Office of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced the appointments of Chastity Youngblood, Poncé Clay, and Dr. Herman Griffin IV to the Wayne County 36th District Court in the City of Detroit.
Youngblood is an assistant prosecuting attorney at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, a role she has served in for more than 15 years. Youngblood also serves as a member of the State Bar of Michigan Justice Policy Commission and the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly.
Youngblood earned a Bachelor of Arts in international relations and social relations from James Madison College at Michigan State University and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
“I am deeply honored by Governor Whitmer’s appointment to serve on the 36th District Court,” said Youngblood. “I am committed to serving with empathy, fairness, and integrity, and will work diligently to ensure that our community feels seen, heard, and respected in our courts.”
This appointment will be made to fill a partial term, expiring January 1, 2027, following the resignation of Judge Aliyah Sabree.
Clay is the founding partner and managing attorney at Clay Law PLC. He previously served as division director of Wayne County Veterans Services and a director of operations at the United States Navy Michigan Recruiting Headquarters.
Additionally, Clay served as a United States Naval officer for more than twenty years and formerly served as a mentor on the 36th District’s Veteran’s Treatment Court. Clay also recently served as an appointed member of the City of Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Community Advisory Committee and is a member of Oak Grove AME Church of Detroit.
Clay earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Morehouse College, a Master of Public Administration in public personnel management from Troy State University in Japan, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Detroit Mercy, and a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
“I am profoundly grateful to Governor Whitmer for the enormous privilege to serve on the 36th District Court, and I do not take this responsibility lightly,” said Clay. “My life’s work has been rooted in service—service to my country, my profession, and most importantly, to the people of Detroit. This appointment is not about me, but about continuing the mission of ensuring access to justice for all who appear before the court. I pledge to serve with integrity, humility, and compassion.”
This appointment will be made to fill a partial term, expiring January 1, 2027, following the resignation of Judge Donald Coleman.
Griffin is the deputy director at Regional Managed Assigned Counsel Office in Dearborn and the owner of Griffin Law PLLC in Detroit. Griffin previously worked as a mental health specialty court defense attorney at the 36th District Court and previously taught a monthly class on preventing human trafficking at the Southwest Detroit Community Justice Center. Griffin is also a member of the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity and the Washtenaw Ministerial Alliance.
Griffin earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan, a Master of Divinity from Howard University, a Doctor of Ministry from Boston University, and a law degree from Cooley Law School.
“I am humbled to be appointed to the bench and ready to serve Detroit,” said Griffin.
This appointment will be made to fill a partial term, expiring January 1, 2027, following the passing of Judge Donna Robinson Millhouse.
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Butzel Long
Butzel attorney Debra Geroux has added a new certification to her list of credentials. She now is a Certified Information Privacy Professional – United States (CIPP/US). She obtained the certification from The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).
Geroux is Certified in Healthcare Privacy Compliance (CHPC) from the Compliance and Certification Board (CCB). She also holds a Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) designation from the CCB.
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, cyber incident and breach response, including state and federal post-breach investigations, licensing and credentialing, government and commercial payor audits and a host of other health care issues. Geroux has experience in supply chain and source contracting for a large Michigan-based health system, including negotiations of its IT contracts.
In addition, 28 Butzel attorneys have been named to the 2025 Super Lawyers list. Moreover, eight Butzel attorneys have been named to Rising Stars.
Local Butzel attorneys included in the 2025 Super Lawyers list are:
—2025 Rising Stars
Javon R. David, Business Litigation
Steven Eatherly, Business Litigation
Amany Kasham, Immigration: Business
Shanika Owens, Real Estate
Blake C. Padget, Employment Litigation: Plaintiff
Mitch Zajac, Intellectual Property
—2025 Super Lawyers
• Detroit office
Darius W. Dynkowski, Eminent Domain
Eric J. Flessland, Construction Litigation
Bernard J. Fuhs, Business Litigation
Cynthia J. Haffey, Business Litigation
Justin G. Klimko, Mergers & Acquisitions
Phillip C. Korovesis, Business Litigation
Mark R. Lezotte, Health Care
Paul M. Mersino, Business Litigation
Reginald A. Pacis, Immigration: Business
James S. Rosenfeld, Employment & Labor
Daniel R.W. Rustmann, Business Litigation
• Troy office
David J. DeVine, Business Litigation
Carey A. DeWitt, Employment & Labor
Michael P. Donnelly, Business Litigation, General Litigation, Intellectual Property Litigation
George B. Donnini, Criminal Defense: White Collar
David F. DuMouchel, Criminal Defense: White Collar
Laura S. Faussié, Business Litigation, Appellate
Geoffrey S. Gallinger, Real Estate
Thomas A. Kabel, Real Estate
Ryan C. Plecha, Business Litigation, Civil Litigation
Max J. Newman, Bankruptcy: Business
Robert P. Perry, Estate & Probate
Joseph E. Richotte, Appellate
Daniel B. Tukel, Employment Litigation: Defense
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Carey Law
Jim Carey, managing partner of Carey Law and professor emeritus at Cooley Law School (where he has taught for roughly two decades), has been named the recipient of the 19th Annual Stephen H. Schulman Outstanding Business Lawyer Award by the State Bar of Michigan’s Business Law Section.
This award honors Michigan business lawyers who consistently exemplify the characteristics the Business Law Section seeks to foster and facilitate: the highest quality of professionalism, the highest quality of practice, and an unwavering dedication to service, ethical conduct, and collegiality within the practice of law.
Carey runs his own practice providing chief legal officer services for businesses and estate planning for families. He formerly worked as Of Counsel for the Business Transactions Group of Dickinson Wright PLLC. Before that Carey was an associate with the Corporate Group and the Insurance Services Group of Sidley & Austin in Chicago.
“There are so many amazing people and lawyers who have been honored with this award, luminaries in law really,” Carey said. “They’ve been very active in making a difference in the business law community in the state. I’m humbled and surprised to be named (the Schulman Award recipient).”
Carey first became a member of the Business Law Section in 2005 after moving his family and career from Illinois to Michigan. He was raised in Dearborn Heights but moved to Chicago following his graduation from the University of Michigan Law School. Upon joining Dickinson Wright, and joining the State Bar of Michigan, Carey started was has become a 20-year relationship with the Section.
Once he became a member, Carey quickly became involved in leadership positions and educational roles with the Business Law Section. He served as the section’s chair in 2014 and held all positions on the council over the years. He has also served as the chair of the limited liability committee and currently is the Section’s nomination director.
Joining the section gave Carey “a chance to meet great people and see various lawyers in different settings,” he said. That ability to interact with lawyers in both formal and informal settings allows him to get to know colleagues in the legal field, which is a significant advantage for attorneys of all ages and experience levels.
Carey has been actively involved with other section members in updating and revising the State’s Limited Liability Act and Business Corporation Act. He is an annual presenter at the Business Law Institute (BLI) and the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE), presenting the legislative update for nearly 15 consecutive years.
“You think you may be well versed in an area and then the process you go through to present on it just teaches you even more,” Carey said. “It helps you to better understand the law.”
One of the parts to his section involvement that Carey is most proud of is that is has created a stronger connection between Michigan’s business lawyer community and the judiciary.
“Developing that relationship has been a big focus of the (BLS),” Carey said. “We’ve provided materials, training and other resources to the judiciary, business law community, clients and more.” That has helped judges who may not have a business background become more familiar with the transactional and business law side.
“We can be proud of what we’ve accomplished in helping to keep the legal climate here first-rate,” Carey said.
That has included building a strong relationship with business regulators at LARA as well. The section has a long history of working with state regulators as part of the business structure.
“The goal is for our businesses to be as productive, ethical and successful as possible,” Carey said.
Carey has been honored as a Super Lawyer In 2025. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School.
Carey will be introduced at the Schulman Award Ceremony during the Annual Meeting of the Business Law Section during lunch at the Business Law Institute on September 12 at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids. He’ll be introduced by Douglas Toering, a partner with Mantese Honigman PC in Detroit, who was the Schulman Award recipient in 2021.
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Plunkett Cooney
Plunkett Cooney recently added two new attorneys to its Transportation Law Practice Group, Gina M. Kempf and Robert (Robbie) M. Unatin.
A member of the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office, Kempf focuses her practice on the defense of automobile liability matters, including cases brought under Michigan’s No-Fault statute and third-party motor vehicle negligence claims.
Kempf is a former associate general counsel for an international trucking company servicing the United States and Canada where she gained experience handling automotive and personal injury litigation, cargo claims, employment matters, contract disputes and other commercial matters. Kempf is also well versed in U.S. safety regulations and compliance, and she has experience resolving alleged Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Occupational Safety and Health Administration violations.
Kempf received her law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 2022. She received her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University in 2019.
Unatin is a senior attorney in Plunkett Cooney’s Bloomfield Hills office and focuses his practice in the areas of motor vehicle negligence and No-Fault Law litigation defense.
Unatin represents insured motorists, rental car companies and corporations in first- and third-party motor vehicle negligence matters, insurance fraud claims and coverage disputes. He has experience resolving insurance defense litigation and coverage claims involving multi-million-dollar automobile injuries, wrongful deaths, catastrophic injuries, fraud/rescission, and uninsured/underinsured motorist benefits.
Unatin is a 2016 graduate of Cooley Law School. He received his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University in 2011.
Plunkett Cooney is also pleased to announce that 30 attorneys were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. In addition to inclusion on the list this year, Mark S. Kopson was named the Best Lawyers® 2026 Healthcare Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Bloomfield Hills.
