Jackson Lewis P.C.
Jackson Lewis PC is pleased to announce its Detroit office has been recognized in the 2025 Best Law Firms list. The office earned a Metropolitan Tier 1 ranking in the Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management, and
Litigation - Labor and Employment practice areas.
“Consistently ranking in the Best Law Firm’s list highlights the depth of our firm’s strengths and demonstrates our commitment to excellence in legal services for businesses across the United States,” said Firm Chair Kevin Lauri. “We are proud of this recognition and remain focused on working towards Tier 1 status in all areas of employment law while continuing to deliver the highest quality legal support for our clients.”
Jackson Lewis received 113 Metropolitan Tier 1 rankings from 47 regional offices.
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Varnum LLP
Varnum is pleased to announce Kathryn Ahlbrand has joined the firm’s Tax Planning, Compliance and Litigation Practice Team as an associate in the Birmingham office.
Ahlbrand’s practice includes tax compliance and audit support, as well as planning engagements for large multinational corporations and partnerships, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, integrations, and operating model effectiveness. Prior to joining Varnum, she began her career with two “Big 4” accounting firms focusing on International Tax and Transactions.
Ahlbrand has overseen quarterly international tax reporting and audit engagements for multinational corporations in accordance with U.S. GAAP. She has experience in tax compliance matters including returns and informational reporting for international entities. Ahlbrand has also supported the tax-free spin-off of a major automotive mobility company, providing guidance through complex transitions.
Ahlbrand earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Wayne State University in 2015 and her law degree from Michigan State University College of Law in 2019.
In addition, Varnum partner Gabe Edelson has been named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s second annual Go To Lawyer Power?List. This list highlights the top Go To Lawyers of 2024, with Edelson recognized as one of only six top lawyers focused on business transactions.
As a member of Varnum’s Corporate Practice Team, Edelson focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), divestitures, corporate governance and general corporate matters. He represents private equity firms, portfolio companies, and a variety of other businesses in domestic and cross-border M&A and commercial transactions ranging from under $1 million to over $1 billion in size.
Edelson has also been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® over the past two years for his professional accomplishments in corporate law and was named a Rising Star by Michigan Super Lawyers in 2023. In 2020, he was recognized by The Well and The Detroit Jewish News as one of 36 Under 36.
Outside of his practice, Edelson is an active and engaged leader in various professional, arts and community organizations in southeast Michigan. Recently, he completed a year of education as part of Leadership Detroit Class XLII, as well as a seven-year term on the board of directors of the Founders Junior Council at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
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Plunkett Cooney
Plunkett Cooney partner Dennis G. Cowan was recently selected by Crain’s Detroit Business as one of the publication’s 2024 Notable Nonprofit Board Leaders.
Cowan was selected for his contributions as chairman of the Oakland Community Health Network and its work with nearly 30,000 people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders. Crain’s Notable Board Leaders were nominated by their peers, colleagues, friends, and family and selected by a team of Crain’s Detroit Business editors based on an honoree’s career accomplishments, track records of success, and impact.
A member of the Bloomfield Hills office of Plunkett Cooney, Cowan is among 49 metro Detroit leaders featured on this year’s list for their nonprofit board work.
Cowan has received numerous professional accolades, including recognition as a Michigan Super Lawyer, a Martindale-Hubbell AV-rated attorney, and, most recently, selection by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a member of the legal publication’s 2022 Hall of Fame class. The Crain’s board also recognized Cowan’s commitment to public service and community, which includes having served 14 years as a member of the Royal Oak City Commission and eight years as Royal Oak mayor.
Currently, Cowan serves as co-leader of Plunkett Cooney’s Business Transactions & Planning Practice Group. He focuses his legal practice on real estate project development with a particular emphasis on obtaining governmental licensing and real estate development approvals at the local, county, and state levels.
As part of his land use and corporate law practice, Cowan also represents clients in regulatory hearings before state administrative boards and in matters involving the Michigan Attorney General’s Office. Additional areas of his expertise include banking law, business transactions, and all aspects of corporate law.
