The Michigan Supreme Court (MSC) recently announced the selection of Kimberly K. Muschong as its new reporter of decisions. Muschong becomes the second woman to hold the post since it was created in 1838 to support the Supreme Court and publish the official Michigan Reports. She succeeds the first woman to fill the position, Kathryn L. Loomis, who recently became the Michigan Court of Appeals (COA) research director following nearly eight years serving as MSC reporter of decisions.
“I am a firm believer in the ‘every word matters’ mantra of the Reporter’s Office,” Muschong said, “so I am extremely honored and proud to have the opportunity to uphold that high standard as I take on this new role.”
Muschong most recently served as a research supervisor for the COA Research Division since 2018 and brings nearly 25 years of experience in the court system in Michigan—contract, research, and prehearing attorney positions in the COA; law clerk for former MSC Chief Justice Robert P. Young Jr.; publications team and research attorney specialist in the Michigan Judicial Institute within the State Court Administrative Office; and law clerk in the Oakland County Circuit Court. In addition to court positions, she has also worked as a legal editor at LexisNexis.
Muschong earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the Honors College of Oakland University, and a law degree from Michigan State University College of Law.
• • •
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law announced that Erin Archerd, associate professor of law, will serve as the next associate dean of academic affairs. She began this appointment at the beginning of the Winter 2025 term.
“After a decade as a faculty member, I am honored to serve the law school in this role,” stated Archerd. “I look forward to working with our students, faculty, and staff in this new capacity.”
Archerd joined the faculty at Detroit Mercy Law in 2015 and was granted tenure in 2020. Her research and teaching interests include alternative dispute resolution, beer law, commercial law, education law, and Latino law and policy. She is the author of numerous law review articles and book chapters. She teaches a range of courses, including Contracts, Sales, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation.
Archerd is the faculty advisor of the Law Review and the Hispanic and Latino Law Students Association. She previously served as chair of the State Bar of Michigan Alternative Dispute Resolution Section, chair of the Association of American Law Schools Section on Education Law, and as co-chair of the American Bar Association Section on Dispute Resolution Ethics Committee. The Detroit Bar Association selected her as a Fellow in 2024 and she currently sits on their board.
She received the University of Detroit Mercy Faculty Achievement Award in 2020. Prior to joining academia, she was an associate at Covington & Burling LLP.
• • •
Plunkett Cooney partner Frank T. Mamat was recently elected to serve a two-year term as a member of the council for the Labor and Employment Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan.
The council serves as the governing body of the section, providing general supervision and direction on the affairs of its more than 2,000 members. The Labor and Employment Law Section provides education, information and analysis of topical issues through meetings, seminars, the section’s website, public service programs and newsletters.
A partner of Plunkett Cooney, Mamat utilizes his more than 50 years of experience to help companies, contractors, employers, lawmakers and trade associations resolve union matters. His expertise includes contract negotiations, elections, union avoidance and labor arbitrations. He also advises clients on noncompete agreements, unfair labor practice litigation, harassment suits, wage and hour issues and OSHA-MIOSHA safety matters.
In addition, Mamat’s experience includes the resolution of National Labor Relations Board matters, attempted union organization, mass picketing and violence, and secondary boycotts and pressure. His clients also rely on his counsel and advice on ERISA trust funds and related fiduciary liabilities.
Mamat has been honored by Best Lawyers in America, Michigan Super Lawyers, DBusiness magazine’s Top Lawyers, the Labor Relations Institute’s Top 100 Labor Lawyers in the U.S., The American Lawyer’s Top Lawyers, and The American Registry’s Top Lawyers in Michigan.
Mamat received his undergraduate degree from the University of Rochester in 1971 and his law degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 1974.
• • •
Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that Anthony Piccirilli has joined the firm’s Troy office as an associate.
Piccirilli focuses his practice in litigation and construction. He has represented clients in multiple trial courts throughout Michigan. His experience includes factually contentious pretrial discovery, and he has enjoyed success in oral advocacy between tribunals. He also represents clients from all corners of the construction industry, including commercial and industrial contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers.
