Columns

Butzel recently added associate attorneys Zachary Hicks and Shannon K. Zabolotny in the firm’s Troy office. 

Hicks helps businesses navigate corporate transactions and commercial real estate matters. Drawing on experience at a major financial institution and his dual law and business background, Hicks helps clients navigate the acquisition, financing, and disposition of commercial real estate, as well as general corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity deals, business development, family business transactions, and corporate governance. 

Hicks has experience in client relationship management and transaction execution, including matters ranging from routine transactions to dealings involving millions of dollars. He serves clients in the construction industry, where he provides counsel on operational efficiency, scalability, succession planning, and enterprise value creation. His experience includes supporting commercial real estate and corporate agreements valued at over $100 million for institutional and private lenders and borrowers, including construction financing and development projects.

He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan – Business Law and Young Lawyers Sections, Detroit Bar Association, American Bar Association and Alliance of Mergers & Acquisitions Advisors (AM&AA).

Hicks earned a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and an M.B.A. from the University of Detroit Mercy, where he concentrated in Strategic Management and Corporate Finance. He also earned a B.Comm from the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada, with a focus on Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship.

Zabolotny helps individuals and families regarding estate planning, probate, and trust administration. She assists with the preparation of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, prenuptial agreements, and other estate planning documents tailored to each client’s individual needs and objectives.

Zabolotny also advises clients through estate administration, including asset distribution, property collection and organization, creditor claims, and probate court proceedings. In contested and uncontested matters, she represents fiduciaries, beneficiaries, and other interested parties in matters involving decedent estates, trusts, conservatorships, and guardianships. 

Beyond estate administration matters, Zabolotny’s practice includes probate litigation as well as child welfare and juvenile law. She advocates for individuals and families in sensitive and often challenging legal circumstances, providing guidance tailored to their unique needs. 

She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan – Probate & Estate Planning and Young Lawyers Sections and Women Lawyers Association of Michigan.

Zabolotny earned a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and a B.A. in English and History from Alma College. 

In addition, Butzel has achieved its highest ranking yet in Crain’s 2026 Best Places to Work, ranking number 22 out of 100 companies. This year marks the sixth consecutive year Butzel has been named to the list. In 2025 and 2024, Butzel was ranked 38 for two years straight; in 2023, Butzel was ranked 41; 53 in 2022; and, 44 in 2021.  Butzel also was named for the first time to Crain’s 2026 Best Places to Work in West Michigan. Butzel ranks number four out of 30 companies. 

Butzel has a history of offering eligible employees an array of employee benefits and firm-designed programs. The firm is constantly updating its list of benefits provided as part of Butzel’s Work-Life Programs. Its list of perks include: unlimited vacation for attorneys, paralegals, and managers; the “Better Butzel” wellness program; a virtual wellness platform; flexible work schedules; an employee assistance program with onsite counseling; paid time-off; parental leave; pregnancy loss paid leave; adoption assistance; discounted home office equipment; work anniversary gifts; and more.  

Additional Butzel benefits include a 401(k) plan with employer contribution, associate student loan reimbursement, paid parking, professional dues paid, and employee recognition parties and events throughout the year. Periodically the firm brings in other benefits such as in-office massages, fruit smoothies, and special giveaways. 

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Fifteen lawyers from Kotz Sangster offices in Detroit and Bloomfield Hills have been honored by their peers as 2026 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars. 

Of note are the Michigan Super Lawyer recognitions for healthcare attorney Keith Soltis and business litigation attorney Dennis Egan. Both have been honored for 20 consecutive years. Additionally, environmental law attorney Nicholas (Nick) Tatro has been recognized as a Michigan Super Lawyer, and construction law attorney Isidoro (Sid) Spano has been recognized as a Michigan Rising Star. Both are new recognitions.

Kotz Sangster attorneys honored are:

—Michigan Super Lawyers
R. Edward Boucher – Construction Litigation
George F. Curran III – Environmental Law
David R. de Reyna – Estate & Probate
Dennis K. Egan – Business Litigation 
Walter B. Fisher Jr. – Employee Benefits
Robert B. Goldi – Banking
Matthew C. McCann – Environmental Law
Jeffrey M. Sangster – Construction Litigation
Keith J. Soltis – Health Care 
Jeffrey S. Sternberg – Estate & Probate
Nicholas J. (Nick) Tatro – Environmental Litigation 
John P. (Jack) Ulrich Jr. – Mergers & Acquisitions
Gregory L. Wysocki – Mergers & Acquisitions

—Michigan Rising Stars
Mark W. Oszust – Construction Litigation
Isidoro A. (Sid) Spano – Construction Litigation

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Bush Seyferth is proud to share that Members Derek Linkous, Roger Meyers, and Patrick Seyferth have been selected for inclusion in the 2026 Michigan Legal 250 by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.   
Linkous has been recognized specifically for his contribution to Appellate Law. Meyers and Seyferth were recognized for their contributions to Business Litigation. 

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Cummings, McClorey, Davis, & Acho PLC is proud to announce that several attorneys from the firm have been selected for inclusion in the 2026 Michigan Super Lawyers & Rising Stars list.
The following local attorneys have been selected to the 2026 Michigan Super Lawyers list:

Jim Acho, Top Rated Civil Litigation Defense
Joel Ashton, Top Rated Personal Injury Defense
Jeff Clark, Top Rated State, Local & Municipal
Tim Ferrand, Top Rated State, Class Action & Mass Torts
Norman Richards, Top Rated Elder Law
Christopher Schultz, Top Rated Business and Corporate

The following local attorneys have been selected to the 2026 Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Stars list:

Stephen Johnston, Top Rated Estate Planning & Probate
Alexander Karana, Top Rated Intellectual Property
Jordan Barkey, Top Rated Personal Injury

•            •            •

Bodman PLC is pleased to announce that five of its attorneys have been named 2027 “Lawyers of the Year” by the publisher of The Best Lawyers in America.

The local Bodman attorneys named 2027 Lawyers of the Year are as follows:

Brian Foley has been named the 2027 Detroit Lawyer of the Year for Real Estate Law. Foley represents financial institutions, companies, and individuals in real estate matters, with an emphasis on commercial real estate secured financing transactions. He advises clients, as both lead and local counsel, in purchases and sales of real property, real estate workouts and foreclosures, loan sales, leasing transactions, and other general real estate matters. Foley has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America since 2023 in both Real Estate Law and Banking & Finance Law.
David P. Larsen has been named the 2027 Detroit Lawyer of the Year for Trusts and Estates. Larsen is the senior member of Bodman’s High Net Worth Practice Group and provides legal advice to many high net worth families, their family offices, and their closely held businesses. He has also been named a Lawyer of the Year on multiple past occasions, including in 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, 2024, 2025 and 2026 for Trusts and Estates or Litigation-Trusts and Estates. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 2003.

Ralph E. McDowell has been named the 2027 Detroit Lawyer of the Year for Bet-the-Company Litigation and Litigation-Bankruptcy. McDowell assists clients primarily in commercial bankruptcy, debtors’ and creditors’ rights, workouts, and commercial lending. He also represents clients in general business law matters, including corporate finance, the purchase and sale of business interests, and collections and workouts, among other areas. McDowell previously received the Detroit Lawyer of the Year award in 2017, 2020, and 2026 for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law; in 2019 for Bet-the-Company Litigation; and in 2015, 2021, and 2025 for Litigation – Bankruptcy. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America since 2003.

Larry R. Shulman has been named the 2027 Detroit Lawyer of the Year for Banking and Finance Law. Shulman represents lenders in loan originations and lenders acting in non-lending capacities, such as trustee or escrow agent. His practice also encompasses loan workouts, contract and other general business matters, and counseling lenders on lender liability issues. Shulman previously received the Detroit Lawyer of the Year award for Banking and Finance Law in 2009, 2016, 2020, and 2025.

•            •            •

Miller Canfield is pleased to announce that Pauline Tohme has joined the firm as an associate in the Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group. She is based in the firm’s Detroit office.

Tohme joins Miller Canfield from the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office, where she served as an assistant prosecuting attorney. In that role, she managed adult and juvenile criminal matters from pretrial through disposition, developing case strategy, assessing evidence, conducting legal research, negotiating with defense counsel and appearing in court.

She brings early-career courtroom experience, including first-chairing three bench trials and one jury trial through verdict and arguing approximately 15 evidentiary hearings involving direct examination of civilian and law enforcement witnesses.

Tohme previously served as a student attorney with the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps’ 82nd Airborne Division, where she worked with military attorneys on civil, criminal and administrative law matters. She also represented military veterans through the University of Michigan Veterans Legal Clinic, including appearing in court, negotiating with opposing counsel and assisting with discovery.

Tohme earned her law degree from the University of Michigan Law School and her bachelor’s degree in political science from Oakland University.  She is admitted to practice in Michigan.
In addition, Miller Canfield is pleased to announce that four of its attorneys have been named to the inaugural Michigan 250 by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.

The local Miller Canfield attorneys recognized are:

Robin Asher, Intellectual Property
Thomas Cranmer, Alternative Dispute Resolution

By Marie E. Matyjaszek 

Back to school is here, much to children’s dismay and parents’ delight. If you are going through a divorce or family law matter, get to know your children’s teachers, assignments, grades and extracurricular activities. While you should be doing this regardless of your relationship status, it is especially important to be in the know when you have a pending family law case.

Joint legal custody allows parties to share in the educational decisions for the minor children, and requires them to agree on what school the kids attend and programs they participate in. Even if you don’t have joint legal custody, MCL 722.30 provides for the noncustodial parent to have access to educational records so he or she can maintain involvement, unless the parent is prohibited due to a protective order. 

Keeping up to date on your child’s education is important for several reasons. The first is obvious – you need to ensure your kids are being provided a good education that meets them at their unique level of development, so they can become thriving members of society. While I don’t know any parents that love parent-teacher conferences, consistent involvement with your child’s educator helps address learning or behavioral issues that may be happening. The last thing you want in court is to hear allegations of issues at school, and you know nothing about them.

Second, your involvement in their homework, conferences, and grades paints a picture of who you are as a parent and helps the court determine whether joint legal custody is appropriate. In fact, one of the best interest factors codified in MCL 722.23 involves the child’s school and community history.

Third, knowing your child’s school schedule and breaks are crucial in creating a successful parenting time schedule. Each year students have multiple records days, professional development and other random days off, and you can request that those be assigned to you for additional parenting time or you can divide them between you and the other party. Most holiday breaks include several days before and after the actual holiday which can be shared between the parties. For parents who live out of state or a significant distance from the children’s primary residence, these extra days can provide opportunities for increasing parenting time. It’s also an opportunity to extend weekend time as these extra days off often fall on a Friday or Monday.

Lastly, the more involved you are in any aspect of your children’s lives shows that you are trying to co-parent. Maybe you and the other party can trade off conferences and party signups, or better yet, attend them together. Showing your children that their parents are a united front will set them up for success.
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Marie E. Matyjaszek is a judicial attorney at the Washtenaw County Trial Court; however, the views expressed in this column are her own. She can be reached by emailing her at matyjasz@hotmail.com.

By Berl Falbaum

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, Abdul El-Sayed apologized, the headlines blared. The media in Michigan was afire and Democrats could not wait to embrace his repentance.

Well, I apologize for looking at his apology with the proverbial grain of salt. Could this, to any degree, result from trying to attract the Jewish vote? Is this about damage control? Nay! I hereby apologize for my cold, unfeeling cynicism.

Throughout my career covering politics, I have always viewed these apologies — whether from the left or right — with suspicion, particularly when issued during a campaign.

More important, I also considered impromptu remarks (like El-Sayed’s that led to the apology) more meaningful than position papers or text of speeches which are sanitized by staff wearing hazmat suits.

