Butzel attorney Beth S. Gotthelf has been named to
Crain’s Detroit Business’ Notable Leaders in Sustainability list.
Gotthelf is Butzel’s director of Innovation and External Relations,
co-chair of the Energy & Sustainability Practice, and chair of the
Aerospace & Defense Industry Team.
Gotthelf has environmental, renewable energy, and sustainability experience. She assists clients with remediation, redevelopment, permitting, and compliance. She is proud of the work she does with renewable energy, including assisting in the expansion of biodigesters to turn food waste and manure into renewable natural gas as well as ways to manage stormwater. She also is proud of her work to facilitate the redevelopment of property for such uses as affordable housing and industrial plants.
Gotthelf was a part of the team that created the first wetland bank in Michigan and Wayne County’s Brownfield Authority. Her experience includes active involvement in a variety of enforcement cases on behalf of government and industry. She has counseled clients on compliance, emergency response, remediation, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), redevelopment, tax incentives, enforcement, occupational safety and health, and insurance coverage.
Gotthelf serves as chair of the Michigan Manufacturers Association’s Environmental Policy Committee; general counsel to the Michigan Chapter of the National Association of Surface Finishers; board member and former chair, Michigan Israel Business Accelerator; and Michigan Advisory Board, Women in Defense. Gotthelf also is board directorship certified through the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD).
Additionally, Gotthelf is a former board member of the Better Business Bureau and is former general counsel to the Wayne County Brownfield Authority. She is a former board member of the International Women’s Forum, Michigan and Florida Chapters. She has represented the Wayne County (Michigan) Department of Public Services Environmental Services Division on a broad variety of issues, including the Detroit bankruptcy as it related to the Detroit Water & Sewerage Department, the wastewater treatment plant expansion, upgrade, and compliance; wet weather issues; landfill compliance and expansion; remediation; and ordinance amendments.
Gotthelf served on the Detroit Regional Chamber Leadership Committee for Transportation and is past chair of the Chamber’s Task Force on Water and Sewer Issues. She is past chair of the City of Birmingham Brownfield Authority. On behalf of industry, she served on the Federal Advisory Committee charged with recommending stormwater rules. She also served as an arbitrator for the National Arbitration Forum.
Also active in numerous bar associations, Gotthelf’s experience includes serving as vice-chair of the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law, Water Quality and Wetlands; former vice-chair of the Section’s Annual Keystone Conference Committee; chair of the State Bar of Michigan Environmental Law Section; and chair of the Environmental Law Committee of the Oakland County Bar Association. She is a past member of the State Bar Representative Assembly on behalf of Oakland County.
In addition, Butzel President and CEO Paul M. Mersino has been named to Crain’s Detroit Business’ new “Who’s Who – The Most Influential People in Southeast Michigan.” Previously, Mersino was named to Crain’s Detroit Business magazine’s 2021 Class of “40 Under 40” list.
Mersino was recently named to DBusiness magazine’s Detroit 500 – 2025 list of the Most Powerful Business Leaders in Metro Detroit, for the third straight year. Moreover, he has been recognized as a Top Lawyer by DBusiness magazine, as a Michigan Super Lawyer, as one of Oakland County’s Elite 40 under 40, and as an “Up and Coming Lawyer” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
Mersino was appointed Butzel president and CEO in March 2023. He is responsible for the operations and management of the 150+ attorney firm, including budgeting, setting strategic goals, and more. Mersino was elected to the firm’s Board of Directors in 2020.
He represents public and private companies, in a number of areas including complex commercial litigation, contract disputes, non-compete and trade secret disputes, automotive supplier disputes, construction litigation, and First Amendment litigation. He has seen a number of successes in trials and cases across the country, having obtained jury verdicts, summary judgment rulings, dismissal of cases against his clients, and settlements favorable to his clients in state and federal courts throughout the nation.
Mersino also represents and advises a number of startup companies, assisting them with their legal needs and matching them with potential venture capital funding. He handles appeals in the Michigan Court of Appeals, the Michigan Supreme Court, and in federal courts across the country.
Mersino formerly served as Butzel’s Litigation Practice Department chair. He was responsible for the management and oversight of the firm’s Commercial Litigation attorneys who reported to him as well as their strategic goals, budgeting, forecasting, and direction of the practice group. Mersino also has served as Trustee of the Butzel Charitable Trust.
He has served on the Board of Directors of the Detroit Bar Association and as an advisor to the Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education’s Litigation Advisory Board.
Mersino is a 2008 graduate of Ave Maria School of Law. He earned an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Northwood University (B.A., 2005).
Butzel is also pleased to announce that it has received national recognition in the 2026 “Best Law Firms,” rankings by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®.