Below is the list of local Plunkett Cooney attorneys who have received the 2026 Best Lawyers designation:
—Bloomfield Hills Best Lawyers
Michael P. Ashcraft (partner) – Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants
Douglas C. Bernstein (partner) – Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Banking and Finance Litigation, Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law and Real Estate Law
Matthew J. Boettcher (partner) – Commercial Litigation, Banking and Finance Litigation and Real Estate Litigation
Charles W. Browning (partner) – Insurance Law
Jeffrey C. Gerish (partner) – Appellate Practice
Howard B. Goldman (partner) – Real Estate Law
Ellen B. Jannette (senior attorney) – Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants
Mark S. Kopson (partner) – Health Care Law
David A. Lerner (partner) – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Scott K. Lites (partner) – Corporate Law and Real Estate Law
Frank T. Mamat (partner) – Construction Law, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management and Labor and Employment Litigation
Robert A. Marzano (partner) – Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Mary Massaron (partner) – Appellate Practice
Lauren B. McMillen (partner) – Insurance Law
Kenneth C. Newa (partner) – Insurance Law
Courtney M. Nichols (partner) – Employment Law – Management and Labor and Employment Litigation
Elaine M. Pohl (partner) – Insurance Law and Insurance Litigation
Scott H. Sirich (partner) – Construction Law and Litigation
Patrick E. Winters (partner) – Insurance Law and Insurance Litigation
L. Jeffrey Zauberman (Senior Attorney) – Banking and Finance Law
—Detroit Best Lawyers
D. Jennifer Andreou (partner) – Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
Matthew J. Stanczyk (partner) – Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
In addition, 11 Plunkett Cooney attorneys, who are early in their careers, were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ for outstanding professional excellence.
Below are the local Plunkett Cooney attorneys who have received 2026 Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch in America™” recognition:
—Bloomfield Hills
Arturo Alfaro – Immigration Law and Transportation Law
Erik Bradberry – Labor and Employment Law – Management and Labor and Employment Litigation
Danielle Chidiac – Insurance Law
Briana L. Combs – Appellate Practice
Michael D. Hanchett – Municipal Law
Joseph A. Peterson – Tax Litigation and Controversy and Tax Law
Aleasha Taweel – Transportation Law
Robert M. Unatin – Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law and Personal Injury Litigation
—Detroit
Kelly J. Shefferly – Banking and Finance Law, Banking and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Commercial Law
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Nemeth Bonnette Brouwer PC
Nemeth Bonnette Brouwer PC is pleased to announce another repeat performance on the Best Lawyers® list, with firm attorneys earning an appearance in the 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. Honorees are:
Deborah Brouwer, 2026 Best Lawyer; Employment Law–Management; Labor Law–Management; Litigation–Labor and Employment
Terry W. Bonnette, 2026 Best Lawyer; Employment Law–Management; Labor Law–Management; Litigation–Labor and Employment
Kathleen M. Gatti, 2026 Best Lawyer; Employment Law–Management
Additionally firm founder Patricia Nemeth, now Of Counsel, was not only named to the 2026 Best Lawyers® list, but for her accomplishments in management side labor and employment, named the Lawyer of the Year for the Detroit region. Nemeth’s specific practice areas noted are: Employment Law – Management; Labor Law – Management; Litigation- Labor and Employment.
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Bodman PLC
Bodman PLC is pleased to announce that Jessica P. Lange joined the firm’s Detroit office as a member in the Business Practice Group.
Lange advises corporate senior leadership teams and boards of directors on corporate governance, corporate transactions, securities law, and finance matters. She has experience leading teams, negotiating, and bringing parties together to work towards common objectives, solving corporate governance, ethics, and finance problems, and helping organizations develop and maintain policies and procedures to ensure legal and contractual compliance.
Before joining Bodman, Lange served for more than 20 years as in-house counsel to several large and multifaceted publicly-traded corporations. Most recently, she served as vice president and associate general counsel for securities and finance for the world’s largest full-service restaurant company. She has previous experience as an expert attorney for securities, finance, and governance for a Detroit-based diversified energy company and as vice president of corporate finance & securities counsel for a major regional bank, among others.
Lange is graduate of Duke University School of Law and received an undergraduate degree from University of Michigan.
Bodman is also pleased to share that 76 of its attorneys have been listed in the 2026 edition of the highly respected publication The Best Lawyers in America.
Local Bodman attorneys listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2026, including the practice areas under which they are listed, are:
—Detroit
Hebba Aref (Banking and Finance Law)
Marc M. Bakst (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation-Bankruptcy)
Eric C. Bartley (Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law, Real Estate Law)
Melissa K. Bridges (Banking and Finance Law)
Andrew H. Curoe (Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law, Trusts and Estates)
Sarah L. Cylkowski (Commercial Litigation, Litigation-Insurance)
Brandon M. Dalziel (Health Care Law)
Jessica L. Davis (Banking and Finance Law)
Herold M. Deason (Corporate Law)
Laurence B. Deitch (Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law)
Robert J. Diehl Jr. (Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Litigation-Banking and Finance, Litigation-Bankruptcy)
Forrest O. Dillon (Corporate Law)
Fredrick J. Dindoffer (Environmental Law, Litigation-Environmental)
Christopher J. Dine (Nonprofit / Charities Law)
Brian P. Foley (Banking and Finance Law, Real Estate Law)
Aaron D. Graves (Employment Law-Management)
Scott P. Gyorke (Banking and Finance Law)
David M. Hempstead (Trusts and Estates)
Kathleen O’Callaghan Hickey (Banking and Finance Law)
George G. Kemsley (Commercial Litigation)
Joseph J. Kochanek (Banking and Finance Law)
David P. Larsen (Litigation-Trusts and Estates, Trusts and Estates)
Marguerite Munson Lentz (Trusts and Estates)
Melissa A. Lewis (Banking and Finance Law)
Carla S. Machnik (Banking and Finance Law)
Ralph E. McDowell (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Litigation-Bankruptcy)
Adam B. Norlander (Banking and Finance Law)
Michael B. Peterman (Banking and Finance Law, Real Estate Law)
Jane Derse Quasarano (Commercial Litigation)
Jeffrey G. Raphelson (Commercial Litigation, Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants)
Thomas J. Rheaume Jr. (Commercial Litigation)
Damali A. Sahu (Banking and Finance Law)
Nicholas P. Scavone Jr. (Banking and Finance Law, Real Estate Law)
Joseph J. Shannon (Commercial Litigation)
Bonnie S. Sherr (Banking and Finance Law)
Larry R. Shulman (Banking and Finance Law)
Brian R. Trumbauer (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation-Bankruptcy)
Jaimee L. Witten (Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships))
—Troy
Donovan S. Asmar (Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law)
Adam Behrendt (Litigation-Banking and Finance)
John T. Below (Commercial Litigation, Litigation-Labor and Employment)
David C. Bosman (Banking and Finance Law)
Barbara A. Bowman (Banking and Finance Law, Municipal Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law)
John C. Cashen (Employment Law-Management, Labor Law-Management, Qui Tam Law)
Steven R. Cole (Corporate Law, Tax Law)
Michael G. Costello (Commercial Litigation, Corporate Law, Insurance Law)
Anthony P. Cracchiolo (Trusts and Estates)
Michelle Thurber Czapski (Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, Litigation-Insurance)
Andrea M. DeFrain (Trusts & Estates)
Gary S. Fealk (Employment Law-Management, Labor Law-Management)
Gregory J. Gamalski (Real Estate Law)
Jennifer A. Goulah (Real Estate Law)
Jennifer M. Hetu (Trademark Law)
Michael B. Lewiston (Commercial Litigation, Litigation-Real Estate, Litigation-Trusts and Estates)
Mark W. Peters (Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law)
Karen L. Piper (Labor Law-Management)
Mara Letica Saad (Commercial Litigation)
Kenneth J. Sachs (Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law)
Andrew Z. Spilkin (Real Estate Law)
Thomas Van Dusen (Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation-Trusts and Estates)
David B. Walters (Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law)
Glen M. Zatz (Real Estate Law)
Bodman is also pleased to announce that 18 of its attorneys have been listed in the 2026 edition of the publication Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.
Local Bodman attorneys listed in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, including the practice areas under which they are listed, are:
—Detroit
Fawzeih H. Daher (Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation)
Alex M. Haney (Corporate Law)
Michelle L. Kolkmeyer (Labor and Employment Law – Management)
Annalise A. Lekas (Health Care Law)
Alexandra C. Markel (Commercial Litigation)
Christopher J. Rambus (Tax Law, Trusts and Estates)
Erica J. Sarver (Commercial Litigation, Environmental Law)
Alexis A. Smith-Scott (Corporate Governance and Compliance Law, Corporate Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law)
—Troy
Emily A. Cross (Administrative / Regulatory Law, Commercial Litigation)
Ryan M. Olson (Mergers and Acquisitions Law)
Rebecca C. Seguin-Skrabucha (Labor and Employment Law – Management)
Kyle W. Traver (Corporate Law)
In addition, Bodman announces that several of its attorneys have been named “Lawyers of the Year” for 2026 by the publisher of The Best Lawyers in America.
Local Bodman attorneys included as 2026 Lawyers of the Year include the following.
Robert J. Diehl Jr. has been named the 2026 Detroit Lawyer of the Year for Banking and Finance Law as well as Litigation-Banking and Finance. Diehl is the chair of the Bankruptcy and Debtor-Creditor Rights Practice Group. He represents lenders in out-of-court workouts and in bankruptcy proceedings involving all types of businesses and collateral, especially automotive-related businesses and real estate and construction businesses. He has previously received the Detroit Lawyer of the Year award in 2018 and 2010 under Banking and Finance Law and in 2012 under Litigation – Banking and Finance. Diehl was selected for the 2025 Detroit Lawyer of the Year award under Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 1995.
David P. Larsen has been named the 2026 Detroit Lawyer of the Year for Litigation-Trusts and Estates. Larsen is the senior member of Bodman’s High Net Worth Practice Group and provides highly individualized and comprehensive legal advice to many high net worth families, their family offices, and their closely-held businesses. He has been a frequent recipient of Lawyer of the Year award with recognitions in 2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, and 2016 for the Litigation-Trust and Estates category. Larsen was also named the 2025 Detroit Lawyer of the Year for Trust and Estates. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 2003.
Marguerite Munson Lentz has been named the 2026 Detroit Lawyer of the Year for Trusts and Estates. She concentrates her practice in representing high net worth individuals in matters involving estate planning, probate, and trusts. She regularly advises nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations regarding obtaining and maintaining exempt status, corporate governance, and general operational issues. She has been a consistent recipient of the Detroit Lawyer of the Year award for Trust and Estates with recognition in 2024, 2020, 2018, and 2016. Lentz has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 2008.
