Dykema attorney named lead legal officer for Michigan Wing of Civil Air Patrol

Dykema, a leading national law firm with offices in 15 cities including Lansing, announced that Steve Tupper has been named the lead legal officer and judge advocate for the Michigan Wing of Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Tupper served as assistant to the position for four years prior to the appointment.

In this new role, Tupper will advise the command staff in matters such as air operations, government contracts and other personnel matters, as well as represent the CAP in a number of proceedings. Already a CAP lieutenant colonel, Tupper has served for 11 years in roles that include legal officer and judge advocate, deputy squadron commander and search-and-rescue/disaster-relief pilot.

"Steve possesses a great amount of passion for flying and, when combined with his profound legal expertise in the aviation sector, it makes him a great choice for this position," said Major Robert L. Bowden, the Michigan Wing's Public Affairs Officer. "We need dedicated individuals to counsel and advocate for CAP and Steve is just that, proven by his loyal commitment over the past decade."

As leader of Dykema's Privacy, Data Security, and E-Commerce practice group, Steve focuses his law practice on electronic commerce, technology development and licensing, supply chain management, aviation, mergers and acquisitions, outsourcing relationships, aerospace, aviation and other commercial lending and asset recovery and general corporate law matters. He also leads the firm's Aviation Transaction group and is currently chair of the Aviation Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan.

"The CAP is an organization that over the past decade or so, I have grown to deeply admire and respect," said Tupper. "I am thrilled to accept this new role as lead legal officer and judge advocate and every day, have the opportunity to put my strengths legal work and aviation into action."

The Civil Air Patrol enjoys a proud legacy of selfless sacrifice and service to country and community that spans decades. Its 34,000 members use resources that include more than 550 aircraft to perform operational missions, aerospace education, and cadet programs, handling 90 percent of inland search and rescue missions that save an estimated 75 lives each year. CAP recently received the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of its service in World War II.

Published: Mon, Jun 08, 2015