Below is a list of Butzel’s national and local 2026 Best Law Firm rankings:
—National Tier 2
Securities Regulation
—National Tier 3
Commercial Litigation
Corporate Law
Employment Law – Management
—Regional Tier 1
Detroit
Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
Commercial Litigation
Construction Law
Corporate Law
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Employment Law – Management
Health Care Law
Immigration Law
International Trade and Finance Law
Labor Law – Management
Litigation – Labor and Employment
Mass Tort Litigation/ Class Actions – Defendants
Mediation
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Real Estate Law
Securities Regulation
Troy
Appellate Practice
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/ Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
Commercial Litigation
Corporate Governance Law
Corporate Law
Employment Law – Management
Environmental Law
Health Care Law
Immigration Law
Labor Law – Management
Litigation – Antitrust
Litigation – Environmental
Litigation – Health Care
Litigation – Labor and Employment
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Real Estate Law
Trusts and Estates
—Regional Tier 2
Detroit
Appellate Practice
Arbitration
Corporate Compliance Law
Corporate Governance Law
Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law
International Mergers and Acquisitions
Litigation – Construction
Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Troy
Banking and Finance Law
Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Litigation – Trusts and Estates
Tax Law
—Regional Tier 3
Detroit
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Securities / Capital Markets Law
Tax Law
Troy
Mediation
• • •
Dalton & Tomich is pleased to announce that firm co-founder Daniel Dalton has been included on the 2026 DBusiness magazine Top Lawyers’ list. He was included in the category of land use and zoning.
In addition to being a leader in Michigan land use and zoning law, Dalton has a national practice in land use for faith communities and is regularly sought out for his expertise in the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA).
The Top Lawyers recognition follows other legal accolades for Dalton in recent months, including 2025 Super Lawyers and 2026 Best Lawyers.
• • •
Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that Ashley Jericho has joined the firm’s Troy office as Of Counsel.
Jericho focuses her practice on insolvency, restructuring, and strategic advisory matters. She has more than fifteen years of experience representing debtors, creditors, trustees, and purchasers of distressed assets in bankruptcy proceedings, adversary proceedings, federal and state court receiverships, and out-of-court workouts. She also provides business counsel to companies navigating financial challenges or seeking to strengthen their operations in non-distressed environments.
Jericho is recognized as a leader in her field by Best Lawyers in America “Ones to Watch.” She is a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute, the Turnaround Management Association, the TMA Network of Women, and the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. Jericho received her B.A. from Washington & Jefferson College and her law degree from Cooley Law School.
Dickinson Wright is also pleased to announce it received 26 national rankings and 59 rankings in Southeast Michigan in the 2026 Best Law Firms® report by Best Lawyers.
Below are Dickinson Wright’s 2026 Best Law Firms® national and local rankings:
• National Rankings
—Tier 1
Appellate Practice
Commercial Litigation
Construction Law
—Tier 2
Banking and Finance Law
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Corporate Law
Environmental Law
Land Use & Zoning Law
Litigation – Bankruptcy
Litigation – Construction
Litigation – Labor & Employment
Litigation – Real Estate
Mergers & Acquisitions Law
Tax Law
Technology Law
Trademark Law
Trusts & Estates Law
—Tier 3
Communications Law
Copyright Law
Employment Law – Management
Labor Law – Management
Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
Litigation – Intellectual Property
Private Funds/Hedge Funds Law
Real Estate Law
Securities Regulation
• State/Metropolitan Rankings
—Tier 1
Detroit
Appellate Practice
Banking and Finance Law
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Corporate Governance Law
Corporate Law
Employment Law – Management
International Mergers & Acquisitions
International Trade & Finance Law
Labor Law – Management
Litigation – Antitrust
Litigation – Bankruptcy
Litigation – Labor & Employment
Mergers & Acquisitions Law
Troy
Arbitration
Banking and Finance Law
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Corporate Law
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Litigation – Banking & Finance
Litigation – Intellectual Property
Litigation - Patent
Litigation – Real Estate
Litigation – Trusts & Estates
Mediation
Municipal Law
Patent Law
Real Estate Law
Trusts & Estates Law
—Tier 2
Detroit
Construction Law
Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
Litigation – Intellectual Property
Private Funds/Hedge Funds Law
Troy
Health Care Law
Land Use & Zoning Law
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants
Mergers & Acquisitions Law
Nonprofit/Charities Law
Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Securitization and Structured Finance Law
Technology Law
Trademark Law
—Tier 3
Troy
Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
Family Law
Immigration Law
• • •
Foley, Baron, Metzger, & Juip PLLC is proud to announce that seven attorneys have been named to the Dbusiness 2026 Top Lawyers list. The firm is pleased to congratulate:
Brian J. Richtarcik – Appellate Law
Matthew C. McCann – Environmental Law
Nicholas J. Tatro – Environmental Law
Silvia Alexandria Mansoor – Health Care Law
Randall A. Juip – Medical Malpractice Law
Lauren T. Rhoads – Medical Malpractice Law
Joseph Patrick McGill – Product Liability
• • •
Miller Johnson is proud to welcome David Walz to its Detroit office as a counsel attorney in the Med Recovery practice group. With experience representing insurance companies in personal injury defense, Walz brings a strategic, client-centered approach to reimbursement litigation.
