Butzel Long
Butzel attorney and shareholder Michael C. Decker has been appointed practice department chair for Litigation.Butzel’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice Department represents clients in a range of complex issues and areas of litigation. The firm’s experience includes the handling of appeals, bankruptcy and restructuring matters, business entity disputes including non-compete and trade secret matters, commercial litigation, product liability matters, securities litigation, professional liability matters, real estate litigation, technology and electronic discovery issues, and white-collar criminal defense and investigations.
Based in Butzel’s Troy office, Decker concentrates his practice in the areas of construction and construction litigation.
Decker represents and counsels construction companies and contractors on all aspects of both public and private projects, from inception to completion. He has experience drafting and negotiating contracts, subcontracts, and other agreements and prosecuting and defending performance, payment, and delay related claims on behalf of construction companies and contractors, as well as owners and sureties.
He has experience prosecuting and defending claims concerning the Miss Dig Act and violations on behalf of construction companies and contractors. He has prosecuted and defended such claims before state and federal courts, state and public agencies, and arbitration and mediation panels.
Decker has experience assisting owners and contractors with residential construction related matters. Specifically, he has assisted owners and contractors drafting and negotiating residential construction contracts, subcontracts, and other agreements and resolving performance and payment related issues, as well as prosecuting and defending claims.
He also represents and counsels businesses and business professionals with day-to-day business-related issues.
Decker has been named to Best Lawyers in America® - Litigation-Construction, 2021-2026. He has been recognized as a Rising Star in Business Litigation in 2013-2024 by Super Lawyers. He has been recognized as a Top Lawyer in Construction Litigation in 2017-2025 by DBusiness. In 2021, he was named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s “Leaders in the Law.”
Decker is a graduate of Wayne State University Law School (2011). He received a Bachelor of Science from Central Michigan University in 2007.
He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the State Bar of Florida. He is admitted to practice in various courts in both Michigan and Florida.
In addition, Butzel recently announced that Vanessa M. Crocetto has been promoted and appointed chief experience officer (CXO), effective January 1, a newly created C-suite role that underscores the firm’s commitment to exceptional client service, innovation, and relationship-driven legal counsel.
The chief experience officer position is a leadership role within the legal industry, designed to ensure that every aspect of a client’s engagement with the firm — from initial contact through matter conclusion and beyond — reflects Butzel’s standard of excellence and its philosophy of unreasonable hospitality. In this role, Crocetto will continue to lead the firm’s Marketing and Business Development functions, while expanding her mandate to oversee firmwide client experience and enrichment strategies.
As a member of Butzel’s C-suite, Crocetto collaborates closely with firm leadership, and attorneys across all nine offices in Michigan and Washington, D.C. She serves as the voice of the client within the firm, aligning business decisions, service delivery, and growth strategies with client priorities. Her work includes guiding key client teams, overseeing structured feedback and engagement programs, advancing value-based pricing conversations, and translating client insights into actionable strategies that enhance service quality and long-term relationships.
Crocetto also leads the firm’s Client Enrichment Strategy, which focuses on deepening client relationships, strengthening loyalty, and identifying new opportunities across practice areas. Through tools such as client journey mapping, analytics, and proactive engagement planning, she helps ensure that every client interaction reflects Butzel’s commitment to thoughtful, relationship-driven service.
Prior to her appointment as CXO, Crocetto served as Butzel’s chief marketing officer, where she helped advance the firm’s marketing, business development, and client-engagement strategy.
She is an active member of the Lex Mundi Marketing & Business Development Network and the Private Enterprise Council, serves on several internal firm committees, and is a member of the Board of Directors for Avalon Healing Center.
Crocetto earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Political Science from Western Michigan University and began her career in the Michigan Legislature before transitioning into the legal industry.
“This role reflects a belief that client service is not a single department or function — it’s a shared responsibility and a cultural commitment,” said Crocetto. “I’m honored to continue leading our marketing and business development efforts while expanding our focus on delivering a cohesive, thoughtful, and human-centered client experience at the highest levels.”
