Michigan Association for Justice
The Michigan Association for Justice (MAJ) has named attorney Barry Conybeare, of Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers, as its 74th president. Conybeare officially began his one-year term on June 1. Stephen Pontoni, MAJ executive director, made the announcement.
“As president of MAJ, I look forward to continuing our work to ensure every person in Michigan has a fair opportunity to be heard in our civil justice system while strengthening the collaboration, shared knowledge and professional support that help our members better serve the people they represent every day,” said Conybeare.
Along with Conybeare, new MAJ officers for 2026-2027 include:
President-Elect – Wayne J. Miller, Miller, Tischler & Vislosky PC.
Vice President – Alan Latham, Latham Law Group.
Secretary – Steffani Chocron, Lipton Law.
Treasurer – Emily Peacock, Olsman MacKenzie Peacock.
Immediate Past President – Nick Andrews, Liss & Andrews PC.
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Bodman PLC
Bodman PLC is pleased to announce that Travis J. Peterson has joined the firm as a senior associate in our Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Practice Group.
Based in Bodman’s Detroit office, Peterson represents clients in complex commercial litigation matters. Prior to joining Bodman, he was an associate with a Michigan-based civil defense firm, where he represented insurance companies and their insureds in complex, high-exposure litigation involving statutory and negligence-based claims.
Peterson earned his law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School. He spent his summers clerking with the City of Detroit Law Department.
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Honigman LLP
Honigman announced Tom Appledorn and Harold Fox will succeed Jonathan O’Brien as co-chairs of the Intellectual Property (IP) Department. Appledorn will be stepping up from his prior role as vice chair of Honigman’s IP Department and Fox has led the firm’s Washington, D.C. office as managing partner, playing a key role in building and leading Honigman’s Life Sciences practice.
Appledorn, who has been with the firm for more than two decades, has been involved in firm leadership as co-managing partner of the Bloomfield Hills office and as a member of the firm’s Operating Committee. Over his 20-year tenure,
Appledorn has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor on matters involving technology, data privacy, and other complex technical issues.
“I’ve grown my career and practice at Honigman, and I’m honored to step into this role and build upon the strong foundation Jonathan has established,” said Appledorn. “I look forward to working alongside Harold and our talented colleagues to drive continued growth and impact for our clients and partners in the IP Department.”
Honigman is also pleased to announce that Senior Counsel Mike Carter was recently recognized by the Eastern District of Michigan Bar Association with the Leonard R. Gilman Award.
Carter focuses his practice on white collar defense and complex criminal matters, representing individuals in investigations, prosecutions, and other high-stakes proceedings in federal and state courts. He advises clients navigating sensitive legal issues and brings courtroom, trial, and leadership experience to his practice.
In addition, Honigman was recognized in the Chambers USA 2026 Guide with national and regional rankings across 12 practice areas and 33 attorneys.
Chambers awarded the highest “Band 1” ranking to the following Honigman practices regionally in Michigan:
• Bankruptcy/Restructuring
• Corporate/M&A
• Insurance
• Intellectual Property
• Litigation: General Commercial
• Real Estate
In Michigan, the firm earned rankings for its Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation, Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations, Immigration, and Labor & Employment practices.
The following local Honigman lawyers were ranked in this year’s guide.
Band 1 Ranked Attorneys:
E. Todd Sable, Bankruptcy/ Restructuring
Tracy T. Larsen, Corporate/ M&A
Jennifer Benedict, Healthcare
Meghan Covino, Immigration
Sara J. Brundage, Insurance
J. Michael Huget, Intellectual Property
Anessa Kramer, Intellectual Property
Jonathan O’Brien, Intellectual Property
I.W. Winsten, Litigation: General Commercial
Matthew Schneider, Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations
Lowell D. Salesin, Real Estate
Additional Ranked Attorneys:
Glenn Walter, Bankruptcy/ Restructuring
Michael D. DuBay, Corporate/M&A
Phillip D. Torrence, Corporate/M&A
Samantha Kopacz, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
Deborah Swedlow, Intellectual Property
Heidi Berven, Intellectual Property
Michelle Crockett, Labor & Employment
Sean Crotty, Labor & Employment
Joseph Aviv, Litigation: General Commercial
Jeffrey Lamb, Litigation: General Commercial
Mark Pendery, Litigation: White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations
David Jacob, Real Estate
Karen R. Pifer, Real Estate
J. Adam Rothstein, Real Estate
Senior Statespeople:
Donald Kunz, Corporate/ M&A
Eminent Practitioners
David Foltyn, Corporate/ M&A
Up and Coming:
Sarah Iyer, Immigration
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Warner, Norcross, + Judd LLP
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP has welcomed Alexandra Hathaway Tillman as an associate.