Ralph E. McDowell has been named the 2026 Detroit Lawyer of the Year for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. McDowell assists clients primarily in the areas of commercial bankruptcy, debtors’ and creditors’ rights, workouts, and commercial lending. He also represents clients in general business law matters and has particular experience advising individuals on the myriad legal issues they and their closely-held businesses face. McDowell also received the Detroit Lawyer of the Year award in 2017 and 2020 under Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, in 2019 under Bet-the-Company Litigation, and in 2015, 2021, and 2025 under Litigation – Bankruptcy. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 2003.
David B. Walters has been named the 2026 Troy Lawyer of the Year for Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. He concentrates his practice in employee benefits, corporate law and estate planning. He has more than 30 years of experience counseling employers on all aspects of employee benefit plan formation, administration, and taxation. Walters was previously named the Troy Lawyer of the Year for Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law in 2024, 2020, and 2017. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 2007.
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Fishman Stewart PLLC
Fishman Stewart PLLC continues to garner honors with the latest recognition finding seven firm attorneys included in the 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. Six are listed as Best Lawyers® and one as Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®.
The following Fishman Stewart attorneys have been granted the Best Lawyers® designation with their categories of distinction:
Michael D. Fishman, firm co-founder and managing partner is a multi-year achiever of Best Lawyers® recognition since 2012. He has been recognized in the category of Trademark Law.
Kameron Bonner, who joins the traditional Best Lawyers list in the 2026 edition in two categories: Litigation - Intellectual Property Law and Patent Law, after being on the Ones to Watch® list since 2022.
Michael B. Stewart, achieving Best Lawyers® recognition since 2007, the firm co-founder and managing partner has been recognized in four practice areas, Litigation–Intellectual Property, Litigation–Patent, Patent Law, and Trademark Law.
Julie A. Greenberg, receiving the Best Lawyers® designation since 2021, Greenberg has been recognized in the category of Trademark Law.
John P. Guenther, recognized in three categories: Litigation–Intellectual Property, Patent Law, and Trademark Law, Guenther has consecutively made the Best Lawyers® list since 2016.
Barbara L. Mandell, a multi-year honoree since 2018, Mandell has been recognized in the area of Litigation–Intellectual Property.
The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® recognizes attorneys in the earlier part of their careers and selection is by the same peer-review methodology as Best Lawyers®. This year’s edition includes:
Kristyn Webb has been recognized in the area of Intellectual Property Law for the second consecutive year.
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J.J. Conway Law
J.J. Conway Law is pleased to announce that principal attorney, founder and litigator John Joseph (J.J.) Conway has been named to the 2026 Best Lawyers® list, making his debut appearance in the 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.
Conway was named a 2026 Best Lawyer in the following categories:
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Litigation - ERISA
Building up his reputation for more than 25 years as a nationally recognized trial attorney in all facets of ERISA and contractual employee benefits law, including health and long-term disability insurance and retirement plans, Conway has witnessed the power of employee benefits to preserve financial stability. He has navigated the legal complexities of disability, employee health benefits, and ERISA law—ranging from wins in autism services coverage for children to employee benefits protection during the City of Detroit bankruptcy, to mental health coverage for children suffering from life-threatening severe behavioral health conditions. In emerging benefit denial trends, he has advocated for clients in cases fighting for disability insurance coverage for Post-COVID-Conditions (PCC) and for new mothers whose disabilities are pregnancy or post-pregnancy related.
The Best Lawyers honor follows several other legal accolades for Conway, including DBusiness Top Lawyers, Leading Lawyers, Elite Lawyers, and Michigan Super Lawyers. Additionally, he was named a Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Leader in Labor and Employment Law in 2023 and to the Leaders in the Law Class of 2021 by the legal trade publication Michigan Lawyers Weekly. Committed to community and civic affairs, he has been the recipient of other awards throughout his career as well, including the Thomas P. Moore Leadership in Philanthropy Award from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the State Bar of Michigan Champion of Justice Award.
Conway received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Marquette University and obtained his law degree at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. He is a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, and State Bar of Arizona. He has also been elected to membership in the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation and the Fellows of the Michigan State Bar Foundation.
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Dalton & Tomich PLC
Daniel Dalton, a founding partner of Dalton & Tomich, has been named to the 2026 Best Lawyers® list, making his debut appearance in the 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.
Dalton was named a 2026 Best Lawyer in the following categories:
Land Use and Zoning Law
Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
Real Estate Law
Dalton is a leader in religious property law and guides religious leaders and congregations with his expertise. With a understanding of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA), he handles the business side of religious property for all faiths to protect the religious organization’s right to use its property within the parameters of its spiritual mission. Since 2004, Dalton has worked with churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and almost all types of religious assembly use throughout the country to secure site plan approval or litigate claims in federal courts. Starting with a case of a very small church against the City of Southfield, Dalton has represented all types of religious uses and schools in trial and on appeal across the United States. He also negotiates and litigates matters related to trust clauses for churches who wish to leave their denominations and keep their property.
In addition to his work with faith-based organizations, Dalton has a commercial real estate practice representing developers, particularly in land use and zoning. With an understanding of municipal law, Dalton began his career representing local governments in land use and zoning disputes.
Dalton is the author of “Religious Property Disputes and the Law: House of God. Laws of Man.,” published by the American Bar Association in 2022; the 2020 eBook about protocols for the United Methodist Church separation “What the Proposed UMC Separation Means for Your Church”; and the 2017 e-book “Navigating the United Methodist Church Trust Clause.” His award-winning “Litigating Religious Land Use Cases,” was published by the American Bar Association in 2014, with a second edition in 2017.
Dalton has also been named a Go-To-Lawyer in real estate and a Leader in the Law by Michigan Lawyers Weekly, a Michigan Super Lawyer, a DBusiness Top Lawyer, and a Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Executive in Real Estate.
Dalton earned a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and a Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University.
Active in numerous national and regional legal, planning and civic organizations, including past service as an elected official and planning and zoning commission member in his home city of Plymouth, Dalton was recently named volunteer of the year by the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce for his work leading Trinity Church’s food pantry.
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Foley, Baron, Metzger & Juip PLLC
Foley, Baron, Metzger, & Juip PLLC is pleased to announce that ten of its lawyers have been named by Super Lawyers magazine to the 2025 Michigan Super Lawyers list, and four of its lawyers to the Michigan Rising Stars lists. Randy Juip was also honored as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in Michigan, the fifth straight year he has earned this distinction.
FBMJ lawyers named to the 2025 Super Lawyers list include:
Richard S. Baron
Cathy R. Bowerman
Carole S. Empey
Randall A. Juip
Joseph P. McGill
Clyde M. Metzger III
Anthony D. Pignotti
Brian J. Richtarcik
Kim J. Sveska
Brian W. Whitelaw
FBMJ lawyers named to the 2025 Rising Star list include:
Sarah Cherry
Hussein M. Houjaji
Nicole Joseph-Windecker
Lauren T. Rhoads
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Foster, Swift, Collins, & Smith, PC
Several lawyers from Foster, Swift, Collins, & Smith PC have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2026.
Those honored from the Southfield office include:
Dirk H. Beckwith, Construction Law
Michael R. Blum, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management
Bryan Cermak, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
Julie I. Fershtman, Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law
Paul J. Millenbach, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions-Defendants
Brian J. Renaud, Administrative/Regulatory Law
In addition, Jeffrey G. Schultz from the Southfield office was named to the 2026 Best Lawyers® “Ones to Watch” list in Insurance Law, Litigation – Labor and Employment; and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants.
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Zausmer, P.C.
Thirteen Zausmer attorneys have been honored to the 2026 Best Lawyers list.
—Lawyers of the Year for 2026
Shareholder Michael L. Caldwell has been honored as a Lawyer of the Year for his contributions in Environmental Law and Environmental Litigation.
Shareholder Stephen R. Estey has been recognized as Lawyer of the Year for his expertise in Land Use and Zoning Law.
—Best Lawyers in America 2026
Managing Shareholder Mark Zausmer has been recognized as a Best Lawyer for the 19th consecutive year for his work in Commercial Litigation and Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law.
Additional Best Lawyers honorees include:
Mischa M. Boardman, Commercial Litigation
Michael L. Caldwell, Environmental Law and Environmental Litigation
Stephen R. Estey, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Real Estate Litigation, Real Estate Law, Utilities Law
Jeremy M. Mullett, Insurance Law
Cinnamon A. Plonka, Insurance Law, Insurance Litigation
Michael A. Schwartz, Insurance Litigation, Real Estate Litigation
—Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch 2026
Christopher B. Best, Insurance Law
Anastasios “Ty” Kiafoulis, Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, and Transportation Law
John A. Lewsley, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
Brent R. Lockwood, Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, and Labor & Employment Litigation
Branden T. Prather, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
Stephanie L. Strycharz, Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law
Heather J. Thatcher, Insurance Law and Labor & Employment Litigation
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The Dobrusin Law Firm PC
The Dobrusin Law Firm is proud to announce that nine of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2026 Editions of Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. This year, the firm celebrates new and repeat recognitions in multiple practice areas, as well as two “Lawyer of the Year” honors.
—2026 “Lawyer of the Year” Honorees
Two of Dobrusin attorneys received the “Lawyer of the Year” honor in their practice areas for the Troy region.
Eric Dobrusin earned the 2026 honor in Litigation – Intellectual Property. This marks his sixth time receiving the “Lawyer of the Year” distinction and his second year in a row.
Rebecca Wilson earned the 2026 honor in Copyright Law, which is her first “Lawyer of the Year” distinction.
—2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America
Eric Dobrusin earned recognition in Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law, and Trade Secrets Law categories.
Erin Klug earned recognition in Patent Law, Copyright Law, and Trademark Law categories.
Kristen Pursley earned recognition in Patent Law, Trademark Law, Copyright Law, and Litigation – Intellectual Property categories.
Katherine Pacynski earned recognition in the Patent Law category.
Paul Palinski earned recognition in Patent Law and Litigation – Intellectual Property categories.
Rebecca Wilson earned recognition in Trademark Law and Copyright Law categories.