Butzel is also pleased to announce that two local attorneys were recently elected shareholders. They include Derek G. McBride and Barrett R. H. Young.
Based in Butzel’s Detroit office, McBride has more than two decades of experience as a transactional attorney. He is a business lawyer who primarily focuses his practice on Real Estate Law, Commercial Transactions, and Commercial Lending. He counsels and represents clients in a variety of industries on virtually all aspects involved in real estate and business transactions. McBride is recognized for providing practical solutions to clients while always maintaining a focus on their business objectives.
McBride’s experience encompasses positions as in-house counsel for a U.S.-based steel manufacturing entity and a multi-national banking and financial services corporation. He has assisted clients in the origination of complex commercial loans, such as construction and asset-based loans and real estate financing. McBride has experience drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements that range from software licensing agreements to raw material supply agreements and other intricate commercial contracts, including international shipping agreements.
He also has an interest in the entertainment industry and has advised independent film companies regarding legal issues in connection with the production of feature films and distribution agreements. McBride also has represented clients in trademark and copyright matters, as well as celebrity endorsement deals.
McBride was named to DBusiness - Top Lawyers - Real Estate Law, 2024. He earned a law degree from the Detroit College of Law and a B.A. from Albion College.
Based in Butzel’s Detroit office, Young’s practice includes appeals, commercial litigation, the First Amendment, defamation, privacy, intellectual property, the Freedom of Information Act, the Open Meetings Act, counseling media organizations, and advising schools on student disciplinary issues.
After he earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard University, Young worked in the Faculty Division of the Federalist Society for Law and Public Policy Studies in Washington, D.C. He then went on to earn his law degree from The University of Chicago.
Following law school, Young was an associate at an Am Law 100 Firm located in Washington, D.C. He also served as the senior counselor to Deputy Secretary of Labor Patrick Pizzella. Before joining Butzel, he clerked for U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Richard Allen Griffin, Sixth Circuit.
Young has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® – Ones to Watch in America – Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, 2023, 2025–2026.
Additionally, Butzel Chief Information Officer David Williams has been named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2025 Class of “Unsung Legal Heroes.”
For more than two decades, Williams has been immersed in the Information Technology (IT) industry. Recognized for his innovative approach to providing practical, efficient, and economical IT solutions to organizations, he effectively directs all IT operations for Butzel’s nine office locations throughout the country.
As Butzel’s chief information officer (CIO) and a member of the C-Suite, Williams is responsible for ensuring up-to-date and secure IT systems are in place for the firm’s employees and clients.
Since joining Butzel in February of 2024, Williams has revolutionized the IT department by establishing a team of customer service-focused individuals. This has fostered a “build before buy” mindset, leading to changes in process workflows and efficiency gains for menial tasks. Leveraging the teams’ collective expertise and technical acumen, Williams and his team have brought automation and data analytics to the forefront, improving decision-making processes. Further, he emphasizes cross-department collaboration to ensure that no facet of the organization is overlooked.
Williams has overhauled the company’s infrastructure and cybersecurity posture, implementing new policies that not only align with but often exceed industry standards like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Prior to joining Butzel, Williams served in executive-level IT leadership roles in the automotive, health care, supply chain, and finance industries. He is passionate about recognizing each member of his team for their unique personal attributes and mentoring each professional to achieve their highest career objectives.
Williams is a four-time recipient of the ICE Mortgage Technology Ellie Mae Innovation Award, which recognizes industry leaders for creating extraordinary solutions to achieve business goals.
Williams earned a B.S. in Information Technology from the University of Phoenix and an associate degree in Design Engineering from the University of Michigan – Flint.
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Plunkett Cooney
Plunkett Cooney senior tax attorney Joseph A. Peterson was recently named to serve on the State Bar of Michigan (SBM) District I Character and Fitness Committee.
