Collins Einhorn Farrell PC is pleased to announce that attorney Frank Misuraca has joined the firm.
Misuraca is an experienced litigator in the firm’s Professional Liability Practice Group. His practice focuses on representing professionals, including lawyers, defending allegations of malpractice.
In addition, he has experience defending liquor establishments against dram shop claims and defending employers against claims of discrimination. Misuraca has also been involved in mediating lawsuits through the state’s case evaluation process.
Misuraca attended the University of Michigan and received his undergraduate degree in Psychology. He received his law degree from the Detroit College of Law.
In addition, Collins Einhorn Farrell is pleased to announce that 21 of the firm’s lawyers have been included in the 2024 editions of Super Lawyers. Five of the 21 recognized lawyers have been included in the Rising Stars edition.
2024 Super Lawyers recipients include:
David C. Anderson – Professional Liability – Defense
Theresa M. Asoklis – Professional Liability – Defense
Donald D. Campbell – Professional Liability – Defense
Trent B. Collier – Appellate
Michael J. Cook – Appellate
Katherine A. Crowley – Personal Injury – Products – Defense
Brian D. Einhorn – Professional Liability – Defense
Clayton F. Farrell – Personal Injury – Products – Defense
Kellie L. Howard – Professional Liability – Defense
Matthew S. LaBeau – Personal Injury Litigation – Defense
Deborah A. Lujan – Personal Injury Litigation – Defense
Kari L. Melkonian – Personal Injury Litigation – Defense
Kevin P. Moloughney – Personal Injury Litigation – Defense
Kyle N. Smith – Personal Injury Litigation – Defense
Michael J. Sullivan – Professional Liability – Defense
Nicole E. Wilinski – Insurance Coverage – Defense
2024 Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” recipients include:
Zabbia N. Alholou – Civil Litigation – Defense
James J. Hunter – Professional Liability – Defense
Stephen D. Jacobites – Personal Injury – Products – Defense
Scott J. Pawlak – Personal Injury Litigation – Defense
Erin J. Rodenhouse – Appellate Law
Collins Einhorn Farrell is also pleased to announce that 25 lawyers have been included in the 2024 editions of The Best Lawyers in America, including two receiving
“Lawyer of the Year” distinction. Ten of the 25 lawyers have been included in the Ones to Watch edition.
2025 Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” recipients include:
David C. Anderson – Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants
Michael J. Sullivan – Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
2025 Best Lawyers recipients Include:
David C. Anderson – Commercial Litigation, Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Malpractice Law –
Defendants
Theresa M. Asoklis – Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants
Donald D. Campbell – Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law, and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants
Trent B. Collier – Appellate Practice, and Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Daniel E. Collins – Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Michael J. Cook – Appellate Practice
Katherine A. Crowley – Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Brian D. Einhorn – Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Malpractice
Law – Defendants
Clayton F. Farrell – Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Richard A. Joslin – Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Deborah A. Lujan – Litigation – Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Liability Litigation –
Defendants
Kari L. Melkonian – Litigation – Insurance, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Kevin P. Moloughney – Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Michael J. Sullivan – Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants
Nicole E. Wilinski – Insurance Law
2025 Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” recipients include:
Zabbia N. Alholou – Commercial Litigation, Municipal Law, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Brian A. Catrinar – Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Kyle M. Dysarz – Insurance Law, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
MaryRachel Dysarz – Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Daryle F. Houston – Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Laura McLane – Professional Malpractice Law
Scott J. Pawlak – Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Erin J. Rodenhouse – Appellate Practice
Katharine B. Smith – Professional Malpractice Law
• • •
The Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the State Bar of Michigan is proud to announce that the following individuals are recipients of the ADR Section’s major awards in 2024. The awardees will be honored at the ADR Annual Awards Ceremony on Thursday, September 26, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth.
Paul Monicatti is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. The Distinguished Service Award is given in recognition of significant contributions to the field of dispute resolution. Monicatti has devoted his career to practicing, teaching, and mentoring in ADR. He started serving as an arbitrator in 1983 and then as a mediator in 1986, pioneering the use of mediation in Michigan. Monicatti then served in a myriad of roles including, a court-appointed or party-selected mediator, settlement master, arbitrator, facilitator, case evaluator, receiver, expert witness, umpire, and referee.
Monicatti has served as a neutral in several notable cases with a national scope including, a court-appointed settlement master who helped resolve the unprecedented landmark Flint water contamination remediation case in federal court; the court-appointed settlement master who helped resolve the multi-billion-dollar Dow Corning breast implant insurance coverage litigation in state court involving 112 defendants; and the party-selected mediator who helped resolve the largest fair housing discrimination case in U.S. history.
Monicatti donated hundreds of hours of his time and expertise to help establish the pro bono early mediation program for pro se prisoner civil rights cases filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. He is also the founding member of Mediators Beyond Borders, the co-founder of the International Academy of Mediators, a charter member of the National Academy of Neutrals, and served on the Advisory Board of ACCESS ADR, promoting the advancement of diversity in ADR.
