LEGAL PEOPLE

Thomas M. Cooley Law School appointed Professor James L. Carey as the new director of its Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Corporate Law and Finance program. Program founder E. Christopher Johnson Jr. recently announced that he will be leaving the full-time faculty at Cooley in order to focus his life's work on ending human trafficking. Carey took charge of the LL.M. program, a program designed to train the next generation of corporate lawyers, on Jan. 1. "I am honored to accept the role as director of Cooley's Graduate Program in Corporate Law and Finance," said Carey. "I know I have big shoes to fill as Professor Johnson was an exceptional teacher, scholar, and leader. Professor Johnson has built a great program; as an adjunct faculty member he will continue to be an important part of what we do." Carey joined Cooley Law School in 2005 and teaches Business Organizations; Wills, Trusts and Estates; and Securities Regulation. He is also one of Cooley's faculty coordinators for the Service to Soldiers legal referral program. Before joining the Cooley faculty, Carey worked in the Business Transactions Group of Dickinson Wright PLLC in Ann Arbor and with the Corporate and Insurance Services groups of Sidley, Austin, Brown, & Wood LLP in Chicago. Carey earned his bachelor of arts and his law degrees from the University of Michigan. He was recently elected as the vice chair of the Business Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. Before Johnson stepped down from his role as LL.M. Corporate Law and Finance director, he was actively involved in a number of access to justice and access to law school programs, including Cooley's high school and college pipeline programs. It was following a mission trip to India in 2011, that he became deeply committed to the issue of human trafficking. "My commitment to the eradication of human trafficking is a calling I need and want to dedicate virtually all of my efforts to," Johnson said. "This has been a very difficult decision, because of the relationships I have formed with Cooley's faculty, staff and students." Johnson now works as the reporter and chief drafter of the American Bar Association's Business Conduct Standards to Eradicate Labor Human Rights Impacts in Hiring and Supply Chain Practices. He is also a member of the Michigan Attorney General's Commission on Human Trafficking, and the State of Michigan's Human Trafficking Task Force. Johnson joined Cooley in January 2009 as the director of the school's new Corporate Law and Finance LL.M. program. Previously, he served as vice president and general counsel for General Motors North America and as an associate at a Wall Street law firm. He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and received his law degree from New York Law School. He retains his leadership roles in the national, state and local bar associations, as well as at a number of community organizations, and will continue as an adjunct professor, co-teaching a course in slavery and trafficking at Cooley. * * * The U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently announced appointments to a newly created National Commission on Forensic Science. Among the commissioners named was Michigan Supreme Court Justice Bridget Mary McCormack. Members of the commission will work to improve the practice of forensic science by developing guidance concerning the intersections between forensic science and the criminal justice system. The commission also will work to develop policy recommendations for the U.S. Attorney General, including uniform codes for professional responsibility and requirements for formal training and certification. The commission includes federal, state and local forensic science service providers; research scientists and academics; law enforcement officials; prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges; and other stakeholders from across the country. * * * Secrest Wardle associate Jennifer C. Hill, formerly vice-president of the Waterford Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, will serve as president for 2014-2015. Hill has been a supporter of the Waterford area for many years. She is a graduate of Waterford Kettering High School. Hill will serve on the Executive Board as president while participating in endeavors to preserve and promote the vitality and economic growth of the Waterford business community. Hill joined Secrest Wardle in 2012. She is an associate in the Troy office. She has experience in Municipal Law, Real Estate Law including landlord/tenant law, acquisitions and dispositions and foreclosures, and Commercial Litigation. She has served as a case evaluator and as a judicial law clerk in Oakland County Circuit and district courts. Hill received her law degree from Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University in 1998. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Michigan State University - James Madison College in 1994. She was admitted to practice in Michigan in 1998 and is admitted in the Eastern District of Michigan and the Western District of Michigan federal courts. In addition to serving as president of the Executive Committee of the Waterford Chamber of Commerce, Hill is also a member of: * State Bar of Michigan. * Oakland County Bar Association. * Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys. * Oakland County Hospital Association - trustee. Secrest Wardle is proud to be a member of the Waterford Chamber of Commerce. * * * Jackson Lewis PC is pleased to announce Matthew Scott Disbrow has joined the firm's Detroit office as shareholder. Disbrow, who comes to Jackson Lewis from Honigman, Miller, Schwartz, and Cohn LLP, has more than 10 years of experience representing employers in the full spectrum of workplace law matters, including wage and hour issues, trade secret and non-competition disputes, executive compensation, and discrimination-related matters. Disbrow regularly represents employers in