Intellectual property law firm Fishman Stewart PLLC is pleased to announce founding partner Michael B. Stewart and partner Cecily O’Regan have again been included in the IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals – 2024.
Stewart, identified in the patent prosecution category of the guide, is co-founder of Fishman Stewart and a master’s level engineer. He is a strategic adviser to CEOs and senior executives across the globe. He develops IP management strategies for U.S. and foreign-based companies, from middle market to Fortune 500, to safeguard their business assets throughout the world. Stewart has experience managing, administering and conducting worldwide projects involving updating ownership records of large intellectual property portfolios and applies a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary approach to maximize the scope of intellectual property protection and beneficial usage. His litigation experience includes both trials and oral arguments before the Court of Appeals for the federal circuit, and he is admitted before the United States Supreme Court.
O’Regan, who recently joined Fishman Stewart to anchor their California and Massachusetts tech hub presence, is also receiving repeat recognition on the list in the patent prosecution category. As an entrepreneurial patent professional, O’Regan combines legal, academic, and business credentials with her hands-on experience to provide strategic, market-focused patent portfolio development and intellectual property advice for clients. She is a veteran Silicon Valley IP practitioner and has a passion for helping entrepreneurs identify their sustainable competitive advantage and create value in their business.
The annual guide also highlights Fishman Stewart’s firm capabilities, noting the firm has been offering “stellar IP services for almost 30 years from its Michigan base” and has a “strong team of very capable IP attorneys” who are “trusted by companies across the world for its expertise in both patents and trademarks.”
Fishman Stewart is also pleased to announce that eight firm attorneys have been recognized by Leading Lawyers this year. The following Fishman Stewart attorneys have been named 2024 Michigan Leading Lawyers, along with their areas of expertise:
Michael D. Fishman: Trademark Law; Intellectual Property Law
Michael B. Stewart: Copyright/Trademark Law; Intellectual Property Law; Patent Law
Ronald W. Citkowski: Intellectual Property Law; Patent Law
Julie A. Greenberg: Copyright/Trademark Law
John P. Guenther: Intellectual Property Law
Barbara Lynn Mandell: Litigation; Copyright/Trademark Law; Intellectual Property Law
Paul Ratzmann: Intellectual Property Law; Patent Law
Michelle L. Visser: Copyright/Trademark Law; Intellectual Property Law
Michael D. Fishman and Michael B. Stewart—first recognized in 2014, shortly after Leading Lawyers began surveying attorneys across Michigan—are also members of the Leading Lawyers Advisory Board.
• • •
Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that Aaron Burrell (member, Detroit) has been named a “Notable Black Business Leader” by Crain’s Detroit Business.
“I am honored to be selected by Crain Detroit Business as a member of their 2024 Notable Black Business Leader Class,” Burrell said. “This list is filled with such talented and accomplished people, and it’s a privilege to be included among their ranks.”
Burrell is a member of Dickinson Wright and is co-chair of the firm’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. He is a commissioner on the State Bar of Michigan Board of Commissioners and a member of the ABA’s Coalition on Racial and Ethnic Justice. He also serves as an officer on the board of directors of Cooley Law School and Oakland County Bar Association. Numerous publications recognize Burrell as a leader in his field, including Diversity MBA Magazine, Profiles in Diversity Journal, Crain’s Detroit Business, Michigan Lawyers Weekly, and Michigan Super Lawyers.
• • •
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP has welcomed Aida Dismondy to its growing Aerospace and Defense Industry Group.
Dismondy brings nearly a decade of legal experience focusing specifically on government and U.S. Department of Defense contracting, U.S. export controls, domestic and international contracting, and related matters. She has helped clients navigate and comply with national security issues involving export controls, compliance related to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, antibribery/anti-kickback, Build America Buy America Act and the Berry Amendment. She will practice in Warner’s Detroit office.
Prior to joining Warner, Dismondy managed her own law firm, Dismondy PC, serving clients in the aerospace and defense industries. She previously served as in-house counsel for a Detroit-based multinational company where she advised and counseled on a range of government contracting and commercial transactions as well as intellectual property, real estate and international law. She has negotiated and handled domestic and international disputes, including complex and sensitive matters, conducted internal investigations and managed various government contract portfolios.
