LEGAL PEOPLE

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP

Fifteen attorneys in the Detroit office of the law firm Warner Norcross + Judd LLP have been recognized by Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine.

The following 13 attorneys have been named to the 2021 Michigan Super Lawyers list:

Michael G. Brady – class action litigation

Kurt M. Brauer – environmental

Sean H. Cook – tax

Homayune A. Ghaussi – business litigation

William R. Jansen – business litigation

Steven C. Kohl – environmental

Mary Jo Larson – employee benefits

Thomas J. Manganello – business litigation

Lawrence J. Murphy – business litigation

Linda Paullin-Hebden – mergers and acquisitions

Alan T. Rogalski – health care

Nazli G. Sater – family law

Lisa B. Zimmer – employee benefits

The following two attorneys have been named to the 2021 Rising Stars list:

Roquia K. Draper – family law

Laura N. You – business litigation

 Mary Jo Larson and Lawrence J. Murphy were also named to Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine’s 2021 Top Lawyers list.

Larson was named in the Top 50: 2021 Women Michigan Super Lawyers list for her work in employee benefits. Murphy was named in the Top 100: 2021 Michigan Super Lawyers list for his work in business litigation.
In addition, 18 Warner Norcross attorneys in Detroit and Bloomfield Hills have been selected for The Best Lawyers in America© 2022.

 The peer-review award individually recognized:

Michael G. Brady – commercial litigation

Kurt M. Brauer – environmental law

Sean H. Cook – closely held companies and family businesses law; tax law

Homayune A. Ghaussi – commercial litigation

Rozanne M. Giunta – bankruptcy and creditor debtor rights/insolvency and reorganization law; bankruptcy litigation

William R. Jansen – commercial litigation, regulatory enforcement litigation

Jay A. Kennedy – closely held companies and family business law; tax law; trusts and estates

Kurt A. Kissling – environmental law

Steven C. Kohl – environmental law

Mary Jo Larson – employee benefits law

William C. Lentine – tax law, trusts and estates, business organizations

Dennis W. Loughlin – bankruptcy and creditor debtor rights/insolvency and reorganization law

Thomas J. Manganello – commercial litigation

Lawrence J. Murphy – commercial litigation

Linda Paullin-Hebden – corporate law

Alan T. Rogalski – health care law

Nazli G. Sater – family law; family law arbitration

Lisa B. Zimmer – employee benefits law

Cook and Kissling were both named Lawyer of the Year in Detroit for tax law and environmental law, respectively.

Six partners in the Macomb County office of Warner Norcross have also been selected for The Best Lawyers in America© 2022.

Those individually recognized include:

Susan M. Cook – bankruptcy and creditor debtor rights/insolvency and reorganization law

David C.C. Eberhard – corporate law; real estate law

Frank E. Henke – trusts and estates

David W. MacDonald – corporate law; real estate law

James E. Romzek – corporate law

Brian D. Wassom – advertising law; intellectual property litigation

The local attorneys are among a total of 105 Warner attorneys, representing more than 55 different practice areas, to be included in the 2022 list.

Several Warner Norcross attorneys have also been named Lawyers of the Year by The Best Lawyers in America© 2022.

Local attorneys named as 2022 Lawyers of the Year are:

Sean H. Cook – Detroit, Tax Lawyer of the Year

Rozanne M. Giunta – Troy, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Lawyer of the Year

Kurt A. Kissling – Detroit, Environmental Lawyer of the Year

Additionally, several attorneys in the Detroit offices of Warner Norcross have been named to the Best Lawyers®: Ones to Watch list.

Local Warner attorneys named as Ones to Watch 2022 are:

Daniel G. Bonucchi – corporate law; mergers and acquisitions law

Zainab S. Hazimi – labor and employment litigation

John C. Muhs – corporate governance and compliance law; corporate law

Adam T. Ratliff – appellate practice; criminal defense – white-collar

Jeffrey S. Segal – health care law; tax law

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Secrest Wardle

Secrest Wardle is pleased to announce that nine attorneys have been named by Super Lawyers magazine to the 2021 Michigan Super Lawyers list.

Secrest Wardle’s attorneys named to the 2021 Super Lawyers list include:

Alternative Dispute Resolution: Daniel P. Makarski

Appellate: Drew W. Broaddus

Civil Litigation - Defense: Justin L. Cole and Mark E. Morley

General Litigation: Bruce A. Truex

Personal Injury General - Defense: Thomas J. Azoni, Nathan J. Edmonds, and John L. Weston

State/Local/Municipal: Derk W. Beckerleg

Secrest Wardle is also pleased to announce that five attorneys have been named by Super Lawyers magazine to the 2021 Michigan Rising Stars list.

