Daily Briefs

Recent MSU Law grad takes top honor in writing competition


Herman Hofman, a 2016 graduate of Michigan Statue University Law School, recently won first prize in the Religious Liberty Student Writing Competition, sponsored by the Washington, D.C. Mid- Atlantic Chapter of the J. Rueben Clark Society and the International Center for Law and Religion Studies at Brigham Young University.

Hofman wrote about the tax status of not-for-profit organizations that oppose same-sex marriage in light of the decision in Obergefell v. Hodges.

“I’m really excited, I was not expecting this at all,” Hofman said.

Hofman wrote the paper for his King’s Scholar seminar class. Additionally, the paper will be published in the Gonzaga Law Review. Hofman currently serves as a law clerk for Chief Judge Robert Jonker of the United State District Court, Western District of Michigan. After his one year clerkship ends, Hofman will work for Varnum LLP in Grand Rapids.

Hofman said Professor Phil Pucillo’s support and guidance helped to make this project possible. Professor Pucillo served as Hofman’s faculty advisor for the seminar course.

“I wish I could take the credit,” Pucillo said. “I reviewed several rounds of drafts and made some structural suggestions, but the ideas and writing are all his own.”

Herman traveled to Washington, DC Oct. 6 to receive the award.

 

Snyder appoints ex-House speaker to Civil Service Commission
 

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Gov. Rick Snyder has appointed former state House Speaker Jase Bolger to the Michigan Civil Service Commission.

The four-member panel sets pay and labor conditions for most state employees.

Bolger, a Republican from Grand Rapids, led the House from 2011-2014 before leaving office under term limits.

He succeeds Thomas Waldrop, an independent appointed by former Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm. Bolger will represent Republicans. His term expires in eight years.

The commission cannot have more than two members of the same political party. But with Bolger’s appointment, Snyder has for the first time picked three of the four members.

 

MDTC hosts 1st annual Legal Excellence Awards Dinner March 9
 

Join the MDTC at the First Annual Legal Excellence Awards Banquet from 6-9 p.m. Thursday, March 9 at the Detroit Historical Museum’s Streets of Old Detroit Exhibit, 5401 Woodward Avenue in Detroit. The evening will include presentations to Scott L. Mandel for the Excellence in Defense Award;  Hon. Nanci J. Grant and Hon. Robert J. Colombo for the Judicial Award; and John C.W. Hohmeier for the Young Lawyer Golden Gavel Award. Banquet includes a strolling dinner and reception. Prices are $85 per person or $170 per couple. Make payable to MDTC or register online at http://www.mdtcAwards.eventbrite.com. Judges and their guests attend compliments of MDTC.

––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
http://www.legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available