Previously, she served as a legal consultant for the Minority Business Development Agency Detroit Business Center where she focused on supply chain diversity, corporate transactions, joint ventures, government affairs and other matters related to Minority Business Enterprises, Woman-Owned Small Business, and 8(a) diversity ownership certifications.
“I was attracted to Warner because it’s a client-centered firm,” Dismondy said. “I’ll have the opportunity to work closely with a great team of experienced colleagues who share my vision to create desired outcomes for clients and, in turn, continue to raise Warner’s profile as the go-to firm for aerospace, defense and government services.”
Active professionally and in the community, Dismondy is chair of the State Bar of Michigan International Law Section and a council member of the East Michigan District Export Council. She also serves the office of secretary for the German American Business Council of Michigan. She is the rule of law vice chair for the International Trade Steering Committee, Export Controls and Sanctions Committee.
Dismondy is a member of the National Defense Industry Association, Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan and Women in Defense, where she regularly mentors accomplished and younger professionals. She presents locally, nationally and internationally at defense and international trade conferences.
Dismondy earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in German studies from Aleksandër Xhuvani University in Elbasan, Albania, and Wayne State University, respectively. She received
her law degree from Wayne State University Law School. She is fluent in English and Albanian and conversant in German and Italian.
• • •
William Runco has been reappointed to the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Runco has served on the panel since 2019. Previously, he served as Wayne County 19th District Court chief judge and a Michigan State representative for the 31st District. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School. His term will expire on July 31, 2028.
The Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission serves Michigan’s employees, employers, and insurers by addressing and impartially resolving appeals of decisions and orders involving workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance benefits. The Commission created in Executive Order No. 2019-13 has full authority to handle, process, and decide appeals filed under Michigan Employment Security Act Section 33(2).
Runco’s appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
• • •
Butzel attorney Geaneen M. Arends has been named to Crain’s Detroit Business’ 2024 Notable Black Business Leaders.
Based in the firm’s Detroit office, Arends is a Butzel vice president and serves on the firm’s Board of Directors. She also serves as chair of the firm’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. She concentrates her practice on mergers and acquisitions, business transactions and commercial real estate.
She assists clients with general business planning, entity formation and maintenance, mergers, acquisitions, commercial lending, woman-owned/minority-owned /disadvantaged business certification, risk management issues and general business contracts.
Arends also has advised clients on a variety of real estate transactions, including acquisition, disposition, development and leasing of multi-family residential, retail, office and industrial properties throughout the United States. She has represented both borrowers and lenders in multi-million-dollar real estate financing transactions.
She is an alumna of Leadership Detroit, Class XXVII. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit PBS, and Detroit Legal News Co. (DTRL) U.S.: OTC and is a member of the Real Property Law Advisory Board for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education. She also is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and the Detroit Bar Association.
Arends is a recognized leader with honors including Best Lawyers in America® - Real Estate Law, 2025; 2021 Diversity Business Leader Honoree by Corp! Magazine; Crain’s Detroit Business - Notable Executives in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, 2021; Crain’s Detroit Business - Notable Woman Attorney, 2017; M&A Advisor - Cross-Border M&A Deal of the Year (over $50MM – $100MM), 2016; Association for Corporate Growth, Detroit - All Star Deal of the Year Over $50 Million, 2015; Michigan Lawyers Weekly - Women in the Law, 2014; and, DBusiness Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit, Nonprofits/Charities Law, 2014; Corporate Law, 2018 & 2022, 2023; Real Estate Law, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2020-2023; Mergers & Acquisitions Law, 2018, 2020.
Arends is a graduate of Michigan State University University (B.A., History, 1994) and earned her law degree from Boston College Law School (1998). She is admitted to the State Bar of Michigan and the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Michigan.
In addition, Butzel President and CEO Paul M. Mersino has been named to DBusiness magazine’s Detroit 500 – 2024 list of the Most Powerful Business Leaders in Metro Detroit, for the second straight year.
Mersino was elected president and CEO of Butzel in 2023. He is responsible for the operations and management of the 150+ attorney firm, including budgeting, setting strategic goals, and more. He was elected to the firm’s Board of Directors in 2020.