What’s more, it only took El-Sayed almost six months and 12,723 staff meetings to tell us that he’s sorry. It reminds me of Brenda Lee’s 1960 hit song, “I’m Sorry,” in which she pleads: “Please accept my apology.  But politics (I replaced “love” with “politics”) is blind and I was too blind to see.”

Some background for those who forgot the episode that brought about El-Sayed’s remorse. In March, a man rammed his truck into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, a man who authorities said, after their investigation had ties to Hezbollah.

El-Sayed’s reaction in an interview: “Hurt people hurt people.”

Now, having scrutinized “political apologies” over the years, I was always intrigued by the language which was generally the same, i.e.  “I take personal responsibility for …” or “If some find my remarks offensive, I apologize.”

Obviously, if someone makes disparaging comments, they need to take responsibility and stating that you regret that some may find your opinions painful, is not apologizing. You regret causing pain not the political views. Sadly, the apologizers are never held to account.

Did El-Sayed straddle the political high wire as well?  You judge. Here is a summary of his apology:

“I made a mistake. If my statement caused pain, I’m sorry. It was not what I intended to do. My comments might have been misconstrued to be justifying [indeed, they might] something I did not intend to justify.”  

He only meant to “offer context” but now was not the time. The time probably will come after the November election.

I think that “apology” speaks for itself. But as long as El-Sayed is in a mea culpa mood, he might offer apologies for the following (this is just a partial list):

—Not acknowledging that Israel has a right to exist. (Incidentally, the question itself reflects an anti-Jew, anti-Israel animus. It is never posed for any of the other 194 countries in the world, including such freedom-loving, democracies as North Korea, Iraq, Iran, China, Russia, etc.)

—For accepting $115,000 from former and present officials of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) which has been designated a terrorist organization by the United Arab Emirates, a Muslim country. Some of the officials have been tied to Hamas.  Besides apologizing, he might return the money.

—Accusing Israel of genocide, a blood libel.

—Partnering and partying with Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, while refusing to repudiate Piker’s anti-Jew, anti-Israel demagoguery.

—Calling Israel a “blood thirsty” country, and describing Israel as  “evil” as Hamas.

—For calling Israel a “rogue” state.

If El-Sayed begins apologizing immediately for just some of his offenses, he might get them all in before the election.

Along the way, he also told us how pleased he was living in Bloomfield Hills with so many Jewish friends. “I’m really honored for what I learned and got to share with my Jewish sisters and brothers.  But they are not the same as AIPAC and Israel.”  

Let’s try that for another minority: “I like blacks in Detroit but they are not the same as in Africa or the NAACP.”

A word about AIPAC: Much was made of the fact that AIPAC spent $30 million in the campaign to defeat El-Sayed.  That is a campaign finance issue and one that needs to — and should be — addressed by Congress. There have been numerous Senate and House campaigns which dwarf that total.  Moreover, the expenditure was not illegal nor did the money come from a designated terrorist organization.  We can be confident, if El-Sayed had such funds in his campaign war chest, he would not hesitate to spend it.

He also has asked for forgiveness, and I hope I will be forgiven for not forgiving.

I’ll conclude with an El-Sayed-type apology: I am sorry if my analysis caused him any pain.
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Berl Falbaum is a veteran journalist and author of 12 books.

(Editor’s Note: This column was first published in December 2021 and discusses alleged voter fraud during the 2020 presidential election. Sadly, the issue is being revisited by the Trump White House as the nation prepares for the 2026 midterm elections in November, making the debunked claims of fraud as relevant now as they were in the aftermath of the 2020 election.)

By Samuel Damren

As the 2022 election cycle starts, Donald Trump’s assertion of “massive” voter fraud in the 2020 Michigan elections will be center stage for candidates running for Secretary of State and other elective offices. Every candidate should be required to squarely address the issue with facts, not conjecture, re-tweets or conspiracy theories. The question is whether citizen elections in Michigan should be overthrown by legislators when constituents voice “concerns” about election procedures, but can’t provide proof of voter fraud.

Unlike most practitioners, I have prior experience gained as an Assistant United States Attorney in investigating voter fraud. Before the 1980 elections, the Detroit office of the FBI received information claiming voter fraud had occurred in a city of less than 50,000 residents within the Eastern District of Michigan. The leads were scanty, but the U. S. Attorney took it seriously and launched a grand jury investigation complimented by a separate FBI field office investigation.

Voter fraud leaves an unmistakable trail. The name, address and registration information for every voter voting in an election is recorded in a public record.

Thus, if there was a fraudulent vote, that vote is necessarily tied to the name of a registered voter. No one votes in Michigan or any other state anonymously.

To begin an investigation into voter fraud, voting registration records can be cross referenced to other records to disclose false addresses, criminal records, driver’s license, death certificates, and other records.

Forty years ago, the task was laborious. Today, it is easy. The linchpin remains the same. If a vote was fraudulent, that vote is attached to the name of a registered voter. Thus, if any candidate for elective office in Michigan in 2022 believes there were fraudulent votes in the 2020 Michigan election, the candidate should back up their claims by providing the names of the registered voters in whose name those fraudulent votes were cast.

Candidates harboring “concerns” with election procedures have plenty of time to compile a list of these names before the primary season. Besides getting campaign supporters to cross reference registered voters with other lists on the internet to check addresses, residency and death certificates, here are some helpful hints. Contact the losers in the 2020 election – Democrat, Republican or other. Ask them if they believe they lost the election because of fraudulent votes cast in favor of their opponent and then ask them for the voter names. If fraud occurred, these folks are the ones who should care the most about it.

To my knowledge, no candidate in Michigan’s 2020 election — other than Donald Trump — claims that he or she lost an election because of voter fraud. Donald Trump lost the Michigan vote for president by 154,852 votes. He has yet to provide the name of a single registered voter in whose name a vote was fraudulently cast, much less 154,853 fraudulent votes cast for Joe Biden.

Some critics of the 2020 Michigan election results suggest that there were “irregularities” in election procedures. However, these critics do not claim that those “irregularities” resulted in voter fraud, nor have they connected any so-called “irregularity” in election procedures to the name of one registered voter in whose name a fraudulent vote was cast in the 2020 election.

Other critics, sadly lawyers for the most part, alleged in the immediate aftermath of the 2020 election that fraudulent machinations were at play in the compilation of votes. To date, these conspiracy theorists have yet to produce any proof, much less admissible evidence, of the existence of any such operations by naming the election officials and providing the place, time and the specifics of the voter fraud, including the names of registered voters whose votes were fraudulently recorded.

Recently, Trump lawyers who filed lawsuits making these assertions were sanctioned over $150,000 by a federal court for asserting frivolous claims.

As the U. S. Congressional hearings on the January 6 insurrection are beginning to expose, these claims and similar lawsuits in other states were purposefully manufactured as part of a larger scheme by the Trump White House to create cover for Republican controlled legislatures to throw out the results of the popular vote in the 2020 elections in Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Georgia and to designate a slate of Trump electors to the electoral college. No state succumbed to the pressure.

The very existence of this scheme, however unrealized, makes the issue a fair question to be addressed by every candidate for office in the upcoming 2022 election cycle — Would you have approved of the Michigan legislature throwing out the popular vote in the 2020 election and designating a slate of Trump electors to the electoral college? Would you approve such actions in the future?

What proof would you require? Would “irregularities” in election procedures justify the legislature throwing out the popular vote in an election absent proof that those irregularities resulted in fraudulent votes sufficient in number to change the outcome of an election?

What happened with the federal grand jury and FBI investigation 40 years ago?

Nothing was uncovered that led to a concern about the election results. FBI investigators did find a handful of votes by dead people and non-residents. In all but a few instances, city officials had caught those problems themselves and did not count the votes. My personal conclusion was that the original claims of voter fraud were made to gain political advantage. As the investigation had not garnered public notice, no grand jury report was issued and no matters occurring before the grand jury were disclosed then or now.

Although no findings were made by the grand jury, the end result is similar to a 2021 investigation of the 2020 Michigan election conducted by the Bi-Partisan Michigan Senate Oversight Committee. That committee, however, did publish a 35-page report concluding that “citizens should be confident the results represent the true results of the ballots cast by the people of Michigan.”

That being said, if any candidate for office in the upcoming 2022 Michigan elections chooses to dispute the conclusion of the Bi-Partisan Committee, all they have to do is give us the names of the registered voters in whose name fraudulent votes were cast.

If candidates who question the results of the 2020 Michigan elections, won’t or can’t give us the names, then their refusal or inability to do so will provide voters with insight into their possible motivations for making such unsupported claims. That insight might also bear on their qualifications to hold office.

In the future, Michigan’s elected officials may be called upon at personal risk to place democratic principles above party affiliation. Every candidate – Republican, Democrat, Independent and other — should be held without equivocation to that standard of courage and devotion to America’s democracy.
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Samuel Damren is a retired Detroit lawyer and author of “What Justice Looks Like.”

David R. Stechow recently rejoined the Construction Law Practice Group of Plunkett Cooney. 

Admitted to practice in state and federal courts in Michigan, Stechow focuses his practice on various areas of complex litigation, including construction law, product liability and premises liability in residential, commercial and industrial settings. 

Stechow, who is a member of the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office, has litigated jury trials and handled arbitrations on behalf of builders, contractors, management companies, manufacturers and suppliers. He represents his clients in litigation matters involving property and personal injury claims resulting from construction deficiencies or fire and explosions. Many of these cases include property destruction, serious injury or death.

Stechow attended Southern Methodist University and received his undergraduate degree in 1992 from Michigan State University. He received his law degree in 1996 from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Stechow is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and ALFA International. Since 2010, he has served as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA).

Stechow was named the Best Lawyers® 2026 Construction Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Detroit and has also been selected by Best Lawyers in America® for construction law, construction litigation and product liability litigation. He has also achieved Martindale-Hubbell’s highest rating of AV-Preeminent Peer Review. 

Plunkett Cooney is also pleased to announce that 33 attorneys were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

In addition to inclusion on the list this year, in Bloomfield Hills,  Mary Massaron was named the Best Lawyers® 2027 Appellate Practice “Lawyer of the Year” and Courtney M. Nichols was recognized as the Best Lawyers® 2027 Employment Law - Management “Lawyer of the Year.” 

Following is the list of local Plunkett Cooney attorneys who have received the 2027 Best Lawyers designation:

D. Jennifer Andreou (Detroit) – Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants
Michael P. Ashcraft (Bloomfield Hills) – Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants
Douglas C. Bernstein (Bloomfield Hills) – Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Banking and Finance Litigation, Mortgage Banking 
Foreclosure Law and Real Estate Law
Matthew J. Boettcher (Bloomfield Hills) – Commercial Litigation, Banking and Finance Litigation, Banking and Finance Litigation and Real Estate Litigation
Charles W. Browning (Bloomfield Hills) – Insurance Law
Jeffrey C. Gerish (Bloomfield Hills) – Appellate Practice
Howard B. Goldman (Bloomfield Hills) – Real Estate Law
Ellen B. Jannette (Bloomfield Hills) – Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants
Marc P. Jerabek (Bloomfield Hills) – Commercial Litigation and Real Estate Law
Mark S. Kopson (Bloomfield Hills) – Health Care Law
David A. Lerner (Bloomfield Hills) – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Scott K. Lites (Bloomfield Hills) – Corporate Law and Real Estate Law
Frank T. Mamat (Bloomfield Hills) – Construction Law, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management and Labor and Employment Litigation
Robert A. Marzano (Bloomfield Hills) – Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants
Mary Massaron (Bloomfield Hills) – Appellate Practice
Lauren B. McMillen (Bloomfield Hills) – Insurance Law
Kenneth C. Newa (Bloomfield Hills) – Insurance Law
Courtney M. Nichols (Bloomfield Hills) – Employment Law – Management and Labor and Employment Litigation
Elaine M. Pohl (Bloomfield Hills) – Insurance Law and Insurance Litigation
Michael K. Sheehy (Detroit) – Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Scott H. Sirich (Bloomfield Hills) – Construction Law and Litigation
Matthew J. Stanczyk (Detroit) – Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
David R. Stechow (Bloomfield Hills) – Construction Law and Litigation and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Patrick E. Winters (Bloomfield Hills) – Insurance Law and Insurance Litigation
L. Jeffrey Zauberman (Bloomfield Hills) – Banking and Finance Law

In addition, nine Plunkett Cooney attorneys, who are early in their careers, were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America™.