federal and state administrative proceedings, trial courts and appellate courts in matters arising under federal and state wage and overtime laws, including the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Davis-Bacon Act, the Walsh-Healey Public Contracts Act, the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contracts Act, Michigan's Minimum Wage Law and the Wage & Fringe Benefits Act. He also counsels clients concerning contractual and other issues that may arise as a consequence of an employment or independent contractor relationship and advises employers on drafting and implementing work rules, policies and procedures that align with the employers' strategic business goals. Disbrow has represented clients, including automobile manufacturers and suppliers, lending institutions, and technology, property management and hospitality companies, in administrative proceedings before the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission, U.S. Department of Labor, Michigan Department of Civil Rights, Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, and the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency. "I am very excited to join Jackson Lewis and add my expertise to the firm's strong roster of labor and employment attorneys," said Disbrow. "I am confident the firm's breadth of knowledge and experience will allow me to immediately meet clients' needs for unmatched support and counsel on any labor and employment matter that may arise." Disbrow, who has been selected for inclusion in Michigan Super Lawyers and Rising Stars since 2008, received his B.A. from the University of Michigan and his law degree from Wayne State University Law School. * * * January 1 marked the 20th anniversary for family owned and operated Woll & Woll PC, a Michigan-based divorce and family law practice with a particular expertise in complex family law issues. Founded in 1994 by Pauline Woll and her daughter Jessica Woll, the firm has always placed a priority on family. Pauline, a mother of three, found herself divorced with young children in the 1970s. She entered law school with the determination of a single mother bent on providing a life of quality for her family by helping others in need. Upon graduation from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University (now known as Michigan State University College of Law), she began her practice in Southfield in the area of family law. Twenty years later, Woll & Woll PC remains under the direction of Pauline's daughter Jessica Woll, who serves as the firm's managing partner. Woll & Woll specializes in every aspect of family law including legal separation, divorce, post-judgment of divorce matters, removal of domicile actions, stepparent adoption, custody, child support, paternity and other family issues. "Clients come to us at a difficult time in their lives. For 20 years, we have worked closely with divorcing couples and families to help reduce stress while securing the most favorable settlement possible for them and their children," said Jessica Woll. "This requires us to be leaders in family law and divorce issues, locally, regionally and nationally." In 2013, Jessica was named a Top Lawyer for 2014 by DBusiness Magazine and a Diversity Leader by Corp! Magazine. * * * Rogers, Mantese, & Associates PC announces that attorney John R. Wright has joined the Farmington Hills-based firm. Wright will focus his practice primarily on representing health care providers and health care professionals in matters regarding professional licensing, federal and state litigation, government investigations related to Stark Law and fraud-and-abuse issues, peer review hearings, administrative hearings, and health care transactions. Prior to coming to Rogers Mantese, Wright served as an assistant attorney general in the Michigan Department of Attorney General, representing state agencies, including the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. He also represented the Health Professions Division of the Bureau of Health Care Services in matters involving licensed health care professionals. Additionally, he provided legal advice to state boards and commissions that oversee licensing of health care professionals. At the Attorney General's Office, Wright received the Attorney General's annual staff award for Excellence in Opinion Draftsmanship and the "Rookie of the Year" award for his performance during his first year with the office. he also completed a Public Health Law Fellowship sponsored by the National Attorneys General Training & Research Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Wright earned his law degree from Wayne State University Law School. He also graduated from Syracuse University where he played NCAA Division I lacrosse, a sport he now coaches players of all ages in camps and clinics throughout the year. * * * Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak, & Stewart PC is pleased to announce that Gillian Yee has been elected to the position of shareholder. Yee's practice is focused on counseling and representing employers regarding federal and state employment law matters. She has litigation experience defending employers in a wide range of areas, including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, non-compete and confidentiality agreements, garnishments, medical leaves, and wage and hour laws. Outside of her practice, she serves on Ogletree Deakins' Diversity and Inclusion Committee. She is also president of the Michigan Asian Pacific American Bar Association and serves on the National Pacific American Bar Association's Labor and Employment Law Committee. Yee earned her law degree from Wayne State University Law School. * * * Honigman, Miller, Schwartz, and Cohn LLP is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors has elected new partners in the firm effective January 1, 2014. Honigman's new local partners are: Kimberly A. Dudek practices in Honigman's Corporate Department and is located