He is a recognized business leader in metro Detroit. He was named to Crain’s Detroit Business magazine’s 2021 Class of “40 Under 40” list. In 2020, he was named to DBusiness magazine’s “30 in Their Thirties.”
Mersino has been recognized as a Top Lawyer by DBusiness magazine, as a Michigan Super Lawyer, as one of Oakland County’s Elite 40 under 40, and as an “Up and Coming Lawyer” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
He represents public and private companies, in a number of areas including complex commercial litigation, contract disputes, non-compete and trade secret disputes, automotive supplier disputes, construction litigation, and First Amendment litigation. He has seen a number of successes in trials and cases across the country, having obtained jury verdicts, summary judgment rulings, dismissal of cases against his clients, and settlements favorable to his clients in state and federal courts throughout the nation.
Mersino also represents and advises a number of startup companies, assisting them with their legal needs and matching them with potential venture capital funding. He handles appeals in the Michigan Court of Appeals, the Michigan Supreme Court, and in federal courts across the country.
Mersino formerly served as Butzel’s Litigation Practice Department chair. He was responsible for the management and oversight of the firm’s Commercial Litigation attorneys who reported to him as well their strategic goals, budgeting, forecasting, and direction of the practice group. Mersino also has served as trustee of the Butzel Charitable Trust.
He has served on the Board of Directors of the Detroit Bar Association and as an advisor to the Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education's Litigation Advisory Board.
Mersino is a 2008 graduate of Ave Maria School of Law. He earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Northwood University (B.A., 2005).
• • •
Kemp Klein Law Firm welcomes Tyler Knurek as associate attorney who will be a key contributor to several practice groups including estate, trust litigation, trust administration, and probate.
Knurek brings experience in handling a range of litigation matters such as will contests, trust disputes, estate disputes, guardianships, conservatorships, and other general equity issues.
“Joining Kemp Klein is an honor, and I am eager to contribute my passion and dedication in service to our clients. Alongside my new colleagues, we will seek to further our shared goal of continuing to better provide the finest advocacy and representation for every client we serve,” said Knurek.
After earning his Bachelor of Arts from Central Michigan University, Knurek attended Wayne State University Law School, where he graduated in 2017.
Knurek is licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and the 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. Additionally, he is a member of the Probate and Estate Planning and Litigation sections of the State Bar of Michigan.
• • •
Varnum LLP is pleased to announce that partner Kathleen Cieslik has been selected to participate in the Detroit Regional Chamber’s 45th Leadership Detroit Cohort.
Cieslik is a trusts and estates attorney who serves a range of individuals and multi-generational families, creating customized estate plans. She provides counsel to individual and corporate fiduciaries on the efficient management of trusts and estates, including probate administration when necessary. As an experienced litigator, Cieslik frequently appears in probate court to handle both routine and contested matters throughout Southeast Michigan. Cieslik serves as a member of the State Bar of Michigan’s Probate and Estate Planning Section and the Oakland County Bar Association.
Leadership Detroit is a community leadership program for executives in Southeast Michigan. Launched in 1979, the program aims to create awareness of key issues that affect the Detroit region and to challenge emerging and existing community leaders to bring about positive change in the community through informed leadership.
Varnum is also pleased to announce that Jeff Hewlett has joined the firm’s Litigation Practice Team as an associate in Birmingham. Hewlett brings a background in commercial litigation and intellectual property, with a focus on business, patent, and trademark disputes.
As a licensed patent attorney, Hewlett advises clients on intellectual property litigation, including the prosecution and defense of patents and trademarks. He also provides counsel to clients in the early stages of potential disputes, helping them navigate complex legal issues and prepare for potential litigation. In commercial cases, Hewlett represents clients in contract disputes, shareholder disputes and other business-related matters.
Before joining Varnum, Hewlett was an associate at a national law firm’s Detroit office and interned for U.S. District Cout Judge Bernard A. Friedman, Eastern District of Michigan.
Hewlett earned his Bachelor of Science in Biomolecular Science from the University of Michigan in 2016 and his law degree from Wayne State University in 2020.
• • •
Bodman PLC is pleased to announce that Nashara A. L. Peart of the firm’s Detroit office has been inducted as a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation (ABF).