Tillman will join Warner’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice Group where she will leverage her experience representing corporate clients in complex commercial, employment and product liability matters in both state and federal courts. Tillman regularly drafts motions and appellate briefs, conducts dispositions and supports trial strategy through motion practice and evidentiary analysis.
Tillman will also leverage her governmental experience by joining Warner’s Aerospace and Defense and Government and DoD Contracting industry groups. She will practice in the firm’s Detroit office.
Prior to joining Warner, Tillman was an attorney with Bush Seyferth PLLC in Troy. Earlier in her career, she served as a law clerk to U.S. District Court Chief Judge Sean F. Cox, Eastern District of Michigan. She also held roles with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Michigan Court of Appeals.
Tillman also worked as a staff assistant for the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, and as a government contractor serving military and intelligence community clients for Thomson Reuters Special Services and Deloitte Business Intelligence Services.
Tillman is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the Detroit Bar Association where she serves on the board. She is a member of the Leadership Detroit class of 2024.
Tillman earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a master’s degree from The London School of Economics and Political Science. She earned her law degree from The University of Richmond School of Law.
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McDonald Hopkins LLC
McDonald Hopkins is pleased to announce that several attorneys and practice areas have been recognized in the 2026 edition of the Chambers USA guide. Among this year’s achievements, McDonald Hopkins expanded its Chambers footprint with new practice rankings for Privacy & Data Security: Highly Regarded (Nationwide) and Bankruptcy/ Restructuring .
Local attorneys recognized include:
• Stephen Gross, Bankruptcy/Restructuring
• Antoinette Pilzner, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
• Dominic Paluzzi, Privacy & Data Security: Cybersecurity. In addition, Chambers also recognized Paluzzi in its 2026 Global Guide for Privacy & Data Security: Cybersecurity.
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Dickinson Wright PLLC
Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that Chambers & Partners has ranked 24 of the firm’s practices and 66 of the firm’s attorneys in the 2026 Chambers USA Guide.
Below is a list of Michian Dickinson Wright practices that are listed in Chambers USA 2026:
Banking & Finance (Band 1)
Bankruptcy & Restructuring (Band 1)
Corporate/M&A
Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation (Band 1)
Immigration
Intellectual Property
Labor & Employment
Litigation: General Commercial (Band 1)
Public Finance (Band 1)
Real Estate (Band 1)
Below is a list of local Dickinson Wright attorneys who are listed in Chambers USA 2026:
Banking and Finance
Craig W. Hammond, Troy
William P. Shield Jr., Detroit (Star Individual)
Rachel Wolock, Detroit
Bankruptcy & Restructuring
Steven G. Howell, Detroit (Senior Statesperson)
James A. Plemmons, Detroit (Band 1)
Theodore B. Sylwestrzak, Detroit (Band 1)
Cannabis: Eastern US – Nationwide
Benjamin M. Sobczak, Troy
Construction
Christopher A. Cornwall, Detroit
Corporate/M&A
Andrew W. MacLeod, Detroit
Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation
Deborah L. Grace, Troy
Roberta P. Granadier, Troy (Band 1)
Eric W. Gregory, Troy
Cynthia A. Moore, Troy
Health Care
Mark E. Wilson, Troy (Band 1)
Intellectual Property
William H. Honaker, Troy
Labor & Employment
Aaron V. Burrell, Detroit
Timothy H. Howlett, Detroit (Band 1)
Litigation: General Commercial
James A. Martone, Troy
Daniel D. Quick, Troy (Band 1)
Public Finance
Laura M. Bassett, Troy
Craig W. Hammond, Troy (Band 1)
Real Estate Law
Monica J. Labe, Troy (Band 1)
Michael J. Lusardi, Troy
Dawn Faxon Singer, Troy
Katheryne L. Zelenock, Troy
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Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announces that Kurt L. Heise is the new head of the Hate Crimes Unit within the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, effective as of March 30. Heise brings with him more than three decades of legal, legislative, and executive leadership experience to the role.