Walz’s practice focuses on pre-litigation investigations, legal research, depositions, mediations, and court appearances. He also represents medical providers in insurance-related disputes, applying strategic legal analysis to recover payment for services and interpret complex policy language regarding coverage and exclusions.
Prior to joining Miller Johnson, Walz represented various insurance carriers, where he led the management of cases from initial assessment through final resolution.
Walz earned his law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 2017 and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from CUNY Queens College.
• • •
McDonald Hopkins has been honored as one of the country’s leading law firms by Best Lawyers®. The 2026 U.S. Best Law Firms® rankings recognize the firm in more than 24 categories.
Locally, the firm’s Detroit office was ranked as:
—Metropolitan Tier 1
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Commercial Litigation
Litigation - Labor & Employment
Litigation - Real Estate
—Metropolitan Tier 2
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Employment Law - Individuals
Employment Law - Management
Privacy and Data Security Law
Real Estate Law
• • •
Kemp Klein has been recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms® ranked regionally in 19 practice areas:
—Regional Tier 1
Troy
Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
Commercial Litigation
Corporate Law
Elder Law
Family Law
Land Use and Zoning Law
Litigation – Trusts and Estates
Litigation and Controversy – Tax
Real Estate Law
Tax Law
Trusts and Estates
—Regional Tier 2
Troy
Arbitration
Entertainment Law – Motion Pictures and Television
Litigation – Construction
Litigation – Labor and Employment
—Regional Tier 3
Troy
Appellate Practice
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• • •
Burris Law is pleased to announce that the firm has once again been recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms®, earning a Tier 1 regional ranking in Detroit in the area of Patent Law.
• • •
Honigman Partner Carol Friend has been honored with the Interlaw Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her service, leadership, and dedication within the organization.
Friend concentrates her practice on employment-based immigration and represents national and international companies in complex business immigration matters. She has represented numerous international and U.S. affiliated companies in obtaining work authorization for employees to work in the U.S.
Friend assists U.S. companies in evaluating Form I-9 and E-Verify compliance programs, including the evaluation and selection of electronic I-9 and E-Verify vendors, assists clients with Form I-9 internal and government audits, obtains O-1, alien of extraordinary ability status, for highly talented employees during H-1B cap droughts, manages the L-1 and permanent resident process for a significant number of high-level executives, and brings to clients a substantially high success rate in the filing of EB-1 Outstanding Researcher and International Executive/Manager immigrant petitions.
Honigman is also pleased to announced that it has earned recognition from Best Law Firms®. Honigman’s local 2026 rankings include:
—Regional Tier 1
Bloomfield Hills
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Copyright Law
Corporate Governance Law
Corporate Law
Family Law
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Litigation - Mergers and Acquisitions
Litigation - Securities
Litigation - Trusts and Estates
Nonprofit / Charities Law
Patent Law
Real Estate Law
Tax Law
Trademark Law
Trusts and Estates
Detroit
Antitrust Law
Appellate Practice
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
Corporate Compliance Law
Corporate Governance Law
Corporate Law
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Employment Law - Management
Environmental Law
Government Relations Practice
Health Care Law
Immigration Law
Information Technology Law
Insurance Law
International Mergers and Acquisitions
Land Use and Zoning Law
Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
Litigation - Antitrust
Litigation - Bankruptcy
Litigation - Mergers and Acquisitions
Litigation - Real Estate
Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)
Litigation - Securities
Litigation and Controversy - Tax
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law
Real Estate Law
Securities / Capital Markets Law
Securities Regulation
Tax Law
—Regional Tier 2
Bloomfield Hills
Litigation - Patent
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Detroit
Banking and Finance Law
Franchise Law
Labor Law – Management
—Regional Tier 3
Detroit
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Litigation - Labor and Employment
• • •
Miller Canfield is pleased to announce that Jonathan S. Green has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Barbara J. Rom Award for Bankruptcy Excellence, presented by the Eastern District of Michigan Bar Association (EDMIBAR). The award recognizes practitioners who demonstrate exceptional skill, professionalism, and integrity in the practice of bankruptcy law.
For nearly four decades, Green has represented clients in debtor-in-possession financings, supply protection negotiations, Chapter 11 restructurings, and asset acquisitions. He has experience in automotive and troubled-supplier restructurings, both in and out of bankruptcy, and played a key role as part of the Miller Canfield team serving as local counsel to the City of Detroit during its historic Chapter 9 bankruptcy and ongoing restructuring.
In addition to maintaining a nationally recognized practice, Green has contributed to the legal community through teaching, writing, and professional service. He formerly served as chair of the State Bar of Michigan’s Debtor-Creditor Rights Committee and as an adjunct professor at Wayne State University Law School, and he has been a frequent lecturer on bankruptcy and commercial law topics.