Those listed on Secrest Wardle’s 2021 Rising Stars List are:

Business Litigation: Matthew J. Consolo

Insurance Coverage: Amanda B. Fopma

Personal Injury General - Defense: Justin A. Grimske, Cleveland B. Simmons, and Lauren A. Sterrett

In addition, Secrest Wardle is pleased to announce that seven of the firm’s attorneys were recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2022.  The firm congratulates Thomas J. Azoni, Derk W. Beckerleg, Nathan J. Edmonds, Daniel P. Makarski, Mark E. Morley, Anthony A. Randazzo, and Bruce A. Truex. All seven attorneys are located in the firm’s Troy office and have been listed in their respective categories in Troy.

Azoni is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2022 in the Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants categories. Azoni is a senior partner at Secrest Wardle. He is a member of the firm’s Amusement and Leisure, General Negligence, Motor Vehicle Litigation, Premises Liability, and Trucking/Commercial Vehicle Litigation Practice Groups. Azoni serves as chair of the General Negligence Practice Group and as a chair of the Motor Vehicle Litigation Practice Group.

Beckerleg is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2022 in the Land Use and Zoning Law, Litigation – Land Use and Zoning, Litigation – Municipal, and Municipal Law categories. Beckerleg is an executive partner at Secrest Wardle. He is a member and chair of the firm’s Governmental Litigation, Municipal, and Real Estate Practice Groups. Beckerleg serves as the managing partner of the Municipal Law Practice Group. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for 10 years and is also the recipient of the Best Lawyers 2022 Municipal Law-Troy “Lawyer of the Year” Award. 

Edmonds is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2022 in the Commercial Litigation and Litigation – Insurance categories. Edmonds is a senior partner and co-managing partner of Secrest Wardle. He is a member of the firm’s Amusement and Leisure, Motor Vehicle Litigation, Premises Liability, and Property, Fire and Casualty Practice Groups.

Makarski is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2022 in the Arbitration, Insurance Law, and Litigation – Insurance categories. Makarski is a senior partner at Secrest Wardle. He is a member of the firm’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Practice Group and serves as chair of the Group. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America© for 5 years.

Morley is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2022 in the Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Litigation – Insurance, and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants categories. Morley is a senior partner at Secrest Wardle. He is a member of the firm’s Alternative Dispute Resolution, Employment, Insurance Coverage, Malpractice/Professional Liability, Motor Vehicle Litigation, Product Liability, and Trucking/Commercial Vehicle Litigation Practice Groups. Morley serves as chair of the Insurance Coverage and Malpractice/Professional Liability Practice Groups. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America© for 5 years and is also the recipient of the Best Lawyers 2022 Insurance Law-Troy “Lawyer of the Year” Award.

Randazzo is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2022 in the Commercial Litigation category. Randazzo is a senior partner at Secrest Wardle. He is a member of the firm’s Commercial and Business Law, Construction, Environmental and Toxic Tort, Governmental Litigation, Intellectual Property/Advertising Injury, Motor Vehicle Litigation, and Trucking/Commercial Vehicle Litigation Practice Groups. Randazzo serves as a chair of the Trucking/Commercial Vehicle Litigation Practice Group.

Truex is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2022 in the Insurance Law, Litigation – Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants and Product Liability Litigation - Defendants categories. Truex is a senior partner, president, and co-managing partner of Secrest Wardle. He is a member and serves as chair of the firm’s Commercial and Business Law, Employment, Environmental and Toxic Tort, and Product Liability Practice Groups. He additionally serves as a chair of the Intellectual Property/Advertising Injury Practice Group and is a member of the Construction Practice Group. He has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America© for 5 years.

Secrest Wardle is also proud to announce that Executive Partner, Derk W. Beckerleg, and Senior Partner, Mark E. Morley, have received Best Lawyers 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” awards in their respective categories in Troy.
Secrest Wardle is also pleased to announce that seven of the firm’s attorneys have received 2022 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch Recognitions. The firm congratulates Matthew J. Consolo, Justin A. Grimske, Matthew C. Lindgren, Daniel S. Schrode II, Cleveland B. Simmons, Renee T. Townsend, and Javon L. Williams. All seven attorneys are located in the firm’s Troy office and have been listed in their respective categories in Troy.