Jack Brown is the recipient of the Nanci S. Klein Award, in recognition of his service in the field of community dispute resolution. Brown has mediated hundreds of civil cases, and dozens of domestic, probate and special education cases. He began his mediation journey with Southeastern Dispute Resolution Services (SEDRS) in 2019, during the pandemic, as part of their EDP program, mediating 15 hours a week for four district courts. He has since become certified in all case types offered in the state, and handles the most special education cases for the MCMA members in the state.
Brown is one of the selfless volunteers who travels throughout the state covering cases for several centers, doing both in person and remote sessions. He coaches and helps evaluate new mediators and students for SEDRS, and has been a mentor mediator for SEDRS for 4 years.
Larry Saylor is the recipient of the Hero of ADR Award. Saylor has been active in several positions with the ADR Section of the SBM, including the council, executive committee, and co-chair of the Skills Action Team (SAT). Through SAT, Saylor assisted with planning continuing advanced ADR skill-building programs. SAT is charged with offering the section’s annual educational conference each fall, and the annual Spring Summit, which features a nationally renowned mediation trainer.
Saylor is senior counsel at the law firm of Miller Canfield, where he litigates complex business disputes in state and federal courts, and in domestic and international arbitration. He handles antitrust, trade secrets, consumer protection, franchising, and dealer law matters, including class actions, injunctions, and appeals. He has resolved technical matters involving computer software, auto parts, pharmaceuticals, health care, and product design.
Stacey L. Rock is the recipient of the Diversity and Inclusion Award. Rock is the associate general counsel of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and chair of the American Indian Law Section (AILS) of the State Bar of Michigan. In her role as AILS chair, Rock has collaborated for the past few years with the Diversity and Inclusion Action Team (DIAT) of the SBM’s ADR Section to hold engaging and well-attended events of interest to both the ADR and AIL Sections. This year the sections are holding a Peacemaking Circle Demonstration on Wednesday, October 16, from noon to 3 p.m., to be held in person in Lansing and virtually over zoom.
Prior to her current role as associate general counsel, Rock worked at the Pokagon Band Tribal Court for twelve years as assistant court administrator where she was the lead support staff person for the Native Justice Program. Rock has a certificate in mediation and extensive experience in the development and utilization of peacemaking programs and is a proud citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians.
Lisa Okasinski is the recipient of the George N. Bashara Jr. Award. This award is given in recognition of exemplary service to the section and its members. Okasinski is a member of the SBM ADR Council, but more importantly served tirelessly as the Section’s Publication’s Action Team (PAT) chair. In that role, Okasinski took on the task of soliciting, reviewing, and publishing the articles for the ADR Section’s The Michigan Dispute Resolution Journal and collected and edited articles for an ADR theme issue of the Michigan Bar Journal.
In her private practice, Okasinski has been helping people in Michigan resolve real estate and contract related issues for over a decade. She is admitted to practice in all Michigan state courts, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
For additional information about the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the State Bar of Michigan and the ADR Annual Conference (September 20-21) and Awards Ceremony (September 26), visit: https://www.sbmadrconference.com.
• • •
Thirty-nine Butzel attorneys have been named to the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers list.
Lee T. Silver has been named to the Michigan Super Lawyers Top 100 list. Moreover, Derek Mullins, Shanika Owens, Blake C. Padget, and Mitch Zajac have been named “Rising Stars” for the first time.
The local Butzel attorneys included in the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers list are:
—Detroit office
Darius W. Dynkowski, Eminent Domain
Eric J. Flessland, Construction Litigation
Bernard J. Fuhs, Business Litigation
Cynthia J. Haffey, Business Litigation
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
—Troy office
David J. DeVine, Business Litigation
Carey A. DeWitt, Employment & Labor
George B. Donnini, Criminal Defense: White Collar
David F. DuMouchel, Criminal Defense: White Collar
Debra A. Geroux, Health Care
Thomas A. Kabel, Real Estate
Daniel J. McCarthy, Appellate
Max J. Newman, Bankruptcy: Business
Robert P. Perry, Estate & Probate
Joseph E. Richotte, Appellate
Daniel B. Tukel, Employment Litigation: Defense
—2024 Rising Stars
Javon R. David, Business Litigation
Michael C. Decker, Construction Litigation
Steven Eatherly, Business Litigation
Laura E. Johnson, Business/Corp.
Amany Kasham, Immigration: Business
Jonathan L. Kirkland, Real Estate
Derek Mullins, Business Litigation
Shanika Owens, Real Estate
Blake C. Padget, Employment Litigation: Plaintiff
Mitch Zajac, Intellectual Property
In addition, Butzel has been named to Crain’s 2024 Best Places to Work for the fourth straight year, ranking 38 and the only law firm with headquarters in Detroit. Butzel continues to climb in the annual rankings, having been ranked 41 in 2023 and 53 in 2022, respectively.
For Butzel, employee satisfaction is related to client satisfaction. Butzel has a history of offering eligible employees a wide array of quality employee benefits and firm-designed programs.
As a Crain’s 2024 Best Places to Work, Butzel is recognized for offering paid time off for community service as well as gifts and recognitions for professional milestones.
