Collins Einhorn Farrell PC
Collins Einhorn Farrell is pleased to announce that attorneys Laura A. Alton and Erin J. Rodenhouse have been elected partners in the firm.
Alton is a partner in the firm’s Transportation Liability practice group. Her individual practice focuses on first-and third-party automotive defense and other general liability matters. Alton’s experience includes no-fault, commercial litigation, premises liability, construction accident & defect liability, and immigration law.
Rodenhouse is a partner in the firm’s Appellate practice group. Her individual practice focuses on appeals in legal malpractice, insurance coverage, disciplinary matters, general liability, and auto-negligence cases. Rodenhouse practices in Michigan’s appellate courts and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
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Kitch Attorneys & Counselors
Kitch Attorneys & Counselors is pleased to announce the promotion of several attorneys:
—Principal
Brett Asher, Mt. Clemens
Francisco Lozano, Mt. Clemens
—Associate Principal
Arooj Anjum, Mt. Clemens
Christian Graziani, Mt. Clemens
Brittany Lawler, Mt. Clemens
—Senior Associate
Laura DeMarco, Detroit
Samantha Norris, Mt. Clemens
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Harness IP
Harness IP is pleased to announce that patent attorney Jennie Turchyn, Detroit Metro office, has been elected as a principal in the firm.
Concentrating on preparing and prosecuting patent applications in the mechanical, electromechanical, and chemical arts, Turchyn’s practice is dedicated to helping clients maximize the value of their innovations. She has an understanding of the necessity and opportunity that strong IP protections provide at every stage of development.
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Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC
Howard & Howard is pleased to welcome Ronald Gardner to the firm. He will join the business and corporate practice group in the Royal Oak office.
With more than 40 years of experience, Gardner has built a career in trust and estate planning. He has established himself as a practitioner in the areas of trusts, estates, and estate planning, working with both individuals and corporate fiduciaries. His experience includes managing and distributing trusts and estates of varying sizes, from insolvent estates to those exceeding $10 million. Additionally, he represents beneficiaries of trusts and estates, ensuring their interests are well-protected.
Gardner started his career at Ann Arbor Trust Co. where he served as an assistant vice-president and trust officer from 1975 to 1984. During his nine-year tenure, he administered trusts, guardianships, and estates, gaining invaluable experience in fiduciary responsibilities. He then practiced law as an associate with a local Ann Arbor firm, specializing in estate planning and trust and estate administration.
In 1997, Gardner founded Gardner and Associates PC, a firm dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services in trusts, estates, and estate planning.
Gardner graduated from Michigan State University with his bachelor’s degree and earned his law degree from the University of Detroit School of Law.
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Butzel Long
Butzel immigration law attorney Reginald Pacis was a featured panelist during a program titled, “Know Your Rights,” presented by the Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote Michigan on Saturday, January 25, in Sterling Heights. The panel discussed immigrant rights, laws updates, how immigrants can protect themselves and their families as well as resources for support.
Pacis focuses his practice in immigration law and has handled a variety of immigration matters including H-1B specialty occupation cases, L-1 Intracompany transfers, Labor Certification matters, Immigrant Visa Petitions/Adjustment of Status applications and interviews, TN Free trade cases, H-1B Department of Labor Investigations, I-9 employer verification compliance, and U.S. Port of Entry airport and land port interviews.
He was named Immigration Lawyer of the Year in 2025, 2023 and 2013, respectively in the field of Immigration Law by The Best Lawyers in America and has been listed in Best Lawyers for several years.
Pacis is a member of the American Bar Association, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), and the Samahang Pilipino Ng Oakland Filipino organization. He served two consecutive one-year terms from 2003 to 2005 as chairperson of the Michigan Chapter of AILA and was a member of the AILA National Board of Governors for those terms.
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Collins Einhorn Farrell is pleased to announce that attorneys Laura A. Alton and Erin J. Rodenhouse have been elected partners in the firm.
Alton is a partner in the firm’s Transportation Liability practice group. Her individual practice focuses on first-and third-party automotive defense and other general liability matters. Alton’s experience includes no-fault, commercial litigation, premises liability, construction accident & defect liability, and immigration law.
Rodenhouse is a partner in the firm’s Appellate practice group. Her individual practice focuses on appeals in legal malpractice, insurance coverage, disciplinary matters, general liability, and auto-negligence cases. Rodenhouse practices in Michigan’s appellate courts and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
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Kitch Attorneys & Counselors
Kitch Attorneys & Counselors is pleased to announce the promotion of several attorneys:
—Principal
Brett Asher, Mt. Clemens
Francisco Lozano, Mt. Clemens
—Associate Principal
Arooj Anjum, Mt. Clemens
Christian Graziani, Mt. Clemens
Brittany Lawler, Mt. Clemens
—Senior Associate
Laura DeMarco, Detroit
Samantha Norris, Mt. Clemens
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Harness IP
Harness IP is pleased to announce that patent attorney Jennie Turchyn, Detroit Metro office, has been elected as a principal in the firm.
