Office of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointment of David Massaron to the Regional Transit Authority Board of Directors.
Massaron is vice president of General Motors’ Infrastructure and Corporate Citizenship group. Previously, Massaron was General Motors’ chief economic development and real estate officer, senior vice president and chief financial officer at Wayne State University, and budget director for the State of Michigan.
Additionally, Massaron serves on the boards of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, the Downtown Detroit Partnership, the Detroit Regional Partnership, and the Hudson Weber Foundation.
Massaron earned a Bachelor of Arts in political theory and constitutional democracy from Michigan State University and a law degree from William and Mary Law School.
Massaron is reappointed as the governor’s representative for a term commencing April 10, 2025, and expiring March 31, 2028.
Regional Transit Authority Board of Directors’ mission is to manage and secure transportation resources that enhance mobility options, improve quality of life for residents, and increase economic viability in the region.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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Michigan Supreme Court
The Michigan Supreme Court recently announced that longtime Chief Commissioner Dan Brubaker has been named the court’s chief operating officer. For the past 13 years, Brubaker has served as chief commissioner where he has coordinated the flow of cases through the court, from filing to disposition. He previously served for a decade as a commissioner, reviewing applications for leave to appeal and preparing summary reports for the justices.
“During my time with the court, I have developed a deep and abiding respect for the court itself and its role as an essential pillar in the governance of this state, as well as its positive impact on the people of Michigan,” said Brubaker. “I want to build on the solid foundation that is already established and am very excited about the opportunity to coordinate and lead long-term strategies for the court’s efficient operations.”
Among other responsibilities, the chief operating officer:
• Formulates long-term strategic plans for efficient operations of the Michigan Supreme Court (MSC), including implementing new and maintaining existing technologies and case management systems.
• Coordinates the operational activities of the Clerk’s Office, Reporter of Decisions, Court Crier, and Commissioner’s Office.
• Serves as the primary contact for operational issues and questions from justices’ offices and other court staff, and as the point person for the chief justice on matters involving case management.
Brubaker is a graduate of Albion College and the University of Michigan Law School. Prior to his service in the commissioner’s office, he worked in private practice for a decade.
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Miller Johnson
Miller Johnson is pleased to announce the addition of Mike Sherman as senior counsel in the firm’s Immigration practice. Sherman is an immigration lawyer with more than thirty years of experience. He focuses on providing personalized immigration legal services to healthcare and business professionals. Sherman is based out of the firm’s fast-growing Detroit office.
Prior to joining Miller Johnson, Sherman ran his own practice, Sherman Immigration LLC, where he specialized in employment and family-based immigration. He serves as outside immigration counsel to two large hospital systems in addition to expertly handling temporary and permanent work visa matters for various corporate clients across multiple business sectors. Sherman is known for providing advice to legal and human resources departments regarding visa options for current and prospective employees, visa issues, I-9 compliance, and related matters.
Sherman earned a law degree from Wayne State University Law School and an A.B. in Near East Studies from the University of Michigan.
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Warner, Norcross, + Judd LLP
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP has welcomed Amber J. Krupp as an associate.
Krupp joins Warner’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice Group where she concentrates her practice on complex commercial litigation. Krupp specializes in the automotive industry, assisting buyers and suppliers with various contractual disputes, TRO preliminary injunctions involving breach of contract claims and other emergent industry matters. She will practice in the firm’s Detroit office.
Prior to joining Warner, Krupp was an attorney with Bracewell LLP in Houston. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a law degree from the University of Houston Law Center. She is licensed to practice in Michigan and Texas.
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Kemp Klein Law Firm
Kemp Klein attorneys Amanda Afton Martin and Margaret Lindauer volunteered at PALS Senior Law Day on April 4 at the Active Adult Center in Madison Heights. The two, along with Couzens Lansky attorney Sara Zivian Zwickl, gave the keynote address on estate planning. They presented their version of “Estate Planning Myth Busters.” Afton Martin also participated in the Ask a Lawyer portion of the event.