Other Butzel perks include: the “Better Butzel” wellness program, virtual wellness platform, flexible work schedule, lawyer flexible practice/reduced schedule program, employee assistance program with onsite counseling, paid time-off, unlimited vacation for attorneys, paralegals, and managers, parental leave, pregnancy loss paid leave, discounted home office equipment, and work anniversary recognition.
Additional Butzel benefits include a 401(k) with firm employer contribution, paid parking, professional dues, associate attorney student loan repayment assistance program, IVF/fertility coverage, and an available pet insurance program.
Butzel is currently celebrating its 170th anniversary. Earlier this year, the firm added three offices in southwest Michigan and has added several attorneys. It recently moved the firm’s Ann Arbor and Lansing offices into larger spaces with room to grow.
“Butzel team members in each and every department are essential to our success and ability to provide excellent service to our clients,” said, Paul Mersino, president and CEO. “We value our team and provide a workplace in which they can thrive. Together, we always strive to meet and exceed client expectations.”
• • •
Plunkett Cooney senior tax attorney Joseph A. Peterson was recently named vice chair of the Oakland County Bar Association’s (OCBA) Tax Law Committee.
The mission of the OCBA Tax Law Committee is to serve as a channel for members to discuss and exchange information on current tax topics while providing networking and educational opportunities for practitioners in the community.
Peterson serves as the Tax Law Practice Group leader of Plunkett Cooney. He primarily focuses his practice on the resolution of individual and business tax controversies, including audit defense, collections and litigation involving the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and/or state of Michigan governmental entities.
A member of the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office, Peterson’s expertise includes negotiating the resolution of outstanding tax issues by utilizing penalty abatements, lien removals, discharge or subordination, installment agreements and offers in compromise to settle tax balances, providing individuals and businesses with a fresh start with the IRS or state of Michigan. He has experience obtaining innocent spouse relief for his clients, and he monitors the IRS transcripts of high-net-worth individuals and businesses to prevent additional tax assessments and to address future audits. Peterson also represents clients in U.S. Tax Court.
In addition, Peterson has experience regarding the Employee Retention Credit Program (ERC) and Paycheck Protection Program forgiveness. He also consults with clients to safeguard against any future ERC audits conducted by the IRS relating to the program.
Admitted to practice in state and federal courts in Michigan, as well as in the U.S. Tax Court, Peterson received his law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 2015 and his undergraduate degree from Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2012.
• • •
Varnum is pleased to announce that Christopher M. Mann has joined the firm as a partner in its Birmingham office, further strengthening the firm’s presence and capabilities in the region. Mann brings experience in business law, estate planning, tax and trust administration.
Mann expressed his enthusiasm about joining Varnum, stating, “I am excited to join such a dynamic and respected firm. Varnum’s commitment to growth and excellence in Birmingham and beyond is inspiring, and I look forward to contributing to the firm’s success while continuing to provide top-notch service to my clients.”
Mann’s corporate practice involves assisting individual and corporate clients in a variety of different industries, including manufacturing, construction, health care, automotive dealerships and suppliers, and professional service firms. He works closely with these clients in all areas of business law, including business planning issues, mergers and acquisitions, liquidations, joint ventures, general financial issues, corporate governance, shareholder matters, purchases and sales of company interests, and corporate succession planning.
Mann’s expertise extends to estate planning, trust administration and tax planning, where he helps individuals create efficient wealth transfer strategies and guides clients, including corporations and fiduciaries, on compliance matters.
Mann is an active member of several professional and community organizations, including the American Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, Oakland County Bar Association, and Financial and Estate Planning Council of Metropolitan Detroit. Mann is also committed to philanthropic efforts, particularly with the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and Detroit Public Television.
Mann earned his law degree from Wayne State University Law School and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Pre-Law from Michigan State University.
• • •
Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that Erin Pawlowski (member, Troy) has been named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2024 Influential Women of Law.
“I am honored to be selected by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a member of their 2024 Influential Women of Law Class,” said Pawlowski. “This list is filled with such talented and accomplished women, and it’s a privilege to be included among their ranks.”
Pawlowski focuses her practice on complex M&A transactions and serves as outside general counsel to businesses in a variety of industries and stages of growth. She also represents private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, and venture capital funds, among other business clients. Pawlowski is recognized as a leader in her field by The Legal 500 and Best Lawyers in America. She is a member of various organizations, including the Association for Corporate Growth, the American Bar Association, and the State Bar of Michigan.
Pawlowski received her law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
• • •
Bodman PLC is pleased to announce that Hebba Aref, co-chair of the firm’s Banking Practice Group, was selected for Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2024 Class of Influential Women in Law.
Aref, who is based in Bodman’s Detroit office, represents financial institutions in commercial lending transactions, including the structuring, negotiating and documenting of loan transactions, including syndicated loans, bilateral loans, subordinated loans and participations.
