Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced the appointment of Julie Petrik to the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission.
Petrik is the chairperson of the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission. Prior to her appointment in 2019, Petrik was an attorney with Lyngklip and Associates Consumer Law Center. Petrik earned a Bachelor of Arts in government from the College of St. Benedict and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School. Petrik will be reappointed for a term commencing August 1, 2025, and expiring July 31, 2029. She will also be redesignated as chair of the commission.
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).
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
• • •
Dawn N. Ison was recently elected to fill a partial term on the Judicial Tenure Commission.
Ison is a former United States attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan with more than 30 years of litigation experience spanning the federal, state, and local levels.
The State Bar of Michigan held a special election in July, 2025, to fill the vacant seat.
The State Bar of Michigan typically holds one election each June. This year, however, a special election was required after a Judicial Tenure Commission member resigned in early June. Ison’s partial term began immediately following the election and will end December 31, 2026.
• • •
Michigan State University College of Law Dean Michael Sant’Ambrogio has been elected to the American Law Institute (ALI).
Sant’Ambrogio was selected for membership in recognition of his scholarship and national leadership in administrative law. His scholarship focuses on the institutional structures, practices, and procedures facilitating public participation in the federal regulatory process.
Sant’Ambrogio has served as a consultant for the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) on projects studying public engagement with federal agency rulemaking, the use of class actions and other aggregate procedures in agency adjudication, and public participation in agency adjudication. His most recent report and recommendations for the Administrative Conference, co-authored with MSU Law Professor Glen Staszewski, were officially adopted in June and offer practical, research-backed guidance to improve transparency and public participation in the federal rulemaking process.
“I’m honored to join the American Law Institute and contribute to its critical work,” said Sant’Ambrogio. “This recognition underscores the importance of engaged, collaborative scholarship that informs not only academic dialogue, but also the real-world functioning of our democracy.”
Sant’Ambrogio’s first ACUS report was previously featured in MSU Today, signaling strong interest in his work across the university community and highlighting his role in advancing MSU Law’s national profile.
His election brings the number of MSU Law faculty elected to the ALI to nine, including: Kristine Bowman, James Ming Chen, Linda Sheryl Greene, Catherine M. Grosso, Barbara O’Brien, Wenona T. Singel, David B. Thronson, and Nicholas J. Wittner (retired).
• • •
Miller Johnson is proud to announce that Detroit attorney Kevin T. Sutton has been elected president of the Michigan Council of School Attorneys (COSA), effective July 1.
COSA is the state’s only organization exclusively serving attorneys who represent Michigan school boards. COSA provides members with essential resources including legal publications, continuing education, and networking opportunities to support effective and informed representation of boards of education across the state.
Sutton is the head of the firm’s Education practice. His practice covers the broad spectrum of issues confronting schools, school districts, and other educational entities. In addition to his efforts in the courtroom and with administrative agencies, Sutton investigates allegations of employee/student harassment and conduct; advises his clients regarding their statutory obligations under Michigan’s Revised School Code and federal law, applicable special education laws, and other school-related statutes; and counsels his clients on a wide array of labor and employment issues. Sutton also focuses on the development of organizational policies for his clients.
As president of COSA, Sutton will oversee the administrative operations of the Board and spearhead the organization’s educational and training efforts, highlighted by the Fall Conference, which will offer an opportunity for school leaders to hear from education law experts on a host of relevant issues confronting Michigan school districts.
Sutton is a graduate of Michigan State University, and the Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He also completed the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Trial Academy at Stanford University, a program focused on the development of trial advocacy skills for defense litigators.
• • •
Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that the Chambers High Net Worth (HNW) Guide 2025 has named the firm’s Private Wealth Law practice in Michigan as “Top Ranked” practice.
In addition, Dickinson Wright attorney Henry M. Grix, Troy, was listed among the “Leaders in their Fields” in Private Wealth Law.
• • •
The Chambers High Net Worth (HNW) Guide 2025 has ranked Bodman PLC at the highest “Band One” level for services to high net worth individuals and families and their closely held businesses for the seventh consecutive year.
In the newly released 2025 edition of Chambers HNW, Bodman is one of only three law firms based in Michigan to be ranked in “Band One” for private wealth law.
Chambers HNW also recognizes individual attorneys who are viewed by their clients and peers as leaders in the field of private wealth law. Bodman attorneys listed in the 2025 edition include Kelly M. Burnell, Andrew H. Curoe, and David P. Larsen of the firm’s Detroit office and Anthony P. Cracchiolo and Marguerite Munson Lentz of the Troy office. For 2025, Larsen, Curoe, and Cracchiolo are all ranked at the “Band One” level as individuals.
