Butzel attorneys Jennifer Dukarski and Debra Geroux were featured presenters during the HCCA Ann Arbor Regional Healthcare Compliance Conference on Thursday, June 26.
Dukarski’s presentation was titled, “Ready for Liftoff? Launching AI in a Less-Than-Certain Legal Universe.” She assessed the scope of current AI uses and misuses (and the litigation that follows), near-future applications, and the key factors for mitigating legal risk in a successful launch, to name a few.
Geroux’s presentation was titled, “HIPAA Security.” She discussed proposed Security Rules and how they may affect organizations, OCR’s recent Enforcement Effort – the Risk Analysis Initiative, and, understanding vulnerabilities and threats to data security and how to address them.
Dukarski focuses her practice at the intersection of technology and communications with an emphasis on emerging and disruptive issues: digital media and content, cybersecurity and privacy, artificial intelligence, and connected, electrified and autonomous cars.
Dukarski has become a national leader in legal issues facing emerging technology in multiple sectors including challenging intellectual property issues surrounding data, and automated systems.
A self-titled “recovering engineer,” Dukarski was named one of the 30 Women Defining the Future of Technology in January 2020 by Warner Communications for her innovative thoughts and contributions to the tech industry.
Geroux is co-chair of Butzel’s Health Care Industry Team. Her health care practice focuses on health care compliance, cybersecurity and privacy, and statutory reporting obligations. She has assisted health care practitioners in defense of state and federal debarment, fraud, waste and abuse investigations and litigation, licensing and credentialing, government and commercial payor audits and a host of other health care issues. She has experience in supply chain and source contracting for a large Michigan-based health system, including negotiations of its IT contracts.
Geroux earned her Certified in Healthcare Privacy Compliance (CHPC) designation from the Compliance and Certification Board (CCB). Geroux also holds a Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) designation from the CCB.
In addition, Butzel recently established a Tariff and Trade Resource Center (www.butzel.com/resources-trade), which monitors, interprets, and responds to fast-moving developments impacting manufacturers and suppliers worldwide.
In today’s complex global economy, tariff and trade law isn’t just a legal concern, it’s a strategic priority. For manufacturers, suppliers, and stakeholders in industries including automotive, aerospace and defense (A&D), and others, regulatory decisions on tariffs, trade agreements, and customs compliance can directly impact costs, sourcing strategies, and market access.
Navigating complex global trade regulations – such as Section 301 and 232 tariffs used by the U.S. to address unfair trade practices and national security concerns, respectively, with China and other countries – requires deep legal capabilities. The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) grants the president authority to regulate commerce during national emergencies and often is invoked to implement sanctions or trade restrictions involving China and other countries for which Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) exist. Duties implemented under IEEPA are incremental duties imposed in addition to any prior or existing tariffs, including tariffs on goods from China under Section 301.
Knowledge of rising risks of trade agreement violations, including United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) regulations, and others, along with an understanding of the increasingly complex landscape of tariff stacking, uncertainty around tariff exclusions and renewals, aggressive customs enforcement, and Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification disputes, also is paramount.
Understanding World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and decisions are equally vital, as they influence cross-border pricing, compliance, intellectual property, and product classification. Compliance with origin rules under FTAs and customs requirements including proper valuation of imported merchandise, and scrutiny under the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and its national security reviews underscores the need for a strong grasp of trade and tariff law.
Legal tactics often involve optimizing tooling and sourcing, managing contracts under fluctuating terms, and making strategic use of Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs), bonded warehouses, and other tariff mitigation tools. Whether a company is reconfiguring supply chains in response to tariff shifts, considering nearshoring to minimize exposure, or seeking to leverage preferential trade terms, understanding the legal terrain is essential.
Butzel’s Tariff and Trade Team delivers practical, agile legal solutions. As a large firm with a presence across Michigan and beyond, Butzel harnesses its 171 years of experience in the world’s most complex industries. Butzel attorneys serve as trusted advisors and partners to manufacturers and businesses of all sizes, Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers, and governments and trade associations around the globe.