—2026 Edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America
Allison Carlson received honors in Intellectual Property and Patent Law.
Eric Hydorn received honors in Intellectual Property Law and Patent Law.
Daniela Walters received honors in Intellectual Property and Patent Law.
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Varnum LLP
The recently-released edition of The Best Lawyers in America® includes 103 Varnum attorneys in 52 practice areas, with 19 additional attorneys named in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch and several named “Lawyer of the Year” in their respective practice areas. Local Varnum honorees include:
—Birmingham
Thomas H. Bergh, Litigation – Trusts and Estates, Trusts and Estates
Brendan G. Best, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Gabriel J. Edelson, Corporate Law
Rebecca L. Grove, Tax Law
Ziyad I. Hermiz, Commercial Litigation, Trade Secrets Law
Robert E. Kass, Trusts and Estates
Eric M. Nemeth, Litigation and Controversy – Tax, Tax Law
Charles M. Russman, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Jeffrey M. Stefan, Artificial Intelligence Law, Corporate Law
William L. Thompson, Commercial Litigation
—Novi
Bradley S. Defoe, Commercial Litigation, Real Estate Law
Richard T. Hewlett, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Litigation – Construction
Richard A. Hooker, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
Paul L.B. McKenney, Litigation and Controversy – Tax, Tax Law
Julia A. Perkins, Family Law, Family Law Mediation
Michael J. Romaya, Banking and Finance Law
Maureen P. Rouse-Ayoub, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
Kristen M. Veresh, Banking and Finance Law
Sam J. Vitale, Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation
—Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch
—Birmingham
Kathleen A. Cieslik, Trusts and Estates
Samuel P. Kokoszka, Corporate Law, Real Estate Law
Jordan M. Small, Corporate Law
—Novi
Lauren E. Potocsky, Construction Law, Real Estate Law
Louis F. Ronayne, Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law
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Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho PLC
Cummings, McClorey, Davis, & Acho PLC is pleased to announce that Alexander R. Karana, an attorney in the firm’s Livonia office, has been recognized by his peers in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for his work in Intellectual Property Law, Patent Law, and Entertainment and Sports Law.
An Intellectual Property attorney, Karana is admitted to practice in Michigan and Illinois. As a registered patent attorney, he brings a technical and legal foundation to clients at the forefront of innovation, brand-building, and entertainment. His practice centers on patent and trademark prosecution, IP strategy, and technology-driven business transactions.
Karana advises startups, creators, and established companies on protecting their inventions, scaling their brands, and navigating complex IP and contract disputes. He also brings niche expertise in Entertainment and Sports Law, helping athletes, musicians, and influencers protect and monetize their creative assets.
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Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone
Miller Canfield is pleased to announce that 41 of the firm’s attorneys in 18 practice areas have been recognized in the Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio editions of Super Lawyers and Super Lawyers Rising Stars.
Seven Miller Canfield lawyers were also named to Super Lawyers’ 2025 top lists. They are:
Matthew P. Allen, Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers
Thomas W. Cranmer, Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers, Top 10 Michigan Super Lawyers
Gerald J. Gleeson, Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers
Amy M. Johnston, Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers
Sonal Hope Mithani, Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers
Megan P. Norris, Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers, Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers
Jennifer L. Sabourin, Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers
Miller Canfield is also pleased to announce that 102 of the firm’s lawyers in Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio have been named in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers in America.
Additionally, nine of the firm’s attorneys earned Lawyer of the Year recognition:
Thomas D. Colis, Public Finance Law
Paul M. Collins, Energy Regulatory Law
Joseph M. Fazio, Real Estate Law
Gerald J. Gleeson II, Criminal Defense: White Collar
Michael E. Moore, Litigation - Bankruptcy
Brian Schwartz, Litigation – Labor and Employment
Trent J. Taylor, Banking and Finance Law
Nancy A. Valentine, Litigation - Banking and Finance
Sherri A. Wellman, Energy Law
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Garan Lucow Miller P.C.
Garan Lucow Miller is pleased to announce that fourteen of the firm’s lawyers were recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.
In Michigan, Ebony L. Duff was recognized for Commercial Litigation and Municipal Law.
John J. Gillooly was recognized for Litigation – Labor and Employment and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants.
John W. Whitman was recognized for Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants.
Christopher Jelinek was recognized for Insurance Law, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants.
Robert L. Goldenbogen, Susan M. Williams, and Peter B. Worden Jr. were recognized for Insurance Law.
Stacey L. King was recognized for Insurance Law and Litigation – Insurance.
Dennis P. Partridge was recognized for Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers.
Frederick B. Plumb was recognized for Insurance Law, Litigation – Insurance, and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants.
Daniel S. Saylor was recognized for Appellate Practice and Insurance Law.
James A. Swaim was recognized for Litigation – Insurance and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants.
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Brooks Kushman P.C.
Brooks Kushman is proud to announce that 25 of its attorneys were recognized in the 32nd Annual The Best Lawyers in America©.
Frank Angileri and Hope Shovein were also recognized as the 2026 “Lawyer of the Year” in their specialty. Angileri was recognized for Intellectual Property Litigation and Patents and Shovein for Trademark Law.
—Best Lawyers in America
Frank Angileri (shareholder), Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law, Trademark Law
Erin Bowles (shareholder), Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law
Mark Cantor (chairman emeritus & general counsel), Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law, Trademark Law
Rebecca J. Cantor (shareholder), Litigation – Patent, Trademark Law
Molly Mack Crandall (co-chair Trademark), Copyright Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Trademark Law
Tiffany Fidler (co-chair Patent Prosecution), Litigation – Intellectual Property
Matthew M. Jakubowski (chair of the Executive Committee), Litigation – Intellectual Property
Robyn S. Lederman (Executive Committee member), Trademark Law
John LeRoy (Executive Committee member), Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent
Marc Lorelli (co-chair Litigation), Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law
John P. Rondini (co-chair Litigation, Co-Chair Cybersecurity, Data Privacy, and AI), Litigation – Intellectual Property
Sangeeta G. Shah (president), Litigation – Patent
Hope Shovein (co-chair Trademark), Copyright Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Trade Secrets Law, Trademark Law
Isaac T. Slutsky (co-chair Patent Prosecution), Patent Law
Christopher C. Smith (co-chair Litigation), Litigation – Intellectual Property
Rachel Smith (shareholder), Patent Law
Mark E. Stuenkel (shareholder), Patent Law
Michael D. Turner (co-chair Patent Prosecution), Patent Law
—Ones to Watch
Chloe Conway (associate), Intellectual Property Law
Reza Roghani Esfahani (shareholder), Litigation – Patent
Fatima Kassem (associate), Intellectual Property Law
Alena Vackova Marconi (shareholder), Intellectual Property Law, Patent Law
Chelsea E. Pasquali (shareholder), Intellectual Property Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Isheeta T. Patel (shareholder), Intellectual Property Law, Patent Law
Dustin Zak (shareholder), Litigation – Patent, Patent Law
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Harness IP
Harness IP is please to announce that 40 attorneys have been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® for 2026. Those listed for Detroit Metro include:
Geoffrey D. Aurini – Copyright Law, Trademark Law
Michael P. Doerr – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law
Lisa M. DuRoss – Trademark Law
Mark D. Elchuk – Patent Law
Stanley M. Erjavac – Patent Law, Trademark Law
Monte L. Falcoff – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law, Trademark Law
Glenn E. Forbis – Copyright Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law, Trademark Law
J. Bradley Luchsinger – Litigation – Patent, Patent Law
Timothy D. MacIntyre – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law
Michael Malinzak – Patent Law, Trademark Law
Timothy J. Martin – Patent Law
Ryan W. Massey – Patent Law
Kevin G. Mierzwa – Patent Law
Stephen T. Olson – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law, Trademark Law
Jessica S. Sachs – Trademark Law
G. Gregory Schivley – Patent Law, Trademark Law
Brent G. Seitz – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law
Colleen N. Shovlin – Patent Law, Trademark Law
Robert M. Siminski – Patent Law
W. R. Duke Taylor – Patent Law
David P. Utykanski – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law
Steven D. Wangerow – Patent Law
Richard W. Warner – Patent Law, Trade Secrets Law
Michael D. Wiggins – Patent Law
Jennifer M. Woodside-Wojtala – Patent Law
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America 2026 for Detroit Metro include:
Jewell N. Briggs – Litigation – Patent, Patent Law
Jeremiah J. Foley – Intellectual Property Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law
Paul R. Hoffer – Intellectual Property Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property
April M. Minarik – Intellectual Property Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property
Jennifer R. Turchyn – Patent Law
Colette E. Verch – Litigation – Patent, Patent Law
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Maddin, Hauser, Roth, & Heller PC
Maddin Hauser is pleased to announce that Executive Committee member David E. Hart has been recognized among America’s Top 100 Bet-the-Company Litigators®.
Hart is a shareholder and chairs the firm’s Complex Litigation and Risk Advisory group. He is also co-chair of the Financial Services and Real Property Litigation group. His business litigation practice focuses on litigation and dispute resolution involving title insurance, business/commercial disputes, mortgage and real estate litigation, construction disputes, and creditors’ rights law, including bankruptcy.
A frequent lecturer, Hart is regularly called upon to present on title insurance and real estate law topics. Michigan Lawyers Weekly selected Hart as a “Go To” lawyer in business litigation in 2023 and again in 2025. He is recognized in Best Lawyers in America, Michigan Super Lawyers, Michigan Leading Lawyers, and was named among DBusiness Magazine’s 2018 Top Lawyers. Hart is also actively involved with the Mortgage Bankers Association.
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FisherBroyles LLP
FisherBroyles LLP is proud to share that 68 of its attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. FisherBroyles attorneys across 23 U.S. markets were recognized in 35 different practice areas, ranging from intellectual property and corporate law to immigration and litigation.
The following local FisherBroyles attorneys are included in the 2026 Best Lawyers lists:
—Detroit
Jess A. Bahs – Tax Law
Michael S. Khoury – Business Organizations, Corporate Law, IT Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Douglas P. Lalone – Litigation - Intellectual Property, Patent Law
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced the appointments of Chastity Youngblood, Poncé Clay, and Dr. Herman Griffin IV to the Wayne County 36th District Court in the City of Detroit.