Peart is a senior associate in Bodman’s Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution and Automotive and Industrial practices. Peart helps clients resolve complex business disputes and represents them in state and federal courts and in a broad range of alternative dispute resolution forums. She has experience in litigation matters involving complex business disputes, probate disputes, and general commercial disputes.
• • •
Miller, Canfield, Paddock, and Stone announces that Michelle Crockett, the firm’s chief diversity officer and deputy executive officer, has been recognized as one of this year’s Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Black Business Leaders. This recognition highlights Crockett’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the legal profession.
With 24 years of experience, Crockett oversees Miller Canfield’s DEI initiatives. She is also a principal attorney in the Employment and Labor Group, where she handles complex litigation, conducts internal investigations, and mediates disputes. Crockett’s work extends beyond the firm as she assists clients in developing DEI and affirmative action programs in compliance with federal statutes and recent court rulings.
Crockett’s dedication to diversity was a driving force behind Miller Canfield’s participation in the Mansfield Rule, a national initiative to promote diverse hiring practices. Under her leadership, the firm was the first in Michigan to earn the Diversity Lab’s Mansfield Certification Plus, a designation it continues to maintain.
Crockett was appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court Commission on DEI in the Judiciary in 2022, elected to the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers in 2020, and chairs the Michigan Community Resources board, among many other roles. She is also a founding member of the African American Partner Coalition, which addresses diversity issues and
supports Black students considering legal careers.
Miller Canfield is also pleased to announce that James Johnson has joined the firm as an associate in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group. Johnson brings experience in both civil and criminal litigation, including contract disputes, insurance law, arbitration, property law, and claims involving alleged fraud, civil RICO, the False Claims Act, class actions, and FLSA collective action and individual claims.
Prior to joining Miller Canfield, Johnson served as a judicial law clerk to U.S. District Court Judges Victoria A. Roberts and Gershwin A. Drain, Eastern District of Michigan. He also contributes to the legal community through his roles as a Minority Bar Passage Program tutor and a Judicial Externship Program advisor for the Wolverine Bar Association in Detroit.
Johnson earned his law degree from Wayne State University Law School. During his time at Wayne Law, Johnson served as an intern for the U.S. District Court Judge Laurie J. Michelson, Eastern District of Michigan.
• • •
Taft is pleased to welcome several new associates to the firm. The new associates (admissions pending) who will join the Detroit Taft offices and practice groups are:
Daniel Harwood, Real Estate
Lauren Lambert, Business
Eli Ravid, Litigation
Connor Schram, Business
Jenia Thompson, Litigation
The firm is also pleased to announce that Taft partner Nicole Meisner was featured on the Electronic Transactions Association’s (ETA) podcast, “Transaction Trending.” In the episode “Quick Take on Surcharging, Cash Discounting & Convenience Fees,” Meisner discusses the complex world of payment processing, including surcharges, cash discounts, and convenience fees, and explores the regulatory landscape surrounding these concepts.
Meisner is the chair of Taft’s Paytech and Payment Systems practice group. She counsels a wide range of companies in the payments and financial services industries, including acquiring banks, payment processors, independent sales organizations (ISOs), payment facilitators, marketplaces, mobile payment providers, financial technology (FinTech) companies, ACH providers, money transmitters, prepaid access providers, and digital currency companies. A large segment of Meisner’s client base includes software platforms and other SaaS providers that have embedded or integrated payment processing solutions into their core offerings.
• • •
Full-service business law firm Williams, Williams, Rattner, & Plunkett (WWRP) is pleased to announce that partner Donna Marie Medina has been recognized by Leading Lawyers in 2024. Drawing on her more than 25 years of civil litigation experience, Medina concentrates her practice on domestic relations law. Accordingly, Leading Lawyers has recognized her in three categories: Adoption/Reproductive Technology Law, Family Law, and ADR: Family.
Representing both men and women in divorce and complex family disputes, Medina helps clients resolve matters involving child custody, parenting time, child support, alimony and spousal support, property settlement, division of assets, change of domicile, and change of school district. She also advises on family planning, private adoptions, and guardianships—appearing in court on behalf of parents and children when conflicts arise. She has experience in contested direct placement adoptions, and she has represented many adoptive families and birth mothers in their efforts to terminate the parental rights of putative fathers under the adoption code.