Piccirilli is a member of the State Bar of Michigan’s Young Lawyers Section, the Macomb County Bar Association, the Italian-American Bar Association, and the Detroit Area Construction Association. He serves as a moot court judge for the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, Patrick A. Keenan Competition, Moot Court Board of Advocates.
Piccirilli received his B.S. from Oakland University School of Business and his law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
• • •
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP has welcomed Marisa R. Brunetti as an associate.
Brunetti joins Warner’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice Group where her practice focuses on complex commercial and real estate disputes. In her corporate practice, she helps clients navigate contract disputes, business torts, supply chain challenges, insurance law and product liability. In her real estate practice, she tackles an array of property-related matters, including real property and construction disputes, architectural and engineering liability, riparian rights and water law issues. Brunetti will practice in the firm’s Macomb County office.
Prior to joining Warner, Brunetti was an associate with Plunkett Cooney in Bloomfield Hills and served as a judicial intern for Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Mark S. Switalski. Licensed to practice law in Michigan and West Virginia, Brunetti previously worked in Charleston, West Virginia as an associate at Robinson & McElwee PLLC and as an assistant prosecuting attorney for Kanawha County.
Brunetti earned two bachelor’s degrees, in public policy and political science, from the University of Charleston in West Virginia. She earned a law degree from Cooley Law School.
• • •
The Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan (CDAM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Christine A. Pagac as its new amicus administrator. In this role, Pagac will oversee CDAM’s amicus curiae (friend of the court) efforts, ensuring that Michigan’s criminal defense attorneys remain informed about key legal developments in the Michigan Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and other courts.
As amicus administrator, Pagac will be responsible for identifying and tracking important appellate cases that could impact criminal defense law in Michigan. She will work closely with CDAM’s
leadership to determine where the organization can provide valuable input by submitting amicus briefs—documents that offer legal analysis and policy arguments to help courts make informed decisions. Additionally, she will coordinate and support CDAM’s volunteer brief writers, providing them with guidance and resources to effectively advocate on behalf of the defense bar and the rights of the accused.
• • •
Suzanne Miller has been recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a 2025 Go To Lawyer in Commercial Real Estate announced yesterday.
Miller is a member based in Miller Johnson’s Detroit office, practicing in the areas of Real Estate, Tax, and Corporate Law. Miller’s practice includes all forms of real estate transactions and developments, acquisitions, dispositions, financing, opinion letters and property tax appeals. Miller specializes in tax matters related to state and local tax, mergers and acquisitions and commercial real estate transactions. Miller also has experience in shareholder matters, corporate governance, entity formation and general business transactions.
As part of her selection, Miller’s signature accomplishment of recently representing the purchaser in the financing and acquisition of a $1 billion portfolio of 27 operating properties was highlighted.
This past year, Miller’s practice included representing a large medical device manufacturer in the sale of its headquarters to a hospital system and representing a municipality in a “land swap” which will result in a new fire station for the municipality at no cost to that municipality. She has also represented a client purchasing property for the development of a pickle ball facility and another client in the acquisition of a wellness retreat which will service nonprofit executives. Miller also handles high profile matters for public figures and governmental officials in areas relating to real estate, acquisitions, and tax.
• • •
Austin W. Probst, Margaret Lindauer, and Tyler Knurek join several other Kemp Klein attorneys by joining the Oakland County Bar Foundation.
The OCBF promotes and funds programs designed to increase access, affordability, and understanding of the law and legal system. The Fellows program provides critical support for OCBF programs. It also provides a setting for dedicated individuals to come together in professional camaraderie to support the cause.
• • •
Bodman PLC is pleased to announce that Leslie Y. Vázquez has joined the firm as a conflicts attorney in the firm’s Detroit office.
As a conflicts attorney, Vázquez helps manage potential ethical conflict issues related to new clients, business opportunities, and lateral hires.
Before joining Bodman, Vázquez was a compliance administrator and associate legal counsel for a Michigan-based investment advisory firm.
Vázquez graduated from Michigan State University College of Law and received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan. She also earned an M.B.A. from Michigan State University Eli Broad College of Business.
• • •
Taft welcomes Vincent Sallan to the firm’s Commercial Litigation practice in the Detroit office.