Senior Law Day is designed to help educate senior members of the community on different areas of law and to assist attendees in finding answers to their legal questions. The event is hosted by the Oakland County Bar Association’s Providing Access to Legal Services (PALS) Committee. Thanks to the support of the Oakland County Bar Foundation, there is no cost to attend and attendees can choose from several informational sessions presented by local attorneys.
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Varnum LLP
Varnum partner Eric Nemeth has been named to Law360’s Editorial Advisory Boards for 2025. He will serve on the Tax Authority Federal Board. As a board member, Nemeth will provide feedback on Law360’s coverage and expert insight on how to shape future coverage in these areas.
Nemeth leads the Tax Planning, Compliance, and Litigation Team at Varnum. A former senior trial lawyer for the IRS, he has experience in tax law with a focus on all aspects of civil and criminal law, as well as complex financial investigative and litigation matters. Nemeth has led or assisted in matters for clients on five continents and throughout the United States. He provides legal advice and counsel to clients regarding the tax implications of assets held outside of the United States.
Nemeth started his career as a senior trial lawyer for IRS Chief Counsel (Honors Program) and as a special assistant United States attorney. He also served in the U.S. Army as a Judge Advocate. During his tenure with the government, he litigated complex matters and provided legal support, guidance, and strategy for a multitude of criminal investigations and civil tax examinations.
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Dickinson Wright PLLC
Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that Juliet Boyd (member, Troy) has been named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2025 Up and Coming Lawyers.
“I am honored to be selected by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a member of their 2025 Up and Coming Lawyer Class. This list is filled with such talented and accomplished attorneys, and it’s a privilege to be included among their ranks,” said Boyd.
Boyd focuses her practice in the areas of probate litigation as well as estate planning & administration. She assists clients with estate planning, estate and trust administration and litigation, and contested and uncontested guardianship and conservatorship matters. She helps clients with planning and litigation surrounding revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, estate and trust administration (representing fiduciaries and beneficiaries), fiduciary litigation, and litigation involving protected individuals.
Boyd is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is an Oakland County Bar Foundation Fellow. She has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America® “Ones to Watch” for Litigation – Trusts and Estates, and Michigan Super Lawyers® “Rising Stars” for Estate and Trust Litigation.
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Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone
Miller Canfield is pleased to announce that Nicholas Huguelet has joined the firm as a senior attorney in the Employment and Labor Group. He will be based in the firm’s Detroit office.
Huguelet brings nearly 20 years of experience advising and defending public and private employers on labor and employment matters, including collective bargaining, labor arbitrations, workplace investigations, and litigation involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation and whistleblower claims.
Huguelet is a frequent speaker and commentator on labor and employment issues and has contributed to several legal publications, including The Developing Labor Law.
Licensed in Michigan and Ohio, he earned his law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University.
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Brooks Kushman P.C.
Brooks Kushman attorney Molly Crandall authored a featured article for the International Trademark Association (INTA) titled “An Entrepreneur’s Journey to Protect IP: Caire Beauty.” The piece is part of INTA’s From Our Committees series and spotlights how Caire Beauty, a science-forward skincare brand, has prioritized intellectual property as a foundation for long-term growth.
In the article, Crandall details how the founders of Caire Beauty have used trademarks to define their brand, protect their innovations, and navigate the challenges of launching a business in the competitive beauty market.
Crandall serves on INTA’s Law & Practice—USPTO Subcommittee where she contributes to thought leadership around trademark law and policy.
Crandall concentrates her legal practice on trademark law, advising a range of clients—from startups to Fortune 500 companies—on brand protection strategies, including clearance, prosecution, and enforcement. She represents clients in opposition and cancellation proceedings before the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board and handles trademark issues both domestically and internationally in coordination with foreign counsel. Her work also includes negotiating and drafting IP-related agreements such as licenses, settlements, and co-existence arrangements.
Crandall is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointment of David Massaron to the Regional Transit Authority Board of Directors.