Below are the local Plunkett Cooney attorneys who have received 2027 Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch in America™” recognition:

—Bloomfield Hills
Arturo Alfaro – Immigration Law and Transportation Law
Erik Bradberry – Labor and Employment Law – Management and Labor and Employment Litigation
Danielle Chidiac – Insurance Law
Briana L. Combs – Appellate Practice
Michael D. Hanchett – Municipal Law
Joseph A. Peterson – Tax Litigation and Controversy and Tax Law
Robert M. Unatin – Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law and Personal Injury Litigation

•            •            •

Butzel has been named to The Legal 500 U.S. City Elite Rankings 2026 list in the area of Commercial Disputes. Firm attorneys recognized in this category include: Bernard J. Fuhs, Cynthia J. Haffey, 
Daniel R.W. Rustmann and Bruce L. Sendek. Butzel attorney Justin G. Klimko has been recognized in the Corporate and Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) category.

Fuhs is a “Bet-the-Company” litigator specializing in non-compete and trade secret matters and complex shareholder disputes. He has litigated matters or counseled clients in all 50 states. Fuhs is a shareholder and vice president of Butzel and serves on the firm’s Board of Directors. 

Haffey serves as a co-chair of Butzel’s Automotive Industry Team and Global Automotive Coordinating Committee. She also is co-chair of the firm’s Alternative Fee Committee and is a member of the Mexico International Team. Her practice is focused on commercial litigation with a specialty in automotive supply chain and intellectual property disputes. Haffey counsels and represents Fortune 500 companies and entities of all sizes. 

Rustmann has devoted his practice to helping clients solve complex business disputes, primarily in the automotive industry. He has represented clients in numerous areas, including product liability defense, Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) warranty, and product defect/recall litigation, class action litigation, and other commercial contract litigation and arbitration. He frequently serves as an arbitrator, mediator, and court-appointed special master in resolution of automotive industry and other commercial disputes and is a regular speaker and commentator on automotive industry legal issues.

Sendek has counseled corporations and individuals for more than 40 years. He is recognized for his experience in litigating complex disputes involving a wide range of corporate and commercial matters. Sendek has trial and appellate experience in federal and state courts and has arbitrated and mediated numerous commercial disputes.

Klimko, a business law practitioner, has experience in mergers and acquisitions, finance, governance, securities law, legal opinions in business transactions and business law generally. He also is a leader in the development of Michigan’s business law. Klimko is a past chair of the State Bar of Michigan Business Law Section and served as president and CEO of Butzel for 13 years.

In addition, 90 Butzel attorneys have been chosen by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2027. 

The following local attorneys have been named “Lawyer of the Year” – Phillip C. Korovesis (Mediation) – Detroit; Jennifer E. Consiglio Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) – Troy; and Damien DuMouchel (Criminal Defense: White-Collar) – Troy.

The following local Butzel attorneys have been named to Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch: Christopher J. Ammori (Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)) – Detroit; Conor M. Bowers (Litigation and Controversy – Tax and Tax Law) – Troy; Ashley Fernandez Cook (Commercial Litigation and Litigation – Intellectual Property) – Troy; Steven Eatherly (Appellate Practice and Commercial Litigation) – Detroit; Marcella Eid (Commercial Litigation) – Detroit; Yasmeen Farran (Immigration Law) – Detroit; Natalia A. Grasso (Commercial Litigation) – Detroit; Kevin Lynch (Commercial Litigation) – Troy; Thomas Nolan (Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs) – Detroit; Sarah Nirenberg (Labor and Employment - Management and Litigation – Labor and Employment) – Troy; Shanika A. Owens (Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions and Real Estate Law) Detroit; Blake Padget (Labor and Employment Law – Management and Litigation – Labor and Employment) – Troy; Josephine M. Parrinello (Trusts and Estates) – Troy; Zachary Revoldt (Commercial Litigation) – Detroit; Katya Rowley (Commercial Litigation); – Detroit; and Quendale G. Simmons (Commercial Litigation) – Detroit.

The following local Butzel attorneys were selected for the 2027 edition:

—Detroit office
Geaneen M. Arends, Corporate Law, International Mergers and Acquisitions, Real Estate Law
Frederick A. Berg, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Litigation – Environmental, Product Liability Litigation - Defendants, Real Estate Law
James C. Bruno, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, International Mergers and Acquisitions, International Trade and Finance Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Arthur Dudley II, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Darius Dynkowski, Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Real Estate Law
Eric J. Flessland, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Litigation – Construction
Bernard J. Fuhs, Commercial Litigation
Cynthia J. Haffey, Commercial Litigation
John P. Hancock Jr., Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
Justin G. Klimko, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Corporate Compliance Law, Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Securities/Capital Markets Law, Securities Regulation
Phillip C. Korovesis, Arbitration, Commercial Litigation, Mediation
Mark R. Lezotte, Health Care Law, Nonprofit/Charities Law, Tax Law
Clara DeMatteis Mager, Immigration Law
Derek G. McBride, Real Estate Law
Paul M. Mersino, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Construction
Brett J. Miller, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment 
Donald B. Miller, Commercial Litigation, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions - Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Derek Mullins, Commercial Litigation
Reginald A. Pacis, Immigration Law
James S. Rosenfeld, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
Daniel R.W. Rustmann, Commercial Litigation, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Bruce L. Sendek, Commercial Litigation
John C. Valenti, Commercial Litigation, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants

—Troy office
Linda J. Armstrong, Immigration Law
D. Scott Brinkmann, Real Estate Law
Barbara E. Buchanan, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
Jennifer E. Consiglio, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Rebecca S. Davies, Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
Michael C. Decker, Litigation – Construction
Matthew S. Derby, Employment Law – Management
David J. DeVine, Commercial Litigation
Carey A. DeWitt, Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment, Trade Secrets Law
Michael P. Donnelly, Commercial Litigation, Corporate Law
George B. Donnini, Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense, White-Collar
W. Patrick Dreisig, Banking and Finance Law, Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law, Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Damien DuMouchel, Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense, White-Collar
David F. DuMouchel, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law, Health Care Law, Litigation – Antitrust, Litigation – Environmental, Litigation – Health Care
Geoffrey S. Gallinger, Corporate Law, Real Estate Law
Amy L. Glenn, Litigation – Trusts and Estates, Trusts and Estates
Beth S. Gotthelf, Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental
David W. Hipp, Real Estate Law
Robert A. Hudson, Corporate Law, International Trade and Finance Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Laura E. Johnson, Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, Trusts and Estates
Susan L. Johnson, Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental
Thomas A. Kabel, Banking and Finance Law, Real Estate Law
Sheldon H. Klein, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Antitrust
William J. Kliffel, Commercial Litigation, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Bushra A. Malik, Immigration Law
Daniel J. McCarthy, Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation
Max J. Newman, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/ Insolvency and Reorganization Law Commercial Litigation
Scott T. Patterson, Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment 
Robert P. Perry, Trusts and Estates
Ryan C. Plecha, Commercial Litigation
Steven R. Pohl, Corporate Law
R. Peter Prokop, Corporate Law, Tax Law
Thomas B. Radom, Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/ Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Commercial Litigation
Richard E. Rassel, Commercial Litigation
Joseph E. Richotte, Appellate Practice
Craig S. Schwartz, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment 
Robert H. Schwartz, Health Care Law, Litigation – Health Care, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Daniel Soleimani, Corporate Law
David W. Sommerfeld, Litigation – Trusts and Estates, Trusts and Estates
Daniel B. Tukel, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
Roxana Zaha, Real Estate Law

•            •            •

On Tuesday, August 4, Michael C. Martin was sworn in as the newest United States District Court judge for the Eastern District of Michigan. Martin was sworn in at a ceremony at the Theodore Levin Courthouse in Detroit by Chief Judge Stephen J. Murphy III.

Martin was nominated by President Donald J. Trump on May 11, 2026. He was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on a bipartisan basis on July 22, 2026, and the president signed his commission on July 29, 2026.

Martin previously worked as a federal prosecutor for more than 20 years. He most recently served as chief of the Criminal Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. He also served that office as chief of the National Security Unit, deputy criminal chief and executive assistant U.S. attorney. As an assistant U.S. attorney, Martin tried terrorism, espionage, theft of trade secrets, export control, and smuggling cases. He has also prosecuted cases involving conspiracy to murder, gangs, drugs, and guns. 

Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Martin was a trial attorney in the Counterespionage Section within the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.

Martin is a graduate of the Boston College Law School. After law school, he was a law clerk to U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Hugh H. Bownes, First Circuit, and for U.S. District Court Judge Edward F. Harrington, the District of Massachusetts. Prior to law school, Martin served as an analyst with the Central Intelligence Agency.

Martin fills the vacancy that arose when former Chief Judge Sean F. Cox retired in July 2025.

•            •            •

Michigan Auto Law is celebrating another year of professional recognition, with attorneys earning honors from both Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America.

Eighteen Michigan Auto Law attorneys have been selected to the 2026 Super Lawyers and Michigan Rising Stars lists, while 14 attorneys have been recognized among The Best Lawyers in America and The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch for 2027. 

Michigan Auto Law attorney Steven Gursten was named Lawyer of the Year for 2027 by The Best Lawyers in America®.   He was recognized for his work representing car, truck and motorcycle accident victims in litigation in Metro Detroit and throughout the state.

The Michigan Auto Law attorneys named to the list of 2026 Super Lawyers are Steven M. Gursten, Brandon M. Hewitt, Derek J. Brackon, Jeffrey A. Bussell, Timothy A. Holland, Rick J. Houghton, Christopher C. Hunter, Richard A. Moore, Kevin H. Seiferheld, Joshua R. Terebelo, and Jeremy R. Tiedt.

The Michigan Auto Law attorneys named to the Super Lawyers list of Michigan Rising Stars for 2026 are Elona Asimetaj, Jordan M. Ewald, Alexander P. Kemp, Marco C. Masciulli, Matthew C. Rossi, Mark E. Servais, and Laura Skenderas.

The Michigan Auto Law attorneys named among The Best Lawyers in America 2027 are Steven M. Gursten, Lawrence E. Gursten, Kevin H. Seiferheld, Jeffrey A. Bussell, Brandon M. Hewitt, Joshua R. Terebelo, Christopher C. Hunter, Richard A. Moore, and Derek J. Brackon.

Michigan Auto Law’s attorneys were honored as among The Best Lawyers in America in the category of “Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs.” 

The Michigan Auto Law attorneys named among The Best Lawyers in America 2027: Ones to Watch are Jordan M. Ewald, Alexander P. Kemp, Matthew C. Rossi, Mark E. Servais, and Laura Skenderas.

•            •            •

J.J. Conway Law is pleased to announce that firm founder John Joseph (J.J.) Conway has again been named a Best Lawyer, landing on The Best Lawyers in America 2027 edition. 