Youngblood is an assistant prosecuting attorney at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, a role she has served in for more than 15 years. Youngblood also serves as a member of the State Bar of Michigan Justice Policy Commission and the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly.
Youngblood earned a Bachelor of Arts in international relations and social relations from James Madison College at Michigan State University and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
“I am deeply honored by Governor Whitmer’s appointment to serve on the 36th District Court,” said Youngblood. “I am committed to serving with empathy, fairness, and integrity, and will work diligently to ensure that our community feels seen, heard, and respected in our courts.”
This appointment will be made to fill a partial term, expiring January 1, 2027, following the resignation of Judge Aliyah Sabree.
Clay is the founding partner and managing attorney at Clay Law PLC. He previously served as division director of Wayne County Veterans Services and a director of operations at the United States Navy Michigan Recruiting Headquarters.
Additionally, Clay served as a United States Naval officer for more than twenty years and formerly served as a mentor on the 36th District’s Veteran’s Treatment Court. Clay also recently served as an appointed member of the City of Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Community Advisory Committee and is a member of Oak Grove AME Church of Detroit.
Clay earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Morehouse College, a Master of Public Administration in public personnel management from Troy State University in Japan, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Detroit Mercy, and a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
“I am profoundly grateful to Governor Whitmer for the enormous privilege to serve on the 36th District Court, and I do not take this responsibility lightly,” said Clay. “My life’s work has been rooted in service—service to my country, my profession, and most importantly, to the people of Detroit. This appointment is not about me, but about continuing the mission of ensuring access to justice for all who appear before the court. I pledge to serve with integrity, humility, and compassion.”
This appointment will be made to fill a partial term, expiring January 1, 2027, following the resignation of Judge Donald Coleman.
Griffin is the deputy director at Regional Managed Assigned Counsel Office in Dearborn and the owner of Griffin Law PLLC in Detroit. Griffin previously worked as a mental health specialty court defense attorney at the 36th District Court and previously taught a monthly class on preventing human trafficking at the Southwest Detroit Community Justice Center. Griffin is also a member of the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity and the Washtenaw Ministerial Alliance.
Griffin earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan, a Master of Divinity from Howard University, a Doctor of Ministry from Boston University, and a law degree from Cooley Law School.
“I am humbled to be appointed to the bench and ready to serve Detroit,” said Griffin.
This appointment will be made to fill a partial term, expiring January 1, 2027, following the passing of Judge Donna Robinson Millhouse.
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Butzel Long
Butzel attorney Debra Geroux has added a new certification to her list of credentials. She now is a Certified Information Privacy Professional – United States (CIPP/US). She obtained the certification from The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).
Geroux is Certified in Healthcare Privacy Compliance (CHPC) from the Compliance and Certification Board (CCB). She also holds a Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) designation from the CCB.
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, cyber incident and breach response, including state and federal post-breach investigations, licensing and credentialing, government and commercial payor audits and a host of other health care issues. Geroux has experience in supply chain and source contracting for a large Michigan-based health system, including negotiations of its IT contracts.
In addition, 28 Butzel attorneys have been named to the 2025 Super Lawyers list. Moreover, eight Butzel attorneys have been named to Rising Stars.
Local Butzel attorneys included in the 2025 Super Lawyers list are:
—2025 Rising Stars
Javon R. David, Business Litigation
Steven Eatherly, Business Litigation
Amany Kasham, Immigration: Business
Shanika Owens, Real Estate
Blake C. Padget, Employment Litigation: Plaintiff
Mitch Zajac, Intellectual Property
—2025 Super Lawyers
• Detroit office
Darius W. Dynkowski, Eminent Domain
Eric J. Flessland, Construction Litigation
Bernard J. Fuhs, Business Litigation
Cynthia J. Haffey, Business Litigation
Justin G. Klimko, Mergers & Acquisitions
Phillip C. Korovesis, Business Litigation
Mark R. Lezotte, Health Care
Paul M. Mersino, Business Litigation
Reginald A. Pacis, Immigration: Business
James S. Rosenfeld, Employment & Labor
Daniel R.W. Rustmann, Business Litigation
• Troy office
David J. DeVine, Business Litigation
Carey A. DeWitt, Employment & Labor
Michael P. Donnelly, Business Litigation, General Litigation, Intellectual Property Litigation
George B. Donnini, Criminal Defense: White Collar
David F. DuMouchel, Criminal Defense: White Collar
Laura S. Faussié, Business Litigation, Appellate
Geoffrey S. Gallinger, Real Estate
Thomas A. Kabel, Real Estate
Ryan C. Plecha, Business Litigation, Civil Litigation
Max J. Newman, Bankruptcy: Business
Robert P. Perry, Estate & Probate
Joseph E. Richotte, Appellate
Daniel B. Tukel, Employment Litigation: Defense
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Carey Law
Jim Carey, managing partner of Carey Law and professor emeritus at Cooley Law School (where he has taught for roughly two decades), has been named the recipient of the 19th Annual Stephen H. Schulman Outstanding Business Lawyer Award by the State Bar of Michigan’s Business Law Section.
This award honors Michigan business lawyers who consistently exemplify the characteristics the Business Law Section seeks to foster and facilitate: the highest quality of professionalism, the highest quality of practice, and an unwavering dedication to service, ethical conduct, and collegiality within the practice of law.
Carey runs his own practice providing chief legal officer services for businesses and estate planning for families. He formerly worked as Of Counsel for the Business Transactions Group of Dickinson Wright PLLC. Before that Carey was an associate with the Corporate Group and the Insurance Services Group of Sidley & Austin in Chicago.
“There are so many amazing people and lawyers who have been honored with this award, luminaries in law really,” Carey said. “They’ve been very active in making a difference in the business law community in the state. I’m humbled and surprised to be named (the Schulman Award recipient).”
Carey first became a member of the Business Law Section in 2005 after moving his family and career from Illinois to Michigan. He was raised in Dearborn Heights but moved to Chicago following his graduation from the University of Michigan Law School. Upon joining Dickinson Wright, and joining the State Bar of Michigan, Carey started was has become a 20-year relationship with the Section.
Once he became a member, Carey quickly became involved in leadership positions and educational roles with the Business Law Section. He served as the section’s chair in 2014 and held all positions on the council over the years. He has also served as the chair of the limited liability committee and currently is the Section’s nomination director.
Joining the section gave Carey “a chance to meet great people and see various lawyers in different settings,” he said. That ability to interact with lawyers in both formal and informal settings allows him to get to know colleagues in the legal field, which is a significant advantage for attorneys of all ages and experience levels.
Carey has been actively involved with other section members in updating and revising the State’s Limited Liability Act and Business Corporation Act. He is an annual presenter at the Business Law Institute (BLI) and the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE), presenting the legislative update for nearly 15 consecutive years.
“You think you may be well versed in an area and then the process you go through to present on it just teaches you even more,” Carey said. “It helps you to better understand the law.”
One of the parts to his section involvement that Carey is most proud of is that is has created a stronger connection between Michigan’s business lawyer community and the judiciary.
“Developing that relationship has been a big focus of the (BLS),” Carey said. “We’ve provided materials, training and other resources to the judiciary, business law community, clients and more.” That has helped judges who may not have a business background become more familiar with the transactional and business law side.
“We can be proud of what we’ve accomplished in helping to keep the legal climate here first-rate,” Carey said.
That has included building a strong relationship with business regulators at LARA as well. The section has a long history of working with state regulators as part of the business structure.
“The goal is for our businesses to be as productive, ethical and successful as possible,” Carey said.
Carey has been honored as a Super Lawyer In 2025. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School.
Carey will be introduced at the Schulman Award Ceremony during the Annual Meeting of the Business Law Section during lunch at the Business Law Institute on September 12 at the JW Marriott Grand Rapids. He’ll be introduced by Douglas Toering, a partner with Mantese Honigman PC in Detroit, who was the Schulman Award recipient in 2021.
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Plunkett Cooney
Plunkett Cooney recently added two new attorneys to its Transportation Law Practice Group, Gina M. Kempf and Robert (Robbie) M. Unatin.
A member of the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office, Kempf focuses her practice on the defense of automobile liability matters, including cases brought under Michigan’s No-Fault statute and third-party motor vehicle negligence claims.
Kempf is a former associate general counsel for an international trucking company servicing the United States and Canada where she gained experience handling automotive and personal injury litigation, cargo claims, employment matters, contract disputes and other commercial matters. Kempf is also well versed in U.S. safety regulations and compliance, and she has experience resolving alleged Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Occupational Safety and Health Administration violations.
Kempf received her law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 2022. She received her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University in 2019.
Unatin is a senior attorney in Plunkett Cooney’s Bloomfield Hills office and focuses his practice in the areas of motor vehicle negligence and No-Fault Law litigation defense.
Unatin represents insured motorists, rental car companies and corporations in first- and third-party motor vehicle negligence matters, insurance fraud claims and coverage disputes. He has experience resolving insurance defense litigation and coverage claims involving multi-million-dollar automobile injuries, wrongful deaths, catastrophic injuries, fraud/rescission, and uninsured/underinsured motorist benefits.
Unatin is a 2016 graduate of Cooley Law School. He received his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University in 2011.
Plunkett Cooney is also pleased to announce that 30 attorneys were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. In addition to inclusion on the list this year, Mark S. Kopson was named the Best Lawyers® 2026 Healthcare Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Bloomfield Hills.