Sallan focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation, general business disputes, employment law, and constitutional law. He has experience across various industries, including healthcare, telecommunications, real estate, financial services, and insurance. He is skilled in practicing before state and federal trial courts, appellate courts, as well as administrative bodies.
Sallan earned his law degree from Wayne State University Law School and his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan.
• • •
Brooks Kushman is pleased to announce that Shareholders John Rondini and Christopher Smith have been elected by their peers to serve as the firm’s new co-chairs of Litigation. Rondini joined the firm in 2006 and Smith in 2010, both have been critical members of the team since then.
“I’m honored to step into this leadership role and look forward to driving the growth of our litigation team into new and dynamic practice areas. By expanding our expertise, we can continue to meet the evolving needs of our clients and position Brooks Kushman as a leader in innovative legal solutions,” says Rondini.
Rondini is an attorney with knowledge in litigation, negotiating settlements, and licensing agreements. His experience includes assessing a client’s current cybersecurity and data privacy protocols and developing a comprehensive incident response plan to ensure compliance with applicable laws. Rondini’s practice includes representing clients in patent prosecution, litigation, and cyber security and data privacy matters. He has represented client’s litigation matters at the district court and appellate level, as well as, before the International Trade Commission, and has actively managed each stage of litigation from pre-suit pleadings through trial, and through appeal. John has also managed the patent prosecution docket for clients that range from Fortune 500 companies to individual inventors. His prosecution experience includes handling a patent application from an initial draft through allowance.
“It’s a privilege to lead a team of such talented litigators. I’m dedicated to mentoring and training the next generation of attorneys, ensuring that we not only deliver exceptional results for our clients but also cultivate a legacy of excellence and leadership within our firm,” says Smith.
Smith is an intellectual property attorney specializing in patent litigation, IP counseling, licensing, and patent and trademark prosecution. With experience representing clients across industries including automotive, medical devices, internet technologies, and telecommunications, Smith brings technical expertise and strategic insight to his practice. In 2024, he was honored with the Law360 MVP Award, an accolade given to only six IP attorneys nationwide, recognizing his exceptional influence in the field. A registered patent attorney, Smith combines his litigation acumen with a strong background in patent prosecution, enabling him to deliver strategies for Fortune 500 companies and startups alike.
“I am a firm believer in the ‘every word matters’ mantra of the Reporter’s Office,” Muschong said, “so I am extremely honored and proud to have the opportunity to uphold that high standard as I take on this new role.”
Muschong most recently served as a research supervisor for the COA Research Division since 2018 and brings nearly 25 years of experience in the court system in Michigan—contract, research, and prehearing attorney positions in the COA; law clerk for former MSC Chief Justice Robert P. Young Jr.; publications team and research attorney specialist in the Michigan Judicial Institute within the State Court Administrative Office; and law clerk in the Oakland County Circuit Court. In addition to court positions, she has also worked as a legal editor at LexisNexis.
Muschong earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the Honors College of Oakland University, and a law degree from Michigan State University College of Law.
• • •
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law announced that Erin Archerd, associate professor of law, will serve as the next associate dean of academic affairs. She began this appointment at the beginning of the Winter 2025 term.
“After a decade as a faculty member, I am honored to serve the law school in this role,” stated Archerd. “I look forward to working with our students, faculty, and staff in this new capacity.”
Archerd joined the faculty at Detroit Mercy Law in 2015 and was granted tenure in 2020. Her research and teaching interests include alternative dispute resolution, beer law, commercial law, education law, and Latino law and policy. She is the author of numerous law review articles and book chapters. She teaches a range of courses, including Contracts, Sales, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Mediation.
Archerd is the faculty advisor of the Law Review and the Hispanic and Latino Law Students Association. She previously served as chair of the State Bar of Michigan Alternative Dispute Resolution Section, chair of the Association of American Law Schools Section on Education Law, and as co-chair of the American Bar Association Section on Dispute Resolution Ethics Committee. The Detroit Bar Association selected her as a Fellow in 2024 and she currently sits on their board.
She received the University of Detroit Mercy Faculty Achievement Award in 2020. Prior to joining academia, she was an associate at Covington & Burling LLP.