This year’s inclusion on Best Lawyers sees Conway’s practice areas of distinction doubling from two practice areas in the 2026 edition – where he made his debut appearance – to four practice areas in the 2027 edition, as follows:

Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Health Care Law (new to the 2027 edition)
Litigation - ERISA
Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs (new to the 2027 edition)

•            •            •

Fishman Stewart PLLC is pleased to announce that four firm partners have been included in The Best Lawyers in America, 2027 edition. The recognition is a multiple, consecutive year honor for the Fishman Stewart attorneys, listed below in their noted practice areas of distinction.

Kameron Bonner—recognized in the practice areas of Litigation - Intellectual Property and Patent Law, Bonner has been recognized by Best Lawyers since 2022.

Michael D. Fishman—recognized in the practice areas of Trademark Law and Litigation - Intellectual Property, co-founder and Partner Fishman has been included in Best Lawyers since 2012.

Barbara L. Mandell—A multi-year honoree since 2018, Mandell has been recognized in the practice area of Litigation–Intellectual Property.

Michael B. Stewart—Achieving Best Lawyers recognition since 2007, firm co-founder and CEO Stewart has been recognized in four practice areas: Litigation–Intellectual Property, Litigation–Patent, Patent Law, and Trademark Law.

•            •            •

Williams, Williams, Rattner, & Plunkett (WWRP) is pleased to announce that 13 partners have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2027 edition. The following WWRP attorneys have received the Best Lawyers designation in their respective categories of distinction:

Alexander A. Ayar—Litigation - Real Estate
Robert S. Bick—Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law; Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
John W. Crowe—Corporate Law
James P. Cunningham—Family Law
Brian E. Etzel—Commercial Litigation; Employment Law – Individuals
John D. Gaber—Litigation – Real Estate
Robert B. Labe—Trusts and Estates
Jason C. Long—Land Use and Zoning Law; Real Estate Law
Jerome Pesick—Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law; Real Estate Law
David E. Plunkett—Commercial Litigation
Richard E. Rassel III—Commercial Litigation
Richard D. Rattner—Copyright Law; Land Use and Zoning Law; Litigation – Land Use and Zoning; Litigation – Real Estate; Real Estate Law
C. Kim Shierk—Corporate Law; Land Use and Zoning Law; Real Estate Law

In addition to being named a Best Lawyer, Shierk has been awarded 2027 Best Lawyers regional “Lawyer of the Year”‘ honors in the category of Land Use and Zoning Law. She was previously awarded Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” honor, also in Land Use and Zoning Law, in the 2025 edition. The latest acknowledgement follows Shierk being named by Crain’s Detroit Business as a Notable Woman in Law in February 2026. 

At WWRP, Shierk represents real estate developers in all aspects of land development: zoning approvals and entitlements, property acquisition, construction and permanent financing, development 
agreements, construction contracts and leasing. Her practice also encompasses telecommunications law and land use.

•            •            •

McKeen & Associates has been named a 2026 Best Law Firm for Plaintiffs Medical Malpractice Litigation and Plaintiffs Personal Injury Litigation by Best Lawyers.

In addition, seven firm attorneys were recognized in the 2026 Best Lawyers rankings. Brian McKeen, Andrew Kay, Kenneth Lee, Todd Schroder, and David Tirella were honored for Plaintiffs Medical Malpractice Litigation and Plaintiffs Personal Injury Litigation, while John LaParl and Norman Rosen were recognized for Plaintiffs Medical Malpractice Litigation.

The firm also earned recognition on the 2026 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® list, which highlights emerging leaders in the legal profession. Jeffrey Bomber was recognized for Appellate Practice, and Alyssa Emery was recognized for Medical Malpractice Litigation.

•            •            •

Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that Allison Bach (member, Detroit) has been named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2026 Influential Women of Law.

“I am honored to be selected by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a member of their 2026 Influential Women of Law Class. This list is filled with such talented and accomplished women, and it’s a privilege to be included among their ranks,” said Bach.

Bach is a corporate attorney with experience in matters spanning a range of complex commercial transactions and business issues, with a particular focus on mergers and acquisitions. She brings her background in insolvency and restructuring to the table and advises her clients on finance and insolvency-related matters. 

Bach is recognized as a leader in her field by Best Lawyers in America, The Legal 500, and DBusiness Top Lawyers. She is a member of various organizations, including the State Bar of Michigan Business Law Section and the American Bankruptcy Institute. Bach received her law degree from Wayne State University Law School.

Dickinson Wright is also pleased to announce that three local attorneys have been named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2026 Michigan Legal 250:

Jason Z. Brainer, Nonprofits
William T. Burgess, Business Transactions
Daniel D. Quick, Business Litigation

•            •            •

Bodman PLC is pleased to announce that Rebecca C. Seguin-Skrabucha has joined the Board of Directors of the Society for Human Resource Management of Oakland and Macomb counties (OakMac SHRM) as legislative director.

As legislative director, Seguin-Skrabucha will help keep members informed on the latest employment legislation, regulatory updates, and public policy developments impacting the workplace.

Seguin-Skrabucha is vice chair of Bodman’s Workplace Law Practice Group, where she advises employers, including municipal governments and businesses of all sizes, on compliance with state and federal employment and labor laws. Her practice includes helping employers establish best practices across all stages of employment, conducting workplace investigations and management training, and defending employers against claims in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies.

A frequent author and presenter on labor and employment law topics, Seguin-Skrabucha has been recognized by several organizations and publications for the quality of her work and her client service skills. She has been named a “Go-To Lawyer” for employment law by Michigan Lawyers Weekly, “One to Watch” by The Best Lawyers in America, a “Top Lawyer” by DBusiness Magazine, and a “Rising Star” by Michigan Super Lawyers.

Bodman is also pleased to announce that Michelle Thurber Czapski, a member in the firm’s Troy office, has been named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2026 Influential Women of Law list.

Czapski is co-chair of Bodman’s Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution Practice Group and chair of the firm’s Insurance Practice Group. With more than three decades of experience, she represents major corporate clients in litigation and alternative dispute resolution proceedings and counsels clients on business disputes, claims, risk management, and strategic decision-making. 

Czapski is a Fellow of the Michigan State Bar Foundation, a national director on the Board of Directors of the Defense Research Institute, and a master of the bench with the Detroit Bar Association Chapter of the American Inns of Court.

In addition, Bodman is pleased to announce that 55 of the firm’s attorneys have been included in the 2026 edition of Michigan Super Lawyers and Michigan Rising Stars.

The local Bodman attorneys listed in Michigan Super Lawyers 2026 (by office location, including practice area) are:

—Detroit
Marc M. Bakst (Bankruptcy: Business)
Andrew H. Curoe (Estate & Probate)
Robert J. Diehl Jr. (Creditor Debtor Rights)
Nathan D. Dupes (Business Litigation)
David P. Larsen (Estate & Probate)
Ralph E. McDowell (Bankruptcy: Business)
Jeffrey G. Raphelson (Business Litigation)
Joseph J. Shannon (Business Litigation)
Larry R. Shulman (Banking)
Jaimee L. Witten (Creditor Debtor Rights)

—Troy
Adam Behrendt (Business Litigation)
John T. Below (Employment & Labor)
David C. Bosman (Banking)
Steven R. Cole (Tax)
Michelle Thurber Czapski (Business Litigation)
Stephen P. Dunn (Business Litigation)
Gary S. Fealk (Employment Litigation: Defense)
Nicholas P. Scavone Jr. (Real Estate)

The Bodman attorneys selected for Michigan Rising Stars 2026 are:

—Detroit
Christopher A. Attar (Tax)
Zachary J. Bialick (Estate & Probate)
Emily A. Cross (Business Litigation)
Sarah L. Cylkowski (Business Litigation)
Fawzeih H. Daher (Business Litigation)
Mackenzie E. Dayfield (Employment & Labor)
Holly A. Hubert (Technology Transactions)
Chelsey L. Jones (Banking)
Kelly M. Lockman (Real Estate)
Alexandra C. Markel (Business Litigation)
Amanda McSween Empey (Employment & Labor)
Nashara A.L. Peart (Business Litigation)
Christopher J. Rambus (Estate & Probate)
Matthew A. Slipchuk (Mergers & Acquisitions)
Katherine A. Zannetti (Banking)

—Troy
Donovan S. Asmar (Business Litigation)
John (Jack) Kelly (Real Estate)
Michelle L. Kolkmeyer (Employment & Labor)
Rebecca C. Seguin-Skrabucha (Employment & Labor)
Kyle W. Traver (Business/Corporate)

Bodman is also pleased to share that 79 of its attorneys have been listed in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Local Bodman attorneys listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2027 including the practice areas under which they are listed, are:

—Detroit
Hebba Aref (Banking and Finance Law)
Marc M. Bakst (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation – Bankruptcy)
Eric C. Bartley (Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law, Real Estate Law)
Melissa K. Bridges (Banking and Finance Law)
Andrew H. Curoe (Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Trusts and Estates)
Sarah L. Cylkowski (Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Insurance)
Brandon M. Dalziel (Health Care Law)
Jessica L. Davis (Banking and Finance Law)
Robert J. Diehl Jr. (Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Litigation – Banking and Finance, Litigation – Bankruptcy)
Forrest O. Dillon (Corporate Law)
Fredrick J. Dindoffer (Environmental Law, Litigation – Environmental)
Christopher J. Dine (Nonprofit / Charities Law)
Anthony T. Finn (Banking and Finance Law)
Brian P. Foley (Banking and Finance Law, Real Estate Law)
Aaron D. Graves (Employment Law – Management)
Scott P. Gyorke (Banking and Finance Law)
David M. Hempstead (Trusts and Estates)
Kathleen O’Callaghan Hickey (Banking and Finance Law)
George G. Kemsley (Commercial Litigation)
Joseph J. Kochanek (Banking and Finance Law)
David P. Larsen (Litigation – Trusts and Estates, Trusts and Estates)
Marguerite Munson Lentz (Trusts and Estates)
Melissa A. Lewis (Banking and Finance Law)
Carla S. Machnik (Banking and Finance Law)
Ralph E. McDowell (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Litigation – Bankruptcy)
Adam B. Norlander (Banking and Finance Law)
Michael B. Peterman (Banking and Finance Law, Real Estate Law)
Jane Derse Quasarano (Commercial Litigation)
Jeffrey G. Raphelson (Commercial Litigation, Commercial Transactions / UCC Law, Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants)
Thomas J. Rheaume Jr. (Commercial Litigation)
Damali A. Sahu (Banking and Finance Law)
Nicholas P. Scavone Jr. (Banking and Finance Law, Real Estate Law)
Joseph J. Shannon (Commercial Litigation)
Bonnie S. Sherr (Banking and Finance Law)
Larry R. Shulman (Banking and Finance Law)
Brian R. Trumbauer (Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Litigation – Bankruptcy)
Jaimee L. Witten (Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships))

—Troy
Donovan S. Asmar (Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law)
Adam Behrendt (Litigation – Banking and Finance)
John T. Below (Commercial Litigation, Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment)
David C. Bosman (Banking and Finance Law)
Barbara A. Bowman (Banking and Finance Law, Municipal Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law)
Kerry K. Cahill (Employment Law – Individuals, Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment)
John C. Cashen (Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Qui Tam Law)
Steven R. Cole (Corporate Law, Tax Law)
Michael G. Costello (Commercial Litigation, Corporate Law, Insurance Law)
Anthony P. Cracchiolo (Trusts and Estates)
Michelle Thurber Czapski (Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law, Litigation – Insurance)
Andrea M. DeFrain (Trusts and Estates)
Gregory D. DeGrazia (Trademark Law)
Gary S. Fealk (Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management)
Gregory J. Gamalski (Real Estate Law)
Jennifer A. Goulah (Real Estate Law)
Michael B. Lewiston (Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Real Estate, Litigation – Trusts and Estates)
Mark W. Peters (Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law)
Kenneth J. Sachs (Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law)
Andrew Z. Spilkin (Real Estate Law)
Thomas Van Dusen (Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Trusts and Estates)
David B. Walters (Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law)
Glen M. Zatz (Real Estate Law)

Also listed in the 2027 edition of the highly respected publication Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America were 17 Bodman attorneys.