In addition to her recent appointment as co-chair of Bodman’s largest practice group, Aref devotes time to assisting with associate development and mentorship. Aref is active in several internal management committees related to DEI, professional development, and recruiting. She is active in the Michigan Muslim Bar Association where she is working to expand participation and bring mentorship and networking opportunities to the group. She has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America under Banking and Finance Law and in DBusiness Magazine Top Lawyers under Banking and Financial Services Law.
Bodman is also pleased to share that Alexis Smith-Scott, an associate in the firm’s Business Practice Group, has received two Wolverine Bar Association awards: the Board Member of the Year Award and the Committee Chair of the Year Award.
Smith-Scott is currently a board member of the Wolverine Bar and the chair of the 2024 Detroit Barristers’ Ball Planning Committee.
The 2024 Detroit Barristers’ Ball is an annual signature black-tie charity fundraising gala hosted by the Wolverine Bar Association and Wolverine Bar Foundation that has been noted as one of the largest Barristers’ Balls in the nation. Proceeds from the Ball support the Wolverine Bar Association and Wolverine Bar Foundation student externships, internships, scholarships, education courses, and mentoring, and programs to provide legal information, and representation for the underrepresented. This year, under her leadership as chair, Smith-Scott accomplished record attendance to the event, exceeded fundraising goals, and garnered extensive media attention including her appearance as a guest on Fox 2 Detroit, PBS Detroit, WDIV Local 4 News, and WDET 101.9 FM, to name a few.
The awards were presented to Smith-Scott during the Annual Presidents Dinner on June 27, hosted by the Wolverine Bar Association, the D. Augustus Straker Bar Association, and the Association of Black Judges of Michigan. The Wolverine Bar Association awards recognized the usage of her talents, time, experience, and knowledge to further the mission of the Wolverine Bar Association and leading the organizing and execution of an unprecedentedly successful 62nd Annual Barristers’ Ball.
Smith-Scott is based in Bodman’s Detroit office and represents business clients in connection with complex commercial transactions and corporate law matters including corporate organization and mergers & acquisitions.
• • •
Brooks Kushman is proud to announce that President Frank Angileri and CEO Sangeeta Shah were both named in the latest edition of IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading IP Strategists by IAM for the third consecutive year.
Angileri focuses his practice on IP litigation and post-grant proceedings. With nearly 30 years of experience representing small, medium-sized, and large corporations on a variety of contested IP matters, Angileri has tried patent, trademark, trade secret, and copyright cases in the federal courts nationwide, the Courts of Appeals for the Sixth and Federal Circuits, and the International Trade Commission. His litigation experience spans various technologies and industries including automotive, consumer electronics, industrial technologies, food and beverage, and home appliances. More recently, he served as trial counsel for Ford Motor Company in a patent lawsuit involving 13 design patents. Concluding the trial, he obtained an award of almost $3 million in profits and attorneys’ fees, as well as the entry of a permanent injunction.
Prior to becoming president of Brooks Kushman, Angileri was co-chair of the firm’s Post-Grant Proceedings practice.
Shah is responsible for leading the firm’s Executive Committee. In addition to serving as the CEO, she maintains an active docket as an IP practitioner with more than 20 years of experience in managing patent portfolios, PTAB matters, patent litigation, and opinions.?As an early leader in inter partes review proceedings, she remains at the forefront of post-grant practice. Shah has experience successfully implementing enforcement programs that leverage the interplay of IPRs, reexaminations/reissues, strategic prosecution, and patent litigation—resulting in seminal PTAB, district and federal circuit decisions on such issues as standing for an appeal to challenge a PTAB final written decision and the use of newly added claims from a reexamination in pending litigation. She works closely with several Fortune 500 clients for whom she provides strategic counseling and guidance on global intellectual property portfolios. Her patent expertise has resulted in national recognition from Managing IP, Best Lawyers, IAM, AIPLA, and the PTAB Bar Association.
Prior to becoming CEO, Shah served as the firm’s chief diversity officer. She also hosts the Breaking Mindsets Podcast where she interviews leaders who defy expectations and have accomplished great change in their field.
Brooks Kushman is also proud to announce that five of its attorneys were recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.
Those included in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch are:
Isheeta Patel Laxmanan (shareholder)
Alena Vackova Marconi (shareholder)
Chelsea Pasquali (shareholder)
Reza Roghani Esfahani (associate)
Dustin Zak (associate)
In addition, Brooks Kushman has been named to Crain’s Detroit Business’ 2024 Best Places to Work in Southeast Michigan for the firm’s culture and internal programming.
• • •
Secrest Wardle is pleased to announce the addition of Samantha J. Orvis to its ADR practice.
Orvis has more than a decade of experience representing individual and corporate clients in a variety of claims, including those involving automotive and trucking litigation, no-fault, premises liability, general negligence, and insurance coverage disputes.
Orvis has completed the 40-hour General Civil Mediation Training which earned her the title of certified civil mediator. She is one of only ten female attorneys on the court-approved roster of civil mediators in Genesee County and she serves as a case evaluator in both Genesee and Saginaw counties.
In addition to her ADR practice, Orvis continues to litigate cases for Secrest Wardle as a member of the General Negligence, Insurance Coverage, Motor Vehicle Litigation and Premises Liability practice groups.