In this role, Heise will oversee the investigation and prosecution of bias-motivated offenses, working closely with law enforcement and community stakeholders to ensure that hate crimes are addressed with the seriousness, sensitivity, and rigor they demand.
As Heise assumes leadership of the Hate Crimes Unit, former Chief Patrick Coletta has transitioned into the role of deputy chief of the district courts. In this capacity, he will serve as a link between investigative efforts and initial district court prosecutions. His responsibilities include supervising district court assistant prosecutors, ensuring adherence to office policies, managing caseload distribution, and coordinating closely with law enforcement agencies.
“I am honored to lead the Hate Crime Unit. Ensuring that the criminal justice system operates fairly, transparently, and with integrity is a top priority. Macomb County is home to a diverse and vibrant community, and every resident deserves to live in safety and peace. I am committed to protecting our community while also working closely with law enforcement to identify and implement best practices that uphold the law and strengthen public trust,” said Heise.
An attorney who earned his law degrees from Wayne State University Law School, Heise has been a licensed member of the State Bar of Michigan since 1991. His legal career includes work in municipal law, labor and employment matters, environmental law, and complex litigation—providing a strong foundation in statutory interpretation, enforcement, and the pursuit of justice across diverse communities.
As a state representative, Heise served as chair of the Criminal Justice Committee, a role particularly relevant to his leadership of the Hate Crimes Unit. He helped shape criminal justice policy, sponsored dozens of public acts, and co-chaired the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission. His legislative work reflects an understanding of criminal law, victim-centered policy, and the systemic challenges involved in prosecuting sensitive and high-impact crimes.
In addition to his legislative service, Heise held senior executive positions overseeing large organizations and complex operations. As township supervisor of the Charter Township of Plymouth, he served as the chief executive of a municipal government, managing public safety departments including police and fire services.
Earlier in his career, Heise served as director of the Wayne County Department of Environment, where he managed a large workforce and represented the county in litigation matters.
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Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone
Miller Canfield has earned 50 rankings in the 2026 edition of Chambers USA, including recognition for 38 attorneys and 12 practice areas across Michigan, Illinois, and the national rankings.
Miller Canfield was recognized in Michigan and Illinois in the areas of Banking and Finance, Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Corporate/M&A, Energy and Natural Resources, Immigration, Intellectual Property, Labor & Employment, Litigation: General Commercial, Litigation: White Collar Crime & Government Investigations, Public Finance and Real Estate. The firm also earned a national ranking in Food & Beverages: Alcohol.
The firm received Chambers’ highest designation, Band 1, in five practice areas: Bankruptcy/Restructuring, Energy and Natural Resources, Litigation: General Commercial, Public Finance and Real Estate.
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Clark Hill PLC
Chambers USA has named 31 Clark Hill attorneys “Leaders in their Field” in the 2026 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business.
Clark Hill congratulates the following local attorneys:
Daniel Bretz – Bretz is ranked as a senior statesperson for Labor & Employment. He represents major private employers in various aspects of labor and employment law.
Stephen Campbell– Campbell is ranked in Band 2 for Energy & Natural Resources. He assists municipal, industrial, and commercial clients in regulatory, transactional, and litigation matters involving federal, state, and local energy and environmental laws and regulations.
David Cessante– Cessante is ranked Band 4 for Labor & Employment. He represents and counsels employers in the automotive, hospitality, retail, insurance, and transportation industries on all employment-related matters before administrative bodies and federal and state courts.
Maria Dwyer – Dwyer is ranked Band 4 for Labor & Employment. She is a litigator and advisor to senior leadership, representing employers in complex employment and business disputes. She provides counsel on workplace issues, conducts internal investigations, and serves as a certified Title IX hearing officer.
Edward Hammond – Hammond is ranked Band 4 for Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation. He works in tandem with many of the firm practice groups in order to help their clients navigate the many hazards that accompany benefits offered through the workplace.