Green will be recognized at EDMIBAR’s award luncheon at the Westin Hotel in Detroit on November 12.
• • •
Dykema is proud to share that Len Wolfe was featured in the Crain’s Detroit Business list, “Who’s Who in Detroit Business.”
In his role as CEO and chair of Dykema, Wolfe is responsible for executing the firm’s strategic plan, which includes growth in new markets, combining with like-minded practices, scaling existing client work, improving the profitability and efficiencies of the law firm, and identifying, promoting, and developing new service offerings.
• • •
Clark Hill PLC received national and regional rankings in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms. Locally the firm was ranked in:
—Regional Tier 1
Detroit
Arbitration
Banking and Finance Law
Commercial Litigation
Construction Law
Corporate Law
Employment Law – Management
Labor Law – Management
Litigation – Construction
Litigation – Labor and Employment
Mediation
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Nonprofit / Charities Law
Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Trusts and Estates
Troy
Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
Commercial Litigation
Corporate Law
Education Law
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Employment Law – Management
Litigation – Insurance
Litigation – Labor and Employment
Litigation – Trusts and Estates
Real Estate Law
Tax Law
Trusts and Estates
—Regional Tier 2 Rankings
Detroit
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
Government Relations Practice
Immigration Law
Land Use and Zoning Law
Litigation – Trusts and Estates
Troy
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Family Law
Labor Law – Management
Litigation – Banking and Finance
Litigation – Real Estate
—Regional Tier 3 Rankings
Detroit
Appellate Practice
Real Estate Law
• • •
Kitch Attorneys & Counselors is proud to announce that several of its attorneys have been recognized as “Top Lawyers” by DBusiness Magazine in its annual list for 2025.
The firm extends congratulations to the following attorneys for this achievement:
Christina A. Ginter – Appellate Law
Gregory G. Drutchas – Health Care Law
John Paul Hessburg – Health Care Law
Meghan Kennedy Riordan – Immigration Law
John M. Sier – Litigation: Construction
• • •
Howard & Howard has been ranked in the sixteenth edition of “Best Law Firms” by Best Lawyers.
The firm’s Royal Oak office rankings include:
—Regional Tier 1
Commercial Litigation
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Litigation - Patent
Patent Law
Trademark Law
—Regional Tier 2
Corporate Law
Litigation - Labor and Employment
—Regional Tier 3
Energy Law
Real Estate Law
• • •
Garan Lucow Miller PC is pleased to announce that the firm has been recognized by Best Lawyers® as a Best Law Firm in multiple practice areas regionally and nationally.
Locally, Garan has been ranked as a Tier 1 firm in the Detroit metropolitan area for Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Appellate Practice, Insurance Law, Litigation – Insurance, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants.
The firm was ranked as a Tier 2 firm in Troy for Insurance law, and in the Detroit metro area for Municipal Law.
Additionally, Garan received a Tier 3 ranking nationally in Appellate Practice and Insurance Law.
• • •
Best Lawyers® has honored Kerr Russell as a “Best Law Firm,” ranking the firm regionally in 24 practice areas for 2026.
Kerr Russell’s Real Estate Litigation practice made a debut in Tier 1, while Commercial Litigation advanced from Tier 3 to Tier 1. Additionally, Regulatory Law and Banking and Finance Law were newly recognized in this year’s rankings and Real Estate Law and Securities Regulation both advanced a tier.
The ranked areas include the following:
—Metropolitan Tier 1
Detroit
Appellate Practice
Commercial Litigation
Construction Law
Corporate Law
Health Care Law
Immigration Law
Insurance Law
Litigation – Antitrust
Litigation – Real Estate
Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
Municipal Law
Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
—Metropolitan Tier 2
Detroit
Administrative / Regulatory Law
Antitrust Law
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
Land Use and Zoning Law
Litigation – Bankruptcy
Litigation – Construction
Real Estate Law
Securities Regulation
Tax Law
—Metropolitan Tier 3
Detroit
Banking and Finance Law
Employment Law – Management
• • •
In the recently released 2026 edition of Best Law Firms, Maddin Hauser is named as a top law firm across several practice areas. The latest rankings reflect recognition in 19 practice areas, including Construction Law, Family Law, and Litigation – Real Estate, which are new additions for 2026. Ten practice areas received Tier 1 recognition, the highest tier possible. The rankings include:
—Metropolitan Tier 1
Detroit
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Employment Law – Individuals
Family Law
Franchise Law
Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants
Litigation – Bankruptcy
Litigation – Real Estate
Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants
Real Estate Law
—Metropolitan Tier 2
Detroit
Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
Construction Law
Corporate Law
Insurance Law
Trusts and Estates
—Metropolitan Tier 3
Detroit
Commercial Litigation
Employment Law – Management
Land Use and Zoning Law
Tax Law
Gotthelf has environmental, renewable energy, and sustainability experience. She assists clients with remediation, redevelopment, permitting, and compliance. She is proud of the work she does with renewable energy, including assisting in the expansion of biodigesters to turn food waste and manure into renewable natural gas as well as ways to manage stormwater. She also is proud of her work to facilitate the redevelopment of property for such uses as affordable housing and industrial plants.