The Butzel Tariff and Trade Resource Team includes:
• Jennifer M. Smith-Veluz
• Mitchell Zajac
• Catherine M. Karol
• Cynthia J. Haffey
• Sheldon H. Klein
• Daniel R.W. Rustmann
• James C. Bruno
• Jennifer A. Dukarski
• David J. DeVine
• Andrew S. AbdulNour
• • •
Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that Thomas Philbrick has joined the firm’s Detroit office as an associate.
Philbrick has experience supporting complex civil and criminal matters at both the trial and appellate levels. His practice is grounded in his understanding of judicial decision-making and procedural strategy. His background enables him to craft persuasive arguments, anticipate judicial concerns, and deliver practical insights for clients facing disputes in state and federal courts.
Prior to joining the firm, Philbrick served for two years as a judicial law clerk to a United States district judge in Detroit. There, he drafted orders and opinions in a wide range of federal cases, assisted with jury and bench trials, and supported the judge while sitting by designation on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Before his federal clerkship, Philbrick worked as a research attorney at the Michigan Court of Appeals. In that role, he analyzed trial court records and legal briefs, prepared internal reports, and drafted proposed opinions for appellate judges across various civil and criminal matters.
Philbrick received his B.A. from Wheaton College and his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law.
• • •
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP has welcomed Julia E. Schall as senior counsel.
Schall brings experience in comprehensive estate planning services, with an emphasis on sophisticated tax strategies at federal, state, and local levels. She regularly advises clients on family wealth, tax planning and business succession matters. Schall joins Warner’s Trust and Estates Practice Group and will practice in the firm’s Detroit office.
Prior to joining Warner, Schall served in senior level tax management roles at several national advisory firms, including REDW Advisors & CPAs, UHY, Plante Moran, and Deloitte Tax LLP. In these roles, she provided strategic tax consulting and planning services to high net worth individuals, with a focus on wealth transfer, trust taxation, gift planning, tax controversy and international compliance. She also practiced probate and estate planning law for three years as an associate at Miller Johnson.
Schall received her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and her law degree from Michigan State University College of Law. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan.
• • •
The Dobrusin Law Firm is proud to announce that Eric Dobrusin has been named to the IAM Patent 1000 list for 2025.
As the founding shareholder of the firm with more than 35 years of experience helping companies use intellectual property to drive business strategy, Dobrusin focuses on leveraging intellectual property tools to give companies a clear strategic advantage in business. His approach goes beyond traditional patent prosecution, emphasizing how IP can drive innovation, growth, and competitive positioning.
With a background in materials science and a law degree from Wayne State University, Dobrusin brings both technical insight and legal acumen to every matter. He has served in leadership roles within the IP community, is an author of all editions of “Intellectual Property Culture: Strategy and Compliance” (LexisNexis) and “Intellectual Property Litigation – Pretrial Practice” (Wolters Kluwer). Dobrusin is a consistent honoree in Best Lawyers® in America, Super Lawyers®, and other legal rankings.
• • •
Bodman PLC is pleased to announce that the University of Windsor Faculty of Law has selected Nashara A. L. Peart, a senior associate in Bodman’s Litigation and Alternative Resolution Practice Group, as the recipient of the 2025 Dual JD Transnational Leader Award.
The Dual JD Transnational Leader Award recognizes University of Windsor Law alumni who have achieved significant impact with their dual JD degree on an international scale.
Based in Bodman’s Detroit office, 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. Peart earned law degrees from the United States and Canada and is licensed to practice in both countries.
Peart is an active volunteer and mentor to law students and young lawyers. She is the Alumni Advisory Council chair for the Black Law Students’ Association of Canada and recently spoke at the BLSA’s Alumni Retreat. She is also an executive director for J.D. Bridges Foundation, a Canadian non-profit organization that aims to bridge the gap for prospective Black applicants who have an interest in law but may be deterred from applying to law school due to financial need.
Peart joins Bodman colleague Carla S. Machnik, also a University of Windsor Law alum, who was a 2024 recipient of the 2024 Dual JD Transnational Leader Award.
• • •
Taft Detroit attorney Kimberly Ross Clayson will present with a panel of colleagues at the upcoming Federal Bar Association for the Western District of Michigan Bankruptcy Summer Seminar in July. Her panel’s topic is “Dispositive Motions and the Distinction between Rule 12 Motions to Dismiss and Rule 56 Motions for Summary Judgment.” The panel will discuss the differences between the two rules and the best time to use each of them when drafting a dispositive motion.