Misuraca is an experienced litigator in the firm’s Professional Liability Practice Group. His practice focuses on representing professionals, including lawyers, defending allegations of malpractice.
In addition, he has experience defending liquor establishments against dram shop claims and defending employers against claims of discrimination. Misuraca has also been involved in mediating lawsuits through the state’s case evaluation process.
Misuraca attended the University of Michigan and received his undergraduate degree in Psychology. He received his law degree from the Detroit College of Law.
In addition, Collins Einhorn Farrell is pleased to announce that 21 of the firm’s lawyers have been included in the 2024 editions of Super Lawyers. Five of the 21 recognized lawyers have been included in the Rising Stars edition.
2024 Super Lawyers recipients include:
David C. Anderson – Professional Liability – Defense
Theresa M. Asoklis – Professional Liability – Defense
Donald D. Campbell – Professional Liability – Defense
Trent B. Collier – Appellate
Michael J. Cook – Appellate
Katherine A. Crowley – Personal Injury – Products – Defense
Brian D. Einhorn – Professional Liability – Defense
Clayton F. Farrell – Personal Injury – Products – Defense
Kellie L. Howard – Professional Liability – Defense
Matthew S. LaBeau – Personal Injury Litigation – Defense
Deborah A. Lujan – Personal Injury Litigation – Defense
Kari L. Melkonian – Personal Injury Litigation – Defense
Kevin P. Moloughney – Personal Injury Litigation – Defense
Kyle N. Smith – Personal Injury Litigation – Defense
Michael J. Sullivan – Professional Liability – Defense
Nicole E. Wilinski – Insurance Coverage – Defense
2024 Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” recipients include:
Zabbia N. Alholou – Civil Litigation – Defense
James J. Hunter – Professional Liability – Defense
Stephen D. Jacobites – Personal Injury – Products – Defense
Scott J. Pawlak – Personal Injury Litigation – Defense
Erin J. Rodenhouse – Appellate Law
Collins Einhorn Farrell is also pleased to announce that 25 lawyers have been included in the 2024 editions of The Best Lawyers in America, including two receiving
“Lawyer of the Year” distinction. Ten of the 25 lawyers have been included in the Ones to Watch edition.
2025 Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” recipients include:
David C. Anderson – Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants
Michael J. Sullivan – Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
2025 Best Lawyers recipients Include:
David C. Anderson – Commercial Litigation, Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Malpractice Law –
Defendants
Theresa M. Asoklis – Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants
Donald D. Campbell – Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law, and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants
Trent B. Collier – Appellate Practice, and Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Daniel E. Collins – Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Michael J. Cook – Appellate Practice
Katherine A. Crowley – Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Brian D. Einhorn – Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Malpractice
Law – Defendants
Clayton F. Farrell – Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Richard A. Joslin – Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Deborah A. Lujan – Litigation – Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Liability Litigation –
Defendants
Kari L. Melkonian – Litigation – Insurance, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Kevin P. Moloughney – Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Michael J. Sullivan – Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants, and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants
Nicole E. Wilinski – Insurance Law
2025 Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” recipients include:
Zabbia N. Alholou – Commercial Litigation, Municipal Law, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Brian A. Catrinar – Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Kyle M. Dysarz – Insurance Law, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
MaryRachel Dysarz – Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Daryle F. Houston – Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Laura McLane – Professional Malpractice Law
Scott J. Pawlak – Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Erin J. Rodenhouse – Appellate Practice
Katharine B. Smith – Professional Malpractice Law
• • •
The Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the State Bar of Michigan is proud to announce that the following individuals are recipients of the ADR Section’s major awards in 2024. The awardees will be honored at the ADR Annual Awards Ceremony on Thursday, September 26, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth.
Paul Monicatti is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. The Distinguished Service Award is given in recognition of significant contributions to the field of dispute resolution. Monicatti has devoted his career to practicing, teaching, and mentoring in ADR. He started serving as an arbitrator in 1983 and then as a mediator in 1986, pioneering the use of mediation in Michigan. Monicatti then served in a myriad of roles including, a court-appointed or party-selected mediator, settlement master, arbitrator, facilitator, case evaluator, receiver, expert witness, umpire, and referee.
Monicatti has served as a neutral in several notable cases with a national scope including, a court-appointed settlement master who helped resolve the unprecedented landmark Flint water contamination remediation case in federal court; the court-appointed settlement master who helped resolve the multi-billion-dollar Dow Corning breast implant insurance coverage litigation in state court involving 112 defendants; and the party-selected mediator who helped resolve the largest fair housing discrimination case in U.S. history.
Monicatti donated hundreds of hours of his time and expertise to help establish the pro bono early mediation program for pro se prisoner civil rights cases filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. He is also the founding member of Mediators Beyond Borders, the co-founder of the International Academy of Mediators, a charter member of the National Academy of Neutrals, and served on the Advisory Board of ACCESS ADR, promoting the advancement of diversity in ADR.