Stewart, identified in the patent prosecution category of the guide, is co-founder of Fishman Stewart and a master’s level engineer. He is a strategic adviser to CEOs and senior executives across the globe. He develops IP management strategies for U.S. and foreign-based companies, from middle market to Fortune 500, to safeguard their business assets throughout the world. Stewart has experience managing, administering and conducting worldwide projects involving updating ownership records of large intellectual property portfolios and applies a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary approach to maximize the scope of intellectual property protection and beneficial usage. His litigation experience includes both trials and oral arguments before the Court of Appeals for the federal circuit, and he is admitted before the United States Supreme Court.
O’Regan, who recently joined Fishman Stewart to anchor their California and Massachusetts tech hub presence, is also receiving repeat recognition on the list in the patent prosecution category. As an entrepreneurial patent professional, O’Regan combines legal, academic, and business credentials with her hands-on experience to provide strategic, market-focused patent portfolio development and intellectual property advice for clients. She is a veteran Silicon Valley IP practitioner and has a passion for helping entrepreneurs identify their sustainable competitive advantage and create value in their business.
The annual guide also highlights Fishman Stewart’s firm capabilities, noting the firm has been offering “stellar IP services for almost 30 years from its Michigan base” and has a “strong team of very capable IP attorneys” who are “trusted by companies across the world for its expertise in both patents and trademarks.”
Fishman Stewart is also pleased to announce that eight firm attorneys have been recognized by Leading Lawyers this year. The following Fishman Stewart attorneys have been named 2024 Michigan Leading Lawyers, along with their areas of expertise:
Michael D. Fishman: Trademark Law; Intellectual Property Law
Michael B. Stewart: Copyright/Trademark Law; Intellectual Property Law; Patent Law
Ronald W. Citkowski: Intellectual Property Law; Patent Law
Julie A. Greenberg: Copyright/Trademark Law
John P. Guenther: Intellectual Property Law
Barbara Lynn Mandell: Litigation; Copyright/Trademark Law; Intellectual Property Law
Paul Ratzmann: Intellectual Property Law; Patent Law
Michelle L. Visser: Copyright/Trademark Law; Intellectual Property Law
Michael D. Fishman and Michael B. Stewart—first recognized in 2014, shortly after Leading Lawyers began surveying attorneys across Michigan—are also members of the Leading Lawyers Advisory Board.
• • •
Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that Aaron Burrell (member, Detroit) has been named a “Notable Black Business Leader” by Crain’s Detroit Business.
“I am honored to be selected by Crain Detroit Business as a member of their 2024 Notable Black Business Leader Class,” Burrell said. “This list is filled with such talented and accomplished people, and it’s a privilege to be included among their ranks.”
Burrell is a member of Dickinson Wright and is co-chair of the firm’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. He is a commissioner on the State Bar of Michigan Board of Commissioners and a member of the ABA’s Coalition on Racial and Ethnic Justice. He also serves as an officer on the board of directors of Cooley Law School and Oakland County Bar Association. Numerous publications recognize Burrell as a leader in his field, including Diversity MBA Magazine, Profiles in Diversity Journal, Crain’s Detroit Business, Michigan Lawyers Weekly, and Michigan Super Lawyers.
• • •
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP has welcomed Aida Dismondy to its growing Aerospace and Defense Industry Group.
Dismondy brings nearly a decade of legal experience focusing specifically on government and U.S. Department of Defense contracting, U.S. export controls, domestic and international contracting, and related matters. She has helped clients navigate and comply with national security issues involving export controls, compliance related to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, antibribery/anti-kickback, Build America Buy America Act and the Berry Amendment. She will practice in Warner’s Detroit office.
Prior to joining Warner, Dismondy managed her own law firm, Dismondy PC, serving clients in the aerospace and defense industries. She previously served as in-house counsel for a Detroit-based multinational company where she advised and counseled on a range of government contracting and commercial transactions as well as intellectual property, real estate and international law. She has negotiated and handled domestic and international disputes, including complex and sensitive matters, conducted internal investigations and managed various government contract portfolios.
