigration Law “Lawyer of the Year.”

Forty-nine Butzel Long attorneys have been chosen by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2013 edition.
Bruno is a shareholder practicing in Butzel Long’s Detroit office and has served on the firm’s Board of Directors.

Bruno’s primary practice includes corporations and limited liability companies; sales, secured transactions, and other matters under the Uniform Commercial Code; sales representatives and distributorships; automotive and other industry supplier relations; international business law and foreign employment; closely held business; mergers and acquisitions; and joint ventures. This includes counseling, negotiations, drafting, and
dispute resolution. Bruno has been active in the firm’s foreign practice, including oversight of the firm’s Mexican alliance office.

Bruno is a graduate of Georgetown University, The University of Michigan Law School, and The University of Michigan Graduate School of Business.

Pacis is a shareholder practicing in Butzel Long’s Detroit office. He concentrates his practice in immigration law and has handled a variety of immigration matters including H-1B specialty occupation cases, L-1 Intracompany transfers, Labor Certification matters, Immigrant Visa Petitions/ Adjustment of Status applications and interviews, TN Free trade cases, H-1B Department of Labor Investigations, I-9 employer verification compliance, and U.S. Port of Entry airport and land port interviews.

Pacis received his law degree from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University in 1996 and his B.A. from James Madison College at Michigan State University in 1992. He joined the State Bar of Michigan in 1997.

In addition, Butzel Long attorney Bernard J. Fuhs has been named to Crain’s Detroit Business’ 2012 Class of “40 Under 40.”

Just 31 years old, Fuhs, a Novi resident, was highlighted by Crain’s Detroit Business as an expert on non-compete and trade secret law, having successfully litigated and counseled clients in all 50 states. Crain’s Detroit Business also focused on Fuhs’ work as a television color analyst for outlets including the Michigan High School Athletics Association Network and ESPN. Fuhs is a former basketball player for the University of Detroit Mercy, 1999-2003.

“I am truly honored and humbled to be included in Crain’s Detroit Business’ 2012 Class of ‘40 Under 40,’” said Fuhs.

Based in Butzel Long’s Detroit office, Fuhs concentrates his practice in the areas of business and commercial litigation. He has experience in non-compete, non-disclosure, and trade secret disputes, business and financial services industry disputes, franchise and dealerships, transportation and logistics industry disputes, construction, real estate, securities, and sales representative matters. He also advises start-up and closely held businesses, as well as sports and fitness industry members.

Fuhs is a frequent speaker on non-compete and trade secret issues and has authored and contributed to numerous publications (both national and local) regarding the same.

He is a member of Butzel Long’s Associate Committee, Diversity & Retention Committee, and Recruiting Committee.

Fuhs was selected as a 2012 Business Litigation Top Lawyer by DBusiness Magazine. He also was named to the 2011 & 2012 Michigan Super Lawyers’ Rising Star List.

Fuhs is a graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law (2006) and the University of Detroit Mercy (B.S., 2003). He interned for Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Maura Corrigan.

Fuhs is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, American Bar Association - Employment Rights and Responsibilities Section Member and Non-Compete/Trade Secret Subcommittee Member; Leadership Oakland; Board of Directors of the University of Detroit-Mercy Titan Club; Dick Vitale Court Fundraising Committee (University of Detroit-Mercy); Detroit Athletic Club - North American Conference of Athletic Directors (NACAD) National Basketball Championships Committee; and, Big Head Corps (affiliated with The Parade Company).

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Ackerman Ackerman & Dynkowski P.C.
The Owners’ Counsel of America is pleased to announce that eminent domain attorney, Alan T. Ackerman took part in the Ninth Annual Brigham-Kanner Property Rights Conference, in Williamsburg, Virginia, Oct. 11-12. Ackerman participated in a panel focusing upon how the judiciary shapes the law by the manner in which it defines takings and issues relating to the power of eminent domain. His article “Incorporation of the Right to Just Compensation: The Fourteenth Amendment vs. The Takings Clause” will be published in the inaugural volume of the Conference Journal.

Ackerman is managing partner of Ackerman, Ackerman, & Dynkowski P.C., an eminent domain and property rights law firm with offices in Bloomfield Hills and Washington, D.C. Ackerman received both his Bachelor of Arts degree and his Master’s degree from Michigan State University and his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School.