Local Bodman attorneys listed in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, including the practice areas under which they are listed, are:

—Detroit
Emily A. Cross (Administrative / Regulatory Law, Commercial Litigation)
Fawzeih H. Daher (Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation)
Michelle L. Kolkmeyer (Labor and Employment Law – Management)
Alexandra C. Markel (Commercial Litigation)
Travis J. Peterson (Insurance Law, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants)
Christopher J. Rambus (Tax Law, Trusts and Estates)
Erica J. Sarver (Commercial Litigation)
Matthew A. Slipchuk (Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Tax Law)
Annalise Lekas Surnow (Health Care Law)

—Troy
Rebecca C. Seguin-Skrabucha (Labor and Employment Law – Management)
Kyle W. Traver (Corporate Law)

Bodman is also pleased to announce that Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s Legal 250 list for 2026 features Brian R. Trumbauer (Creditors’ Rights).

Trumbauer focuses his practice on debtor-creditor rights and bankruptcy, with a particular emphasis on representing banks and other financial institutions in loan workouts, commercial bankruptcy cases, and troubled credit situations. He has represented secured and unsecured creditors, debtors, trustees, creditors’ committees, and other interested parties in bankruptcy cases and debtor-creditor disputes. He also has represented Tier 1 automotive companies and other manufacturing companies in bankruptcy and troubled supplier situations. 

Trumbauer previously served as a member of a standing Advisory Committee to the Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

•            •            •

Miller Canfield is pleased to announce that Richard D. Key has joined the firm as an associate in the Corporate and Transactions Group. He is based in the firm’s Troy office.

Key brings a combination of legal, business and government-contracting experience, with a background in the aerospace and defense industries. Most recently, he served as a government contracts manager at GE Aerospace, where he managed a $350 million portfolio of U.S. government defense contracts involving military engine programs and worked with government and internal stakeholders on contract negotiations, compliance and risk management.

His experience also includes advising on federal contracting requirements and export controls, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Earlier in his career at GE Aerospace, he held roles focused on government property, logistics, quality, and regulatory compliance.

Key earned both his law degree and MBA, with a concentration in marketing, from DePaul University and his bachelor’s degree in political science from Northeastern University.

Miller Canfield is also pleased to announce that 40 of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 Michigan, Illinois and Ohio editions of Super Lawyers and Super Lawyers Rising Stars.  Several local Miller Canfield lawyers were also named to Super Lawyers’ 2026 top lists. They are:

Matthew P. Allen, Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers
Thomas W. Cranmer, Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers, Top 10 Michigan Super Lawyers
Gerald J. Gleeson, Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers
Amy M. Johnston: Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers
Sonal Hope Mithani: Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers
Megan P. Norris, Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers, Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers

In addition, Miller Canfield is pleased to announce that 100 of the firm’s lawyers in Michigan, Illinois and Ohio have been named in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers in America. Fourteen of those are on the “Ones to Watch” list, rcognized in 57 service areas.

Additionally, several of the firm’s local attorneys earned Lawyer of the Year recognition:

Gerald Gleeson II, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Criminal Defense: General Practice
Scott Lesser, Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law
Patrick McGow, Public Finance Law
Michael Palizzi, Litigation – Intellectual Property
Julianne Cassin Sharp, Immigration Law
Richard Walawender, International Trade and Finance Law

•            •            •

Dykema announced that 29 of its attorneys from the firm’s Michigan offices—and from multiple practice areas—were named to the 2026 Super Lawyers list by Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine. 
Additionally, 23 of the firm’s attorneys were named to the 2026 Michigan Rising Stars list.

The local Dykema attorneys named on the 2026 Michigan Super Lawyers list, identified by office and the practice area(s) for which they are being recognized, are:

—Bloomfield Hills
Laura C. Baucus – Business Litigation; Creditor Debtor Rights
Brendan J. Cahill – Business & Corporate; Mergers & Acquisitions; Securities & Corporate Finance
Mark D. Chutkow – White Collar Crimes; Business Litigation
Michael P. Cooney – Products Liability; Business Litigation; Class Action & Mass Torts: Defense; Intellectual Property Litigation
Jovan Dragovic – Healthcare; Business Litigation
James P. Feeney – Products Liability; Civil Litigation; Class Action & Mass Torts
Adam M. Fishkind – Real Estate; Banking; Creditor Debtor Rights
Alan M. Greene – Land Use & Zoning; Eminent Domain; Construction Litigation
Nazneen Hasan – Estate Planning & Probate; Estate & Trust Litigation
Kyle R. Hauberg – Real Estate
Joseph H. Hickey – Business Litigation
Howard B. Iwrey – Antitrust Litigation; Franchise & Dealership
Eric S. Klein – Healthcare
Mark G. Malven – Technology Transactions; Mergers & Acquisitions; Business & Corporate
Brian M. Moore – Business Litigation; General Litigation; Real Estate
Brian T. Smith – Products Liability; Personal Injury

—Detroit
Lisa A. Brown – Business Litigation; General Litigation
James R. Case– Construction Litigation; Surety
Sherrie L. Farrell – General Litigation; Business Litigation; Bankruptcy
Grant P. Gilezan – Environmental; Environmental Litigation; Lobbying
James F. Hermon – Employment Litigation; Employment & Labor
John F. Rhoades – Business Litigation
Thomas M. Schehr – Business Litigation

The local Dykema attorneys named on the 2026 Michigan Rising Stars list, identified by office and the practice area(s) for which they are being recognized, are:

—Bloomfield Hills
Nardeen Dalli – Tax
Joseph Duffy – Business Litigation; Antitrust Litigation; Appellate
Claire Glenn – Environmental; Real Estate
Jonathan Kama Jr. – Products Liability; Business Litigation
Samuel Kilberg – Real Estate
Thomas N. Lurie Jr. – Products Liability
Tanya M. Murray – Products Liability
Victoria E. Remus – Estate Planning & Probate; Tax
Tina Toma – Business Litigation
Connor Walby – Class Action & Mass Torts; Products Liability; Business Litigation
Ryan Warsh – Real Estate
Robert Zak – Estate Planning & Probate

—Detroit
Matthew R. Cassar – Business Litigation; Construction Litigation; Products Liability
Giuliano D. Mancini – Real Estate
Michelle Mayfield – Business Litigation
Ryan J. VanOver – Appellate; Business Litigation

Dykema also recently announced that 214 of its attorneys, in multiple practice areas and markets, have been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2027 guide and the Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch” list. Additionally, attorneys from the firm have earned 15 Best Lawyers 2027 “Lawyer of the Year” distinctions.

The local Dykema attorneys named Best Lawyers 2027 “Lawyers of the Year,” identified by office location and the practice area for which they are being recognized, are:

—Detroit
Michael P. Cooney – Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Todd Grant Gattoni – Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants

The local Dykema attorneys listed in the 2027 Best Lawyers in America guide, identified by office location and the practice areas for which they have been recognized, are:

—Bloomfield Hills 
James G. Aldrich Jr. – Immigration Law
Laura Baucus – Banking and Finance Law; Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Banking and Finance
Jennifer L. Beidel – Criminal Defense: White-Collar
John D. Black – Commercial Litigation; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Brendan J. Cahill – Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Amy M. Christen – Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Mark D. Chutkow – Commercial Litigation; Criminal Defense: White-Collar
Michael G. Cumming – Tax Law; Trusts and Estates
Sean Darke – Litigation - ERISA
Jovan Dragovic – Health Care Law; Litigation - Health Care
James P. Feeney – Arbitration; Bet-the-Company Litigation; Commercial Litigation; Corporate Law; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Adam M. Fishkind – Project Finance Law; Real Estate Law
Douglas J. Fryer – Commercial Litigation; Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
Alan M. Greene – Land Use and Zoning Law; Litigation - Land Use and Zoning; Litigation - Real Estate; Real Estate Law
Clay Guise – Commercial Litigation; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Nazneen S. Hasan – Trusts and Estates
Kyle R. Hauberg – Project Finance Law; Real Estate Law
Joseph H. Hickey – Banking and Finance Law; Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Banking and Finance; Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law
Howard B. Iwrey – Antitrust Law; Litigation - Antitrust
Courtney Kissel – Administrative / Regulatory Law; Energy Law; Energy Regulatory Law
Eric S. Klein – Health Care Law
Thomas T. Moga – Litigation - Patent; Patent Law; Technology Law
Brian M. Moore – Commercial Litigation
Paul Nystrom – Commercial Litigation; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Todd C. Schebor – Environmental Law; Litigation - Environmental
Brian T. Smith – Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Scott A. Steinhoff – Litigation - Real Estate; Real Estate Law
Jeanne M. Whalen – Corporate Law

—Detroit 
Lisa A. Brown – Commercial Litigation; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
James R. Case – Construction Law; Litigation – Construction
Janet Conigliaro – Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Michael P. Cooney – Commercial Litigation; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Sherrie L. Farrell – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law; Commercial Litigation; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants
Todd G. Gattoni – Commercial Litigation; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants; Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Brett M. Gelbord – Commercial Litigation
Grant P. Gilezan – Environmental Law; Litigation - Environmental
James F. Hermon – Employment Law - Management; Litigation - Labor and Employment
Suzanne Johnson – Corporate Law
Andrew Kolozsvary – Commercial Litigation
Rochelle Lento – Real Estate Law
John F. Rhoades – Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Banking and Finance
Daniel J. Schairbaum – Construction Law; Real Estate Law
Thomas M. Schehr – Banking and Finance Law; Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Banking and Finance; Mortgage Banking Foreclosure Law
Dante A. Stella – Commercial Litigation; Electronic Discovery and Information Management Law; Privacy and Data Security Law

The local Dykema attorneys listed as 2027 Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch,” identified by office location and the practice area for which they are being recognized, are:

—Bloomfield Hills 
Nardeen Dalli – Tax Law
Joseph Duffy – Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Antitrust; Litigation – Construction
Matthew Fellows – Commercial Litigation
Jonathan Kama – Commercial Litigation; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Omar N. Khawaja – Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Samuel Kilberg – Real Estate Law
Eun Sung Lim – Corporate Law; Real Estate Law
Thomas Lurie – Commercial Litigation; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Samir A. Mouawad – Corporate Governance and Compliance Law; Corporate Law
Tanya M. Murray – Insurance Law
Robert Pollock – Corporate Law; Real Estate Law
Reed K. Powers – Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Trusts and Estates
Victoria Remus – Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law; Tax Law
Robert Zak – Trusts and Estates

—Detroit 
Matthew Cassar – Commercial Litigation; Litigation – Construction; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Giuliano Mancini – Litigation - Real Estate; Real Estate Law
Ryan VanOver – Appellate Practice; Commercial Litigation; Litigation - Banking and Finance

•            •            •

Clark Hill is pleased to announce the following attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, with 9 individuals recognized with the “Lawyer of the Year” distinction.

Thomas M. Dixon has been named Detroit, Michigan’s 2027 Litigation – Trusts and Estates “Lawyer of the Year.”

Edward C. Hammond has been named Birmingham, Michigan’s 2027 Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law “Lawyer of the Year.”

Daniel H. Minkus has been named Birmingham, Michigan’s 2027 Mergers & Acquisitions Law “Lawyer of the Year.”