Previously, she served as a legal consultant for the Minority Business Development Agency Detroit Business Center where she focused on supply chain diversity, corporate transactions, joint ventures, government affairs and other matters related to Minority Business Enterprises, Woman-Owned Small Business, and 8(a) diversity ownership certifications.
“I was attracted to Warner because it’s a client-centered firm,” Dismondy said. “I’ll have the opportunity to work closely with a great team of experienced colleagues who share my vision to create desired outcomes for clients and, in turn, continue to raise Warner’s profile as the go-to firm for aerospace, defense and government services.”
Active professionally and in the community, Dismondy is chair of the State Bar of Michigan International Law Section and a council member of the East Michigan District Export Council. She also serves the office of secretary for the German American Business Council of Michigan. She is the rule of law vice chair for the International Trade Steering Committee, Export Controls and Sanctions Committee.
Dismondy is a member of the National Defense Industry Association, Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan and Women in Defense, where she regularly mentors accomplished and younger professionals. She presents locally, nationally and internationally at defense and international trade conferences.
Dismondy earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in German studies from Aleksandër Xhuvani University in Elbasan, Albania, and Wayne State University, respectively. She received
her law degree from Wayne State University Law School. She is fluent in English and Albanian and conversant in German and Italian.
• • •
William Runco has been reappointed to the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Runco has served on the panel since 2019. Previously, he served as Wayne County 19th District Court chief judge and a Michigan State representative for the 31st District. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School. His term will expire on July 31, 2028.
The Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission serves Michigan’s employees, employers, and insurers by addressing and impartially resolving appeals of decisions and orders involving workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance benefits. The Commission created in Executive Order No. 2019-13 has full authority to handle, process, and decide appeals filed under Michigan Employment Security Act Section 33(2).
Runco’s appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
• • •
Butzel attorney Geaneen M. Arends has been named to Crain’s Detroit Business’ 2024 Notable Black Business Leaders.
Based in the firm’s Detroit office, Arends is a Butzel vice president and serves on the firm’s Board of Directors. She also serves as chair of the firm’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. She concentrates her practice on mergers and acquisitions, business transactions and commercial real estate.
She assists clients with general business planning, entity formation and maintenance, mergers, acquisitions, commercial lending, woman-owned/minority-owned /disadvantaged business certification, risk management issues and general business contracts.
Arends also has advised clients on a variety of real estate transactions, including acquisition, disposition, development and leasing of multi-family residential, retail, office and industrial properties throughout the United States. She has represented both borrowers and lenders in multi-million-dollar real estate financing transactions.
She is an alumna of Leadership Detroit, Class XXVII. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit PBS, and Detroit Legal News Co. (DTRL) U.S.: OTC and is a member of the Real Property Law Advisory Board for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education. She also is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and the Detroit Bar Association.
Arends is a recognized leader with honors including Best Lawyers in America® - Real Estate Law, 2025; 2021 Diversity Business Leader Honoree by Corp! Magazine; Crain’s Detroit Business - Notable Executives in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, 2021; Crain’s Detroit Business - Notable Woman Attorney, 2017; M&A Advisor - Cross-Border M&A Deal of the Year (over $50MM – $100MM), 2016; Association for Corporate Growth, Detroit - All Star Deal of the Year Over $50 Million, 2015; Michigan Lawyers Weekly - Women in the Law, 2014; and, DBusiness Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit, Nonprofits/Charities Law, 2014; Corporate Law, 2018 & 2022, 2023; Real Estate Law, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2020-2023; Mergers & Acquisitions Law, 2018, 2020.
Arends is a graduate of Michigan State University University (B.A., History, 1994) and earned her law degree from Boston College Law School (1998). She is admitted to the State Bar of Michigan and the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Michigan.
In addition, Butzel President and CEO Paul M. Mersino has been named to DBusiness magazine’s Detroit 500 – 2024 list of the Most Powerful Business Leaders in Metro Detroit, for the second straight year.
Mersino was elected president and CEO of Butzel in 2023. He is responsible for the operations and management of the 150+ attorney firm, including budgeting, setting strategic goals, and more. He was elected to the firm’s Board of Directors in 2020.
He is a recognized business leader in metro Detroit. He was named to Crain’s Detroit Business magazine’s 2021 Class of “40 Under 40” list. In 2020, he was named to DBusiness magazine’s “30 in Their Thirties.”