Consolo has received a 2022 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognition for Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants in Troy, Michigan. Consolo is an executive partner at Secrest Wardle. He is a member of the firm’s Commercial and Business Law, Construction, Environmental and Toxic Tort, Intellectual Property/Advertising Injury, Motor Vehicle Litigation, Premises Liability, Product Liability, and Trucking/Commercial Vehicle Litigation Practice Groups.

Grimske has received a 2022 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognition for Insurance Law and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants in Troy. Grimske is a partner at Secrest Wardle. He is chair of the firm’s Amusement and Leisure Practice Group and a member of the Construction, General Negligence, Motor Vehicle Litigation, Premises Liability, and Trucking/Commercial Vehicle Litigation Practice Groups.

Lindgren has received a 2022 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognition for Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants in Troy. Lindgren is a partner at Secrest Wardle. He is a member of the firm’s Commercial and Business Law, Construction, Environmental and Toxic Tort, Intellectual Property/Advertising Injury, Motor Vehicle Litigation, Premises Liability, Product Liability, and Trucking/Commercial Vehicle Litigation Practice Groups.

Schrode has received a 2022 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognition for Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants in Troy. Schrode is a partner at Secrest Wardle. He is a member of the Firm’s Motor Vehicle Litigation Practice Group.

Simmons has received a 2022 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognition for Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants in Troy. Simmons is a partner at Secrest Wardle. He is a member of the firm’s General Negligence, Insurance Coverage, Motor Vehicle Litigation, Premises Liability, and Product Liability Practice Groups.

Townsend has received a 2022 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognition for Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants in Troy. Townsend is an executive partner at Secrest Wardle. She is chair of the firm’s Motor Vehicle Litigation Practice Group and a member of the Amusement and Leisure, General Negligence, Insurance Coverage, and Premises Liability Practice Groups.

Williams has received a 2022 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognition for Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants in Troy. Williams is an executive partner at Secrest Wardle. He is a member of the firm’s General Negligence, Motor Vehicle Litigation, and Premises Liability Practice Groups.

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McKeen & Associates

Super Lawyers has named 11 McKeen & Associates attorneys to its 2021 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists for Michigan.

Brian McKeen was named a Top 10 Super Lawyer, Medical Malpractice, plaintiff. Jody Aarons was named a Top 100 and Top 50 Women Super Lawyer, Medical Malpractice, plaintiff. Richard Counsman, Terry Dawes, as well as Andrew Kay (Moving up from Rising Star this year), were named Super Lawyers, Medical Malpractice, plaintiff. David Tirella was named Super Lawyer, general practice, plaintiff.

This year’s McKeen Rising Stars were Steven Hurbis, Kenneth Lee, John Malone, and Erik Proulx all for Medical Malpractice, plaintiff.

In addition, U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers recently named McKeen & Associates to its Best Law Firms ranking for 2022. Firms included in the rankings must have at least one attorney recognized as a Best Lawyer for 2022. McKeen & Associates attorneys Brian McKeen, Jody Aaron, and Norman Rosen were all named as 2022 Best Lawyers. 

McKeen & Associates was named as a Tier One Best Law Firm in the categories of Medical Malpractice, plaintiff and Personal Injury, plaintiff. Brian McKeen, Jody Aaron and Norman Rosen were all named to the Best Lawyers list under the category of Medical Malpractice, plaintiff. Additional Brian McKeen was named a Best Lawyer in the category of Personal Injury Litigation, plaintiff.

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Lee Hornberger

Lee Hornberger, a Michigan arbitrator and mediator, announced that he has been named to Thomson Reuters’ 2021 Michigan Super Lawyers list for alternative dispute resolution.  He has also been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2022 for arbitration and mediation.

Hornberger is a former chair of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the State Bar of Michigan, editor emeritus of The Michigan Dispute Resolution Journal, former member of the State Bar’s Representative Assembly, former president of the Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association, former chair of the Traverse City Human Rights Commission, and former chair of the ADR Committee of the Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association. He is a member of the Professional Resolution Experts of Michigan (PREMi), an invitation-only group of Michigan’s top mediators, and a diplomate member of The National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. He is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation.

He has received the George N. Bashara Jr. Award from the State Bar’s ADR Section in recognition of exemplary service. He has also received Hero of ADR Awards from the ADR Section.