A 1984 graduate of the Detroit College of Law, Cowan has been involved in some of the state’s largest and most significant business deals, including a bid to build a Detroit casino, securing approvals for multi-million-dollar developments in suburban communities, and assisting with the financing package that helped make the city of Detroit’s “Grand Bargain” bankruptcy possible in 2014.
Cowan is a member of the Oakland County Bar Association; the Real Property Law, Corporation and Business Law, and Public Corporations Law sections of the State Bar of Michigan; as well as the State and Local Government Section of the American Bar Association.
Plunkett Cooney is also pleased to announce that attorney Sydney M. Jackson recently joined the firm as a member of its Bloomfield Hills office.
Jackson, who is a member of the firm’s Banking, Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights Law, Real Estate Litigation & Title Insurance, and Business Transactions & Planning practice groups, focuses her practice in the areas of banking and finance law, real estate law and business transactions.
Jackson represents financial institutions and commercial clients in contract disputes, fund recovery efforts and landlord-tenant matters. She also counsels her clients on the appointment of receivers with respect to secured property, and she advises and represents them in the sale and purchase of real property.
A member of the State Bar of Michigan, as well as the Wolverine and American bar associations, Jackson recently graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She earned her undergraduate degree in 2019 from the University of Michigan – Ross School of Business.
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Fishman Stewart PLLC
Intellectual property law firm Fishman Stewart PLLC is pleased to announce that firm partner Barbara Mandell was included among the honorees of the just released Lexology 2025 Client Choice award. Mandell was honored in the category of trademarks. The announcement was made by Managing Partner Michael Stewart.
Mandell’s practice focuses on commercial litigation, copyright and trademark law and antitrust. She litigates, arbitrates, and counsels her clients on patent, trademark and licensing matters, theft of trade secrets, breach of license and franchise agreements, trade dress and copyright infringement claims, and counterfeiting, unfair competition and false advertising claims. Additionally, Mandell is an experienced arbitrator, presiding over more than 70 commercial arbitrations for the American Arbitration Association, either as a solo arbitrator or on a panel, including as the panel chair.
Mandell has been named a Super Lawyer, Best Lawyer, Leading Lawyer, and DBusiness Top Lawyer multiple times, and was included in the Influential Women of Law Class of 2022 by the legal trade publication Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
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Giarmarco, Mullins, & Horton, P.C.
The Giarmarco, Mullins, and Horton PC Board of Directors has elected John R. Fleming as an equity partner. This decision comes as a recognition of Fleming’s contributions to the firm and his commitment to the success of the firm’s clients.
Fleming concentrates his practice in the defense of physicians and hospital systems in medical malpractice cases. He represents large financial institutions and manages a vast portfolio of commercial lending litigation. Fleming is counsel for businesses of all sizes, litigating complex shareholder, trade secret, non-compete, and contract disputes. His practice extends to constitutional law and multifaceted class action litigation. His passion lies in trial work and he has managed appeals at every level in the state and federal court system.
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Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho PLC
On December 3, Jim Acho was honored at an awards ceremony on his selection to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s Class of 2024 Leaders in the Law. He is one of 30 attorneys in Michigan to be selected to this year’s class. Acho is only the third attorney in the history of Cummings, McClorey, Davis, & Acho PLC to receive this award.
Acho was selected as a Leader in the Law based on the positive national media attention he has had and the impact he has made as an attorney and a professor in the area of sports law. Since joining the CMDA 24 years ago, he has become the preeminent sports law attorney in Michigan and one of the most prominent in the country.
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Foster, Swift, Collins, & Smith, PC
Foster Swift welcomes new associate attorney James A. Ryan to the firm. He previously got his start at Foster Swift by participating in the firm’s summer associate program in 2023 while finishing law school. He was sworn in by Michigan Supreme Court Justice Brian K. Zahra on November 13.
Ryan is an alumnus of Michigan State University and the University of Wisconsin Law School. He will be joining the Litigation practice group, focusing on commercial litigation, contracts, insurance law and defense, and no-fault litigation in the Southfield office.