In addition, Bodman is pleased to share that attorney Barbara A. Bowman was recently selected to receive the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) 2025 Pro Bono Service Award.
Bowman is Of Counsel to Bodman and a member of the Banking and Finance, Business, and Municipal and Government Relations practices. She has counseled clients on compliance with federal and state securities laws with respect to a variety of matters, including initial public offerings, secondary offerings, private investment companies, acquisitions, and mergers.
Bowman also counsels officers and directors of public companies regarding compliance with their reporting and other requirements under the federal securities laws, including corporate governance requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
• • •
Dykema recently announced that Liza Brooks has joined the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office as a member in the firm’s Healthcare Practice Group. Brooks comes to Dykema from Hall Render, where she practiced for more than seven years cumulatively. Between stints at Hall Render, Brooks also practiced in-house with Trinity Health Corporation for four years and with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for one year.?
Brooks focuses her practice on supply chain operations, health information technology, and clinical research compliance. From vendor contracting to distribution, she advises clients on sourcing and procurement strategies that aim to mitigate risks, create efficiencies, and reduce operational costs.??
Brooks has experience negotiating an array of supply chain and information technology agreements. Additionally, she has experience advising clients on clinical research issues, including negotiating clinical trial agreements, managing conflicts of interest, and providing advice regarding research operations and IRB issues.?
Having served in an in-house counsel capacity, Brooks has a perspective on understanding the business and operational pressures facing clients. In her in-house roles, she provided strategic counseling on complex supply chain and information technology agreements and research compliance matters.??
Brooks serves as chair of the State Bar of Michigan Health Care Law Section’s Technology Committee. She earned a law degree and a B.A. from the University of Michigan.?
• • •
Plunkett Cooney partner Matthew J. Boettcher was recently named to the 2025 Class of Go To Lawyers for Business Litigation as determined by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
Since 2000, Boettcher has been a partner with Plunkett Cooney and is licensed to practice law in Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois. He serves a member of the firm’s Board of Directors and as leader of the Commercial Litigation Practice Group.
Boettcher, who practices in the Bloomfield Hills office, represents clients in commercial litigation with expertise in closely-held business conflicts, real property disputes, banking conflicts, contract disputes, class action defense, and business torts.
A member of DRI’s Commercial Litigation Committee, Boettcher is also a member of the U.S. Supreme Court, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Detroit bar associations. He received his law degree and undergraduate degree from University of Detroit in 1987 and 1984, respectively.
Petrik is the chairperson of the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission. Prior to her appointment in 2019, Petrik was an attorney with Lyngklip and Associates Consumer Law Center. Petrik earned a Bachelor of Arts in government from the College of St. Benedict and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School. Petrik will be reappointed for a term commencing August 1, 2025, and expiring July 31, 2029. She will also be redesignated as chair of the commission.
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).
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
• • •
Dawn N. Ison was recently elected to fill a partial term on the Judicial Tenure Commission.
Ison is a former United States attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan with more than 30 years of litigation experience spanning the federal, state, and local levels.
The State Bar of Michigan held a special election in July, 2025, to fill the vacant seat.
The State Bar of Michigan typically holds one election each June. This year, however, a special election was required after a Judicial Tenure Commission member resigned in early June. Ison’s partial term began immediately following the election and will end December 31, 2026.
• • •
Michigan State University College of Law Dean Michael Sant’Ambrogio has been elected to the American Law Institute (ALI).
Sant’Ambrogio was selected for membership in recognition of his scholarship and national leadership in administrative law. His scholarship focuses on the institutional structures, practices, and procedures facilitating public participation in the federal regulatory process.
Sant’Ambrogio has served as a consultant for the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) on projects studying public engagement with federal agency rulemaking, the use of class actions and other aggregate procedures in agency adjudication, and public participation in agency adjudication. His most recent report and recommendations for the Administrative Conference, co-authored with MSU Law Professor Glen Staszewski, were officially adopted in June and offer practical, research-backed guidance to improve transparency and public participation in the federal rulemaking process.
“I’m honored to join the American Law Institute and contribute to its critical work,” said Sant’Ambrogio. “This recognition underscores the importance of engaged, collaborative scholarship that informs not only academic dialogue, but also the real-world functioning of our democracy.”
Sant’Ambrogio’s first ACUS report was previously featured in MSU Today, signaling strong interest in his work across the university community and highlighting his role in advancing MSU Law’s national profile.
His election brings the number of MSU Law faculty elected to the ALI to nine, including: Kristine Bowman, James Ming Chen, Linda Sheryl Greene, Catherine M. Grosso, Barbara O’Brien, Wenona T. Singel, David B. Thronson, and Nicholas J. Wittner (retired).