• • •
Plunkett Cooney partner Frank T. Mamat was recently elected to serve a two-year term as a member of the council for the Labor and Employment Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan.
The council serves as the governing body of the section, providing general supervision and direction on the affairs of its more than 2,000 members. The Labor and Employment Law Section provides education, information and analysis of topical issues through meetings, seminars, the section’s website, public service programs and newsletters.
A partner of Plunkett Cooney, Mamat utilizes his more than 50 years of experience to help companies, contractors, employers, lawmakers and trade associations resolve union matters. His expertise includes contract negotiations, elections, union avoidance and labor arbitrations. He also advises clients on noncompete agreements, unfair labor practice litigation, harassment suits, wage and hour issues and OSHA-MIOSHA safety matters.
In addition, Mamat’s experience includes the resolution of National Labor Relations Board matters, attempted union organization, mass picketing and violence, and secondary boycotts and pressure. His clients also rely on his counsel and advice on ERISA trust funds and related fiduciary liabilities.
Mamat has been honored by Best Lawyers in America, Michigan Super Lawyers, DBusiness magazine’s Top Lawyers, the Labor Relations Institute’s Top 100 Labor Lawyers in the U.S., The American Lawyer’s Top Lawyers, and The American Registry’s Top Lawyers in Michigan.
Mamat received his undergraduate degree from the University of Rochester in 1971 and his law degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 1974.
• • •
Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that Anthony Piccirilli has joined the firm’s Troy office as an associate.
Piccirilli focuses his practice in litigation and construction. He has represented clients in multiple trial courts throughout Michigan. His experience includes factually contentious pretrial discovery, and he has enjoyed success in oral advocacy between tribunals. He also represents clients from all corners of the construction industry, including commercial and industrial contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers.
Piccirilli is a member of the State Bar of Michigan’s Young Lawyers Section, the Macomb County Bar Association, the Italian-American Bar Association, and the Detroit Area Construction Association. He serves as a moot court judge for the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, Patrick A. Keenan Competition, Moot Court Board of Advocates.
Piccirilli received his B.S. from Oakland University School of Business and his law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
• • •
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP has welcomed Marisa R. Brunetti as an associate.
Brunetti joins Warner’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice Group where her practice focuses on complex commercial and real estate disputes. In her corporate practice, she helps clients navigate contract disputes, business torts, supply chain challenges, insurance law and product liability. In her real estate practice, she tackles an array of property-related matters, including real property and construction disputes, architectural and engineering liability, riparian rights and water law issues. Brunetti will practice in the firm’s Macomb County office.
Prior to joining Warner, Brunetti was an associate with Plunkett Cooney in Bloomfield Hills and served as a judicial intern for Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Mark S. Switalski. Licensed to practice law in Michigan and West Virginia, Brunetti previously worked in Charleston, West Virginia as an associate at Robinson & McElwee PLLC and as an assistant prosecuting attorney for Kanawha County.
Brunetti earned two bachelor’s degrees, in public policy and political science, from the University of Charleston in West Virginia. She earned a law degree from Cooley Law School.
• • •
The Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan (CDAM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Christine A. Pagac as its new amicus administrator. In this role, Pagac will oversee CDAM’s amicus curiae (friend of the court) efforts, ensuring that Michigan’s criminal defense attorneys remain informed about key legal developments in the Michigan Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and other courts.
As amicus administrator, Pagac will be responsible for identifying and tracking important appellate cases that could impact criminal defense law in Michigan. She will work closely with CDAM’s
leadership to determine where the organization can provide valuable input by submitting amicus briefs—documents that offer legal analysis and policy arguments to help courts make informed decisions. Additionally, she will coordinate and support CDAM’s volunteer brief writers, providing them with guidance and resources to effectively advocate on behalf of the defense bar and the rights of the accused.
• • •
Suzanne Miller has been recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a 2025 Go To Lawyer in Commercial Real Estate announced yesterday.