Gotthelf was a part of the team that created the first wetland bank in Michigan and Wayne County’s Brownfield Authority. Her experience includes active involvement in a variety of enforcement cases on behalf of government and industry. She has counseled clients on compliance, emergency response, remediation, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), redevelopment, tax incentives, enforcement, occupational safety and health, and insurance coverage.
Gotthelf serves as chair of the Michigan Manufacturers Association’s Environmental Policy Committee; general counsel to the Michigan Chapter of the National Association of Surface Finishers; board member and former chair, Michigan Israel Business Accelerator; and Michigan Advisory Board, Women in Defense. Gotthelf also is board directorship certified through the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD).
Additionally, Gotthelf is a former board member of the Better Business Bureau and is former general counsel to the Wayne County Brownfield Authority. She is a former board member of the International Women’s Forum, Michigan and Florida Chapters. She has represented the Wayne County (Michigan) Department of Public Services Environmental Services Division on a broad variety of issues, including the Detroit bankruptcy as it related to the Detroit Water & Sewerage Department, the wastewater treatment plant expansion, upgrade, and compliance; wet weather issues; landfill compliance and expansion; remediation; and ordinance amendments.
Gotthelf served on the Detroit Regional Chamber Leadership Committee for Transportation and is past chair of the Chamber’s Task Force on Water and Sewer Issues. She is past chair of the City of Birmingham Brownfield Authority. On behalf of industry, she served on the Federal Advisory Committee charged with recommending stormwater rules. She also served as an arbitrator for the National Arbitration Forum.
Also active in numerous bar associations, Gotthelf’s experience includes serving as vice-chair of the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law, Water Quality and Wetlands; former vice-chair of the Section’s Annual Keystone Conference Committee; chair of the State Bar of Michigan Environmental Law Section; and chair of the Environmental Law Committee of the Oakland County Bar Association. She is a past member of the State Bar Representative Assembly on behalf of Oakland County.
In addition, Butzel President and CEO Paul M. Mersino has been named to Crain’s Detroit Business’ new “Who’s Who – The Most Influential People in Southeast Michigan.” Previously, Mersino was named to Crain’s Detroit Business magazine’s 2021 Class of “40 Under 40” list.
Mersino was recently named to DBusiness magazine’s Detroit 500 – 2025 list of the Most Powerful Business Leaders in Metro Detroit, for the third straight year. Moreover, he has been recognized as a Top Lawyer by DBusiness magazine, as a Michigan Super Lawyer, as one of Oakland County’s Elite 40 under 40, and as an “Up and Coming Lawyer” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
Mersino was appointed Butzel president and CEO in March 2023. He is responsible for the operations and management of the 150+ attorney firm, including budgeting, setting strategic goals, and more. Mersino was elected to the firm’s Board of Directors in 2020.
He represents public and private companies, in a number of areas including complex commercial litigation, contract disputes, non-compete and trade secret disputes, automotive supplier disputes, construction litigation, and First Amendment litigation. He has seen a number of successes in trials and cases across the country, having obtained jury verdicts, summary judgment rulings, dismissal of cases against his clients, and settlements favorable to his clients in state and federal courts throughout the nation.
Mersino also represents and advises a number of startup companies, assisting them with their legal needs and matching them with potential venture capital funding. He handles appeals in the Michigan Court of Appeals, the Michigan Supreme Court, and in federal courts across the country.
Mersino formerly served as Butzel’s Litigation Practice Department chair. He was responsible for the management and oversight of the firm’s Commercial Litigation attorneys who reported to him as well as their strategic goals, budgeting, forecasting, and direction of the practice group. Mersino also has served as Trustee of the Butzel Charitable Trust.
He has served on the Board of Directors of the Detroit Bar Association and as an advisor to the Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education’s Litigation Advisory Board.
Mersino is a 2008 graduate of Ave Maria School of Law. He earned an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Northwood University (B.A., 2005).
Butzel is also pleased to announce that it has received national recognition in the 2026 “Best Law Firms,” rankings by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers®.