Appointed by the Board of Commissioners, Peterson’s two-year term began on Jan. 1. In his role as a committee member, he will support the work of the SBM, conducted under the direction and authority of the Board of Law Examiners and Michigan Supreme Court, by investigating the character and fitness of candidates for admission to the bar association.
Peterson serves as the Tax Law Practice Group leader of Plunkett Cooney. He primarily focuses his practice on the resolution of individual and business tax controversies, including audit defense, collections and litigation involving the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and/or state of Michigan governmental entities.
A member of the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office, Peterson’s expertise includes negotiating the resolution of outstanding tax issues by utilizing penalty abatements, lien removals, discharge or subordination, installment agreements and offers in compromise to settle tax balances, which provide individuals and businesses with a fresh start with the IRS or state of Michigan. He has experience obtaining innocent spouse relief for his clients, and he monitors the IRS transcripts of high-net-worth individuals and businesses to prevent additional tax assessments and to address future audits. Peterson also represents clients in U.S. Tax Court.
Peterson also has experience regarding the Employee Retention Credit Program (ERC) and Paycheck Protection Program forgiveness. He also consults with clients to safeguard against any future ERC audits conducted by the IRS relating to the program.
Admitted to practice in state and federal courts in Michigan, as well as in the U.S. Tax Court, Peterson received his law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 2015 and his undergraduate degree from Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2012.
In addition, the Board of Directors of Plunkett Cooney recently named Michael D. Hanchett as one of the firm’s newest partners.
Hanchett serves as co-leader of Plunkett Cooney’s Governmental Law Practice Group, and he is a member of the firm’s Labor and Employment Law Practice Group. His public-sector experience includes general counsel services for municipalities. He also represents their interests in state and federal courts when government liability disputes arise.
Hanchett has expertise defending police liability litigation, including search and seizure, use of force, pursuits and corrections law. In addition, he has experience representing municipalities in employment law, including claims of alleged discrimination, retaliation and civil rights claims brought under state and federal laws.
A member of the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office, Hanchett has the distinction of being honored by Best Lawyers in America as “One to Watch” in municipal law since 2021 and by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a 2024 “Up & Coming” Lawyer. He graduated from the University of Toledo College of Law in 2016 and received his undergraduate degree from Ferris State University in 2013.
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Dickinson Wright PLLC
Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that Lexi Lauring has joined the firm’s Detroit office as an associate.
Lauring focuses her practice on banking and finance law. She advises banks and other institutional lenders on a broad range of loan origination and workout matters. She assists with the structuring, negotiation, and closing of complex financing transactions, tailoring practical solutions to align with clients’ business objectives.
Lauring is a member of the Board of Directors of the Detroit Bar Association. She is also a member of the Turnaround Management Association, the Association for Corporate Growth, and the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan.
Lauring received her B.A. from Bryn Mawr College and her law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
Dickinson Wright is also pleased to announce that for the seventh year in a row the firm’s real estate practice is ranked among the top three real estate law groups in the 2025 “Best of the Best” report by Midwest Real Estate News.
“We are thrilled to be named the number three law firm in the 2025 Best of the Best report. This year’s rankings, once again, demonstrate our success in working side-by-side with our clients to execute their real estate plans from conception to completion,” says Michael Lusardi, Dickinson Wright Real Estate Practice Group chair.
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Foley, Baron, Metzger & Juip PLLC
Foley, Baron, Metzger, & Juip PLLC is pleased to announce the promotion of attorney Silvia Mansoor to associate principal with the firm, effective January 1.
Mansoor focuses her practice on defending healthcare professionals and organizations in complex medical malpractice litigation, as well as business dispute matters. She represents clients throughout all stages of litigation and is known for her strategic approach and strong advocacy on behalf of healthcare providers and organizations.
Before joining Foley, Baron, Metzger, & Juip, Mansoor practiced for several years at a busy Detroit litigation firm where she handled cases from inception through trial. Prior to that, she gained experience in business transactions and startup matters, providing her with a well-rounded foundation that informs her current practice.