in the firm's Detroit office. She represents public and private companies with respect to corporate governance and general corporate matters; assists clients with mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, private equity transactions and joint ventures; and advises clients regarding secured lending transactions. Dudek earned a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School and a B.A. from the University of Michigan. She was named a "Rising Star" by Michigan Super Lawyers in 2013. Charles W. Duncan Jr. practices in Honigman's Intellectual Property Department and is located in the firm's Oakland County office. He focuses his practice on patent, trademark, trade secret, copyright and contract litigation. In addition, he counsels clients in a variety of technical areas, including computer hardware, software and telecommunications. Duncan earned a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School and a B.A. in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan. Teymour S. El-Tahry practices in Honigman's Intellectual Property Department and is located in the firm's Oakland County office. He assists clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to start-ups in developing their patent portfolios and related strategies. El-Tahry prepares and prosecutes patent applications in the software, electrical and mechanical arts. He also assists clients in assessing litigation risks associated with existing and upcoming products. El-Tahry earned a law degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology and a B.S. in computer science from the University of Michigan College of Engineering. Scott D. Geromette practices in Honigman's Insurance Department and is located in the firm's Detroit office. He focuses on the organization and representation of a variety of alternative risk financing arrangements, including captive insurance companies, self-insurance programs, risk purchasing groups, rent-a-captives and risk retention groups. Geromette is experienced in establishing captive insurance companies that become members of one or more of the Federal Home Loan Banks. In addition, he provides clients with reviews and interpretations of insurance policies and analyzes questions of coverage. He also counsels owners/sponsors of alternative risk financing arrangements on legal, regulatory and strategic issues. Geromette earned a law degree from Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and a B. A. from Columbia University. He was named a "Rising Star" by Michigan Super Lawyers in 2011 and 2012. Steven J. Migliore practices in Honigman's Corporate Department and is located in the firm's Detroit office. He focuses his practice primarily on the representation of private equity and venture capital funds and their portfolio companies. He counsels clients on acquisitions and divestitures; joint ventures; senior and subordinated debt financings; growth equity and venture capital investments; and restructurings. Migliore earned a law degree from Wayne State University Law School and an MBA from Wayne State University. He received a B.A. from Michigan State University's Honors College. Matthew R. VanWasshnova practices in Honigman's Corporate Department and is located in the firm's Detroit office. His practice is primarily focused on the representation of private equity funds and their portfolio companies. He also counsels publicly and privately held companies and investors in business formation, corporate restructuring, financing, securities, corporate governance and compliance matters, as well as other general corporate matters. VanWasshnova earned a law degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law and a B.A. from the University of Michigan. He was named a "Rising Star" by Michigan Super Lawyers in 2013. In addition, Tara L. Slone has joined Honigman Miller as a partner in its Corporate Department's Employee Benefits Practice Group. She brings nearly 17 years of experience in the field to Honigman and is located in the firm's Detroit office. Slone focuses her practice on drafting and maintaining employee benefit plan documents for tax-exempt and for-profit entities. She also advises clients on compliance with state and federal regulations such as ERISA, COBRA, HIPAA and PPACA, as well as the Affordable Care Act. Slone is currently the vice chair of the Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Interest Group of the Health Law Section of the American Bar Association. Slone was Of Counsel at Hall, Render, Killian, Heath & Lyman PC in Troy before joining Honigman. She earned her law degree at Case Western University School of Law and a B.A. at the University of Michigan. Slone is admitted to practice in Michigan. * * * Attorney Charles W. Browning, a partner of Plunkett Cooney was recently inducted as a Fellow of the American College of Coverage and Extracontractual Counsel (ACCEC). The ACCEC is composed of insurance coverage and extracontractual counsel in the United States and Canada. A member of the Plunkett Cooney's Board of Directors, and co-chair of the firm's Insurance Coverage Practice Group, Browning is known nationally for his experience and expertise in the area of insurance coverage litigation. He serves as coverage counsel for several major property and casualty insurance companies and appears in courts throughout the country. Browning is annually listed among The Best Lawyers in America and Michigan Super Lawyers as a top practitioner in his area of expertise. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan; numerous federal courts; the DRI - The Voice of the Defense Bar (Insurance Law Committee); International Association of Defense Counsel (Casualty Insurance Committee (Chair 2006 to 2008) and Reinsurance and Excess and Surplus Lines Committee); Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (Insurance Committee) and the American Bar Association (Litigation Section and Torts and Insurance Practice Section). He is also a member of the Board of Editors of the Defense Counsel Journal. * * * Rodger D. Young, founder of Young & Associates, a Farmington Hills-based law firm specializing in complex business litigation, has been named a 2013 Best Lawyer in America and a Michigan Super Lawyer for the seventh consecutive year. A trial attorney, Young has won 47 of 52 jury trials in federal and state courts. He specializes in complex commercial litigation including antitrust, patent, high technology, telecommunications, trade secret, automotive, shareholder/partner disputes and construction matters. Young has garnered state and national distinctions including appointments by the Governor of the State of Michigan to the Michigan Environmental Review Board and to the Michigan Transportation Commission. In 2001, he was named chairman of the Bush administration's Federal Judge and U.S. Attorney Qualification Committee by Governor John Engler and Michigan's Republican Congressional Delegation. An active participant in the legal community, Young is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Oakland County Bar Association, the Michigan State Bar Foundation, the State Bar Board of Commissioners, and the American College of Trial Lawyers. He is the author of several articles published by the Michigan Bar Journal and has written numerous ALI-ABA course materials. A graduate of the University of Montana, Young continued his education at the University of Minnesota, where he earned his law degree. * * * Maddin, Hauser, Wartell, Roth, & Heller PC, a Southfield-based multi-specialty law firm, has named Harvey R. Heller as one of three Managing Directors, along with Steven D. Sallen and Mark R. Hauser. The announcement was made by firm President and CEO Steven D. Sallen. Heller is a shareholder and the chairman of the firm's Defense and Insurance Coverage Practice Group. He is also the creator of the firm's innovative service solution, Result Focused Case Management System®, which delivers cost-efficient, results-oriented legal services, seamlessly. Over the past 30 years, Heller and his group have handled more than 1,000 cases involving the unique needs of the insurance industry and its insureds, representing clients interests in all state and federal trial and appellate courts, FINRA arbitrations, administrative tribunals, as well as ADR proceedings. In addition to being an active litigator, Heller is a member of the Michigan State Bar Foundation Fellows and the Michigan Defense Trial Council. On a national level, he is a member of the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Lawyer's Professional Liability, the Defense Research Institute, the International Association of Defense Counsel, as well as the Claims & Litigation Management Alliance. Heller has authored numerous articles on the subject of professional liability and has been a frequent speaker at professional liability seminars. He has been continuously selected for inclusion in the annual editions of Best Lawyers in America and Michigan Super Lawyers. Maddin, Hauser also announces that shareholder Michelle C. Harrell has been appointed to the Planning Commission for the City of Grosse Pointe Woods. Her three-year term is by appointment of the Mayor and began January 1, 2014. Harrell manages Maddin Hauser's General and Complex Litigation Practice Group and concentrates her practice in the areas of complex commercial, real estate, receiverships and family law litigation. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Detroit and her law degree from Wayne State University Law School. She is a barrister emeritus in the American Inn of Court, Oakland County Chapter, as well as a mentor in the Oakland County Bar Association Mentor Program and an Oakland County Circuit Court case evaluator. Harrell was also appointed to serve as a member of the U.S. Courts Committee of the State Bar of Michigan to further the relationship and effective interaction between the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan and Michigan State Courts. In addition to this latest appointment, Harrell is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and Oakland County and Federal Bar associations. She authored the article "Caveat Receiver: Practical Tips for Appointing or Serving as a Receiver" for the Michigan Bar Journal. Harrell's receivership expertise was the focus of the Michigan Lawyer's Weekly article; "Putting the Stress in Distressed" while several of her litigation matters have been featured in Crain's Detroit Business. She was also named as a DBusiness Top Lawyer for 2010 in the areas of Real Estate and Litigation and is an active member of the Hydrocephalus Association, Michigan Chapter. * * * The Meisner Law Group PC is pleased to announce that Robert M. Meisner was selected as a 2014 Top Lawyer in Metro Detroit in the field of real estate law in DBusiness. This is Meisner's second Top Lawyer selection. Meisner is the founding member of The Meisner Law Group PC and a practicing attorney specializing in Condominium Law, Real Estate Law and Commercial Litigation for more than 40 years. Meisner is Michigan's first inductee into the CAI College of Community Association Lawyers. He has also been selected as a Michigan Super Lawyer for four years. Meisner authored the recently published second edition of the popular book: "Condo Living 2: An Authoritative Guide to Buying, Selling and Operating a Condominium." He is a co-draftsperson of the 1978 Michigan Condominium Act and contributor to the 2001-2002 Amendments thereto. Meisner is a certified mediator, has been a featured columnist for over 35 years with the Observer and Eccentric Newspapers and a former adjunct professor of law at Cooley Law School and Michigan State University College of Law, as well as having lectured before many professional education programs. Meisner earned a B.A. from the University of Michigan and a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School. Published: Mon, Jan 20, 2014