Below is a list of Butzel’s national and local 2026 Best Law Firm rankings:
—National Tier 2
Securities Regulation
—National Tier 3
Commercial Litigation
Corporate Law
Employment Law – Management
—Regional Tier 1
Detroit
Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
Commercial Litigation
Construction Law
Corporate Law
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Employment Law – Management
Health Care Law
Immigration Law
International Trade and Finance Law
Labor Law – Management
Litigation – Labor and Employment
Mass Tort Litigation/ Class Actions – Defendants
Mediation
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Real Estate Law
Securities Regulation
Troy
Appellate Practice
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/ Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
Commercial Litigation
Corporate Governance Law
Corporate Law
Employment Law – Management
Environmental Law
Health Care Law
Immigration Law
Labor Law – Management
Litigation – Antitrust
Litigation – Environmental
Litigation – Health Care
Litigation – Labor and Employment
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Real Estate Law
Trusts and Estates
—Regional Tier 2
Detroit
Appellate Practice
Arbitration
Corporate Compliance Law
Corporate Governance Law
Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law
International Mergers and Acquisitions
Litigation – Construction
Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Troy
Banking and Finance Law
Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Litigation – Trusts and Estates
Tax Law
—Regional Tier 3
Detroit
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Securities / Capital Markets Law
Tax Law
Troy
Mediation
• • •
Dalton & Tomich is pleased to announce that firm co-founder Daniel Dalton has been included on the 2026 DBusiness magazine Top Lawyers’ list. He was included in the category of land use and zoning.
In addition to being a leader in Michigan land use and zoning law, Dalton has a national practice in land use for faith communities and is regularly sought out for his expertise in the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA).
The Top Lawyers recognition follows other legal accolades for Dalton in recent months, including 2025 Super Lawyers and 2026 Best Lawyers.
• • •
Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that Ashley Jericho has joined the firm’s Troy office as Of Counsel.
Jericho focuses her practice on insolvency, restructuring, and strategic advisory matters. She has more than fifteen years of experience representing debtors, creditors, trustees, and purchasers of distressed assets in bankruptcy proceedings, adversary proceedings, federal and state court receiverships, and out-of-court workouts. She also provides business counsel to companies navigating financial challenges or seeking to strengthen their operations in non-distressed environments.
Jericho is recognized as a leader in her field by Best Lawyers in America “Ones to Watch.” She is a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute, the Turnaround Management Association, the TMA Network of Women, and the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. Jericho received her B.A. from Washington & Jefferson College and her law degree from Cooley Law School.
Dickinson Wright is also pleased to announce it received 26 national rankings and 59 rankings in Southeast Michigan in the 2026 Best Law Firms® report by Best Lawyers.
Below are Dickinson Wright’s 2026 Best Law Firms® national and local rankings:
• National Rankings
—Tier 1
Appellate Practice
Commercial Litigation
Construction Law
—Tier 2
Banking and Finance Law
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Corporate Law
Environmental Law
Land Use & Zoning Law
Litigation – Bankruptcy
Litigation – Construction
Litigation – Labor & Employment
Litigation – Real Estate
Mergers & Acquisitions Law
Tax Law
Technology Law
Trademark Law
Trusts & Estates Law
—Tier 3
Communications Law
Copyright Law
Employment Law – Management
Labor Law – Management
Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
Litigation – Intellectual Property
Private Funds/Hedge Funds Law
Real Estate Law
Securities Regulation
• State/Metropolitan Rankings
—Tier 1
Detroit
Appellate Practice
Banking and Finance Law
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Corporate Governance Law
Corporate Law
Employment Law – Management
International Mergers & Acquisitions
International Trade & Finance Law
Labor Law – Management
Litigation – Antitrust
Litigation – Bankruptcy
Litigation – Labor & Employment
Mergers & Acquisitions Law
Troy
Arbitration
Banking and Finance Law
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Corporate Law
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Litigation – Banking & Finance
Litigation – Intellectual Property
Litigation - Patent
Litigation – Real Estate
Litigation – Trusts & Estates
Mediation
Municipal Law
Patent Law
Real Estate Law
Trusts & Estates Law
—Tier 2
Detroit
Construction Law
Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
Litigation – Intellectual Property
Private Funds/Hedge Funds Law
Troy
Health Care Law
Land Use & Zoning Law
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants
Mergers & Acquisitions Law
Nonprofit/Charities Law
Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Securitization and Structured Finance Law
Technology Law
Trademark Law
—Tier 3
Troy
Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
Family Law
Immigration Law
• • •
Foley, Baron, Metzger, & Juip PLLC is proud to announce that seven attorneys have been named to the Dbusiness 2026 Top Lawyers list. The firm is pleased to congratulate:
Brian J. Richtarcik – Appellate Law
Matthew C. McCann – Environmental Law
Nicholas J. Tatro – Environmental Law
Silvia Alexandria Mansoor – Health Care Law
Randall A. Juip – Medical Malpractice Law
Lauren T. Rhoads – Medical Malpractice Law
Joseph Patrick McGill – Product Liability
• • •
Miller Johnson is proud to welcome David Walz to its Detroit office as a counsel attorney in the Med Recovery practice group. With experience representing insurance companies in personal injury defense, Walz brings a strategic, client-centered approach to reimbursement litigation.