Her professional accomplishments have been recognized, including being named a 2024 Michigan Lawyers Weekly Up & Coming Lawyer, receiving the Oakland County Bar Association’s 2019 Bonnie L. Beutler Outstanding New Lawyer Award, and being repeatedly selected as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers.
Mansoor earned her law degree from Michigan State University College of Law. During law school, she also interned with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, and the 37th District Court of Michigan with Judge Matthew P. Sabaugh, and clerked with an Ingham County law firm.
Foley, Baron, Metzger, & Juip is also pleased to announce the promotion of attorney Chloé Schumacher to principal with the firm.
Schumacher’s practice focuses on representing physicians, mid-level medical providers, nurses, and pharmacists in complex medical malpractice litigation and civil rights defense matters. She has experience defending healthcare providers in claims brought under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, particularly those arising from the delivery of healthcare services in county jails and state prisons.
Schumacher earned her law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in 2016. She interned for U.S. District Court Judge Mona K. Majzoub, Eastern District of Michigan.
Following law school, Schumacher practiced medical malpractice defense at a Detroit law firm, representing physicians, nurses, and healthcare institutions. She also gained in-house experience while working for one of the Big Three automotive companies, where she served as associate labor counsel and was directly involved in national-level negotiations with the United Auto Workers. In addition, Schumacher has experience in alternative dispute resolution, including negotiation and arbitration.
Schumacher is involved in the legal community and is a member of the Negligence Section of the State Bar of Michigan, the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, the Michigan Defense Trial Counsel, and the Detroit Bar Association. She is also a former member of the University of Detroit Mercy Law chapter of the American Inns of Court, where she served as a barrister.
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Strobl PLLC
Strobl PLLC is pleased to announce the addition of six experienced attorneys to its growing team. Joining the firm are R. Keith Stark, Kenneth M. Boyer, William D. Girardot, Christopher E. LeVasseur, Joseph N. Novell, and Elizabeth A. Orsi. Collectively, they bring experience in business law, estate planning, commercial litigation, and real estate.
The attorneys joining Strobl PLLC come from Stark Reagan PC, a Troy-based firm founded in 1973 that has been a part of the Metro Detroit business community for more than 50 years. The firm is also pleased to announce its new name, Strobl Stark PLLC. The company website (StroblLaw. com) and email domain remain unchanged.
The integration of the Stark Reagan team expands the combined firm’s experience in complex commercial litigation, tax law, employment disputes, business succession planning, and transactional work.
With a career spanning 50+ years, Stark represents closely held businesses, business owners, and individuals across Michigan and Florida. His practice includes business organization, succession planning, and sophisticated wealth transfer strategies.
Boyer is an experienced attorney focusing on estate planning and business law, providing strategic guidance to protect and preserve clients’ assets.
Girardot represents closely held businesses in corporate governance, commercial finance, mergers and acquisitions, and employer–employee matters.
LeVasseur focuses on commercial litigation with an emphasis on labor and employment law, sales commission disputes, and alternative dispute resolution.
Novell is a transactional business attorney with extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, commercial finance, and real estate transactions.
Orsi practices in business and corporate law, real estate, and estate planning, bringing a versatile background that includes her prior experience in criminal defense.
In recognition of his exceptional legal expertise, leadership, and dedication to clients, Strobl Stark is also pleased to announce the promotion of Evan Kaploe to member.
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Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC
Howard & Howard is pleased to announce that local attorneys Eric Butler, Alex Leonowicz, and Hubert Yi have been named as new shareholders of the firm, effective immediately.Butler received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Kettering University in 2018. Prior to joining Howard & Howard’s Intellectual Property Intern Program, he worked as an engineering co-op at an automotive powertrain supplier and an automotive chassis supplier, gaining exposure to design, testing, and manufacturing settings.
He also worked as an IP co-op assisting with tasks such as reviewing invention disclosures, conducting patent/trademark searches, reviewing PTO office actions, and drafting patent claims.