Miller is a member based in Miller Johnson’s Detroit office, practicing in the areas of Real Estate, Tax, and Corporate Law. Miller’s practice includes all forms of real estate transactions and developments, acquisitions, dispositions, financing, opinion letters and property tax appeals. Miller specializes in tax matters related to state and local tax, mergers and acquisitions and commercial real estate transactions. Miller also has experience in shareholder matters, corporate governance, entity formation and general business transactions.
As part of her selection, Miller’s signature accomplishment of recently representing the purchaser in the financing and acquisition of a $1 billion portfolio of 27 operating properties was highlighted.
This past year, Miller’s practice included representing a large medical device manufacturer in the sale of its headquarters to a hospital system and representing a municipality in a “land swap” which will result in a new fire station for the municipality at no cost to that municipality. She has also represented a client purchasing property for the development of a pickle ball facility and another client in the acquisition of a wellness retreat which will service nonprofit executives. Miller also handles high profile matters for public figures and governmental officials in areas relating to real estate, acquisitions, and tax.
• • •
Austin W. Probst, Margaret Lindauer, and Tyler Knurek join several other Kemp Klein attorneys by joining the Oakland County Bar Foundation.
The OCBF promotes and funds programs designed to increase access, affordability, and understanding of the law and legal system. The Fellows program provides critical support for OCBF programs. It also provides a setting for dedicated individuals to come together in professional camaraderie to support the cause.
• • •
Bodman PLC is pleased to announce that Leslie Y. Vázquez has joined the firm as a conflicts attorney in the firm’s Detroit office.
As a conflicts attorney, Vázquez helps manage potential ethical conflict issues related to new clients, business opportunities, and lateral hires.
Before joining Bodman, Vázquez was a compliance administrator and associate legal counsel for a Michigan-based investment advisory firm.
Vázquez graduated from Michigan State University College of Law and received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan. She also earned an M.B.A. from Michigan State University Eli Broad College of Business.
• • •
Taft welcomes Vincent Sallan to the firm’s Commercial Litigation practice in the Detroit office.
Sallan focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation, general business disputes, employment law, and constitutional law. He has experience across various industries, including healthcare, telecommunications, real estate, financial services, and insurance. He is skilled in practicing before state and federal trial courts, appellate courts, as well as administrative bodies.
Sallan earned his law degree from Wayne State University Law School and his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan.
• • •
Brooks Kushman is pleased to announce that Shareholders John Rondini and Christopher Smith have been elected by their peers to serve as the firm’s new co-chairs of Litigation. Rondini joined the firm in 2006 and Smith in 2010, both have been critical members of the team since then.
“I’m honored to step into this leadership role and look forward to driving the growth of our litigation team into new and dynamic practice areas. By expanding our expertise, we can continue to meet the evolving needs of our clients and position Brooks Kushman as a leader in innovative legal solutions,” says Rondini.
Rondini is an attorney with knowledge in litigation, negotiating settlements, and licensing agreements. His experience includes assessing a client’s current cybersecurity and data privacy protocols and developing a comprehensive incident response plan to ensure compliance with applicable laws. Rondini’s practice includes representing clients in patent prosecution, litigation, and cyber security and data privacy matters. He has represented client’s litigation matters at the district court and appellate level, as well as, before the International Trade Commission, and has actively managed each stage of litigation from pre-suit pleadings through trial, and through appeal. John has also managed the patent prosecution docket for clients that range from Fortune 500 companies to individual inventors. His prosecution experience includes handling a patent application from an initial draft through allowance.
“It’s a privilege to lead a team of such talented litigators. I’m dedicated to mentoring and training the next generation of attorneys, ensuring that we not only deliver exceptional results for our clients but also cultivate a legacy of excellence and leadership within our firm,” says Smith.
Smith is an intellectual property attorney specializing in patent litigation, IP counseling, licensing, and patent and trademark prosecution. With experience representing clients across industries including automotive, medical devices, internet technologies, and telecommunications, Smith brings technical expertise and strategic insight to his practice. In 2024, he was honored with the Law360 MVP Award, an accolade given to only six IP attorneys nationwide, recognizing his exceptional influence in the field. A registered patent attorney, Smith combines his litigation acumen with a strong background in patent prosecution, enabling him to deliver strategies for Fortune 500 companies and startups alike.