Best Lawyers in America: 

—Birmingham
Dana L. Abrahams – Corporate Law, Education Law, Real Estate Law
John B. Alfs Jr. – Commercial Litigation
Andrew A. Ayar – Banking and Finance Law, Corporate Law, Real Estate Law
Stephon B. Bagne – Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law, Litigation – Real Estate
William B. Dunn – Real Estate Law
John L. Gierak – Education Law, Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management
Randi P. Glanz – Family Law
Jennifer Green – Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Banking and Finance
Edward C. Hammond – Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
David Hansma – Commercial Litigation
Douglas R. Kelly – Commercial Litigation
Peter B. Kupelian – Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Insurance, Litigation – Labor and Employment
Paul S. Magy – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Real Estate Law
Daniel H. Minkus – Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Ronald M. Stern – Real Estate Law
Linda M. Watson – Commercial Litigation
Anne-Marie V. Welch – Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment

—Detroit
Anthony A. Agosta – Commercial Litigation, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Jay M. Berger – Commercial Litigation, Construction Law
Jennifer A. Bielfield – Banking and Finance Law
Jason R. Canvasser – Commercial Litigation, Land Use and Zoning Law
Connie M. Cessante – Employment Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
David M. Cessante – Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
Paul W. Coughenour – Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
Martin E. Crandall – Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Litigation – Labor and Employment
Ted Degenhardt IV – Construction Law, Litigation – Construction
Thomas M. Dixon – Construction Law, Litigation – Trusts and Estates, Trusts and Estates
Daniel J. Dulworth – Commercial Litigation
Maria Fracassa Dwyer – Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management, Litigation – Labor and Employment
Christopher Ferlito – Construction Law, Litigation – Construction
Cynthia M. Filipovich – Appellate Practice
Jeffrey M. Gallant – Construction Law, Litigation – Construction
Scott D. Garbo – Construction Law, Litigation – Construction
David M. Hayes – Construction Law, Litigation – Construction
Kevin S. Hendrick – Arbitration, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Litigation – Construction, Mediation
John P. Hensien – Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
John J. Hern Jr. – Banking and Finance Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Thomas M. Keranen – Construction Law, Litigation – Construction
Rebecca Mancini – Immigration Law
William A. Moore – Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management
Michael P. Nowlan – Immigration Law
Steven R. Pacynski – Corporate Law
Adam T. Schnatz – Construction Law, Litigation – Construction
Daniel J. Scully – Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, Product Liability Litigation – Defendants
Richard A. Sundquist – Land Use and Zoning Law, Real Estate Law
Duane L. Tarnacki – Corporate Law, Nonprofit / Charities Law
Timothy D. Wittlinger – Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Construction

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America:

—Birmingham
Ryan M. Olson – Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Magy Shenouda – Commercial Litigation

—Detroit
Curtis Noles – Commercial Litigation
Stephanie V. Romeo – Litigation – Labor and Employment
Joshua Wilk – Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, Litigation – Construction

•            •            •

Kitch Attorneys & Counselors is proud to announce that Barbara A. Martin has been selected as one of the Michigan Lawyers Weekly 2026 Influential Women of Law honorees. Martin is a dedicated leader in the firm’s Detroit office and an active contributor to the Michigan legal community.

Throughout her career, Martin has been practicing medical malpractice defense, advocating for hospitals, health systems, and healthcare professionals. 

Kitch is also proud to announce that its attorneys that have been recognized by Super Lawyers for 2026:

Carina Kraatz – Intellectual Property Litigation
John M. Sier – Construction Litigation
Mark A. Wisniewski – Personal Injury-Products: Defense
Jenna Wright Greenman – Personal Injury – Medical Malpractice: Defense

—2026 Rising Stars
Katharine Gostek – Appellate
Christian Graziani – Personal Injury – General: Defense
Brandon Jackson – Personal Injury – Medical Malpractice: Defense
Ahndia Mansoori – Immigration: Business
Laura Sherbrook – Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Defense

In addition, Kitch is proud to announce that the following attorneys have been selected by their peers for inclusion in the 33rd Edition of The Best Lawyers in America®:

Gregory Drutchas – Health Care Law
Jenna Wright Greenman – Lawyer of the Year – Medical Malpractice Law: Defendants
John M. Sier – Construction Law, Litigation: Construction, and Mediation
Mark A. Wisniewski – Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions: Defendants
Meghan Kennedy Riordan – Immigration Law
Michael P. Vecchioni – Tax Law
Ralph F. Valitutti – Medical Malpractice Law: Defendants
Ronald E. Wagner – Product Liability Litigation: Defendants

The Best Lawyers in America® Ones to Watch:

Paul Wilk – Commercial Litigation and Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions: Defendants

Jenna Wright Greenman has also been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® as the 2027 “Lawyer of the Year” for Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants.  Wright Greenman, who previously received the same “Lawyer of the Year” designation in 2023.

As a leader of the Detroit office’s Birth Trauma and Medical Malpractice defense practice groups, Wright Greenman has built a reputation defending hospitals, health systems, and individual healthcare providers. Throughout her decades-long career, she has secured favorable jury verdicts in high-exposure litigation, ranging from complex birth trauma and catastrophic brain damage cases to intricate surgical negligence claims.

•            •            •

Howard & Howard is pleased to announce that several of its attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 Michigan Super Lawyers® and Rising Stars lists, honoring outstanding lawyers who have distinguished themselves through professional achievement and peer recognition.

The attorneys and their recognized practice areas are as follows:

—2026 Michigan Super Lawyers
Andrew (Jake) Grove - Intellectual Property Litigation
George M. Malis - Tax
Patrick M. McCarthy - Business Litigation
Gerald E. McGlynn III - Intellectual Property
Mark C. Vanneste - Business Litigation

—2026 Michigan Rising Stars
Brett G. Garwood - Mergers & Acquisitions 
Kristine A. Miller - Business Litigation
Alexander M. Leonowicz - Business & Corporate
Dane M. Lepola - Business Litigation
Alexander S. McGee - Intellectual Property 

•            •            •

Garan Lucow Miller is pleased to announce that three attorneys were named to the 2026 Michigan Super Lawyers list. One Garan attorney was also named to the 2026 Michigan Rising Stars list. 

—Super Lawyers 
Ebony L. Duff and John J. Gillooly were recognized for State, Local, and Municipal law. 
Frederick Plumb was recognized for Personal Injury General: Defense.  

—Rising Stars 
Kristi Trigg-Johnson was recognized for Personal Injury General: Defense. 

Garan is also pleased to announce that seventeen of the firm’s lawyers were recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.  

In Michigan, Ebony L. Duff was recognized for Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Labor and Employment, and Municipal Law. 
John J. Gillooly was recognized for Litigation – Labor and Employment, Municipal Law, and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants. 
Christopher Jelinek was recognized for Insurance Law, Litigation – Insurance, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants, and Product Liability Litigation – Defendants.  
Robert L. Goldenbogen, Sarah E. Nadeau, Paul E. Tower,  Susan M. Williams, Catherine Witherspoon, and Peter B. Worden Jr. were recognized for Insurance Law.  
Stacey L. King was recognized for Insurance Law and Litigation – Insurance. 
Jami E. Leach was recognized for Insurance Law and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants. 
Dennis P. Partridge was recognized for Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers. 
Frederick B. Plumb was recognized for Insurance Law, Litigation – Insurance, and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants.  
Daniel S. Saylor was recognized for Appellate Practice and Insurance Law.  
James A. Swaim was recognized for Litigation – Insurance and Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants.  

Three of the firm’s lawyers were recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® Ones to Watch.  

Dylan J. Church and Margaret H. Ursu were recognized for Insurance Law, and Monika Koleci Marku was recognized for Commercial Litigation. 

•            •            •

Twenty-one Giarmarco, Mullins, & Horton attorneys have been named to 2027 Best Lawyers in America®.  The firm’s recognized attorneys span 22 practice areas and 1 location, including:

Kenneth B. Chapie – Litigation – Labor and Employment
Anthony K. Chubb – Litigation – Municipal and Municipal Law
George A. Contis – Real Estate Law
Elizabeth Favaro – Commercial Litigation
Kara Ferrara – Trusts and Estates
Julius H. Giarmarco – Tax Law and Trusts and Estates
Bruce W. Haffey – Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, and Tax Law
William H. Heritage III – Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Corporate Law, Health Care Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, and Real Estate Law
William H. Horton – Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Litigation – Labor and Employment, Litigation – Mergers and Acquisitions, and Litigation – Real Estate
Keela Johnson – Family Law and Family Law Mediation
Alex Lebedinski – Corporate Law
Victoria S. Lehman – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
Adam Levitsky – Litigation – Insurance and Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers
Timothy J. Mullins – Education Law and Litigation – Insurance
Ryan L. Perry – Commercial Litigation
Paul Thursam – Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law and Corporate Law
Jared Trust – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
Geoffrey S. Wagner – Commercial Litigation
Donald K. Warwick – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
Matthew S. Weaver – Family Law and Family Law Mediation
LeRoy H. Wulfmeier III – Family Law, Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants, and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants

In addition, four early-career individuals have been recognized in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. The firm’s recognized attorneys span 6 practice areas and 1 location, including:

Samantha Faulkner – Family Law
John R. Fleming – Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
David Occhiuto – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
Katherine E. Ross – Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation, and Insurance Law

GMH also announces that Bruce W. Haffey has been named the 2027 Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” for Tax Law in Troy.  In addition to being named “Lawyer of the Year,” Haffey is also recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for work in Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law.

GMH is also proud to announce that 11 attorneys have been recognized on the 2026 Michigan Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists

—2026 Michigan Super Lawyers
William H. Horton — Business Litigation
Alexander Lebedinski — Health Care
Victoria S. Lehman — Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Defense
Ryan L. Perry — Business Litigation
Matthew S. Weaver — Family Law

—2026 Michigan Rising Stars
Samantha Faulkner — Family Law
John J. Giarmarco — Estate & Probate
Lindsay P. Hazen — Schools & Education
Christopher Messing — Personal Injury: General Defense
David Occhiuto — Personal Injury Medical Malpractice: Defense
Katherine E. Ross — Schools & Education
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•            •            •

Kerr Russell is pleased to announce that 33 of its attorneys have been recognized in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers in America®.

Three Kerr Russell attorneys have been named “Lawyer of the Year” for their respective practices: C. David Bargamian, Real Estate Litigation; Michael D. Carroll, Construction Litigation; and Patrick J. Haddad, Securities Law.

Kerr Russell’s 2027 Best Lawyers in America: 

Robert S. Anderson – Immigration Law
Cody Attisha – Corporate Law
Jason W. Bank – Bankruptcy & Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency & Reorganization Law; Litigation – Bankruptcy
C. David Bargamian – Banking and Finance Law; Litigation – Real Estate; Real Estate Law
Kevin T. Block – Commercial Transactions/UCC Law; Corporate Law; Real Estate Law
Richard C. Buslepp – Corporate Law
James R. Cambridge – Corporate Law
Michael D. Carroll – Construction Law; Litigation – Construction
Mark M. Cunningham – Construction Law
James E. DeLine – Commercial Litigation
David Den Dooven – Trusts and Estates
Daniel J. Ferris – Appellate Practice; Commercial Litigation
James S. Fontichiaro – Real Estate Law
John D. Gatti – Corporate Law; Tax Law
Stephen E. Glazek – Appellate Practice; Corporate Law; Litigation – Real Estate
Patrick J. Haddad – Health Care Law; Insurance Law; Securities/Capital Markets Law; Securities Regulation
Fred K. Herrmann – Antitrust Law
Paul M. Indyk – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
Jacquelyn A. Klima – Appellate Practice; Commercial Litigation
Mark C. Knoth – Employment Law – Management
Daniel J. LaCombe – Commercial Litigation
Eric I. Lark – Corporate Law; Insurance Law
Kate M. McCarroll – Immigration Law
Miroslava Orduño Rincón – Immigration Law
Patricia C. Schabath – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
Daniel J. Schulte – Health Care Law
Daniel M. Share – Real Estate Law
John T. Sheets – Commercial Litigation
Lauri B. Stewart – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
Melonie L.M. Stothers – Commercial Litigation
Joanne Geha Swanson – Appellate Practice; Litigation – Antitrust
James E. Tamm – Land Use and Zoning Law; Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants; Municipal Law
Kurt R. Vilders – Real Estate Law

Kerr Russell is also proud to recognize its six associates named in the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® list: 

Alex A. Dombrow – Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law; Litigation – Labor and Employment
Rachel Hanson-Hervey – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants; Municipal Law
Danielle M. Love – Bankruptcy & Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency & Reorganization Law; Corporate Law
Abram G. Miller – Appellate Practice; Commercial Litigation
Amanda M. Phillips – Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships); Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Trusts and Estates
Olivia V. Veldhuis – Corporate Law; Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law; Labor and Employment Law – Management; Litigation – Labor and Employment
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•            •            •

Harness IP is proud to announce that 54 attorneys have been recognized in the 2027 Best Lawyers® lists—43 in The Best Lawyers in America® and 11 in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.