Hornberger is included in The Best Lawyers of America 2018 and 2019 for arbitration, and 2020 and 2021 for arbitration and mediation. He is on the 2016 to 2021 Michigan Super Lawyers lists for alternative dispute resolution. He has received a First Tier ranking in Northern Michigan for Arbitration by U.S. News-Best Lawyers® Best Law Firms in 2019 and 2020.

He is an arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Forum, Michigan Employment Relations Commission, National Arbitration and Mediation, National Futures Association, and National Mediation Board. 

 While serving with the U.S. Army in Vietnam, Hornberger  was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Army Commendation Medals. The unit he was in was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm.

He earned his B.A. from the University of Michigan and his law degrees from U of M Law School and Wayne State University Law School.

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Kitch

The Kitch firm is proud to congratulate the following attorneys for being named 2021 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.

Super Lawyers:

Karen B. Berkery – Employment Litigation: Defense

Gregory G. Drutchas – Health Care

Christina A. Ginter – Appellate

Andrew M. Harris – Business Litigation

Harry J. Sherbrook – Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Defense

John M. Sier – Construction Litigation

Michael J. Watza – State/Local/Municipal

Beth A. Wittmann – Appellate

Rising Stars

Matthew H. Faiver – Medical Malpractice: Defense

Brian Boehne – Personal Injury General: Defense

Melissa Mezin – Personal Injury General: Defense

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Foster, Swift, Collins,  & Smith PC

Two attorneys from the Southfield office of Foster, Swift, Collins, & Smith PC have been selected to the 2021 Michigan Super Lawyers list while four others have been selected as “Rising Stars.”

The 2021 Michigan Super Lawyers and their area(s) of practice for which they are listed:

Julie I. Fershtman – Civil Litigation: Defense

Paul J. Millenbach – Business Litigation

In addition to being listed in Super Lawyers, Fershtman was also listed in the “Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers” and the “Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers.” 

The 2021 “Rising Stars” List and their area(s) of practice for which they are listed:

Adam A. Fadly – Civil Litigation: Defense

Joseph B. Gale – Civil Litigation: Defense

Robert A. Hamor – Real Estate

Rachel G. Olney – General Litigation

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Bodman PLC

Bodman PLC is pleased to announce that 53 of the firm’s attorneys have been included in the 2021 edition of Michigan Super Lawyers.  The local Bodman lawyers listed are:

Detroit office

Marc M. Bakst – Bankruptcy: Business

Andrew H. Curoe – Estate & Probate

Brandon M. Dalziel – Health Care

Laurence B. Deitch – Business/Corporate

Robert J. Diehl Jr. – Creditor-Debtor Rights

Kathleen O’Callaghan Hickey – Banking

Joseph J. Kochanek – Banking

David P. Larsen – Estate & Probate

Dennis J. Levasseur – Securities Litigation

Ralph E. McDowell – Bankruptcy: Business

Joseph G. Nuyen Jr. – Health Care

Rebecca D. O’Reilly – Employee Benefits

Jeffrey G. Raphelson – Business Litigation

Nicholas P. Scavone Jr. – Real Estate

Joseph J. Shannon – Business Litigation

Larry R. Shulman – Banking

Brian R. Trumbauer – Creditor-Debtor Rights

Troy office

Courtland W. Anderson – Intellectual Property

J.Adam Behrendt – Business Litigation

John T. Below – Employment & Labor

John C. Cashen – Employment & Labor

Steven R. Cole – Real Estate

Anthony P. Cracchiolo – Estate & Probate

Michelle Thurber Czapski – Business Litigation

Gary S. Fealk – Employment Litigation: Defense

Marguerite Munson Lentz – Estate & Probate

Thomas J. Tallerico – Business Litigation

Thomas Van Dusen – Business Litigation

David B. Walters – Employee Benefits

Local Bodman attorneys selected for the 2021 Michigan Rising Stars list are:

Detroit office

Sarah L. Cylkowski – Business Litigation

Nathan D. Dupes – Business Litigation

Michael J. Jameson – Estate & Probate

Kelly M. Lockman – Real Estate

Jay B. Long – Estate & Probate

Julia C. Massaro – Estate & Probate

Thomas J. Rheaume Jr. – Business Litigation

Adam S. Weiner – Banking

Troy office

Donovan S. Asmar – Business Litigation

Jonathan S. Berg – Business/Corporate

Robert J. Cambridge – Business/Corporate

Amanda J. Frank – Business Litigation

Ryan M. Olson – Business/Corporate

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Dykema

Dykema is proud to announce that Laura Weingartner, Detroit-based member in the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group, was selected by Michigan Lawyers Weekly for its 2021 “Women in the Law” list. The 2021 class will be honored at a luncheon at the Detroit Marriott Troy on Thursday, September 9.