Massaron is vice president of General Motors’ Infrastructure and Corporate Citizenship group. Previously, Massaron was General Motors’ chief economic development and real estate officer, senior vice president and chief financial officer at Wayne State University, and budget director for the State of Michigan.
Additionally, Massaron serves on the boards of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, the Downtown Detroit Partnership, the Detroit Regional Partnership, and the Hudson Weber Foundation.
Massaron earned a Bachelor of Arts in political theory and constitutional democracy from Michigan State University and a law degree from William and Mary Law School.
Massaron is reappointed as the governor’s representative for a term commencing April 10, 2025, and expiring March 31, 2028.
Regional Transit Authority Board of Directors’ mission is to manage and secure transportation resources that enhance mobility options, improve quality of life for residents, and increase economic viability in the region.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
—————
Michigan Supreme Court
The Michigan Supreme Court recently announced that longtime Chief Commissioner Dan Brubaker has been named the court’s chief operating officer. For the past 13 years, Brubaker has served as chief commissioner where he has coordinated the flow of cases through the court, from filing to disposition. He previously served for a decade as a commissioner, reviewing applications for leave to appeal and preparing summary reports for the justices.
“During my time with the court, I have developed a deep and abiding respect for the court itself and its role as an essential pillar in the governance of this state, as well as its positive impact on the people of Michigan,” said Brubaker. “I want to build on the solid foundation that is already established and am very excited about the opportunity to coordinate and lead long-term strategies for the court’s efficient operations.”
Among other responsibilities, the chief operating officer:
• Formulates long-term strategic plans for efficient operations of the Michigan Supreme Court (MSC), including implementing new and maintaining existing technologies and case management systems.
• Coordinates the operational activities of the Clerk’s Office, Reporter of Decisions, Court Crier, and Commissioner’s Office.
• Serves as the primary contact for operational issues and questions from justices’ offices and other court staff, and as the point person for the chief justice on matters involving case management.
Brubaker is a graduate of Albion College and the University of Michigan Law School. Prior to his service in the commissioner’s office, he worked in private practice for a decade.
—————
Miller Johnson
Miller Johnson is pleased to announce the addition of Mike Sherman as senior counsel in the firm’s Immigration practice. Sherman is an immigration lawyer with more than thirty years of experience. He focuses on providing personalized immigration legal services to healthcare and business professionals. Sherman is based out of the firm’s fast-growing Detroit office.
Prior to joining Miller Johnson, Sherman ran his own practice, Sherman Immigration LLC, where he specialized in employment and family-based immigration. He serves as outside immigration counsel to two large hospital systems in addition to expertly handling temporary and permanent work visa matters for various corporate clients across multiple business sectors. Sherman is known for providing advice to legal and human resources departments regarding visa options for current and prospective employees, visa issues, I-9 compliance, and related matters.
Sherman earned a law degree from Wayne State University Law School and an A.B. in Near East Studies from the University of Michigan.
—————
Warner, Norcross, + Judd LLP
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP has welcomed Amber J. Krupp as an associate.
Krupp joins Warner’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice Group where she concentrates her practice on complex commercial litigation. Krupp specializes in the automotive industry, assisting buyers and suppliers with various contractual disputes, TRO preliminary injunctions involving breach of contract claims and other emergent industry matters. She will practice in the firm’s Detroit office.
Prior to joining Warner, Krupp was an attorney with Bracewell LLP in Houston. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a law degree from the University of Houston Law Center. She is licensed to practice in Michigan and Texas.
—————
Kemp Klein Law Firm
Kemp Klein attorneys Amanda Afton Martin and Margaret Lindauer volunteered at PALS Senior Law Day on April 4 at the Active Adult Center in Madison Heights. The two, along with Couzens Lansky attorney Sara Zivian Zwickl, gave the keynote address on estate planning. They presented their version of “Estate Planning Myth Busters.” Afton Martin also participated in the Ask a Lawyer portion of the event.