Jackson Lewis PC is pleased to announce its Detroit office has been recognized in the 2025 Best Law Firms list. The office earned a Metropolitan Tier 1 ranking in the Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management, and
Litigation - Labor and Employment practice areas.
“Consistently ranking in the Best Law Firm’s list highlights the depth of our firm’s strengths and demonstrates our commitment to excellence in legal services for businesses across the United States,” said Firm Chair Kevin Lauri. “We are proud of this recognition and remain focused on working towards Tier 1 status in all areas of employment law while continuing to deliver the highest quality legal support for our clients.”
Jackson Lewis received 113 Metropolitan Tier 1 rankings from 47 regional offices.
—————
Varnum LLP
Varnum is pleased to announce Kathryn Ahlbrand has joined the firm’s Tax Planning, Compliance and Litigation Practice Team as an associate in the Birmingham office.
Ahlbrand’s practice includes tax compliance and audit support, as well as planning engagements for large multinational corporations and partnerships, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, integrations, and operating model effectiveness. Prior to joining Varnum, she began her career with two “Big 4” accounting firms focusing on International Tax and Transactions.
Ahlbrand has overseen quarterly international tax reporting and audit engagements for multinational corporations in accordance with U.S. GAAP. She has experience in tax compliance matters including returns and informational reporting for international entities. Ahlbrand has also supported the tax-free spin-off of a major automotive mobility company, providing guidance through complex transitions.
Ahlbrand earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Wayne State University in 2015 and her law degree from Michigan State University College of Law in 2019.
In addition, Varnum partner Gabe Edelson has been named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s second annual Go To Lawyer Power?List. This list highlights the top Go To Lawyers of 2024, with Edelson recognized as one of only six top lawyers focused on business transactions.
As a member of Varnum’s Corporate Practice Team, Edelson focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), divestitures, corporate governance and general corporate matters. He represents private equity firms, portfolio companies, and a variety of other businesses in domestic and cross-border M&A and commercial transactions ranging from under $1 million to over $1 billion in size.
Edelson has also been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® over the past two years for his professional accomplishments in corporate law and was named a Rising Star by Michigan Super Lawyers in 2023. In 2020, he was recognized by The Well and The Detroit Jewish News as one of 36 Under 36.
Outside of his practice, Edelson is an active and engaged leader in various professional, arts and community organizations in southeast Michigan. Recently, he completed a year of education as part of Leadership Detroit Class XLII, as well as a seven-year term on the board of directors of the Founders Junior Council at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
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Plunkett Cooney
Plunkett Cooney partner Dennis G. Cowan was recently selected by Crain’s Detroit Business as one of the publication’s 2024 Notable Nonprofit Board Leaders.
Cowan was selected for his contributions as chairman of the Oakland Community Health Network and its work with nearly 30,000 people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders. Crain’s Notable Board Leaders were nominated by their peers, colleagues, friends, and family and selected by a team of Crain’s Detroit Business editors based on an honoree’s career accomplishments, track records of success, and impact.
A member of the Bloomfield Hills office of Plunkett Cooney, Cowan is among 49 metro Detroit leaders featured on this year’s list for their nonprofit board work.
Cowan has received numerous professional accolades, including recognition as a Michigan Super Lawyer, a Martindale-Hubbell AV-rated attorney, and, most recently, selection by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a member of the legal publication’s 2022 Hall of Fame class. The Crain’s board also recognized Cowan’s commitment to public service and community, which includes having served 14 years as a member of the Royal Oak City Commission and eight years as Royal Oak mayor.
Currently, Cowan serves as co-leader of Plunkett Cooney’s Business Transactions & Planning Practice Group. He focuses his legal practice on real estate project development with a particular emphasis on obtaining governmental licensing and real estate development approvals at the local, county, and state levels.
As part of his land use and corporate law practice, Cowan also represents clients in regulatory hearings before state administrative boards and in matters involving the Michigan Attorney General’s Office. Additional areas of his expertise include banking law, business transactions, and all aspects of corporate law.