Weingartner’s practice involves all aspects of complex commercial real estate transactions, including renewable and alternative energy lending and project finance, commercial leasing, acquisition, disposition, project siting and zoning, affordable housing development, and landlord-tenant litigation. She has represented developers, investors, lenders, REITs, health care systems, manufacturers, municipalities, public school systems, religious institutions, and other public and private entities.

In addition to her practice, Weingartner is the chair of the Barton Hills Village Planning Commission, where she steered the community’s efforts to develop its first Master Plan, as well as develop an updated Zoning Ordinance for the Village, both of which are regularly reviewed and updated. She also represents the Detroit Bike Share program, MoGo, and serves on its Board of Directors, reflecting her passion for the redevelopment and economic renaissance of Detroit’s commercial and residential neighborhoods. Weingartner is a graduate of the Leadership Detroit program, sponsored by the Detroit Regional Chamber, and regularly participates in programs designed to increase access to justice and opportunity in the City of Detroit.

Weingartner earned her law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and an M.A. and B.A. from the University of Michigan.

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Kemp Klein

Kemp Klein is pleased to announce that 19 lawyers have been included in the 2022 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Kemp Klein would like to congratulate the following lawyers named to 2022 The Best Lawyers in America list:

William B. Acker – Litigation and Controversy – Tax, Real Estate Law, Tax Law, and Trusts and Estates

C. Leslie Banas – Corporate Law and Real Estate Law

Richard D. Bisio – Commercial Litigation and Litigation – Real Estate

Cynthia E. Brazzil – Corporate Law

Richard C. Bruder – Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law

Joseph P. Buttiglieri – Litigation - Trusts and Estates

Ralph A. Castelli Jr. – Corporate Law and Real Estate Law

Mark R. Filipp – Litigation - Labor and Employment

George W. Gregory – Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Tax Law, and Trusts and Estates

Brian R. Jenney – Elder Law and Trusts and Estates

Alan A. May – Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates

Norman D. Orr – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Corporate Law

Thomas C. Rauch – Real Estate Law

Brian H. Rolfe – Commercial Litigation

Stuart Sinai – Securities Regulation

Amy A. Stawski – Family Law

Thomas V. Trainer – Elder Law and Trusts and Estates

Michael D. Umphrey – Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) and Trusts and Estates

Robert S. Zawideh – Litigation - Trusts and Estates

In addition, Joseph P. Buttiglieri was recently recognized by Best Lawyers as the 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” for Litigation - Trusts and Estates. Stuart Sinai was recently recognized by Best Lawyers as the 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” for Securities Regulation.

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Howard &?Howard

Ten Howard & Howard attorneys were recently named to Michigan Super Lawyers® and Michigan Rising Stars 2021.

The Howard & Howard attorneys and the practice areas under which they are listed in Michigan Super Lawyers® 2021 are as follows:

Andrew (Jake) Grove, Intellectual Property Litigation

Miles T. Macik, Business Litigation

Patrick M. McCarthy, Business Litigation

Gerald E. McGlynn III, Intellectual Property

Mark W. Peyser, Business Litigation

The Howard & Howard attorneys and the practice areas under which they are listed in Michigan Rising Stars 2021 are as follows:

Aaron J. Beresh, Health Care

Michelle D. Champane, Business Litigation

Paul T. Engel, Intellectual Property

Sam A. Fares, Intellectual Property

Nolan A. Yaldo, Business/Corporate

Butzel Long

Butzel Long immigration law attorney Reginald A. Pacis was a featured panelist during the 2021 American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Paralegals Virtual Conference on August 18.

Pacis was one of four panelists who discussed “View from Above: Basic Concepts in Employment-Based Immigration.” The panel discussed relationships and obligations in employment-based immigration and ethics rule concerns and potential conflicts of interests from a high altitude perspective; concepts of nonimmigrant intent versus immigration “green card” intent including suggestions for appropriate immigration categories depending on whether the “green card” is being pursued; an overview of labor certification issues including the recruitment phase; and, the strategies that are employed in the ever-changing visa bulletin.

Pacis focuses 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.

Earlier this year, he was appointed a trustee to the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission (MAPAAC), which helps address the needs and concerns of the Asian Pacific American (APA) communities in Michigan.
Previously, he was a commissioner to the MAPAAC.