He is the past chair of the Michigan Real Property Section, Condemnation Law Committee and the American Bar Association Real Property Section, Condemnation Committee.

Ackerman defended against the use of eminent domain for economic development representing one of the property owners in Wayne County v. Hathcock (2004) in which the Michigan Supreme Court reversed the infamous Poletown decision.

He has served as an adjunct professor teaching eminent domain law at the University of Detroit Law School since 1983, and now holds the position of adjunct professor at Michigan State University College of Law.

Ackerman writes and lectures on eminent domain law and property rights. His written work has appeared in such publications as The ABA Journal, National Petroleum News, Marine Business Journal, Michigan State University Law Review, University of Detroit Mercy Law Review, American Society of Appraisers Journal, and the University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform. Additionally, Ackerman authors the National Eminent Domain Blog, http://www.nationaleminentdomain.com, and the Federal Eminent Domain Blog, http://www.federaleminentdomain.com.
In 2011, Ackerman travelled to Beijing, China as a panelist in the 8th Annual, and first international, Brigham-Kanner Property Rights Conference.

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Secrest Wardle
Secrest Wardle is pleased to announce that the following attorneys in its Municipal Law Department will be listed in the 2013 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. In addition, Secrest Wardle’s Municipal Department received a “Metropolitan First-Tier Ranking” in the areas of Family Law, Litigation-Land Use and Zoning, Litigation-Municipal, and Municipal Law.

William P. Hampton, a former state legislator and Oakland County Circuit Court judge, was recognized in the areas of Commercial Litigation, Family Law, Litigation-Land Use & Zoning, Litigation-Municipal, Litigation-Real Estate, Municipal Law, and Real Estate Law. He is attorney for
the Cities of Bloomfield Hills and Auburn Hills, and attorney for the Townships of Bloomfield, and West Bloomfield.

Derk W. Beckerleg was recognized in the areas of Litigation-Municipal and Municipal Law. He is the assistant city attorney for the City of Auburn Hills and the City of Bloomfield Hills and is assistant township attorney for West Bloomfield Township. He also represents the following municipalities with respect to their Michigan Tax Tribunal matters: City of Auburn Hills, Charter Township of Bloomfield, City of Bloomfield Hills, Charter Township of Independence, Charter Township of West Bloomfield, Lenox Township, Southfield Township, City of Dearborn Heights, Village of Bingham Farms, and the City of Walled Lake.

In addition, Best Lawyers has named Beckerleg as Best Lawyers’ 2013 Detroit Litigation-Municipal “Lawyer of the Year.”

Beckerleg succeeds William P. Hampton, president of Secrest Wardle, who received this award in 2012.

Beckerleg is a member of the Oakland County Bar Association and the State Bar of Michigan. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University in 1978, and his law degree from University of Detroit Law School in 1981. He was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 1982.

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Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker PLLC

Barris, Sott, Denn, & Driker PLLC is proud to announce that twelve of its members were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2013. Those attorneys are Eugene Driker, William G. Barris, Sharon M. Woods, Robert E. Kass, Daniel M. Share, Morley Witus, James S. Fontichiaro, Daniel J. LaCombe, C. David Bargamian, Todd R. Mendel, Dennis M. Barnes, and Kevin Kalczynski.
Driker, Barris, and Woods have been recognized for more than 20 years.

Both Driker and Woods were recognized for their excellence in “Bet-the-Company” Litigation, Commercial Litigation, and Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law. Driker was also recognized for excellence in Antitrust Litigation. Woods was also recognized for excellence in Construction Litigation, Labor & Employment Litigation, Real Estate Litigation, Securities Litigation, and Professional Malpractice Defense.
Barris, Share, Fontichiaro, and Bargamian were recognized for excellence in Real Estate Law. Witus, LaCombe, Mendel, Barnes, and Kalczynski were recognized for excellence in Commercial Litigation. Kass was recognized for his excellence in Trusts and Estates. Witus was also recognized for excellence in Appellate Practice, and Bargamian was recognized for excellence in Banking and Finance Law and Real Estate Litigation.

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