Butler attended the University of New Hampshire’s Franklin Pierce School of Law where he earned his law degree.
Leonowicz has more than a decade of experience in contract law and complex business transactions. Prior to joining Howard & Howard, he served as general counsel and chief operating officer for a Michigan-based cannabis company founded in 2019. He was responsible for the formation and governance of over 10 entities across multiple states, obtained and maintained licenses across three different states, drafted and negotiated acquisition of retail and cultivation facilities in multiple jurisdictions, and more.
Leonowicz earned his law degree from the University of Detroit School of Law.
Yi’s practice is focused on securing global IP protection for the inventions and innovations of his clients in a variety of technologies within the electrical and mechanical arts. He also conducts due diligence investigations and advises clients regarding freedom-to-operate and patentability opinions.
Yi joined Howard & Howard in 2015 as an intellectual property intern, where he learned the intricacies of patent drafting, patent prosecution, and freedom-to-operate investigations. During his internship, he attended evening law school classes at Wayne State University Law School while maintaining a full-time position with the firm.
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Conrad Mallet
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield recently announced the reappointment of Conrad Mallet as corporation counsel.
Mallet, a tenured and respected public servant and health administrator, spent 20 years as a top administrator at the Detroit Medical Center, including his service as president of one of Michigan’s largest hospitals, Sinai-Grace. Prior to that, Mallett spent eight years as a member of the Michigan Supreme Court, his last two years as its chief justice.
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Clark Hill PLC
Clark Hill recently announced the promotion of several attorneys to member, effective Jan. 1. Among those promoted to member is Rick Fanning – Labor & Employment, Detroit.
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Office of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced the appointment of Tanya Grillo to the 16th Circuit Court in Macomb County.
Grillo is managed assigned counsel coordinator at the City of Southfield, an administrative hearing officer at the City of Mount Clemens, and the founding and managing partner at Grillo Law PLLC. She also previously served as regional manager at the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission for Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, and St. Clair Counties. Grillo is the president of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan’s Executive Board and is a board member of the National Conference of Women’s Bar Association.
Grillo earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Central Florida and a law degree from Cooley Law School.
“I am deeply honored by Governor Whitmer’s appointment and grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Macomb County and the State of Michigan,” said Grillo. “I take this responsibility seriously and am committed to serving with integrity, fairness, and respect for the rule of law. I will work every day to uphold the trust placed in me and to serve with the dignity this office deserves.”
This appointment will be made to fill a partial term following the upcoming resignation of Judge Diane Druzinski. Grillo’s term will expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2027.
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Dykema
Dykema recently announced that its Executive Board elected new members to the firm effective January 1. Local new members include:
Samuel Kilberg – Real Estate; Bloomfield Hills
Kilberg’s practice encompasses various aspects of the real estate industry, including land use and zoning, landlord-tenant, eminent domain, purchase/sale, and financing. He routinely guides developers, utilities, and small businesses through the zoning entitlement process. Kilberg has experience in securing state and local permits; navigating land-use approvals; and advising on project financing for renewable, storage, and transmission assets. His combination of real estate knowledge allows him to assist clients at every stage of the development process, including site selection, acquisition, entitlements, and financing.
Kilberg earned a law degree, and a B.A. from Michigan State University. Kilberg sits on the Council for the State Bar of Michigan Real Property Section and serves as chair of the Membership Committee and editor of the section’s monthly E-Newsletter.
Victoria Remus – Taxation and Estates; Bloomfield Hills
In her practice, Remus offers comprehensive services encompassing estate and gift planning, probate and complex trust administration, forming tax-exempt entities, and crafting customized business succession solutions for individuals and families. Integral to her estate planning practice, Remus handles a high volume of tax returns year-round, including multifaceted estate, gift, trust, and tax-exempt organization returns. Her knowledge across all areas of tax law enables clients to achieve optimal outcomes, even on the most difficult tax situations and returns. For her high-net-worth clients, Remus has experience in minimizing present and future tax liabilities through estate and gift planning.