Senior Law Day is designed to help educate senior members of the community on different areas of law and to assist attendees in finding answers to their legal questions. The event is hosted by the Oakland County Bar Association’s Providing Access to Legal Services (PALS) Committee. Thanks to the support of the Oakland County Bar Foundation, there is no cost to attend and attendees can choose from several informational sessions presented by local attorneys.
—————
Varnum LLP
Varnum partner Eric Nemeth has been named to Law360’s Editorial Advisory Boards for 2025. He will serve on the Tax Authority Federal Board. As a board member, Nemeth will provide feedback on Law360’s coverage and expert insight on how to shape future coverage in these areas.
Nemeth leads the Tax Planning, Compliance, and Litigation Team at Varnum. A former senior trial lawyer for the IRS, he has experience in tax law with a focus on all aspects of civil and criminal law, as well as complex financial investigative and litigation matters. Nemeth has led or assisted in matters for clients on five continents and throughout the United States. He provides legal advice and counsel to clients regarding the tax implications of assets held outside of the United States.
Nemeth started his career as a senior trial lawyer for IRS Chief Counsel (Honors Program) and as a special assistant United States attorney. He also served in the U.S. Army as a Judge Advocate. During his tenure with the government, he litigated complex matters and provided legal support, guidance, and strategy for a multitude of criminal investigations and civil tax examinations.
—————
Dickinson Wright PLLC
Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that Juliet Boyd (member, Troy) has been named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2025 Up and Coming Lawyers.
“I am honored to be selected by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a member of their 2025 Up and Coming Lawyer Class. This list is filled with such talented and accomplished attorneys, and it’s a privilege to be included among their ranks,” said Boyd.
Boyd focuses her practice in the areas of probate litigation as well as estate planning & administration. She assists clients with estate planning, estate and trust administration and litigation, and contested and uncontested guardianship and conservatorship matters. She helps clients with planning and litigation surrounding revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, estate and trust administration (representing fiduciaries and beneficiaries), fiduciary litigation, and litigation involving protected individuals.
Boyd is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is an Oakland County Bar Foundation Fellow. She has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America® “Ones to Watch” for Litigation – Trusts and Estates, and Michigan Super Lawyers® “Rising Stars” for Estate and Trust Litigation.
—————
Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone
Miller Canfield is pleased to announce that Nicholas Huguelet has joined the firm as a senior attorney in the Employment and Labor Group. He will be based in the firm’s Detroit office.
Huguelet brings nearly 20 years of experience advising and defending public and private employers on labor and employment matters, including collective bargaining, labor arbitrations, workplace investigations, and litigation involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation and whistleblower claims.
Huguelet is a frequent speaker and commentator on labor and employment issues and has contributed to several legal publications, including The Developing Labor Law.
Licensed in Michigan and Ohio, he earned his law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University.
—————
Brooks Kushman P.C.
Brooks Kushman attorney Molly Crandall authored a featured article for the International Trademark Association (INTA) titled “An Entrepreneur’s Journey to Protect IP: Caire Beauty.” The piece is part of INTA’s From Our Committees series and spotlights how Caire Beauty, a science-forward skincare brand, has prioritized intellectual property as a foundation for long-term growth.
In the article, Crandall details how the founders of Caire Beauty have used trademarks to define their brand, protect their innovations, and navigate the challenges of launching a business in the competitive beauty market.
Crandall serves on INTA’s Law & Practice—USPTO Subcommittee where she contributes to thought leadership around trademark law and policy.
Crandall concentrates her legal practice on trademark law, advising a range of clients—from startups to Fortune 500 companies—on brand protection strategies, including clearance, prosecution, and enforcement. She represents clients in opposition and cancellation proceedings before the U.S. Trademark Trial and Appeal Board and handles trademark issues both domestically and internationally in coordination with foreign counsel. Her work also includes negotiating and drafting IP-related agreements such as licenses, settlements, and co-existence arrangements.
Crandall is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