Walz’s practice focuses on pre-litigation investigations, legal research, depositions, mediations, and court appearances. He also represents medical providers in insurance-related disputes, applying strategic legal analysis to recover payment for services and interpret complex policy language regarding coverage and exclusions.
Prior to joining Miller Johnson, Walz represented various insurance carriers, where he led the management of cases from initial assessment through final resolution.
Walz earned his law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 2017 and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from CUNY Queens College.
• • •
McDonald Hopkins has been honored as one of the country’s leading law firms by Best Lawyers®. The 2026 U.S. Best Law Firms® rankings recognize the firm in more than 24 categories.
Locally, the firm’s Detroit office was ranked as:
—Metropolitan Tier 1
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Commercial Litigation
Litigation - Labor & Employment
Litigation - Real Estate
—Metropolitan Tier 2
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Employment Law - Individuals
Employment Law - Management
Privacy and Data Security Law
Real Estate Law
• • •
Kemp Klein has been recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms® ranked regionally in 19 practice areas:
—Regional Tier 1
Troy
Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
Commercial Litigation
Corporate Law
Elder Law
Family Law
Land Use and Zoning Law
Litigation – Trusts and Estates
Litigation and Controversy – Tax
Real Estate Law
Tax Law
Trusts and Estates
—Regional Tier 2
Troy
Arbitration
Entertainment Law – Motion Pictures and Television
Litigation – Construction
Litigation – Labor and Employment
—Regional Tier 3
Troy
Appellate Practice
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
• • •
Burris Law is pleased to announce that the firm has once again been recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms®, earning a Tier 1 regional ranking in Detroit in the area of Patent Law.
• • •
Honigman Partner Carol Friend has been honored with the Interlaw Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her service, leadership, and dedication within the organization.
Friend concentrates her practice on employment-based immigration and represents national and international companies in complex business immigration matters. She has represented numerous international and U.S. affiliated companies in obtaining work authorization for employees to work in the U.S.
Friend assists U.S. companies in evaluating Form I-9 and E-Verify compliance programs, including the evaluation and selection of electronic I-9 and E-Verify vendors, assists clients with Form I-9 internal and government audits, obtains O-1, alien of extraordinary ability status, for highly talented employees during H-1B cap droughts, manages the L-1 and permanent resident process for a significant number of high-level executives, and brings to clients a substantially high success rate in the filing of EB-1 Outstanding Researcher and International Executive/Manager immigrant petitions.
Honigman is also pleased to announced that it has earned recognition from Best Law Firms®. Honigman’s local 2026 rankings include:
—Regional Tier 1
Bloomfield Hills
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Copyright Law
Corporate Governance Law
Corporate Law
Family Law
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Litigation - Mergers and Acquisitions
Litigation - Securities
Litigation - Trusts and Estates
Nonprofit / Charities Law
Patent Law
Real Estate Law
Tax Law
Trademark Law
Trusts and Estates
Detroit
Antitrust Law
Appellate Practice
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Bet-the-Company Litigation
Commercial Litigation
Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
Corporate Compliance Law
Corporate Governance Law
Corporate Law
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Employment Law - Management
Environmental Law
Government Relations Practice
Health Care Law
Immigration Law
Information Technology Law
Insurance Law
International Mergers and Acquisitions
Land Use and Zoning Law
Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
Litigation - Antitrust
Litigation - Bankruptcy
Litigation - Mergers and Acquisitions
Litigation - Real Estate
Litigation - Regulatory Enforcement (SEC, Telecom, Energy)
Litigation - Securities
Litigation and Controversy - Tax
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law
Real Estate Law
Securities / Capital Markets Law
Securities Regulation
Tax Law
—Regional Tier 2
Bloomfield Hills
Litigation - Patent
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Detroit
Banking and Finance Law
Franchise Law
Labor Law – Management
—Regional Tier 3
Detroit
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Litigation - Labor and Employment
• • •
Miller Canfield is pleased to announce that Jonathan S. Green has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Barbara J. Rom Award for Bankruptcy Excellence, presented by the Eastern District of Michigan Bar Association (EDMIBAR). The award recognizes practitioners who demonstrate exceptional skill, professionalism, and integrity in the practice of bankruptcy law.
For nearly four decades, Green has represented clients in debtor-in-possession financings, supply protection negotiations, Chapter 11 restructurings, and asset acquisitions. He has experience in automotive and troubled-supplier restructurings, both in and out of bankruptcy, and played a key role as part of the Miller Canfield team serving as local counsel to the City of Detroit during its historic Chapter 9 bankruptcy and ongoing restructuring.
In addition to maintaining a nationally recognized practice, Green has contributed to the legal community through teaching, writing, and professional service. He formerly served as chair of the State Bar of Michigan’s Debtor-Creditor Rights Committee and as an adjunct professor at Wayne State University Law School, and he has been a frequent lecturer on bankruptcy and commercial law topics.