Jack Brown is the recipient of the Nanci S. Klein Award, in recognition of his service in the field of community dispute resolution. Brown has mediated hundreds of civil cases, and dozens of domestic, probate and special education cases. He began his mediation journey with Southeastern Dispute Resolution Services (SEDRS) in 2019, during the pandemic, as part of their EDP program, mediating 15 hours a week for four district courts. He has since become certified in all case types offered in the state, and handles the most special education cases for the MCMA members in the state.
Brown is one of the selfless volunteers who travels throughout the state covering cases for several centers, doing both in person and remote sessions. He coaches and helps evaluate new mediators and students for SEDRS, and has been a mentor mediator for SEDRS for 4 years.
Larry Saylor is the recipient of the Hero of ADR Award. Saylor has been active in several positions with the ADR Section of the SBM, including the council, executive committee, and co-chair of the Skills Action Team (SAT). Through SAT, Saylor assisted with planning continuing advanced ADR skill-building programs. SAT is charged with offering the section’s annual educational conference each fall, and the annual Spring Summit, which features a nationally renowned mediation trainer.
Saylor is senior counsel at the law firm of Miller Canfield, where he litigates complex business disputes in state and federal courts, and in domestic and international arbitration. He handles antitrust, trade secrets, consumer protection, franchising, and dealer law matters, including class actions, injunctions, and appeals. He has resolved technical matters involving computer software, auto parts, pharmaceuticals, health care, and product design.
Stacey L. Rock is the recipient of the Diversity and Inclusion Award. Rock is the associate general counsel of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and chair of the American Indian Law Section (AILS) of the State Bar of Michigan. In her role as AILS chair, Rock has collaborated for the past few years with the Diversity and Inclusion Action Team (DIAT) of the SBM’s ADR Section to hold engaging and well-attended events of interest to both the ADR and AIL Sections. This year the sections are holding a Peacemaking Circle Demonstration on Wednesday, October 16, from noon to 3 p.m., to be held in person in Lansing and virtually over zoom.
Prior to her current role as associate general counsel, Rock worked at the Pokagon Band Tribal Court for twelve years as assistant court administrator where she was the lead support staff person for the Native Justice Program. Rock has a certificate in mediation and extensive experience in the development and utilization of peacemaking programs and is a proud citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians.
Lisa Okasinski is the recipient of the George N. Bashara Jr. Award. This award is given in recognition of exemplary service to the section and its members. Okasinski is a member of the SBM ADR Council, but more importantly served tirelessly as the Section’s Publication’s Action Team (PAT) chair. In that role, Okasinski took on the task of soliciting, reviewing, and publishing the articles for the ADR Section’s The Michigan Dispute Resolution Journal and collected and edited articles for an ADR theme issue of the Michigan Bar Journal.
In her private practice, Okasinski has been helping people in Michigan resolve real estate and contract related issues for over a decade. She is admitted to practice in all Michigan state courts, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
For additional information about the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the State Bar of Michigan and the ADR Annual Conference (September 20-21) and Awards Ceremony (September 26), visit: https://www.sbmadrconference.com.
• • •
Thirty-nine Butzel attorneys have been named to the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers list.
Lee T. Silver has been named to the Michigan Super Lawyers Top 100 list. Moreover, Derek Mullins, Shanika Owens, Blake C. Padget, and Mitch Zajac have been named “Rising Stars” for the first time.
The local Butzel attorneys included in the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers list are:
—Detroit office
Darius W. Dynkowski, Eminent Domain
Eric J. Flessland, Construction Litigation
Bernard J. Fuhs, Business Litigation
Cynthia J. Haffey, Business Litigation
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
—Troy office
David J. DeVine, Business Litigation
Carey A. DeWitt, Employment & Labor
George B. Donnini, Criminal Defense: White Collar
David F. DuMouchel, Criminal Defense: White Collar
Debra A. Geroux, Health Care
Thomas A. Kabel, Real Estate
Daniel J. McCarthy, Appellate
Max J. Newman, Bankruptcy: Business
Robert P. Perry, Estate & Probate
Joseph E. Richotte, Appellate
Daniel B. Tukel, Employment Litigation: Defense
—2024 Rising Stars
Javon R. David, Business Litigation
Michael C. Decker, Construction Litigation
Steven Eatherly, Business Litigation
Laura E. Johnson, Business/Corp.
Amany Kasham, Immigration: Business
Jonathan L. Kirkland, Real Estate
Derek Mullins, Business Litigation
Shanika Owens, Real Estate
Blake C. Padget, Employment Litigation: Plaintiff
Mitch Zajac, Intellectual Property
In addition, Butzel has been named to Crain’s 2024 Best Places to Work for the fourth straight year, ranking 38 and the only law firm with headquarters in Detroit. Butzel continues to climb in the annual rankings, having been ranked 41 in 2023 and 53 in 2022, respectively.
For Butzel, employee satisfaction is related to client satisfaction. Butzel has a history of offering eligible employees a wide array of quality employee benefits and firm-designed programs.
As a Crain’s 2024 Best Places to Work, Butzel is recognized for offering paid time off for community service as well as gifts and recognitions for professional milestones.