Clayson also recently presented at The American Bankruptcy Institute Central States Bankruptcy Workshop in June on “Limited Liability Company Debtor Cases” and presented on “Subchapter V Trustee Standing: Can We Do That?” at the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona in June.
Clayson is an attorney in Taft’s Bankruptcy and Restructuring practice group. She serves a client portfolio in the areas of insolvency law, creditors’ rights, business law and health law. She provides counsel to operating businesses and financially distressed businesses and individuals.
Clayson has experience representing secured and unsecured creditors in bankruptcy proceedings, restructuring business debtors, conducting fraud investigations for bankruptcy estates, and bankruptcy litigation. She was appointed and presently serves as one of five Subchapter V Trustees in the Eastern District of Michigan under the Small business Reorganization Act of 2019.
• • •
Brooks Kushman is pleased to announce that shareholder Isheeta Patel Laxmanan has been named the recipient of the 2025 Rising Star Award by the South Asian Bar Association of North America (SABA North America).
Laxmanan is a registered patent attorney who has experience working with a range of clients that vary in size, from Fortune 100 companies to small start-ups. She focuses her practice on preparing and prosecuting domestic patent applications in the chemical engineering and materials arts. She also advises her clients on various IP-related strategies, such as whether they have freedom to operate and by assessing the validity of patents. She provides insight to clients regarding business-critical decisions and has experience supporting IP negotiations, settlements, and litigation.
Brooks Kushman is also proud to announce that shareholder and trademark attorney Robyn Lederman has been named to the World Trademark Review (WTR) Global Leaders 2025 list.
Lederman’s career focuses on international trademark law, cross-border brand protection, and global portfolio management. She serves on the Executive Committee and is co-chair of the firm’s Trademark practice. She has experience representing worldwide trademark portfolios for her multi-national clients.
Lederman counsels on pre-filing strategies, global enforcement efforts, and brand protection programs. She works closely with clients to help the business adopt trademark use practices to bolster and support registered and common law trademark rights.
Dukarski’s presentation was titled, “Ready for Liftoff? Launching AI in a Less-Than-Certain Legal Universe.” She assessed the scope of current AI uses and misuses (and the litigation that follows), near-future applications, and the key factors for mitigating legal risk in a successful launch, to name a few.
Geroux’s presentation was titled, “HIPAA Security.” She discussed proposed Security Rules and how they may affect organizations, OCR’s recent Enforcement Effort – the Risk Analysis Initiative, and, understanding vulnerabilities and threats to data security and how to address them.
Dukarski focuses her practice at the intersection of technology and communications with an emphasis on emerging and disruptive issues: digital media and content, cybersecurity and privacy, artificial intelligence, and connected, electrified and autonomous cars.
Dukarski has become a national leader in legal issues facing emerging technology in multiple sectors including challenging intellectual property issues surrounding data, and automated systems.
A self-titled “recovering engineer,” Dukarski was named one of the 30 Women Defining the Future of Technology in January 2020 by Warner Communications for her innovative thoughts and contributions to the tech industry.
Geroux is co-chair of Butzel’s Health Care Industry Team. Her health care practice focuses on health care compliance, cybersecurity and privacy, and statutory reporting obligations. She has assisted health care practitioners in defense of state and federal debarment, fraud, waste and abuse investigations and litigation, licensing and credentialing, government and commercial payor audits and a host of other health care issues. She has experience in supply chain and source contracting for a large Michigan-based health system, including negotiations of its IT contracts.
Geroux earned her Certified in Healthcare Privacy Compliance (CHPC) designation from the Compliance and Certification Board (CCB). Geroux also holds a Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) designation from the CCB.
In addition, Butzel recently established a Tariff and Trade Resource Center (www.butzel.com/resources-trade), which monitors, interprets, and responds to fast-moving developments impacting manufacturers and suppliers worldwide.