Green will be recognized at EDMIBAR’s award luncheon at the Westin Hotel in Detroit on November 12.
• • •
Dykema is proud to share that Len Wolfe was featured in the Crain’s Detroit Business list, “Who’s Who in Detroit Business.”
In his role as CEO and chair of Dykema, Wolfe is responsible for executing the firm’s strategic plan, which includes growth in new markets, combining with like-minded practices, scaling existing client work, improving the profitability and efficiencies of the law firm, and identifying, promoting, and developing new service offerings.
• • •
Clark Hill PLC received national and regional rankings in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms. Locally the firm was ranked in:
—Regional Tier 1
Detroit
Arbitration
Banking and Finance Law
Commercial Litigation
Construction Law
Corporate Law
Employment Law – Management
Labor Law – Management
Litigation – Construction
Litigation – Labor and Employment
Mediation
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Nonprofit / Charities Law
Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Trusts and Estates
Troy
Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
Commercial Litigation
Corporate Law
Education Law
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Employment Law – Management
Litigation – Insurance
Litigation – Labor and Employment
Litigation – Trusts and Estates
Real Estate Law
Tax Law
Trusts and Estates
—Regional Tier 2 Rankings
Detroit
Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
Government Relations Practice
Immigration Law
Land Use and Zoning Law
Litigation – Trusts and Estates
Troy
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Family Law
Labor Law – Management
Litigation – Banking and Finance
Litigation – Real Estate
—Regional Tier 3 Rankings
Detroit
Appellate Practice
Real Estate Law
• • •
Kitch Attorneys & Counselors is proud to announce that several of its attorneys have been recognized as “Top Lawyers” by DBusiness Magazine in its annual list for 2025.
The firm extends congratulations to the following attorneys for this achievement:
Christina A. Ginter – Appellate Law
Gregory G. Drutchas – Health Care Law
John Paul Hessburg – Health Care Law
Meghan Kennedy Riordan – Immigration Law
John M. Sier – Litigation: Construction
• • •
Howard & Howard has been ranked in the sixteenth edition of “Best Law Firms” by Best Lawyers.
The firm’s Royal Oak office rankings include:
—Regional Tier 1
Commercial Litigation
Litigation - Intellectual Property
Litigation - Patent
Patent Law
Trademark Law
—Regional Tier 2
Corporate Law
Litigation - Labor and Employment
—Regional Tier 3
Energy Law
Real Estate Law
• • •
Garan Lucow Miller PC is pleased to announce that the firm has been recognized by Best Lawyers® as a Best Law Firm in multiple practice areas regionally and nationally.
Locally, Garan has been ranked as a Tier 1 firm in the Detroit metropolitan area for Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Appellate Practice, Insurance Law, Litigation – Insurance, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants.
The firm was ranked as a Tier 2 firm in Troy for Insurance law, and in the Detroit metro area for Municipal Law.
Additionally, Garan received a Tier 3 ranking nationally in Appellate Practice and Insurance Law.
• • •
Best Lawyers® has honored Kerr Russell as a “Best Law Firm,” ranking the firm regionally in 24 practice areas for 2026.
Kerr Russell’s Real Estate Litigation practice made a debut in Tier 1, while Commercial Litigation advanced from Tier 3 to Tier 1. Additionally, Regulatory Law and Banking and Finance Law were newly recognized in this year’s rankings and Real Estate Law and Securities Regulation both advanced a tier.
The ranked areas include the following:
—Metropolitan Tier 1
Detroit
Appellate Practice
Commercial Litigation
Construction Law
Corporate Law
Health Care Law
Immigration Law
Insurance Law
Litigation – Antitrust
Litigation – Real Estate
Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
Municipal Law
Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
—Metropolitan Tier 2
Detroit
Administrative / Regulatory Law
Antitrust Law
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Commercial Transactions / UCC Law
Land Use and Zoning Law
Litigation – Bankruptcy
Litigation – Construction
Real Estate Law
Securities Regulation
Tax Law
—Metropolitan Tier 3
Detroit
Banking and Finance Law
Employment Law – Management
• • •
In the recently released 2026 edition of Best Law Firms, Maddin Hauser is named as a top law firm across several practice areas. The latest rankings reflect recognition in 19 practice areas, including Construction Law, Family Law, and Litigation – Real Estate, which are new additions for 2026. Ten practice areas received Tier 1 recognition, the highest tier possible. The rankings include:
—Metropolitan Tier 1
Detroit
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Employment Law – Individuals
Family Law
Franchise Law
Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants
Litigation – Bankruptcy
Litigation – Real Estate
Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants
Real Estate Law
—Metropolitan Tier 2
Detroit
Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
Construction Law
Corporate Law
Insurance Law
Trusts and Estates
—Metropolitan Tier 3
Detroit
Commercial Litigation
Employment Law – Management
Land Use and Zoning Law
Tax Law