Remus earned a law degree from Michigan State University College of Law and a B.A. from Saint Mary’s College. During law school, Remus served as a judicial extern to U.S. Tax Court Judge Ronald L. Buch in Washington, D.C.
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Honigman LLP
Honigman LLP recently announced that Kasturi “Kas” Bagchi has rejoined the firm as a partner in the Transactional and Real Estate Finance Practice Group of its Real Estate Department. She returns to Honigman after nearly five years with Miller Canfield, where she was a principal.
Bagchi manages risks for clients in loan, real estate, and other asset-based transactions. She also counsels lenders on mortgage loans, note purchases, and note financings designed to help distressed borrowers avoid foreclosure. She has closed more than $600 million in Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) and Freddie Mac loans on behalf of borrowers.
Bagchi earned her law degree from Tulane University Law School and her B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Honigman is also pleased to announce that the firm’s executive committee has elected the following local attorneys as partners, effective January 1, 2026:
Brian Braum Jr. (Detroit) is a member of the Corporate Department. He focuses his practice on finance, banking, mergers and acquisitions, venture capital and general corporate services, with experience in asset-based lending and other commercial financing structures. Braum earned his law degree from DePaul University College of Law.
Paul W. Howarah (Detroit) is a member of the Corporate Department. He focuses on mergers and acquisitions, private equity transactions, corporate governance, and general corporate matters. Howarah earned his law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
Nicholas D. Weier (Detroit) is a member of the Litigation Department who concentrates his practice on e-discovery strategy, advice, and services; antitrust and trade regulation; and complex commercial litigation. Weier earned his law degree from Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University.
Haba K. Yono (Detroit) is a member of the Labor and Employment Department. She focuses her practice on employment counseling, litigation, and strategic workforce planning. Yono earned her law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
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Maddin, Hauser, Roth, & Heller PC
Maddin Hauser is pleased to announce that Kim M. Rattet has joined the firm. An attorney with nearly 25 years of experience, she brings litigation skills working with real estate lenders in workouts, foreclosures, and insolvency proceedings, as well as counseling lenders on regulatory matters. She is a member of the firm’s Financial Services and Real Property Litigation practice group.
Rattet has safeguarded, protected, and advanced the interests of mortgage servicers, banks, credit unions, investor groups, commercial and multifamily property owners, and individual entrepreneurs in Chapters 7, 11, 12, and 13 bankruptcy proceedings. Her experience also encompasses a broad range of related real estate, automotive, and unsecured-creditor finance matters, including default servicing, commercial and residential litigation, proofs of claim, Rule 2004 examinations, property surrender issues, collateral recovery, loan workouts, sale motions, and dismissal motions.
Before joining Maddin Hauser, Rattet was a staff attorney to one of the busiest trustees in the nation. She supported the trustee in fulfilling all obligations under the United States Bankruptcy Code, the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure, and directives of the Bankruptcy Court to the highest level of diligence, judgment, and integrity.
Maddin Hauser is also pleased to announce that Michigan Lawyers Weekly selected shareholder Ronald A. Sollish as a 2025 “Go To” lawyer in employment law for the second consecutive year.
Sollish has counseled owners, managers, and human resources professionals at companies across the U.S. to evaluate and develop successful strategies to mitigate risk and achieve goals. He has negotiated and closed complicated commercial transactions and real estate deals and protected clients’ interests in state and federal litigation, arbitration, and mediation.
Sollish also provides counsel in real estate, partnership, finance, corporate, and business law and liaises with colleagues in other disciplines. His clients range from individuals and small, closely held companies to publicly held international corporations in various industries and verticals.
A shareholder at Maddin Hauser, Sollish serves as president, executive committee member, and Corporate and Employment practice group chair. Under his leadership, his practice group has hosted its popular annual Employment Law Symposium and monthly Breakfast Bites Series for several years. Sollish also frequently speaks to industry associations and civic groups such as the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants, and the American Society for Industrial Security.