Christopher McMican – McMican is ranked Band 2 for Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation. He focuses on assisting and advising employers with such issues as compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), retirement plans, health and welfare plans, executive compensation, fiduciary matters, phantom and equity plans, stock options, and all elements of the compensation package as well as corporate matters.
Daniel Minkus – Minkus is ranked Band 2 for Corporate/M&A. He advises clients with mergers, acquisitions, and dispositions, as well as business planning, joint ventures, governance, supply chain agreements, and various other contracts.
Michael Nowlan – Nowlan is ranked Band 1 for Immigration and Band 2 for Immigration (Nationwide). He represents companies and individuals as they navigate the complex U.S. immigration system from the initial transfer/move to the U.S. to U.S. citizenship.
Michael Pattwell – Pattwell is ranked Band 3 for Energy & Natural Resources. He manages high-stakes litigation and resolves complex regulatory and transactional impasses in environmental, energy and political law matters.
Anne-Marie Vercruysse Welch – Vercruysse Welch is ranked Band 2 for Labor & Employment. She defends employers in lawsuits and administrative proceedings against wrongful discharge, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and related statutory and tort claims.
In addition, Clark Hill has achieved the following Michigan department rankings by Chambers:
Corporate/M&A – Band 4
Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation – Band 3
Energy & Natural Resources – Band 2
Immigration – Band 2
Labor & Employment – Band 2
Litigation: General Commercial – Band 4
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Brooks Kushman P.C.
Brooks Kushman is proud to announce its recognition in the 2026 Chambers and Partners guide as one of the top intellectual property firms in Michigan. This marks the firm’s tenth consecutive year being ranked among Michigan’s leading IP law firms. In the 2026 Chambers USA rankings, Brooks Kushman is listed in Band 1 for Intellectual Property in Michigan.
Ranked attorneys include:
Frank Angileri has been named a senior statesperson in the Intellectual Property category for Michigan. Angileri focuses his practice on complex IP litigation and post-grant proceedings. He has served as lead trial counsel in patent, trade secret, trademark, and copyright cases across the country, including federal courts, the Court of Appeals for the federal circuit, and the International Trade Commission. His litigation experience spans a range of industries, including automotive, software, consumer products, and electronics. Angileri previously served as co-chair of the firm’s Post-Grant Proceedings practice, where he represented clients in more then 70 proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB).
John LeRoy, in his first year on the list, has been ranked in Band 2 for Intellectual Property in Michigan. LeRoy is an intellectual property attorney with experience counseling clients on patent procurement, portfolio management, licensing, and strategic IP development. He works with companies ranging from emerging businesses to global corporations, helping them protect and maximize the value of their intellectual property assets across a variety of technologies and industries.
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Butzel Long
Butzel attorney Beth S. Gotthelf will be a featured speaker during the Michigan Environmental Compliance Conference on Wednesday, June 10, in Lansing. The presentation will offer lessons on permitting a new industrial facility, with a focus on environmental approvals and compliance challenges.
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.
She represents a diverse client base including those in the automotive, defense, and aerospace fields. She has environmental, renewable energy, and sustainability experience. She assists clients with remediation, redevelopment, permitting, and compliance.
Gotthelf serves as chair of the Michigan Manufacturers Association’s Environmental Policy Committee; board member, NAATBatt, the National Battery Association; 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 was board directorship certified through the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). Gotthelf was named to Crain’s Detroit Business’ 2025 Notable Leaders in Sustainability list.
In addition, attorney Kevin DiDio has rejoined Butzel as a shareholder in the firm’s Detroit office. He helps clients achieve their business objectives, guiding enterprises of all sizes in a multitude of sectors through complex corporate transactions and legal challenges.
Backed by decades of experience and a history filled with successful deals, and having earned the credential of Certified Merger & Acquisition advisor, DiDio counsels clients through intricate mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and cross-border transactions. His industry knowledge and experience include the following industries: automotive, health care and pharma, manufacturing, financial services, and technology.
A former United States marine, DiDio earned his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Michigan.
DiDio has been named to The Best Lawyers in America® – Corporate Law, 2018-2026. He is an active member of several bar associations and professional organizations including the French-American Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Chapter, and Lex Mundi, where he previously served as chairperson of the Pro Bono Committee.