Pacis was named Immigration Lawyer of the Year 2013 in the field of Immigration Law by The Best Lawyers in America and has been listed in Best Lawyers for several years.

He is a member of the American Bar Association, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), and the Samahang Pilipino Ng Oakland Filipino organization. He served two consecutive one-year terms from 2003 to 2005 as chairperson of the Michigan Chapter of AILA and was a member of the AILA National Board of Governors for those terms. Pacis also served as vice chair (2008 to 2009) and later chair (2009-2010) of U.S. Customs and Border Protection AILA liaison committee; vice chair (2013 to 2014) of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Field Operations AILA liaison committee; member (2014 to 2015) of the  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services National Benefits Center AILA liaison committee; and has served as a member (2015) and later chair (2016) of the AILA Election committee. 

He has presented in a number of AILA Annual Conferences Nationally and Internationally from 2004 to 2019.  Pacis is a vice president and board member of the International Institute of Metropolitan Detroit. He also is a speaker in demand on immigration law matters.

In addition, 36 Butzel Long attorneys have been named to the 2021 Super Lawyers list.

The local Butzel Long attorneys included in the 2021 Super Lawyers list are:

—2021 Rising Stars:

Javon R. David – Personal Injury General: Defense

Michael C. Decker – Construction Litigation

Damien DuMouchel – Criminal Defense: White Collar

Paul M. Mersino – Business Litigation

Joseph E. Richotte – Criminal Defense: White Collar

—2021 Michigan Super Lawyers:

Bloomfield Hills office

Carey A. DeWitt – Employment & Labor

George B. Donnini – Criminal Defense: White Collar

Debra A. Geroux – Health Care

Robert A. Hudson – Business/Corp.

Thomas A. Kabel – Real Estate

Kaveh Kashef – Business Litigation

Robin Luce Herrmann – Media/Advertising

Daniel J. McCarthy – Appellate

Max J. Newman – Bankruptcy: Business

Richard E. Rassel – Business Litigation

David W. Sommerfeld – Estate & Probate

Daniel B. Tukel – Employment Litigation: Defense

Detroit office

James C. Bruno – Business/Corp.

Clara DeMatteis Mager – Immigration: Business

David J. DeVine – Business Litigation

Arthur Dudley II – Mergers & Acquisitions

David F. DuMouchel – Criminal Defense: White Collar

Bernard J. Fuhs – Business Litigation

Cynthia J. Haffey – Business Litigation

John P. Hancock Jr. – Employment & Labor

Justin G. Klimko – Mergers & Acquisitions

Phillip C. Korovesis – Business Litigation

Mark R. Lezotte – Health Care

Reginald A. Pacis – Immigration: Business

James S. Rosenfeld – Employment & Labor

Daniel R.W. Rustmann – Business Litigation

Bruce L. Sendek – Business Litigation

In addition, 69 Butzel Long attorneys have been chosen by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2022. 

The following local Butzel  attorneys have been named “Lawyer of the Year “

Bushra A. Malik (Immigration Law) – Bloomfield Hills

Daniel B. Tukel (Labor Law – Management) – Bloomfield Hills

Debra A. Geroux (Health Care Law) – Bloomfield Hills

Michael F. Golab (Business Organizations including LLCs and Partnerships) – Bloomfield Hills

W. Patrick Dreisig (Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law) – Bloomfield Hills

Eric J. Flessland (Litigation – Construction) – Detroit

James C. Bruno (International Mergers and Acquisitions) – Detroit

The following local attorneys have been named to Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch:

Ashley Aldea (Real Estate) – Bloomfield Hills

Javon R. David (Commercial Litigation) – Bloomfield Hills

Damien DuMouchel (Criminal Defense: White-Collar) – Bloomfield Hills

Sarah Nirenberg (Labor and Employment Law – Management; Litigation – Labor and Employment) – Bloomfield Hills

Rebecca Klein (Commercial Litigation) – Detroit

Shanika A. Owens (Corporate Law and Real Estate Law) – Detroit

Quendale G. Simmons (Commercial Litigation) – Detroit

Ivonne M. Soler (Family Law)

Hannah E. Treppa (Labor and Employment Law – Management; Litigation – Labor and Employment) – Detroit

Bill Quan Yang (Commercial Litigation) – Detroit

Mitchell Zajac (Commercial Litigation) – Detroit.