Below is the list of local Plunkett Cooney attorneys who have received the 2026 Best Lawyers designation:
—Bloomfield Hills Best Lawyers
Michael P. Ashcraft (partner) – Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants
Douglas C. Bernstein (partner) – Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Banking and Finance Litigation, Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law and Real Estate Law
Matthew J. Boettcher (partner) – Commercial Litigation, Banking and Finance Litigation and Real Estate Litigation
Charles W. Browning (partner) – Insurance Law
Jeffrey C. Gerish (partner) – Appellate Practice
Howard B. Goldman (partner) – Real Estate Law
Ellen B. Jannette (senior attorney) – Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants
Mark S. Kopson (partner) – Health Care Law
David A. Lerner (partner) – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Scott K. Lites (partner) – Corporate Law and Real Estate Law
Frank T. Mamat (partner) – Construction Law, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management and Labor and Employment Litigation
Robert A. Marzano (partner) – Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Mary Massaron (partner) – Appellate Practice
Lauren B. McMillen (partner) – Insurance Law
Kenneth C. Newa (partner) – Insurance Law
Courtney M. Nichols (partner) – Employment Law – Management and Labor and Employment Litigation
Elaine M. Pohl (partner) – Insurance Law and Insurance Litigation
Scott H. Sirich (partner) – Construction Law and Litigation
Patrick E. Winters (partner) – Insurance Law and Insurance Litigation
L. Jeffrey Zauberman (Senior Attorney) – Banking and Finance Law
—Detroit Best Lawyers
D. Jennifer Andreou (partner) – Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
Matthew J. Stanczyk (partner) – Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
In addition, 11 Plunkett Cooney attorneys, who are early in their careers, were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™ for outstanding professional excellence.
Below are the local Plunkett Cooney attorneys who have received 2026 Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch in America™” recognition:
—Bloomfield Hills
Arturo Alfaro – Immigration Law and Transportation Law
Erik Bradberry – Labor and Employment Law – Management and Labor and Employment Litigation
Danielle Chidiac – Insurance Law
Briana L. Combs – Appellate Practice
Michael D. Hanchett – Municipal Law
Joseph A. Peterson – Tax Litigation and Controversy and Tax Law
Aleasha Taweel – Transportation Law
Robert M. Unatin – Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law and Personal Injury Litigation
—Detroit
Kelly J. Shefferly – Banking and Finance Law, Banking and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Commercial Law
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Nemeth Bonnette Brouwer PC
Nemeth Bonnette Brouwer PC is pleased to announce another repeat performance on the Best Lawyers® list, with firm attorneys earning an appearance in the 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. Honorees are:
Deborah Brouwer, 2026 Best Lawyer; Employment Law–Management; Labor Law–Management; Litigation–Labor and Employment
Terry W. Bonnette, 2026 Best Lawyer; Employment Law–Management; Labor Law–Management; Litigation–Labor and Employment
Kathleen M. Gatti, 2026 Best Lawyer; Employment Law–Management
Additionally firm founder Patricia Nemeth, now Of Counsel, was not only named to the 2026 Best Lawyers® list, but for her accomplishments in management side labor and employment, named the Lawyer of the Year for the Detroit region. Nemeth’s specific practice areas noted are: Employment Law – Management; Labor Law – Management; Litigation- Labor and Employment.
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Bodman PLC
Bodman PLC is pleased to announce that Jessica P. Lange joined the firm’s Detroit office as a member in the Business Practice Group.
Lange advises corporate senior leadership teams and boards of directors on corporate governance, corporate transactions, securities law, and finance matters. She has experience leading teams, negotiating, and bringing parties together to work towards common objectives, solving corporate governance, ethics, and finance problems, and helping organizations develop and maintain policies and procedures to ensure legal and contractual compliance.
Before joining Bodman, Lange served for more than 20 years as in-house counsel to several large and multifaceted publicly-traded corporations. Most recently, she served as vice president and associate general counsel for securities and finance for the world’s largest full-service restaurant company. She has previous experience as an expert attorney for securities, finance, and governance for a Detroit-based diversified energy company and as vice president of corporate finance & securities counsel for a major regional bank, among others.
Lange is graduate of Duke University School of Law and received an undergraduate degree from University of Michigan.
Bodman is also pleased to share that 76 of its attorneys have been listed in the 2026 edition of the highly respected publication The Best Lawyers in America.
Local Bodman attorneys listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2026, including the practice areas under which they are listed, are:
—Detroit
Hebba Aref (Banking and Finance Law)
Marc M. Bakst (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation-Bankruptcy)
Eric C. Bartley (Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law, Real Estate Law)
Melissa K. Bridges (Banking and Finance Law)
Andrew H. Curoe (Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law, Trusts and Estates)
Sarah L. Cylkowski (Commercial Litigation, Litigation-Insurance)
Brandon M. Dalziel (Health Care Law)
Jessica L. Davis (Banking and Finance Law)
Herold M. Deason (Corporate Law)
Laurence B. Deitch (Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law)
Robert J. Diehl Jr. (Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Litigation-Banking and Finance, Litigation-Bankruptcy)
Forrest O. Dillon (Corporate Law)
Fredrick J. Dindoffer (Environmental Law, Litigation-Environmental)
Christopher J. Dine (Nonprofit / Charities Law)
Brian P. Foley (Banking and Finance Law, Real Estate Law)
Aaron D. Graves (Employment Law-Management)
Scott P. Gyorke (Banking and Finance Law)
David M. Hempstead (Trusts and Estates)
Kathleen O’Callaghan Hickey (Banking and Finance Law)
George G. Kemsley (Commercial Litigation)
Joseph J. Kochanek (Banking and Finance Law)
David P. Larsen (Litigation-Trusts and Estates, Trusts and Estates)
Marguerite Munson Lentz (Trusts and Estates)
Melissa A. Lewis (Banking and Finance Law)
Carla S. Machnik (Banking and Finance Law)
Ralph E. McDowell (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Litigation-Bankruptcy)
Adam B. Norlander (Banking and Finance Law)
Michael B. Peterman (Banking and Finance Law, Real Estate Law)
Jane Derse Quasarano (Commercial Litigation)
Jeffrey G. Raphelson (Commercial Litigation, Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants)
Thomas J. Rheaume Jr. (Commercial Litigation)
Damali A. Sahu (Banking and Finance Law)
Nicholas P. Scavone Jr. (Banking and Finance Law, Real Estate Law)
Joseph J. Shannon (Commercial Litigation)
Bonnie S. Sherr (Banking and Finance Law)
Larry R. Shulman (Banking and Finance Law)
Brian R. Trumbauer (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation-Bankruptcy)
Jaimee L. Witten (Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships))
—Troy
Donovan S. Asmar (Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law)
Adam Behrendt (Litigation-Banking and Finance)
John T. Below (Commercial Litigation, Litigation-Labor and Employment)
David C. Bosman (Banking and Finance Law)
Barbara A. Bowman (Banking and Finance Law, Municipal Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law)
John C. Cashen (Employment Law-Management, Labor Law-Management, Qui Tam Law)
Steven R. Cole (Corporate Law, Tax Law)
Michael G. Costello (Commercial Litigation, Corporate Law, Insurance Law)
Anthony P. Cracchiolo (Trusts and Estates)
Michelle Thurber Czapski (Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, Litigation-Insurance)
Andrea M. DeFrain (Trusts & Estates)
Gary S. Fealk (Employment Law-Management, Labor Law-Management)
Gregory J. Gamalski (Real Estate Law)
Jennifer A. Goulah (Real Estate Law)
Jennifer M. Hetu (Trademark Law)
Michael B. Lewiston (Commercial Litigation, Litigation-Real Estate, Litigation-Trusts and Estates)
Mark W. Peters (Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law)
Karen L. Piper (Labor Law-Management)
Mara Letica Saad (Commercial Litigation)
Kenneth J. Sachs (Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law)
Andrew Z. Spilkin (Real Estate Law)
Thomas Van Dusen (Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation-Trusts and Estates)
David B. Walters (Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law)
Glen M. Zatz (Real Estate Law)
Bodman is also pleased to announce that 18 of its attorneys have been listed in the 2026 edition of the publication Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.
Local Bodman attorneys listed in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch, including the practice areas under which they are listed, are:
—Detroit
Fawzeih H. Daher (Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation)
Alex M. Haney (Corporate Law)
Michelle L. Kolkmeyer (Labor and Employment Law – Management)
Annalise A. Lekas (Health Care Law)
Alexandra C. Markel (Commercial Litigation)
Christopher J. Rambus (Tax Law, Trusts and Estates)
Erica J. Sarver (Commercial Litigation, Environmental Law)
Alexis A. Smith-Scott (Corporate Governance and Compliance Law, Corporate Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law)
—Troy
Emily A. Cross (Administrative / Regulatory Law, Commercial Litigation)
Ryan M. Olson (Mergers and Acquisitions Law)
Rebecca C. Seguin-Skrabucha (Labor and Employment Law – Management)
Kyle W. Traver (Corporate Law)
In addition, Bodman announces that several of its attorneys have been named “Lawyers of the Year” for 2026 by the publisher of The Best Lawyers in America.
Local Bodman attorneys included as 2026 Lawyers of the Year include the following.
Robert J. Diehl Jr. has been named the 2026 Detroit Lawyer of the Year for Banking and Finance Law as well as Litigation-Banking and Finance. Diehl is the chair of the Bankruptcy and Debtor-Creditor Rights Practice Group. He represents lenders in out-of-court workouts and in bankruptcy proceedings involving all types of businesses and collateral, especially automotive-related businesses and real estate and construction businesses. He has previously received the Detroit Lawyer of the Year award in 2018 and 2010 under Banking and Finance Law and in 2012 under Litigation – Banking and Finance. Diehl was selected for the 2025 Detroit Lawyer of the Year award under Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 1995.
David P. Larsen has been named the 2026 Detroit Lawyer of the Year for Litigation-Trusts and Estates. Larsen is the senior member of Bodman’s High Net Worth Practice Group and provides highly individualized and comprehensive legal advice to many high net worth families, their family offices, and their closely-held businesses. He has been a frequent recipient of Lawyer of the Year award with recognitions in 2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, and 2016 for the Litigation-Trust and Estates category. Larsen was also named the 2025 Detroit Lawyer of the Year for Trust and Estates. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 2003.
Marguerite Munson Lentz has been named the 2026 Detroit Lawyer of the Year for Trusts and Estates. She concentrates her practice in representing high net worth individuals in matters involving estate planning, probate, and trusts. She regularly advises nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations regarding obtaining and maintaining exempt status, corporate governance, and general operational issues. She has been a consistent recipient of the Detroit Lawyer of the Year award for Trust and Estates with recognition in 2024, 2020, 2018, and 2016. Lentz has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 2008.