• • •
Miller Johnson is proud to announce that Detroit attorney Kevin T. Sutton has been elected president of the Michigan Council of School Attorneys (COSA), effective July 1.
COSA is the state’s only organization exclusively serving attorneys who represent Michigan school boards. COSA provides members with essential resources including legal publications, continuing education, and networking opportunities to support effective and informed representation of boards of education across the state.
Sutton is the head of the firm’s Education practice. His practice covers the broad spectrum of issues confronting schools, school districts, and other educational entities. In addition to his efforts in the courtroom and with administrative agencies, Sutton investigates allegations of employee/student harassment and conduct; advises his clients regarding their statutory obligations under Michigan’s Revised School Code and federal law, applicable special education laws, and other school-related statutes; and counsels his clients on a wide array of labor and employment issues. Sutton also focuses on the development of organizational policies for his clients.
As president of COSA, Sutton will oversee the administrative operations of the Board and spearhead the organization’s educational and training efforts, highlighted by the Fall Conference, which will offer an opportunity for school leaders to hear from education law experts on a host of relevant issues confronting Michigan school districts.
Sutton is a graduate of Michigan State University, and the Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He also completed the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) Trial Academy at Stanford University, a program focused on the development of trial advocacy skills for defense litigators.
• • •
Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that the Chambers High Net Worth (HNW) Guide 2025 has named the firm’s Private Wealth Law practice in Michigan as “Top Ranked” practice.
In addition, Dickinson Wright attorney Henry M. Grix, Troy, was listed among the “Leaders in their Fields” in Private Wealth Law.
• • •
The Chambers High Net Worth (HNW) Guide 2025 has ranked Bodman PLC at the highest “Band One” level for services to high net worth individuals and families and their closely held businesses for the seventh consecutive year.
In the newly released 2025 edition of Chambers HNW, Bodman is one of only three law firms based in Michigan to be ranked in “Band One” for private wealth law.
Chambers HNW also recognizes individual attorneys who are viewed by their clients and peers as leaders in the field of private wealth law. Bodman attorneys listed in the 2025 edition include Kelly M. Burnell, Andrew H. Curoe, and David P. Larsen of the firm’s Detroit office and Anthony P. Cracchiolo and Marguerite Munson Lentz of the Troy office. For 2025, Larsen, Curoe, and Cracchiolo are all ranked at the “Band One” level as individuals.
In addition, Bodman is pleased to share that attorney Barbara A. Bowman was recently selected to receive the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) 2025 Pro Bono Service Award.
Bowman is Of Counsel to Bodman and a member of the Banking and Finance, Business, and Municipal and Government Relations practices. She has counseled clients on compliance with federal and state securities laws with respect to a variety of matters, including initial public offerings, secondary offerings, private investment companies, acquisitions, and mergers.
Bowman also counsels officers and directors of public companies regarding compliance with their reporting and other requirements under the federal securities laws, including corporate governance requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
• • •
Dykema recently announced that Liza Brooks has joined the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office as a member in the firm’s Healthcare Practice Group. Brooks comes to Dykema from Hall Render, where she practiced for more than seven years cumulatively. Between stints at Hall Render, Brooks also practiced in-house with Trinity Health Corporation for four years and with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for one year.?
Brooks focuses her practice on supply chain operations, health information technology, and clinical research compliance. From vendor contracting to distribution, she advises clients on sourcing and procurement strategies that aim to mitigate risks, create efficiencies, and reduce operational costs.??
Brooks has experience negotiating an array of supply chain and information technology agreements. Additionally, she has experience advising clients on clinical research issues, including negotiating clinical trial agreements, managing conflicts of interest, and providing advice regarding research operations and IRB issues.?
Having served in an in-house counsel capacity, Brooks has a perspective on understanding the business and operational pressures facing clients. In her in-house roles, she provided strategic counseling on complex supply chain and information technology agreements and research compliance matters.??
Brooks serves as chair of the State Bar of Michigan Health Care Law Section’s Technology Committee. She earned a law degree and a B.A. from the University of Michigan.?
• • •
Plunkett Cooney partner Matthew J. Boettcher was recently named to the 2025 Class of Go To Lawyers for Business Litigation as determined by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
Since 2000, Boettcher has been a partner with Plunkett Cooney and is licensed to practice law in Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois. He serves a member of the firm’s Board of Directors and as leader of the Commercial Litigation Practice Group.
Boettcher, who practices in the Bloomfield Hills office, represents clients in commercial litigation with expertise in closely-held business conflicts, real property disputes, banking conflicts, contract disputes, class action defense, and business torts.
A member of DRI’s Commercial Litigation Committee, Boettcher is also a member of the U.S. Supreme Court, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Detroit bar associations. He received his law degree and undergraduate degree from University of Detroit in 1987 and 1984, respectively.