The following loca Butzel Long attorneys were selected for the 2022 edition:

Bloomfield Hills office

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

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

George B. Donnini, Criminal Defense: White-Collar

W. Patrick Dreisig, Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law; Corporate Governance Law

Geoffrey S. Gallinger, Corporate Law; Real Estate Law

Debra A. Geroux, Commercial Litigation; Health Care Law

Michael F. Golab, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships); Corporate Law

Beth S. Gotthelf, Environmental Law; Litigation – Environmental

David W. Hipp, Real Estate Law

Susan L. Johnson, Litigation – Environmental

Thomas A. Kabel, Real Estate Law

Kaveh Kashef, Litigation – Labor and Employment

Sheldon H. Klein, Commercial Litigation; Litigation – Antitrust

Bushra A. Malik, Immigration Law

Daniel J. McCarthy, Appellate Practice; Commercial Litigation

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

Scott T. Patterson, Employment Law – Management

William A. Penner, Trusts and Estates

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

Richard E. Rassel, Commercial Litigation

Brett A. Rendeiro, Commercial Litigation; Employment Law – Management; Litigation – Labor and Employment

Dennis B. Schultz, Construction Law; Litigation – Construction; Litigation – Real Estate

Robert H. Schwartz, Health Care Law

T. Gordon Scupholm II, Family Law

John D. Selesko, Trusts and Estates

Thomas L. Shaevsky, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law; Litigation – ERISA

Thomas C. Simpson, Litigation – Real Estate; Real Estate Law

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

Detroit office

Linda J. Armstrong, Immigration Law

James C. Bruno, Corporate Law; International Mergers and Acquisitions; International Trade and Finance Law

Maura Corrigan, Appellate Practice

David Devine, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/ Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Arthur Dudley II, Corporate Law; Securitization and Structured Finance Law

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

Darius W. Dynkowski, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law

Eric J. Flessland, Construction Law; Litigation – Construction

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

Robert A. Hudson, Corporate Law; International Trade and Finance Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law

William J. Kliffel, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

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

Mark R. Lezotte, Health Care Law; Tax Law

Clara DeMatteis Mager, Immigration Law

Donald B. Miller, 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

Bruce L. Sendek, Commercial Litigation

Nicholas J. Stasevich, Corporate Law

Kurtis T. Wilder, Appellate Practice

James E. Wynne, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants ; Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

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Dickinson Wright PLLC

Dickinson Wright PLLC is pleased to announce that 44 of the firm’s attorneys have been named 2021 Michigan Super Lawyers. Nineteen Dickinson Wright attorneys have been named 2021 Michigan Super Lawyers “Rising Stars,”
Local Dickinson Wright attorneys recognized on this year’s Michigan Super Lawyers list include:

Detroit

Dennis W. Archer – Business Litigation

Allison R. Bach – Bankruptcy: Business

Richard M. Bolton – Mergers & Acquisitions

William T. Burgess – Bankruptcy: Business

James N. Candler Jr. – Real Estate

David R. Deromedi – Labor & Employment

Phillip J. DeRosier – Appellate

K. Scott Hamilton – Business Litigation

Mark R. High – Business/Corporate

Steven G. Howell – Bankruptcy: Business

Timothy H. Howlett – Labor & Employment

Thomas G. McNeill – Business Litigation

Sharon R. Newlon – Environmental

James A. Plemmons – Creditor Debtor Rights

William P. Shield Jr. – Banking

Theodore B. Sylwestrzak – Bankruptcy: Business

Kathryn S. Wood – Employment Litigation: Defense

L. Pahl Zinn – Business Litigation

Troy

Stephen E. Dawson – Real Estate

J. Benjamin Dolan – Business Litigation

Terence M. Donnelly – Government Finance

Deborah L. Grace – Employee Benefits

Henry M. Grix – Estate & Probate

Craig W. Hammond – Government Finance

Monica J. Labe – Real Estate

Elizabeth L. Luckenbach – Estate & Trust Litigation

Cynthia A. Moore – Employee Benefits

Gregory W. Moore – Health Care

Edward H. Pappas – Business Litigation

Scott A. Petz – Business Litigation

Daniel D. Quick – Business Litigation

William L. Rosin – Business/Corporate

Peter H. Webster – Eminent Domain

Mark E. Wilson – Health Care

Katheryne L. Zelenock – Real Estate

Dickinson Wright is also pleased to announce that five of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized in Michigan Super Lawyers 2021 Top Lists.

Dickinson Wright attorneys recognized on this year’s Michigan Super Lawyers Top Lists include:

Steven G. Howell – Bankruptcy: Business, is ranked among the Top 100 Lawyers in Michigan.