Local Harness attorneys listed in Best Lawyers include:

Geoffrey D. Aurini — Copyright Law, Trademark Law
Michael P. Doerr — Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law
Lisa M. DuRoss — Trade Secrets Law, Trademark Law
Mark D. Elchuk — Patent Law
Stanley M. Erjavac — Patent Law, Trademark Law
Monte L. Falcoff — Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law, Trademark Law
Glenn E. Forbis — Copyright Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Litigation – Patent, Patent Law, Trademark Law
J. Bradley Luchsinger — Litigation – Patent, Patent Law
Timothy D. MacIntyre — Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law
Michael Malinzak — Litigation – Patent, Patent Law, Trademark Law
Timothy J. Martin — Patent Law
Ryan W. Massey — Patent Law
Kevin G. Mierzwa — Patent Law
Stephen T. Olson — Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law, Trademark Law
Jessica S. Sachs — Trademark Law
G. Gregory Schivley — Patent Law, Trademark Law
Brent Seitz — Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law
Colleen Shovlin — Patent Law, Trademark Law
Robert M. Siminski — Patent Law, Trademark Law
David Suter — Trade Secrets Law
W. R. Duke Taylor — Patent Law
David P. Utykanski — Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law
Steven D. Wangerow — Patent Law
Richard Warner — Patent Law, Trade Secrets Law
Michael D. Wiggins — Patent Law
Jennifer Woodside-Wojtala — Patent Law

Local Harness attorneys listed in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch include:

Jewell N. Briggs — Litigation – Patent, Patent Law
Keith P. Driscoll — Intellectual Property Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property
Jeremiah J. Foley — Intellectual Property Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property, Patent Law
Paul R. Hoffer — Intellectual Property Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property
April M. Minarik — Intellectual Property Law, Litigation – Intellectual Property
Jennifer R. Turchyn — Patent Law
Colette Verch — Litigation – Patent, Patent Law
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•            •            •

Maddin Hauser is pleased to announce that twenty attorneys are named in the 2026 edition of Michigan Super Lawyers. 

Craig Zucker, a business and bankruptcy law attorney, joins the list for the first time this year. For the sixth consecutive year, Kate Klaus is recognized among the “Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers.”

The Maddin Hauser attorneys recognized as 2026 Michigan Super Lawyers include:

David M. Eisenberg – Bankruptcy: Business
Jeffrey M. Frank – Surety
David H. Freedman – Business & Corporate
Michael J. Hamblin – Business Litigation
Andrew M. Harris – Business Litigation
David E. Hart – Business Litigation
Mark R. Hauser – Real Estate
Harvey R. Heller – Professional Liability: Defense
Kathleen H. Klaus – Professional Liability: Defense
Deborah S. Lapin – Real Estate
Charles M. Lax – Employee Benefits
Julie C. Mayer – Insurance Coverage
Richard M. Mitchell – Insurance Coverage
Steven D. Sallen – Real Estate
David M. Saperstein – Professional Liability: Defense
Ronald A. Sollish – Business & Corporate
Stewart C.W. Weiner – Family Law
Steven M. Wolock – Professional Liability: Defense
Craig E. Zucker – Bankruptcy: Business

For the second consecutive year, Mariel G. Newhouse is recognized for her employment law skills as a “Rising Star.” 

Maddin Hauser is also pleased to announce that the 2027 Edition of Best Lawyers in America® includes 28 attorneys recognized for their work across twenty-one practice areas. 

Each year, Best Lawyers bestows its distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award on a single attorney in every practice area and region. Marc Wise has earned that designation for the first time and is celebrated for his work in Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. 

New to the rankings in 2027, David Deutsch and Deborah Lapin are recognized as Best Lawyers and leaders in their respective areas of focus.

The 2027 list names 25 Maddin Hauser attorneys as Best Lawyers:

Stuart Bordman (Franchise Law) 
Michael C. Curhan (Commercial Litigation)
David B. Deutsch (Trusts and Estates)
David Eisenberg (Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation – Bankruptcy)
David H. Freedman (Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Corporate Law)
Martin S. Frenkel (Construction Law)
Andrew M. Harris (Commercial Litigation and Litigation – Real Estate)
David Hart (Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Financial Services Regulation Law, Litigation – Construction, and Litigation – Real Estate)
Mark Hauser (Real Estate Law)
Harvey R. Heller (Insurance Law and Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants)
Robert D. Kaplow (Tax Law and Trusts and Estates)
Kathleen H. Klaus (Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants)
Gary A. Kravitz (Real Estate Law)
Deborah S. Lapin (Financial Services Regulation Law)
Charles M. Lax (Corporate Law and Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law)
Julie Chenot Mayer (Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants)
Richard M. Mitchell (Insurance Law)
Steven D. Sallen (Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) and Real Estate Law)
David M. Saperstein (Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants)
William E. Sigler (Corporate Law, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, and Real Estate Law)
Ronald A. Sollish (Corporate Law, Employment Law – Individuals, and Employment Law – Management)
Stewart C. W. Weiner (Family Law)
Marc S. Wise (Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law)
Steven M. Wolock (Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants and Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants)
Craig E. Zucker (Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation – Bankruptcy)

Additionally, three Maddin Hauser attorneys earned the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® designation: 

Breanne N. Gilliam (Litigation – Labor and Employment)
Mariel G. Newhouse (Commercial Litigation, Corporate Law, and Labor and Employment Law – Management)
Avraham M. Weiss (Insurance Law)

Gilliam and Weiss are recognized for the first time in the 2027 edition.

In addition, Maddin Hauser is proud to announce that Michigan Lawyers Weekly has recognized Robert D. Kaplow and Craig E. Zucker on its newly launched list, the Legal 250. Kaplow is named for his expertise in taxation, and Zucker is recognized for his acumen in creditors’ rights.

Kaplow is a shareholder concentrating his practice in estate planning and personal and corporate income tax planning. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan (Taxation and Probate and Estate Planning Sections), the Oakland County Bar Association (Taxation Committee), and the American Bar Association (Real Property, Trust, and Estate Law Section). Kaplow frequently provides tax and corporate presentations before a variety of professional groups.

Zucker is a shareholder, member of the firm’s Executive Committee, and leads the firm’s Bankruptcy, Restructuring, and Debtor-Creditor Rights group. He leverages his four decades of experience to provide counsel on the full range of business matters, including entity formation and governance, transactions, mergers and acquisitions, shareholder and partner relationships, and litigation.  
Zucker maintains a practice in bankruptcy and complex insolvency-related matters. He represents debtors, creditors, and other interested parties in federal, bankruptcy, and state court proceedings and through out-of-court workouts, mediations, and facilitations.
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•            •            •

Foley, Baron, Metzger, & Juip PLLC is proud to announce that several of its attorneys have been recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America.

The Best Lawyers include:

Carole S. Empey — Medical Malpractice Law, Defendants
Carlos Escurel — Medical Malpractice Law, Defendants
Randall A. Juip — Medical Malpractice Law, Defendants
Joseph McGill — Commercial Litigation; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions, Defendants; Product Liability Litigation, Defendants
Anthony Pignotti — Medical Malpractice Law, Defendants
Brian Richtarcik — Appellate Practice; Litigation – Health Care
Brian W. Whitelaw — Medical Malpractice Law, Defendants

The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch include:

Lauren Rhoads — Medical Malpractice Law, Defendants

In addition, FBMJ congratulates Randall A. Juip on being selected to the inaugural Michigan Lawyers Weekly Legal 250 in the Medical Malpractice – Defense category. 
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•            •            •

Michigan Lawyers Weekly has honored two local Warner Norcross + Judd LLP attorneys for legal excellence in the inaugural Michigan Legal 250 list: Vito A. Ciaravino, Intellectual Property Law; and Nazli G. Sater, Family Law

Ciaravino is a partner in Warner’s Detroit office and chairs its Intellectual Property Practice Group. His practice focuses on patent protection, primarily for clients in the automotive, manufacturing and industrial sectors. He counsels clients in patent procurement, portfolio management, patent acquisition and licensing, patent litigation and other aspects to procure, manage and safeguard intellectual property. 

Sater is the executive partner in Warner’s Bloomfield Hills office and co-chair of the firm’s Family Law and Divorce Practice Group. She concentrates her practice on family law and divorce, specifically complex divorce matters, asset division and business valuation, custody and parenting decisions, alimony and child support, as well as premarital and postnuptial agreements. 
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•            •            •

Two local attorneys from Foster, Swift, Collins, & Smith PC have been named to the 2027 Best Lawyers® “Ones to Watch” list.

Anthony M. Dalimonte — Labor & Employment Law - Management
Jeffrey G. Schultz — Insurance Law, Litigation – Labor and Employment, Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants

In addition, several local Foster Swift lawyers have been selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2027. 

Dirk H. Beckwith — Construction Law
Michael R. Blum — Employment Law – Management, Labor Law – Management
Bryan Cermak — Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
Julie I. Fershtman — Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law
Clifford L. Hammond — Labor Law – Management
Paul J. Millenbach — Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions-Defendants
Brian J. Renaud — Administrative/Regulatory Law
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•            •            •

McDonald Hopkins is proud to welcome Jennifer Egan to its national data privacy and cybersecurity practice group.

Egan joins the group as counsel. Her practice focuses on pre-breach, HIPAA compliance, incident response, and regulatory investigations. 

“I chose McDonald Hopkins because I wanted to join a firm that has made data privacy and cybersecurity a strategic priority. The firm’s depth of experience and collaborative approach create an environment where I can continue to grow my practice while helping clients navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape,” Egan said. “Given my background in government investigations and incident response, it felt like the right place to build on that experience and work alongside attorneys who are equally focused on solving clients’ most challenging privacy issues.”

Her experience includes resolving a multi-year breach investigation involving more than 100,000 affected individuals and multiple facilities, leading post-resolution monitoring for a major healthcare system following highly publicized data breaches and managing investigations involving systemic privacy and security deficiencies.

In addition, McDonald Hopkins is proud to announce that Michigan Lawyers Weekly has recognized Colin Battersby in the 2026 Michigan Legal 250.  He has been recognized in the Data Privacy and Cybersecurity category. 

Battersbyis a member in the firm’s national Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice Group. He is certified by the International Association of Privacy Professionals as a Certified Information Professional for the United States.

He advises clients on best practices to prevent and respond to cybersecurity concerns, including leading data breach incident response efforts in combination with forensic technical vendors and company decision-makers, provides counsel on post-breach notice obligations in accordance with state data breach notice statutes or specific contractual obligations, drafts and coordinates the delivery of required notice throughout the United States and advises on post-breach remedial measures.
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•            •            •

Bush Seyferth is proud to announce that several of its attorneys have been recognized in the 2026 Michigan Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.  