Bodman PLC
Bodman PLC is pleased to announce that Kerry K. Cahill has joined the firm as a member in the Workplace Law Practice Group.
Based in Bodman’s Troy office, Cahill has more than 20 years of experience representing employers in a wide range of industries in employment and contract disputes. Her experience in employment law includes wrongful and retaliatory termination, discrimination and harassment, internal workplace investigations, wage-and-hour claims, Whistleblowers’ Protection Act claims, severance agreement negotiations, Family Medical Leave Act and Americans with Disabilities Act claims, civil rights litigation, and Title IX internal processes related to college sexual discrimination and misconduct investigations.
Cahill has developed policies and employee handbooks and conducted harassment training for a variety of professional organizations, executive leadership teams, and human resources professionals.
Before joining Bodman, Cahill was a partner in a Michigan-based employment law boutique where she worked directly with employers on all aspects of employment law, including compliance, litigation/ ADR strategies, and risk mitigation.
Cahill is a graduate from Wayne State University Law School and received her undergraduate degree from University of Michigan.
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Warner, Norcross, + Judd LLP
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP announced that several attorneys have been named partners.
The new partners are Sarah R. Bileti, Nina E. Lucido, Ashley E. Racette, and Timothy H. Smith. Bileti, Racette and Smith are based in Detroit, and Lucido is based in Macomb County. All are members of the State Bar of Michigan.
Bileti concentrates her practice on immigration law with a focus on domestic and international employment-based immigration matters that span employee work authorization, corporate restructuring challenges and Form I-9 compliance. She represents clients in health care, information technology, engineering, automotive, financial services, higher education, pharmaceuticals and energy, proactively developing strategies to address potential obstacles before they arise to ensure a smooth and efficient journey.
Bileti chairs the firm’s Immigration Practice Group, co-chairs the International Business and Trade Industry Group and launched the Talent Without Borders blog, which provides immigration updates impacting workforce planning and compliance.
Bileti was named to the Best Lawyers®: Ones to Watch list from 2021-23 and received JD Supra’s Reader Choice Top Ten Award for immigration law in 2025. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, or AILA, and serves on the AILA National Business Steering Committee. She is licensed to practice in both Michigan and Colorado.
Bileti earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, a master’s from Sotheby’s Institute of Art, and her law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
Lucido concentrates her practice in trusts and estates, tax and business succession planning and corporate operations. She is experienced with tax planning, charitable giving, trust administration, estate settlement and other areas for individuals, families, nonprofits and family offices.
Lucido has been recognized by Michigan Super Lawyers on its Ones to Watch list in 2025 and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch list since 2024. Super Lawyers recognized her as a Rising Star in 2024.
Lucido is a member of the Financial and Estate Planning Council of Metro Detroit and the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. She is a graduate of Leadership Macomb. Lucido is a member of the ABA, Macomb County Bar Association, and Italian American Bar Association of Michigan.
Lucido earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a law degree from MSU College of Law. She completed a program at the Institute for Comparative Law & Jurisprudence at the University of Bialystok in Poland through MSU.
Racette is a commercial litigator who advises clients on complex business and contractual matters. She focuses her practice on supply chain conflicts and contractual disputes, representing automotive and other supply chain clients at all stages of business and contractual disputes.
Racette has been recognized on the Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch list in 2026 and Best Lawyers Detroit: Ones to Watch since 2021. Michigan Super Lawyers recognized her as a Rising Star in 2025. She serves on the Women’s Committee for the Eastern District of Michigan Bar Association.
Racette earned two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Louisville and a law degree from MSU College of Law.
Smith is a litigator representing clients in both state and federal courts. His practice focuses on appeals, supply chain conflicts, contractual disputes, complex commercial litigation and constitutional litigation.
Smith has been recognized on the Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch list in 2026 and Best Lawyers Detroit: Ones to Watch list in 2024. He is licensed to practice in both Michigan and New York.
Smith earned a bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College and a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School.