Mersino has been recognized as a Top Lawyer by DBusiness magazine, as a Michigan Super Lawyer, as one of Oakland County’s Elite 40 under 40, and as an “Up and Coming Lawyer” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
He represents public and private companies, in a number of areas including complex commercial litigation, contract disputes, non-compete and trade secret disputes, automotive supplier disputes, construction litigation, and First Amendment litigation. He has seen a number of successes in trials and cases across the country, having obtained jury verdicts, summary judgment rulings, dismissal of cases against his clients, and settlements favorable to his clients in state and federal courts throughout the nation.
Mersino also represents and advises a number of startup companies, assisting them with their legal needs and matching them with potential venture capital funding. He handles appeals in the Michigan Court of Appeals, the Michigan Supreme Court, and in federal courts across the country.
Mersino formerly served as Butzel’s Litigation Practice Department chair. He was responsible for the management and oversight of the firm’s Commercial Litigation attorneys who reported to him as well their strategic goals, budgeting, forecasting, and direction of the practice group. Mersino also has served as trustee of the Butzel Charitable Trust.
He has served on the Board of Directors of the Detroit Bar Association and as an advisor to the Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education's Litigation Advisory Board.
Mersino is a 2008 graduate of Ave Maria School of Law. He earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Northwood University (B.A., 2005).
• • •
Kemp Klein Law Firm welcomes Tyler Knurek as associate attorney who will be a key contributor to several practice groups including estate, trust litigation, trust administration, and probate.
Knurek brings experience in handling a range of litigation matters such as will contests, trust disputes, estate disputes, guardianships, conservatorships, and other general equity issues.
“Joining Kemp Klein is an honor, and I am eager to contribute my passion and dedication in service to our clients. Alongside my new colleagues, we will seek to further our shared goal of continuing to better provide the finest advocacy and representation for every client we serve,” said Knurek.
After earning his Bachelor of Arts from Central Michigan University, Knurek attended Wayne State University Law School, where he graduated in 2017.
Knurek is licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and the 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. Additionally, he is a member of the Probate and Estate Planning and Litigation sections of the State Bar of Michigan.
• • •
Varnum LLP is pleased to announce that partner Kathleen Cieslik has been selected to participate in the Detroit Regional Chamber’s 45th Leadership Detroit Cohort.
Cieslik is a trusts and estates attorney who serves a range of individuals and multi-generational families, creating customized estate plans. She provides counsel to individual and corporate fiduciaries on the efficient management of trusts and estates, including probate administration when necessary. As an experienced litigator, Cieslik frequently appears in probate court to handle both routine and contested matters throughout Southeast Michigan. Cieslik serves as a member of the State Bar of Michigan’s Probate and Estate Planning Section and the Oakland County Bar Association.
Leadership Detroit is a community leadership program for executives in Southeast Michigan. Launched in 1979, the program aims to create awareness of key issues that affect the Detroit region and to challenge emerging and existing community leaders to bring about positive change in the community through informed leadership.
Varnum is also pleased to announce that Jeff Hewlett has joined the firm’s Litigation Practice Team as an associate in Birmingham. Hewlett brings a background in commercial litigation and intellectual property, with a focus on business, patent, and trademark disputes.
As a licensed patent attorney, Hewlett advises clients on intellectual property litigation, including the prosecution and defense of patents and trademarks. He also provides counsel to clients in the early stages of potential disputes, helping them navigate complex legal issues and prepare for potential litigation. In commercial cases, Hewlett represents clients in contract disputes, shareholder disputes and other business-related matters.
Before joining Varnum, Hewlett was an associate at a national law firm’s Detroit office and interned for U.S. District Cout Judge Bernard A. Friedman, Eastern District of Michigan.
Hewlett earned his Bachelor of Science in Biomolecular Science from the University of Michigan in 2016 and his law degree from Wayne State University in 2020.
• • •
Bodman PLC is pleased to announce that Nashara A. L. Peart of the firm’s Detroit office has been inducted as a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation (ABF).