Ralph E. McDowell has been named the 2026 Detroit Lawyer of the Year for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. McDowell assists clients primarily in the areas of commercial bankruptcy, debtors’ and creditors’ rights, workouts, and commercial lending. He also represents clients in general business law matters and has particular experience advising individuals on the myriad legal issues they and their closely-held businesses face. McDowell also received the Detroit Lawyer of the Year award in 2017 and 2020 under Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, in 2019 under Bet-the-Company Litigation, and in 2015, 2021, and 2025 under Litigation – Bankruptcy. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 2003.
David B. Walters has been named the 2026 Troy Lawyer of the Year for Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. He concentrates his practice in employee benefits, corporate law and estate planning. He has more than 30 years of experience counseling employers on all aspects of employee benefit plan formation, administration, and taxation. Walters was previously named the Troy Lawyer of the Year for Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law in 2024, 2020, and 2017. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 2007.
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Fishman Stewart PLLC
Fishman Stewart PLLC continues to garner honors with the latest recognition finding seven firm attorneys included in the 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. Six are listed as Best Lawyers® and one as Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®.
The following Fishman Stewart attorneys have been granted the Best Lawyers® designation with their categories of distinction:
Michael D. Fishman, firm co-founder and managing partner is a multi-year achiever of Best Lawyers® recognition since 2012. He has been recognized in the category of Trademark Law.
Kameron Bonner, who joins the traditional Best Lawyers list in the 2026 edition in two categories: Litigation - Intellectual Property Law and Patent Law, after being on the Ones to Watch® list since 2022.
Michael B. Stewart, achieving Best Lawyers® recognition since 2007, the firm co-founder and managing partner has been recognized in four practice areas, Litigation–Intellectual Property, Litigation–Patent, Patent Law, and Trademark Law.
Julie A. Greenberg, receiving the Best Lawyers® designation since 2021, Greenberg has been recognized in the category of Trademark Law.
John P. Guenther, recognized in three categories: Litigation–Intellectual Property, Patent Law, and Trademark Law, Guenther has consecutively made the Best Lawyers® list since 2016.
Barbara L. Mandell, a multi-year honoree since 2018, Mandell has been recognized in the area of Litigation–Intellectual Property.
The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® recognizes attorneys in the earlier part of their careers and selection is by the same peer-review methodology as Best Lawyers®. This year’s edition includes:
Kristyn Webb has been recognized in the area of Intellectual Property Law for the second consecutive year.
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J.J. Conway Law
J.J. Conway Law is pleased to announce that principal attorney, founder and litigator John Joseph (J.J.) Conway has been named to the 2026 Best Lawyers® list, making his debut appearance in the 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.
Conway was named a 2026 Best Lawyer in the following categories:
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Litigation - ERISA
Building up his reputation for more than 25 years as a nationally recognized trial attorney in all facets of ERISA and contractual employee benefits law, including health and long-term disability insurance and retirement plans, Conway has witnessed the power of employee benefits to preserve financial stability. He has navigated the legal complexities of disability, employee health benefits, and ERISA law—ranging from wins in autism services coverage for children to employee benefits protection during the City of Detroit bankruptcy, to mental health coverage for children suffering from life-threatening severe behavioral health conditions. In emerging benefit denial trends, he has advocated for clients in cases fighting for disability insurance coverage for Post-COVID-Conditions (PCC) and for new mothers whose disabilities are pregnancy or post-pregnancy related.
The Best Lawyers honor follows several other legal accolades for Conway, including DBusiness Top Lawyers, Leading Lawyers, Elite Lawyers, and Michigan Super Lawyers. Additionally, he was named a Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Leader in Labor and Employment Law in 2023 and to the Leaders in the Law Class of 2021 by the legal trade publication Michigan Lawyers Weekly. Committed to community and civic affairs, he has been the recipient of other awards throughout his career as well, including the Thomas P. Moore Leadership in Philanthropy Award from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and the State Bar of Michigan Champion of Justice Award.
Conway received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Marquette University and obtained his law degree at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. He is a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, and State Bar of Arizona. He has also been elected to membership in the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation and the Fellows of the Michigan State Bar Foundation.
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Dalton & Tomich PLC
Daniel Dalton, a founding partner of Dalton & Tomich, has been named to the 2026 Best Lawyers® list, making his debut appearance in the 32nd edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.
Dalton was named a 2026 Best Lawyer in the following categories:
Land Use and Zoning Law
Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
Real Estate Law
Dalton is a leader in religious property law and guides religious leaders and congregations with his expertise. With a understanding of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA), he handles the business side of religious property for all faiths to protect the religious organization’s right to use its property within the parameters of its spiritual mission. Since 2004, Dalton has worked with churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and almost all types of religious assembly use throughout the country to secure site plan approval or litigate claims in federal courts. Starting with a case of a very small church against the City of Southfield, Dalton has represented all types of religious uses and schools in trial and on appeal across the United States. He also negotiates and litigates matters related to trust clauses for churches who wish to leave their denominations and keep their property.
In addition to his work with faith-based organizations, Dalton has a commercial real estate practice representing developers, particularly in land use and zoning. With an understanding of municipal law, Dalton began his career representing local governments in land use and zoning disputes.
Dalton is the author of “Religious Property Disputes and the Law: House of God. Laws of Man.,” published by the American Bar Association in 2022; the 2020 eBook about protocols for the United Methodist Church separation “What the Proposed UMC Separation Means for Your Church”; and the 2017 e-book “Navigating the United Methodist Church Trust Clause.” His award-winning “Litigating Religious Land Use Cases,” was published by the American Bar Association in 2014, with a second edition in 2017.
Dalton has also been named a Go-To-Lawyer in real estate and a Leader in the Law by Michigan Lawyers Weekly, a Michigan Super Lawyer, a DBusiness Top Lawyer, and a Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Executive in Real Estate.
Dalton earned a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and a Bachelor of Science from Western Michigan University.
Active in numerous national and regional legal, planning and civic organizations, including past service as an elected official and planning and zoning commission member in his home city of Plymouth, Dalton was recently named volunteer of the year by the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce for his work leading Trinity Church’s food pantry.
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Foley, Baron, Metzger & Juip PLLC
Foley, Baron, Metzger, & Juip PLLC is pleased to announce that ten of its lawyers have been named by Super Lawyers magazine to the 2025 Michigan Super Lawyers list, and four of its lawyers to the Michigan Rising Stars lists. Randy Juip was also honored as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in Michigan, the fifth straight year he has earned this distinction.
FBMJ lawyers named to the 2025 Super Lawyers list include:
Richard S. Baron
Cathy R. Bowerman
Carole S. Empey
Randall A. Juip
Joseph P. McGill
Clyde M. Metzger III
Anthony D. Pignotti
Brian J. Richtarcik
Kim J. Sveska
Brian W. Whitelaw
FBMJ lawyers named to the 2025 Rising Star list include:
Sarah Cherry
Hussein M. Houjaji
Nicole Joseph-Windecker
Lauren T. Rhoads
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Foster, Swift, Collins, & Smith, PC
Several lawyers from Foster, Swift, Collins, & Smith PC have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2026.
Those honored from the Southfield office include:
Dirk H. Beckwith, Construction Law
Michael R. Blum, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management
Bryan Cermak, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
Julie I. Fershtman, Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law
Paul J. Millenbach, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions-Defendants
Brian J. Renaud, Administrative/Regulatory Law
In addition, Jeffrey G. Schultz from the Southfield office was named to the 2026 Best Lawyers® “Ones to Watch” list in Insurance Law, Litigation – Labor and Employment; and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants.
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Zausmer, P.C.
Thirteen Zausmer attorneys have been honored to the 2026 Best Lawyers list.
—Lawyers of the Year for 2026
Shareholder Michael L. Caldwell has been honored as a Lawyer of the Year for his contributions in Environmental Law and Environmental Litigation.
Shareholder Stephen R. Estey has been recognized as Lawyer of the Year for his expertise in Land Use and Zoning Law.
—Best Lawyers in America 2026
Managing Shareholder Mark Zausmer has been recognized as a Best Lawyer for the 19th consecutive year for his work in Commercial Litigation and Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law.
Additional Best Lawyers honorees include:
Mischa M. Boardman, Commercial Litigation
Michael L. Caldwell, Environmental Law and Environmental Litigation
Stephen R. Estey, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Real Estate Litigation, Real Estate Law, Utilities Law
Jeremy M. Mullett, Insurance Law
Cinnamon A. Plonka, Insurance Law, Insurance Litigation
Michael A. Schwartz, Insurance Litigation, Real Estate Litigation
—Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch 2026
Christopher B. Best, Insurance Law
Anastasios “Ty” Kiafoulis, Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, and Transportation Law
John A. Lewsley, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
Brent R. Lockwood, Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, and Labor & Employment Litigation
Branden T. Prather, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
Stephanie L. Strycharz, Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law
Heather J. Thatcher, Insurance Law and Labor & Employment Litigation
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The Dobrusin Law Firm PC
The Dobrusin Law Firm is proud to announce that nine of its attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2026 Editions of Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. This year, the firm celebrates new and repeat recognitions in multiple practice areas, as well as two “Lawyer of the Year” honors.
—2026 “Lawyer of the Year” Honorees
Two of Dobrusin attorneys received the “Lawyer of the Year” honor in their practice areas for the Troy region.
Eric Dobrusin earned the 2026 honor in Litigation – Intellectual Property. This marks his sixth time receiving the “Lawyer of the Year” distinction and his second year in a row.
Rebecca Wilson earned the 2026 honor in Copyright Law, which is her first “Lawyer of the Year” distinction.
—2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America
Eric Dobrusin earned recognition in Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law, and Trade Secrets Law categories.
Erin Klug earned recognition in Patent Law, Copyright Law, and Trademark Law categories.
Kristen Pursley earned recognition in Patent Law, Trademark Law, Copyright Law, and Litigation – Intellectual Property categories.
Katherine Pacynski earned recognition in the Patent Law category.
Paul Palinski earned recognition in Patent Law and Litigation – Intellectual Property categories.
Rebecca Wilson earned recognition in Trademark Law and Copyright Law categories.