2026 Michigan Super Lawyers:

Bishop A. Bartoni
Stephanie A. Douglas
Roger P. Meyers
Moheeb H. Murray
Michael A. Ohly
Patrick G. Seyferth
Justin B. Weiner  
2026 Michigan Rising Stars: 
Mahde Y. Abdallah 
Heather C. Gin
Dylan J. Goodwin 
Brian D. King 
Derek J. Linkous 
William E. McDonald III 

Bush Seyferth is also honored to share that several of its local attorneys have been recognized in the 2027 Best Lawyers awards, including honors for Lawyer of the Year, The Best Lawyers in America, and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.  

—Lawyer of the Year 
Stephanie A. Douglas — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants (Troy, MI) 
Moheeb H. Murray — Insurance Law (Troy, MI) 
Patrick G. Seyferth — Product Liability Litigation – Defendants (Troy, MI) 

—The Best Lawyers in America  
Mahde Y. Abdallah — Commercial Litigation (Troy, MI) 
Bishop A. Bartoni — Product Liability Litigation – Defendants (Troy, MI) 
Stephanie A. Douglas — Appellate Practice; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants (Troy, MI)  
Derek J. Linkous — Commercial Litigation; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants (Troy, MI) 
William E. McDonald III — Product Liability Litigation – Defendants (Troy, MI) 
Susan M. McKeever — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants (Troy, MI) 
Roger P. Meyers —  Commercial Litigation (Troy, MI) 
Moheeb H. Murray — Insurance Law (Troy, MI) 
Michael A. Ohly — Insurance Law (Troy, MI) 
Patrick G. Seyferth — Bet-the-Company Litigation; Commercial Litigation; Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants; Product Liability Litigation – Defendants (Troy, MI) 
Justin B. Weiner — Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Defendants (Troy, MI) 

—Ones to Watch 
Heather C. Gin — Commercial Litigation (Troy, MI) 
Dylan J. Goodwin — Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants; Product Liability Litigation – Defendants (Troy, MI) 
Ryan J. Vanderford — Commercial Litigation; Product Liability Litigation – Defendants (Troy, MI) 

In addition, Bush Seyferth is proud to share that members Derek Linkous, Roger Meyers, and Patrick Seyferth have been selected for inclusion in the 2026 Michigan Legal 250 by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.   

Linkous has been recognized specifically for his contribution to Appellate Law. Meyers and Seyferth were recognized for their contributions to Business Litigation. 
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Three local Honigman attorneys were recently named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s Legal 250 list. 

Alex Parrish (Business Transactions) 
Andrew Pauwels (Media Law) 
E. Todd Sable (Creditors’ Rights)
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Taft Detroit partners Jordan Bolton, Mark Cooper, Billee Lightvoet Ward, and Elizabeth Rogers have been named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly Michigan’s Legal 250. 

Bolton leads the litigation group for Taft Detroit. His practice focuses on helping business leaders, in-house counsel, and individuals remove barriers to success by providing creative business-centric dispute resolution, transactional, and neutral services, both within and outside state and federal tribunals nationwide.

Cooper is partner-in-charge of Taft Detroit, responsible for the strategic direction for the firm’s Southfield and Detroit offices. He counsels clients on a variety of matters, including risk management, commercial disputes, real estate litigation, business torts and construction and contract disputes, and all aspects of insurance, from both a legal and business perspective.

Lightvoet Ward is a health care and transactional attorney with a career spanning more than 25 years. She provides legal representation to individuals and corporate entities of all types with particular emphasis on health care providers and institutions, pharmaceutical and medical device companies, commercial product manufacturers and distributors, and private equity firms. She counsels clients in a variety of regulatory and product-related issues, contractual arrangements and transactional matters.

Rogers is a partner in Taft’s Real Estate practice group. She has experience driving complex transactions for international and national companies and closely held businesses. She has a background in handling real estate, business, and general civil litigation matters and advises her clients concerning multi-billion-dollar, multi-state commercial real property and other asset-based transactions, leasing, construction, development, zoning, capitalization, and corporate governance.

Taft is also pleased to announce that Detroit partner Gina Staudacher will participate in the panel “Data Centers: Issues of National Infrastructure, State Investment, and Local Sustainability” at the American Bar Association Business Law Fall Meeting on September 3. Throughout the session, Staudacher and fellow panelists will examine the legal aspects of data center development, including emerging policies and regulations, economic incentives, and the impact data center development has on local communities.

Staudacher focuses her work on business and tax advisory matters, with experience in multi-state and federal tax and economic incentives, R&D tax credits, energy and manufacturing tax credits, opportunity zone structuring, accounting methods, and tax controversy. She leads a team of CPAs, attorneys, data analysts, and financial advisors to assist businesses in uncovering beneficial tax opportunities, minimizing tax liabilities, and monetizing state and federal economic incentives for domestic and foreign-inbound taxpayers. Her practice includes advising CFOs, CEOs, general counsels, VPs of tax, and C-suite executives on tax, capital project financing, and strategic growth initiatives.

In addition, Taft partner Mark Kowalsky will speak at the 2026 Midwest Securities Law Institute on Friday, October 2. Kowalsky serves as Institute co-chair.

Kowalsky is a partner in Taft’s Commercial Litigation practice in Detroit, focusing on financial services litigation and privacy and data security. His clients turn to him for counsel and assistance in a wide range of complex matters in highly regulated areas.
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Brooks Kushman’s Frank Angileri was recently named one of the 500 Most Powerful Business Leaders in Metro Detroit in 2026 by DBusiness.

Angileri is a shareholder in Brooks Kushman’s Intellectual Property Litigation practice, helping clients enforce and defend valuable intellectual property rights. He counsels businesses on litigation strategy involving patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and other competitive assets. 

Brooks Kushman is also pleased to announce that attorneys Matthew Jakubowski and Frank Angileri have been recognized in the Michigan Legal 250, an annual honor from Michigan Lawyers Weekly.  Jakubowski and Angileri were recognized in the Intellectual Property category.

Jakubowski is chair of Brooks Kushman’s Executive Committee and co-chair of the Data Privacy and AI practice whose practice spans Cybersecurity, Privacy & Artificial Intelligence, Patent Prosecution, Intellectual Property Litigation, Intellectual Property Due Diligence, and Licensing & Agreements. He counsels clients on intellectual property portfolio management, freedom-to-operate analyses, cybersecurity and privacy matters, IP agreements, and complex patent disputes. 

In addition, Brooks Kushman is proud to announce that 19 attorneys have been recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and five attorneys have been recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. 

The following Brooks Kushman attorneys were recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America as Lawyer of the Year:

Robyn S. Lederman
Molly Mack Crandall

The following Brooks Kushman attorneys were recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America: 

Frank Angileri (shareholder):
Erin Bowles (shareholder)
Linda Cantor (of counsel)
Mark Cantor (chairman emeritus & general counsel)
Rebecca Cantor (shareholder)
John Chau (shareholder)
Molly Mack Crandall (co-chair Trademark)
Tiffany Fidler (co-chair Patent Prosecution)
Matthew Jakubowski (chair of the Executive Committee & co-chair Data Privacy and AI)
Kyle Konz (shareholder)
Robyn Lederman (Executive Committee member)
John LeRoy (IP Litigation liaison)
Marc Lorelli (co-chair Litigation)
John Rondini (co-chair Litigation & co-chair Data Privacy and AI)
Sangeeta Shah (president)
Hope Shovein (co-chair Trademark)
Isaac Slutsky (co-chair Patent Prosecution)
Christopher C. Smith (co-chair Litigation)
Rachel Smith (shareholder)
Michael Turner (co-chair Patent Prosecution)

The following Brooks Kushman attorneys were recognized in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America:

Chloe Conway (associate)
Reza Roghani Esfahani (shareholder)
Francesca Cusumano-Gibson (associate)
Fatima Kassem (associate)
Dustin Zak (shareholder)

By Michael Waldman

A year ago we warned that Donald Trump had a concerted strategy to undermine the midterm elections.

Here’s news you can use: That effort is failing so far. For every move, there’s a countermove from voting rights groups, local and state governments, and more. In November, we should be able to have elections that are free, fair, and secure. But it will take a lot of work between now and then.

We saw that for sure last week. The Supreme Court made headlines and sowed confusion, but it did not change much. Here’s what you should know.

Earlier this year, Trump signed an executive order to upend mail voting. That is the way one in three Americans vote. Trump purported to order the U.S. Postal Service to refuse to deliver lawfully cast ballots unless the voter is on a list — which doesn’t exist yet — created by each state and sent to the post office for checking against mail ballots. It’s absurd. And, no surprise, it’s illegal.

Earlier this summer, in a lawsuit brought by 23 states, a federal court blocked the executive order in part of the country. The judge also blocked the order nationwide in a lawsuit the Brennan Center and others brought on behalf of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts.

On Aug. 24, the U.S. Supreme Court jumped into the states’ case. It issued an unsigned order holding that the states did not yet have legal standing to sue. In particular, it concluded the states had not suffered an injury, because the Postal Service had not implemented the policy. In other words, the trial court had ruled too early.

This made big news, understandably, but those headlines confused matters a bit.

This was a procedural vote that let the Trump administration continue working on its plan to have the Postal Service decide who receives a ballot.

As the Court itself explained, “The Court’s disposition of this application does not mean that any measure taken by the Government to implement the Order will necessarily be lawful.”

And in fact, late Aug. 21, under pressure from the administration, the Postal Service published a “Final Rule” to implement Trump’s scheme. The agency explained that it had the power to set rules for mail ballot delivery because ballots are like “animal remains” or “replica explosives” and deserve special treatment.

Both the states’ case and the case brought by the Brennan Center and other voting rights groups remain ongoing. The Supreme Court’s Aug. 24 ruling is not the final word. Our attorneys are assessing next steps, and things will no doubt move quickly in this complex legal back-and-forth.

But a few things are as true today as they were before the Court’s order.

This executive order is still illegal and unconstitutional. The Constitution’s Elections Clause is clear, as courts have ruled over and over: States run elections. Congress has a legitimate role in passing national legislation and can override states. You know who has no role in elections, under the Constitution? The president.

And the Supreme Court? This is the “shadow docket” at work. Rather than letting the legal process unfold, the justices jumped into the litigation to help Trump. Justices like Samuel Alito bristle at the ominous phrase “shadow docket” and complain it should be called an “emergency” docket instead. Here, the only “emergency” would be that Trump could not move forward with his push to restrict voting, just weeks before an election.

It’s hard to avoid noticing that, while the order is unsigned, it was backed by the Republican-appointed justices. Democratic-appointed Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote dissents. Trump has repeatedly said, as he wrote in June about the SAVE Act, that without voting restrictions, “the Republican Party will never win another Election.” The Supreme Court, already at record lows in public trust, will further bleed credibility if it is seen as a partisan electoral actor.

And as for voters — what should we know?

This legal fracas is happening so close to the election that, however it turns out, it is highly unlikely that changes will affect voting this year. Federal law requires that the first mail ballots be sent to military voters starting September 4. We cannot let chaos engulf our elections.

All of which means that, in one sense, this is a lot of noise and manufactured chaos. Trump’s executive order is not in effect. Mail voting continues as before. There have been no changes to the Postal Service practices.

You know who knows that? Someone who voted by mail this month from his house in Mar-a-Lago: Donald Trump.

His campaign to undermine the midterm elections is losing. The only way it wins is if people stay home.
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Michael Waldman is president and CEO of the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law. A nonpartisan law and policy institute that focuses on improving systems of democracy and justice, the Brennan Center is a leading national voice on voting rights, money in politics, criminal justice reform, and constitutional law. Waldman, a constitutional lawyer and writer, has led the center since 2005.