In today’s complex global economy, tariff and trade law isn’t just a legal concern, it’s a strategic priority. For manufacturers, suppliers, and stakeholders in industries including automotive, aerospace and defense (A&D), and others, regulatory decisions on tariffs, trade agreements, and customs compliance can directly impact costs, sourcing strategies, and market access.
Navigating complex global trade regulations – such as Section 301 and 232 tariffs used by the U.S. to address unfair trade practices and national security concerns, respectively, with China and other countries – requires deep legal capabilities. The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) grants the president authority to regulate commerce during national emergencies and often is invoked to implement sanctions or trade restrictions involving China and other countries for which Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) exist. Duties implemented under IEEPA are incremental duties imposed in addition to any prior or existing tariffs, including tariffs on goods from China under Section 301.
Knowledge of rising risks of trade agreement violations, including United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) regulations, and others, along with an understanding of the increasingly complex landscape of tariff stacking, uncertainty around tariff exclusions and renewals, aggressive customs enforcement, and Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification disputes, also is paramount.
Understanding World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and decisions are equally vital, as they influence cross-border pricing, compliance, intellectual property, and product classification. Compliance with origin rules under FTAs and customs requirements including proper valuation of imported merchandise, and scrutiny under the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and its national security reviews underscores the need for a strong grasp of trade and tariff law.
Legal tactics often involve optimizing tooling and sourcing, managing contracts under fluctuating terms, and making strategic use of Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs), bonded warehouses, and other tariff mitigation tools. Whether a company is reconfiguring supply chains in response to tariff shifts, considering nearshoring to minimize exposure, or seeking to leverage preferential trade terms, understanding the legal terrain is essential.
Butzel’s Tariff and Trade Team delivers practical, agile legal solutions. As a large firm with a presence across Michigan and beyond, Butzel harnesses its 171 years of experience in the world’s most complex industries. Butzel attorneys serve as trusted advisors and partners to manufacturers and businesses of all sizes, Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers, and governments and trade associations around the globe.
The Butzel Tariff and Trade Resource Team includes:
• Jennifer M. Smith-Veluz
• Mitchell Zajac
• Catherine M. Karol
• Cynthia J. Haffey
• Sheldon H. Klein
• Daniel R.W. Rustmann
• James C. Bruno
• Jennifer A. Dukarski
• David J. DeVine
• Andrew S. AbdulNour
• • •
Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that Thomas Philbrick has joined the firm’s Detroit office as an associate.
Philbrick has experience supporting complex civil and criminal matters at both the trial and appellate levels. His practice is grounded in his understanding of judicial decision-making and procedural strategy. His background enables him to craft persuasive arguments, anticipate judicial concerns, and deliver practical insights for clients facing disputes in state and federal courts.
Prior to joining the firm, Philbrick served for two years as a judicial law clerk to a United States district judge in Detroit. There, he drafted orders and opinions in a wide range of federal cases, assisted with jury and bench trials, and supported the judge while sitting by designation on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Before his federal clerkship, Philbrick worked as a research attorney at the Michigan Court of Appeals. In that role, he analyzed trial court records and legal briefs, prepared internal reports, and drafted proposed opinions for appellate judges across various civil and criminal matters.
Philbrick received his B.A. from Wheaton College and his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law.
• • •
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP has welcomed Julia E. Schall as senior counsel.
Schall brings experience in comprehensive estate planning services, with an emphasis on sophisticated tax strategies at federal, state, and local levels. She regularly advises clients on family wealth, tax planning and business succession matters. Schall joins Warner’s Trust and Estates Practice Group and will practice in the firm’s Detroit office.
Prior to joining Warner, Schall served in senior level tax management roles at several national advisory firms, including REDW Advisors & CPAs, UHY, Plante Moran, and Deloitte Tax LLP. In these roles, she provided strategic tax consulting and planning services to high net worth individuals, with a focus on wealth transfer, trust taxation, gift planning, tax controversy and international compliance. She also practiced probate and estate planning law for three years as an associate at Miller Johnson.
Schall received her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and her law degree from Michigan State University College of Law. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan.
• • •
The Dobrusin Law Firm is proud to announce that Eric Dobrusin has been named to the IAM Patent 1000 list for 2025.