—2026 Edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America
Allison Carlson received honors in Intellectual Property and Patent Law.
Eric Hydorn received honors in Intellectual Property Law and Patent Law.
Daniela Walters received honors in Intellectual Property and Patent Law.
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Varnum LLP
The recently-released edition of The Best Lawyers in America® includes 103 Varnum attorneys in 52 practice areas, with 19 additional attorneys named in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch and several named “Lawyer of the Year” in their respective practice areas. Local Varnum honorees include:
—Birmingham
Thomas H. Bergh, Litigation – Trusts and Estates, Trusts and Estates
Brendan G. Best, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Gabriel J. Edelson, Corporate Law
Rebecca L. Grove, Tax Law
Ziyad I. Hermiz, Commercial Litigation, Trade Secrets Law
Robert E. Kass, Trusts and Estates
Eric M. Nemeth, Litigation and Controversy – Tax, Tax Law
Charles M. Russman, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Jeffrey M. Stefan, Artificial Intelligence Law, Corporate Law
William L. Thompson, Commercial Litigation
—Novi
Bradley S. Defoe, Commercial Litigation, Real Estate Law
Richard T. Hewlett, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Litigation – Construction
Richard A. Hooker, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
Paul L.B. McKenney, Litigation and Controversy – Tax, Tax Law
Julia A. Perkins, Family Law, Family Law Mediation
Michael J. Romaya, Banking and Finance Law
Maureen P. Rouse-Ayoub, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
Kristen M. Veresh, Banking and Finance Law
Sam J. Vitale, Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation
—Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch
—Birmingham
Kathleen A. Cieslik, Trusts and Estates
Samuel P. Kokoszka, Corporate Law, Real Estate Law
Jordan M. Small, Corporate Law
—Novi
Lauren E. Potocsky, Construction Law, Real Estate Law
Louis F. Ronayne, Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law
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Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho PLC
Cummings, McClorey, Davis, & Acho PLC is pleased to announce that Alexander R. Karana, an attorney in the firm’s Livonia office, has been recognized by his peers in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America for his work in Intellectual Property Law, Patent Law, and Entertainment and Sports Law.
An Intellectual Property attorney, Karana is admitted to practice in Michigan and Illinois. As a registered patent attorney, he brings a technical and legal foundation to clients at the forefront of innovation, brand-building, and entertainment. His practice centers on patent and trademark prosecution, IP strategy, and technology-driven business transactions.
Karana advises startups, creators, and established companies on protecting their inventions, scaling their brands, and navigating complex IP and contract disputes. He also brings niche expertise in Entertainment and Sports Law, helping athletes, musicians, and influencers protect and monetize their creative assets.
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Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone
Miller Canfield is pleased to announce that 41 of the firm’s attorneys in 18 practice areas have been recognized in the Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio editions of Super Lawyers and Super Lawyers Rising Stars.
Seven Miller Canfield lawyers were also named to Super Lawyers’ 2025 top lists. They are:
Matthew P. Allen, Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers
Thomas W. Cranmer, Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers, Top 10 Michigan Super Lawyers
Gerald J. Gleeson, Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers
Amy M. Johnston, Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers
Sonal Hope Mithani, Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers
Megan P. Norris, Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers, Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers
Jennifer L. Sabourin, Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers
Miller Canfield is also pleased to announce that 102 of the firm’s lawyers in Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio have been named in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers in America.
Additionally, nine of the firm’s attorneys earned Lawyer of the Year recognition:
Thomas D. Colis, Public Finance Law
Paul M. Collins, Energy Regulatory Law
Joseph M. Fazio, Real Estate Law
Gerald J. Gleeson II, Criminal Defense: White Collar
Michael E. Moore, Litigation - Bankruptcy
Brian Schwartz, Litigation – Labor and Employment
Trent J. Taylor, Banking and Finance Law
Nancy A. Valentine, Litigation - Banking and Finance
Sherri A. Wellman, Energy Law
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Garan Lucow Miller P.C.
Garan Lucow Miller is pleased to announce that fourteen of the firm’s lawyers were recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.
In Michigan, Ebony L. Duff was recognized for Commercial Litigation and Municipal Law.
John J. Gillooly was recognized for Litigation – Labor and Employment and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants.
John W. Whitman was recognized for Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants.
Christopher Jelinek was recognized for Insurance Law, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants.
Robert L. Goldenbogen, Susan M. Williams, and Peter B. Worden Jr. were recognized for Insurance Law.
Stacey L. King was recognized for Insurance Law and Litigation – Insurance.
Dennis P. Partridge was recognized for Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers.
Frederick B. Plumb was recognized for Insurance Law, Litigation – Insurance, and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants.
Daniel S. Saylor was recognized for Appellate Practice and Insurance Law.
James A. Swaim was recognized for Litigation – Insurance and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants.
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Brooks Kushman P.C.
Brooks Kushman is proud to announce that 25 of its attorneys were recognized in the 32nd Annual The Best Lawyers in America©.
Frank Angileri and Hope Shovein were also recognized as the 2026 “Lawyer of the Year” in their specialty. Angileri was recognized for Intellectual Property Litigation and Patents and Shovein for Trademark Law.
—Best Lawyers in America
Frank Angileri (shareholder), Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law, Trademark Law
Erin Bowles (shareholder), Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law
Mark Cantor (chairman emeritus & general counsel), Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law, Trademark Law
Rebecca J. Cantor (shareholder), Litigation – Patent, Trademark Law
Molly Mack Crandall (co-chair Trademark), Copyright Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Trademark Law
Tiffany Fidler (co-chair Patent Prosecution), Litigation – Intellectual Property
Matthew M. Jakubowski (chair of the Executive Committee), Litigation – Intellectual Property
Robyn S. Lederman (Executive Committee member), Trademark Law
John LeRoy (Executive Committee member), Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent
Marc Lorelli (co-chair Litigation), Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law
John P. Rondini (co-chair Litigation, Co-Chair Cybersecurity, Data Privacy, and AI), Litigation – Intellectual Property
Sangeeta G. Shah (president), Litigation – Patent
Hope Shovein (co-chair Trademark), Copyright Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Trade Secrets Law, Trademark Law
Isaac T. Slutsky (co-chair Patent Prosecution), Patent Law
Christopher C. Smith (co-chair Litigation), Litigation – Intellectual Property
Rachel Smith (shareholder), Patent Law
Mark E. Stuenkel (shareholder), Patent Law
Michael D. Turner (co-chair Patent Prosecution), Patent Law
—Ones to Watch
Chloe Conway (associate), Intellectual Property Law
Reza Roghani Esfahani (shareholder), Litigation – Patent
Fatima Kassem (associate), Intellectual Property Law
Alena Vackova Marconi (shareholder), Intellectual Property Law, Patent Law
Chelsea E. Pasquali (shareholder), Intellectual Property Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Isheeta T. Patel (shareholder), Intellectual Property Law, Patent Law
Dustin Zak (shareholder), Litigation – Patent, Patent Law
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Harness IP
Harness IP is please to announce that 40 attorneys have been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® for 2026. Those listed for Detroit Metro include:
Geoffrey D. Aurini – Copyright Law, Trademark Law
Michael P. Doerr – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law
Lisa M. DuRoss – Trademark Law
Mark D. Elchuk – Patent Law
Stanley M. Erjavac – Patent Law, Trademark Law
Monte L. Falcoff – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law, Trademark Law
Glenn E. Forbis – Copyright Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law, Trademark Law
J. Bradley Luchsinger – Litigation – Patent, Patent Law
Timothy D. MacIntyre – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law
Michael Malinzak – Patent Law, Trademark Law
Timothy J. Martin – Patent Law
Ryan W. Massey – Patent Law
Kevin G. Mierzwa – Patent Law
Stephen T. Olson – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law, Trademark Law
Jessica S. Sachs – Trademark Law
G. Gregory Schivley – Patent Law, Trademark Law
Brent G. Seitz – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law
Colleen N. Shovlin – Patent Law, Trademark Law
Robert M. Siminski – Patent Law
W. R. Duke Taylor – Patent Law
David P. Utykanski – Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law
Steven D. Wangerow – Patent Law
Richard W. Warner – Patent Law, Trade Secrets Law
Michael D. Wiggins – Patent Law
Jennifer M. Woodside-Wojtala – Patent Law
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America 2026 for Detroit Metro include:
Jewell N. Briggs – Litigation – Patent, Patent Law
Jeremiah J. Foley – Intellectual Property Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law
Paul R. Hoffer – Intellectual Property Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property
April M. Minarik – Intellectual Property Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property
Jennifer R. Turchyn – Patent Law
Colette E. Verch – Litigation – Patent, Patent Law
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Maddin, Hauser, Roth, & Heller PC
Maddin Hauser is pleased to announce that Executive Committee member David E. Hart has been recognized among America’s Top 100 Bet-the-Company Litigators®.
Hart is a shareholder and chairs the firm’s Complex Litigation and Risk Advisory group. He is also co-chair of the Financial Services and Real Property Litigation group. His business litigation practice focuses on litigation and dispute resolution involving title insurance, business/commercial disputes, mortgage and real estate litigation, construction disputes, and creditors’ rights law, including bankruptcy.
A frequent lecturer, Hart is regularly called upon to present on title insurance and real estate law topics. Michigan Lawyers Weekly selected Hart as a “Go To” lawyer in business litigation in 2023 and again in 2025. He is recognized in Best Lawyers in America, Michigan Super Lawyers, Michigan Leading Lawyers, and was named among DBusiness Magazine’s 2018 Top Lawyers. Hart is also actively involved with the Mortgage Bankers Association.
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FisherBroyles LLP
FisherBroyles LLP is proud to share that 68 of its attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. FisherBroyles attorneys across 23 U.S. markets were recognized in 35 different practice areas, ranging from intellectual property and corporate law to immigration and litigation.
The following local FisherBroyles attorneys are included in the 2026 Best Lawyers lists:
—Detroit
Jess A. Bahs – Tax Law
Michael S. Khoury – Business Organizations, Corporate Law, IT Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Douglas P. Lalone – Litigation - Intellectual Property, Patent Law