Other Butzel perks include: the “Better Butzel” wellness program, virtual wellness platform, flexible work schedule, lawyer flexible practice/reduced schedule program, employee assistance program with onsite counseling, paid time-off, unlimited vacation for attorneys, paralegals, and managers, parental leave, pregnancy loss paid leave, discounted home office equipment, and work anniversary recognition.
Additional Butzel benefits include a 401(k) with firm employer contribution, paid parking, professional dues, associate attorney student loan repayment assistance program, IVF/fertility coverage, and an available pet insurance program.
Butzel is currently celebrating its 170th anniversary. Earlier this year, the firm added three offices in southwest Michigan and has added several attorneys. It recently moved the firm’s Ann Arbor and Lansing offices into larger spaces with room to grow.
“Butzel team members in each and every department are essential to our success and ability to provide excellent service to our clients,” said, Paul Mersino, president and CEO. “We value our team and provide a workplace in which they can thrive. Together, we always strive to meet and exceed client expectations.”
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Plunkett Cooney senior tax attorney Joseph A. Peterson was recently named vice chair of the Oakland County Bar Association’s (OCBA) Tax Law Committee.
The mission of the OCBA Tax Law Committee is to serve as a channel for members to discuss and exchange information on current tax topics while providing networking and educational opportunities for practitioners in the community.
Peterson serves as the Tax Law Practice Group leader of Plunkett Cooney. He primarily focuses his practice on the resolution of individual and business tax controversies, including audit defense, collections and litigation involving the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and/or state of Michigan governmental entities.
A member of the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office, Peterson’s expertise includes negotiating the resolution of outstanding tax issues by utilizing penalty abatements, lien removals, discharge or subordination, installment agreements and offers in compromise to settle tax balances, providing individuals and businesses with a fresh start with the IRS or state of Michigan. He has experience obtaining innocent spouse relief for his clients, and he monitors the IRS transcripts of high-net-worth individuals and businesses to prevent additional tax assessments and to address future audits. Peterson also represents clients in U.S. Tax Court.
In addition, Peterson has experience regarding the Employee Retention Credit Program (ERC) and Paycheck Protection Program forgiveness. He also consults with clients to safeguard against any future ERC audits conducted by the IRS relating to the program.
Admitted to practice in state and federal courts in Michigan, as well as in the U.S. Tax Court, Peterson received his law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 2015 and his undergraduate degree from Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2012.
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Varnum is pleased to announce that Christopher M. Mann has joined the firm as a partner in its Birmingham office, further strengthening the firm’s presence and capabilities in the region. Mann brings experience in business law, estate planning, tax and trust administration.
Mann expressed his enthusiasm about joining Varnum, stating, “I am excited to join such a dynamic and respected firm. Varnum’s commitment to growth and excellence in Birmingham and beyond is inspiring, and I look forward to contributing to the firm’s success while continuing to provide top-notch service to my clients.”
Mann’s corporate practice involves assisting individual and corporate clients in a variety of different industries, including manufacturing, construction, health care, automotive dealerships and suppliers, and professional service firms. He works closely with these clients in all areas of business law, including business planning issues, mergers and acquisitions, liquidations, joint ventures, general financial issues, corporate governance, shareholder matters, purchases and sales of company interests, and corporate succession planning.
Mann’s expertise extends to estate planning, trust administration and tax planning, where he helps individuals create efficient wealth transfer strategies and guides clients, including corporations and fiduciaries, on compliance matters.
Mann is an active member of several professional and community organizations, including the American Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, Oakland County Bar Association, and Financial and Estate Planning Council of Metropolitan Detroit. Mann is also committed to philanthropic efforts, particularly with the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and Detroit Public Television.
Mann earned his law degree from Wayne State University Law School and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Pre-Law from Michigan State University.
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Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that Erin Pawlowski (member, Troy) has been named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2024 Influential Women of Law.
“I am honored to be selected by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a member of their 2024 Influential Women of Law Class,” said Pawlowski. “This list is filled with such talented and accomplished women, and it’s a privilege to be included among their ranks.”
Pawlowski focuses her practice on complex M&A transactions and serves as outside general counsel to businesses in a variety of industries and stages of growth. She also represents private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, and venture capital funds, among other business clients. Pawlowski is recognized as a leader in her field by The Legal 500 and Best Lawyers in America. She is a member of various organizations, including the Association for Corporate Growth, the American Bar Association, and the State Bar of Michigan.
Pawlowski received her law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
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Bodman PLC is pleased to announce that Hebba Aref, co-chair of the firm’s Banking Practice Group, was selected for Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2024 Class of Influential Women in Law.
Aref, who is based in Bodman’s Detroit office, represents financial institutions in commercial lending transactions, including the structuring, negotiating and documenting of loan transactions, including syndicated loans, bilateral loans, subordinated loans and participations.
In addition to her recent appointment as co-chair of Bodman’s largest practice group, Aref devotes time to assisting with associate development and mentorship. Aref is active in several internal management committees related to DEI, professional development, and recruiting. She is active in the Michigan Muslim Bar Association where she is working to expand participation and bring mentorship and networking opportunities to the group. She has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America under Banking and Finance Law and in DBusiness Magazine Top Lawyers under Banking and Financial Services Law.