As the founding shareholder of the firm with more than 35 years of experience helping companies use intellectual property to drive business strategy, Dobrusin focuses on leveraging intellectual property tools to give companies a clear strategic advantage in business. His approach goes beyond traditional patent prosecution, emphasizing how IP can drive innovation, growth, and competitive positioning.
With a background in materials science and a law degree from Wayne State University, Dobrusin brings both technical insight and legal acumen to every matter. He has served in leadership roles within the IP community, is an author of all editions of “Intellectual Property Culture: Strategy and Compliance” (LexisNexis) and “Intellectual Property Litigation – Pretrial Practice” (Wolters Kluwer). Dobrusin is a consistent honoree in Best Lawyers® in America, Super Lawyers®, and other legal rankings.
• • •
Bodman PLC is pleased to announce that the University of Windsor Faculty of Law has selected Nashara A. L. Peart, a senior associate in Bodman’s Litigation and Alternative Resolution Practice Group, as the recipient of the 2025 Dual JD Transnational Leader Award.
The Dual JD Transnational Leader Award recognizes University of Windsor Law alumni who have achieved significant impact with their dual JD degree on an international scale.
Based in Bodman’s Detroit office, 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. Peart earned law degrees from the United States and Canada and is licensed to practice in both countries.
Peart is an active volunteer and mentor to law students and young lawyers. She is the Alumni Advisory Council chair for the Black Law Students’ Association of Canada and recently spoke at the BLSA’s Alumni Retreat. She is also an executive director for J.D. Bridges Foundation, a Canadian non-profit organization that aims to bridge the gap for prospective Black applicants who have an interest in law but may be deterred from applying to law school due to financial need.
Peart joins Bodman colleague Carla S. Machnik, also a University of Windsor Law alum, who was a 2024 recipient of the 2024 Dual JD Transnational Leader Award.
• • •
Taft Detroit attorney Kimberly Ross Clayson will present with a panel of colleagues at the upcoming Federal Bar Association for the Western District of Michigan Bankruptcy Summer Seminar in July. Her panel’s topic is “Dispositive Motions and the Distinction between Rule 12 Motions to Dismiss and Rule 56 Motions for Summary Judgment.” The panel will discuss the differences between the two rules and the best time to use each of them when drafting a dispositive motion.
Clayson also recently presented at The American Bankruptcy Institute Central States Bankruptcy Workshop in June on “Limited Liability Company Debtor Cases” and presented on “Subchapter V Trustee Standing: Can We Do That?” at the National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees Annual Meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona in June.
Clayson is an attorney in Taft’s Bankruptcy and Restructuring practice group. She serves a client portfolio in the areas of insolvency law, creditors’ rights, business law and health law. She provides counsel to operating businesses and financially distressed businesses and individuals.
Clayson has experience representing secured and unsecured creditors in bankruptcy proceedings, restructuring business debtors, conducting fraud investigations for bankruptcy estates, and bankruptcy litigation. She was appointed and presently serves as one of five Subchapter V Trustees in the Eastern District of Michigan under the Small business Reorganization Act of 2019.
• • •
Brooks Kushman is pleased to announce that shareholder Isheeta Patel Laxmanan has been named the recipient of the 2025 Rising Star Award by the South Asian Bar Association of North America (SABA North America).
Laxmanan is a registered patent attorney who has experience working with a range of clients that vary in size, from Fortune 100 companies to small start-ups. She focuses her practice on preparing and prosecuting domestic patent applications in the chemical engineering and materials arts. She also advises her clients on various IP-related strategies, such as whether they have freedom to operate and by assessing the validity of patents. She provides insight to clients regarding business-critical decisions and has experience supporting IP negotiations, settlements, and litigation.
Brooks Kushman is also proud to announce that shareholder and trademark attorney Robyn Lederman has been named to the World Trademark Review (WTR) Global Leaders 2025 list.
Lederman’s career focuses on international trademark law, cross-border brand protection, and global portfolio management. She serves on the Executive Committee and is co-chair of the firm’s Trademark practice. She has experience representing worldwide trademark portfolios for her multi-national clients.
Lederman counsels on pre-filing strategies, global enforcement efforts, and brand protection programs. She works closely with clients to help the business adopt trademark use practices to bolster and support registered and common law trademark rights.