A 1984 graduate of the Detroit College of Law, Cowan has been involved in some of the state’s largest and most significant business deals, including a bid to build a Detroit casino, securing approvals for multi-million-dollar developments in suburban communities, and assisting with the financing package that helped make the city of Detroit’s “Grand Bargain” bankruptcy possible in 2014.
Cowan is a member of the Oakland County Bar Association; the Real Property Law, Corporation and Business Law, and Public Corporations Law sections of the State Bar of Michigan; as well as the State and Local Government Section of the American Bar Association.
Plunkett Cooney is also pleased to announce that attorney Sydney M. Jackson recently joined the firm as a member of its Bloomfield Hills office.
Jackson, who is a member of the firm’s Banking, Bankruptcy & Creditors’ Rights Law, Real Estate Litigation & Title Insurance, and Business Transactions & Planning practice groups, focuses her practice in the areas of banking and finance law, real estate law and business transactions.
Jackson represents financial institutions and commercial clients in contract disputes, fund recovery efforts and landlord-tenant matters. She also counsels her clients on the appointment of receivers with respect to secured property, and she advises and represents them in the sale and purchase of real property.
A member of the State Bar of Michigan, as well as the Wolverine and American bar associations, Jackson recently graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She earned her undergraduate degree in 2019 from the University of Michigan – Ross School of Business.
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Fishman Stewart PLLC
Intellectual property law firm Fishman Stewart PLLC is pleased to announce that firm partner Barbara Mandell was included among the honorees of the just released Lexology 2025 Client Choice award. Mandell was honored in the category of trademarks. The announcement was made by Managing Partner Michael Stewart.
Mandell’s practice focuses on commercial litigation, copyright and trademark law and antitrust. She litigates, arbitrates, and counsels her clients on patent, trademark and licensing matters, theft of trade secrets, breach of license and franchise agreements, trade dress and copyright infringement claims, and counterfeiting, unfair competition and false advertising claims. Additionally, Mandell is an experienced arbitrator, presiding over more than 70 commercial arbitrations for the American Arbitration Association, either as a solo arbitrator or on a panel, including as the panel chair.
Mandell has been named a Super Lawyer, Best Lawyer, Leading Lawyer, and DBusiness Top Lawyer multiple times, and was included in the Influential Women of Law Class of 2022 by the legal trade publication Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
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Giarmarco, Mullins, & Horton, P.C.
The Giarmarco, Mullins, and Horton PC Board of Directors has elected John R. Fleming as an equity partner. This decision comes as a recognition of Fleming’s contributions to the firm and his commitment to the success of the firm’s clients.
Fleming concentrates his practice in the defense of physicians and hospital systems in medical malpractice cases. He represents large financial institutions and manages a vast portfolio of commercial lending litigation. Fleming is counsel for businesses of all sizes, litigating complex shareholder, trade secret, non-compete, and contract disputes. His practice extends to constitutional law and multifaceted class action litigation. His passion lies in trial work and he has managed appeals at every level in the state and federal court system.
—————
Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho PLC
On December 3, Jim Acho was honored at an awards ceremony on his selection to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s Class of 2024 Leaders in the Law. He is one of 30 attorneys in Michigan to be selected to this year’s class. Acho is only the third attorney in the history of Cummings, McClorey, Davis, & Acho PLC to receive this award.
Acho was selected as a Leader in the Law based on the positive national media attention he has had and the impact he has made as an attorney and a professor in the area of sports law. Since joining the CMDA 24 years ago, he has become the preeminent sports law attorney in Michigan and one of the most prominent in the country.
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Foster, Swift, Collins, & Smith, PC
Foster Swift welcomes new associate attorney James A. Ryan to the firm. He previously got his start at Foster Swift by participating in the firm’s summer associate program in 2023 while finishing law school. He was sworn in by Michigan Supreme Court Justice Brian K. Zahra on November 13.
Ryan is an alumnus of Michigan State University and the University of Wisconsin Law School. He will be joining the Litigation practice group, focusing on commercial litigation, contracts, insurance law and defense, and no-fault litigation in the Southfield office.