Elizabeth L. Luckenbach – Estate & Trust Litigation, is ranked among the Top 50 Women Lawyers in Michigan.

Thomas G. McNeill – Business Litigation, is ranked among the Top 100 Lawyers in Michigan.

Edward H. Pappas – Business Litigation, is ranked among the Top 100 Lawyers in Michigan.

Daniel D. Quick – Business Litigation, is ranked among the Top 100 Lawyers in Michigan.

In addition, local Dickinson Wright attorneys recognized on this year’s Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Stars list include:

Detroit

Salina M. Hamilton – Business Litigation

Adam J. Wallace – Business/Corporate

Troy

Alison Duffy – Personal Injury – General: Plaintiff

Eric W. Gregory – Employee Benefits

Steven C. Hurles – Intellectual Property

Erin Johnson – Real Estate

Mark A. Jotanovic – Intellectual Property

Michael J. Lusardi – Real Estate

Michael N. MacCallum – Intellectual Property

James A. Martone – Business Litigation

Joseph Owens – Estate Planning

Joseph Pytel – Intellectual Property

Bryan J. Schomer – Intellectual Property

Alma Sobo – Business Litigation

In addition, Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that 101 of the firm’s attorneys in Michigan have been included in Best Lawyers in America® 2022 edition.

Local Dickinson Wright attorneys recognized on this year’s 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, International Mergers & Acquisitions, Litigation – Bankruptcy

James N. Candler Jr., Gaming Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Real Estate Law

Dawn R. Copley, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law

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

W. Anthony Jenkins, Corporate Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Municipal Law

John K. Lawrence, Banking and Finance Law

Andrew W. MacLeod, Corporate Law, International Mergers & Acquisitions

Thomas G. McNeill, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Banking and Finance, Litigation – Mergers and Acquisitions, Litigation – Securities

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

Erin Pawlowski, Commercial Litigation

James B. Perry, Employment Law – Management

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

Robert F. Rhoades, Litigation and Controversy – Tax

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

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

L. Pahl Zinn, Litigation – Antitrust

Troy

Farayha Arrine, Commercial Litigation

Ari M. Charlip, Commercial Litigation

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

Stephen E. Dawson, Real Estate Law

Joseph W. DeLave, Litigation – Construction

J. Benjamin Dolan, Litigation – Real Estate

Terence M. Donnelly, Municipal Law, Public Finance Law

John P. Gonway, 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

Michael R. Kramer, Corporate Law

Monica J. Labe, Real Estate Law

Judith Fertel Layne, Trusts and Estates

Elise S. Levasseur, Immigration Law

Elizabeth L. Luckenbach, Trusts and Estates

Michael J. Lusardi, Real Estate Law

Christopher C. Maeso, Corporate Law

Anna M. Maiuri, Environmental Law, Litigation – Regulatory and Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)

Scott A. McBain, Patent Law

Cynthia A. Moore, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

Gregory W. Moore, Health Care Law

Mahesh K. Nayak, Commercial Litigation

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

Scott A. Petz, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Banking and Finance

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

William L. Rosin, Corporate Law

Kimberly J. Ruppel, Commercial Litigation

Lynn Capp Sirich, Family Law

Joan Cripe Skrzyniarz, Trusts and Estates

Robert L. Stearns, Litigation – Intellectual Property

Peter H. Webster, Land Use and Zoning Law

J. Bryan Williams, Corporate Law, International Merger & Acquisitions

Mark E. Wilson, Health Care Law

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

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WMU-Cooley Law School

Two Western Michigan University Cooley Law School graduates were recipients of the National Bar Association (NBA) 40 Under 40 Nation’s Best Advocates for 2021. Aaron V. Burrell and Callana L. Ollie were honored at NBA’s 40 Under 40 Gala during its 96th annual convention in July.

Burrell, a business lawyer at Dickinson Wright PLLC graduated from WMU-Cooley in 2009. He focuses his practice in the areas of complex commercial litigation, appellate law, labor and employment law, and minority business enterprises. Burrell serves as member and co-chair of the firm’s diversity, equity and inclusion committee, as well as its litigation training and lateral recruiting committees.

Ollie, who received her law degree from WMU-Cooley in 2015, is the chief legal officer a Oakland Community Health Network in Metro Detroit where she oversees OCHN’s legal activities and operations, functioning as an objective associate that oversees and manages all legal matters within the organization. Ollie is active in the community, serving as a mentor to high school and college students and through her work with the Wolverine Bar Association and Just the Beginning Foundation programs.