Peart is a senior associate in Bodman’s Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution and Automotive and Industrial practices. Peart helps clients resolve complex business disputes and represents them in state and federal courts and in a broad range of alternative dispute resolution forums. She has experience in litigation matters involving complex business disputes, probate disputes, and general commercial disputes.
• • •
Miller, Canfield, Paddock, and Stone announces that Michelle Crockett, the firm’s chief diversity officer and deputy executive officer, has been recognized as one of this year’s Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Black Business Leaders. This recognition highlights Crockett’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the legal profession.
With 24 years of experience, Crockett oversees Miller Canfield’s DEI initiatives. She is also a principal attorney in the Employment and Labor Group, where she handles complex litigation, conducts internal investigations, and mediates disputes. Crockett’s work extends beyond the firm as she assists clients in developing DEI and affirmative action programs in compliance with federal statutes and recent court rulings.
Crockett’s dedication to diversity was a driving force behind Miller Canfield’s participation in the Mansfield Rule, a national initiative to promote diverse hiring practices. Under her leadership, the firm was the first in Michigan to earn the Diversity Lab’s Mansfield Certification Plus, a designation it continues to maintain.
Crockett was appointed to the Michigan Supreme Court Commission on DEI in the Judiciary in 2022, elected to the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers in 2020, and chairs the Michigan Community Resources board, among many other roles. She is also a founding member of the African American Partner Coalition, which addresses diversity issues and
supports Black students considering legal careers.
Miller Canfield is also pleased to announce that James Johnson has joined the firm as an associate in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group. Johnson brings experience in both civil and criminal litigation, including contract disputes, insurance law, arbitration, property law, and claims involving alleged fraud, civil RICO, the False Claims Act, class actions, and FLSA collective action and individual claims.
Prior to joining Miller Canfield, Johnson served as a judicial law clerk to U.S. District Court Judges Victoria A. Roberts and Gershwin A. Drain, Eastern District of Michigan. He also contributes to the legal community through his roles as a Minority Bar Passage Program tutor and a Judicial Externship Program advisor for the Wolverine Bar Association in Detroit.
Johnson earned his law degree from Wayne State University Law School. During his time at Wayne Law, Johnson served as an intern for the U.S. District Court Judge Laurie J. Michelson, Eastern District of Michigan.
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Taft is pleased to welcome several new associates to the firm. The new associates (admissions pending) who will join the Detroit Taft offices and practice groups are:
Daniel Harwood, Real Estate
Lauren Lambert, Business
Eli Ravid, Litigation
Connor Schram, Business
Jenia Thompson, Litigation
The firm is also pleased to announce that Taft partner Nicole Meisner was featured on the Electronic Transactions Association’s (ETA) podcast, “Transaction Trending.” In the episode “Quick Take on Surcharging, Cash Discounting & Convenience Fees,” Meisner discusses the complex world of payment processing, including surcharges, cash discounts, and convenience fees, and explores the regulatory landscape surrounding these concepts.
Meisner is the chair of Taft’s Paytech and Payment Systems practice group. She counsels a wide range of companies in the payments and financial services industries, including acquiring banks, payment processors, independent sales organizations (ISOs), payment facilitators, marketplaces, mobile payment providers, financial technology (FinTech) companies, ACH providers, money transmitters, prepaid access providers, and digital currency companies. A large segment of Meisner’s client base includes software platforms and other SaaS providers that have embedded or integrated payment processing solutions into their core offerings.
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Full-service business law firm Williams, Williams, Rattner, & Plunkett (WWRP) is pleased to announce that partner Donna Marie Medina has been recognized by Leading Lawyers in 2024. Drawing on her more than 25 years of civil litigation experience, Medina concentrates her practice on domestic relations law. Accordingly, Leading Lawyers has recognized her in three categories: Adoption/Reproductive Technology Law, Family Law, and ADR: Family.
Representing both men and women in divorce and complex family disputes, Medina helps clients resolve matters involving child custody, parenting time, child support, alimony and spousal support, property settlement, division of assets, change of domicile, and change of school district. She also advises on family planning, private adoptions, and guardianships—appearing in court on behalf of parents and children when conflicts arise. She has experience in contested direct placement adoptions, and she has represented many adoptive families and birth mothers in their efforts to terminate the parental rights of putative fathers under the adoption code.