Bodman is also pleased to share that Alexis Smith-Scott, an associate in the firm’s Business Practice Group, has received two Wolverine Bar Association awards: the Board Member of the Year Award and the Committee Chair of the Year Award.
Smith-Scott is currently a board member of the Wolverine Bar and the chair of the 2024 Detroit Barristers’ Ball Planning Committee.
The 2024 Detroit Barristers’ Ball is an annual signature black-tie charity fundraising gala hosted by the Wolverine Bar Association and Wolverine Bar Foundation that has been noted as one of the largest Barristers’ Balls in the nation. Proceeds from the Ball support the Wolverine Bar Association and Wolverine Bar Foundation student externships, internships, scholarships, education courses, and mentoring, and programs to provide legal information, and representation for the underrepresented. This year, under her leadership as chair, Smith-Scott accomplished record attendance to the event, exceeded fundraising goals, and garnered extensive media attention including her appearance as a guest on Fox 2 Detroit, PBS Detroit, WDIV Local 4 News, and WDET 101.9 FM, to name a few.
The awards were presented to Smith-Scott during the Annual Presidents Dinner on June 27, hosted by the Wolverine Bar Association, the D. Augustus Straker Bar Association, and the Association of Black Judges of Michigan. The Wolverine Bar Association awards recognized the usage of her talents, time, experience, and knowledge to further the mission of the Wolverine Bar Association and leading the organizing and execution of an unprecedentedly successful 62nd Annual Barristers’ Ball.
Smith-Scott is based in Bodman’s Detroit office and represents business clients in connection with complex commercial transactions and corporate law matters including corporate organization and mergers & acquisitions.
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Brooks Kushman is proud to announce that President Frank Angileri and CEO Sangeeta Shah were both named in the latest edition of IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading IP Strategists by IAM for the third consecutive year.
Angileri focuses his practice on IP litigation and post-grant proceedings. With nearly 30 years of experience representing small, medium-sized, and large corporations on a variety of contested IP matters, Angileri has tried patent, trademark, trade secret, and copyright cases in the federal courts nationwide, the Courts of Appeals for the Sixth and Federal Circuits, and the International Trade Commission. His litigation experience spans various technologies and industries including automotive, consumer electronics, industrial technologies, food and beverage, and home appliances. More recently, he served as trial counsel for Ford Motor Company in a patent lawsuit involving 13 design patents. Concluding the trial, he obtained an award of almost $3 million in profits and attorneys’ fees, as well as the entry of a permanent injunction.
Prior to becoming president of Brooks Kushman, Angileri was co-chair of the firm’s Post-Grant Proceedings practice.
Shah is responsible for leading the firm’s Executive Committee. In addition to serving as the CEO, she maintains an active docket as an IP practitioner with more than 20 years of experience in managing patent portfolios, PTAB matters, patent litigation, and opinions.?As an early leader in inter partes review proceedings, she remains at the forefront of post-grant practice. Shah has experience successfully implementing enforcement programs that leverage the interplay of IPRs, reexaminations/reissues, strategic prosecution, and patent litigation—resulting in seminal PTAB, district and federal circuit decisions on such issues as standing for an appeal to challenge a PTAB final written decision and the use of newly added claims from a reexamination in pending litigation. She works closely with several Fortune 500 clients for whom she provides strategic counseling and guidance on global intellectual property portfolios. Her patent expertise has resulted in national recognition from Managing IP, Best Lawyers, IAM, AIPLA, and the PTAB Bar Association.
Prior to becoming CEO, Shah served as the firm’s chief diversity officer. She also hosts the Breaking Mindsets Podcast where she interviews leaders who defy expectations and have accomplished great change in their field.
Brooks Kushman is also proud to announce that five of its attorneys were recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.
Those included in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch are:
Isheeta Patel Laxmanan (shareholder)
Alena Vackova Marconi (shareholder)
Chelsea Pasquali (shareholder)
Reza Roghani Esfahani (associate)
Dustin Zak (associate)
In addition, Brooks Kushman has been named to Crain’s Detroit Business’ 2024 Best Places to Work in Southeast Michigan for the firm’s culture and internal programming.
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Secrest Wardle is pleased to announce the addition of Samantha J. Orvis to its ADR practice.
Orvis has more than a decade of experience representing individual and corporate clients in a variety of claims, including those involving automotive and trucking litigation, no-fault, premises liability, general negligence, and insurance coverage disputes.
Orvis has completed the 40-hour General Civil Mediation Training which earned her the title of certified civil mediator. She is one of only ten female attorneys on the court-approved roster of civil mediators in Genesee County and she serves as a case evaluator in both Genesee and Saginaw counties.
In addition to her ADR practice, Orvis continues to litigate cases for Secrest Wardle as a member of the General Negligence, Insurance Coverage, Motor Vehicle Litigation and Premises Liability practice groups.