Concentrating on preparing and prosecuting patent applications in the mechanical, electromechanical, and chemical arts, Turchyn’s practice is dedicated to helping clients maximize the value of their innovations. She has an understanding of the necessity and opportunity that strong IP protections provide at every stage of development.
—————
Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC
Howard & Howard is pleased to welcome Ronald Gardner to the firm. He will join the business and corporate practice group in the Royal Oak office.
With more than 40 years of experience, Gardner has built a career in trust and estate planning. He has established himself as a practitioner in the areas of trusts, estates, and estate planning, working with both individuals and corporate fiduciaries. His experience includes managing and distributing trusts and estates of varying sizes, from insolvent estates to those exceeding $10 million. Additionally, he represents beneficiaries of trusts and estates, ensuring their interests are well-protected.
Gardner started his career at Ann Arbor Trust Co. where he served as an assistant vice-president and trust officer from 1975 to 1984. During his nine-year tenure, he administered trusts, guardianships, and estates, gaining invaluable experience in fiduciary responsibilities. He then practiced law as an associate with a local Ann Arbor firm, specializing in estate planning and trust and estate administration.
In 1997, Gardner founded Gardner and Associates PC, a firm dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services in trusts, estates, and estate planning.
Gardner graduated from Michigan State University with his bachelor’s degree and earned his law degree from the University of Detroit School of Law.
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Butzel Long
Butzel immigration law attorney Reginald Pacis was a featured panelist during a program titled, “Know Your Rights,” presented by the Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote Michigan on Saturday, January 25, in Sterling Heights. The panel discussed immigrant rights, laws updates, how immigrants can protect themselves and their families as well as resources for support.
Pacis focuses his practice in immigration law and has handled a variety of immigration matters including H-1B specialty occupation cases, L-1 Intracompany transfers, Labor Certification matters, Immigrant Visa Petitions/Adjustment of Status applications and interviews, TN Free trade cases, H-1B Department of Labor Investigations, I-9 employer verification compliance, and U.S. Port of Entry airport and land port interviews.
He was named Immigration Lawyer of the Year in 2025, 2023 and 2013, respectively in the field of Immigration Law by The Best Lawyers in America and has been listed in Best Lawyers for several years.
Pacis is a member of the American Bar Association, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), and the Samahang Pilipino Ng Oakland Filipino organization. He served two consecutive one-year terms from 2003 to 2005 as chairperson of the Michigan Chapter of AILA and was a member of the AILA National Board of Governors for those terms.
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Brooks Kushman P.C.
Brooks Kushman attorney Bryan Hart was recently appointed as vice chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the Intellectual Property Owner Association (IPO)
for 2025 by the IPO Board.
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee includes several members from across the country who focus on diversity issues and related matters. As vice chair, Hart will help maintain organizational focus around and execution of diversity and inclusion programming offered by the committee. Hart has been active within IPO for many years and has previously held the role of secretary in the committee.
Hart specializes in all areas of patent law, with a focus on preparing and prosecuting patent applications in mechanical, electrical, and software technologies. He has handled numerous applications across diverse fields, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, machine vision, robotics, vehicle sensor cleaning, airbags, and additive manufacturing. His litigation experience spans federal district courts, the International Trade Commission, and inter partes review proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.
In addition, Brooks Kushman is pleased to announce that Hope Shovein has been named co-chair of the firm’s Trademark Practice. In this role, Shovein works alongside Co-Chair Molly Crandall to lead the firm’s trademark operations, nurture client relationships, and drive strategic initiatives.
As co-chairs, Shovein and Crandall oversee trademark prosecution and enforcement activities across the firm. They work closely with other firm leaders to implement strategic growth initiatives for the Trademark Practice, enhance processes for streamlined client service and portfolio management, and mentor junior attorneys and staff on trademark law and best practices.
With more than 20 years of intellectual property experience, Shovein has expertise in managing trademark portfolios and crafting comprehensive IP strategies. She specializes in trademark clearance, prosecution, and enforcement for domestic and multinational companies. Shovein also advises on brand protection programs, including investigations, demand letters, online and social media platform takedowns, domain name disputes, and Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) proceedings. She is adept at helping clients enforce their rights across all mediums, including addressing unauthorized use of trademarks and copyrighted materials online.
Shovein is a past chair of both the State Bar of Michigan (SBM) Intellectual Property Law Section and the Young Lawyers Section, and she previously served as a commissioner on the SBM Board of Commissioners. She has also served on committees within the International Trademark Association (INTA) since 2006, currently serving on the Unreal Campaign Committee, which advances INTA’s consumer awareness initiative designed to educate young consumers on the dangers of counterfeit products. Since 2018, Shovein has been consistently recognized by World Trademark Review in its prestigious “WTR 1000” rankings.
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Foster, Swift, Collins, & Smith, PC
Attorney Jeffrey G. Schultz has joined the litigation practice of Foster, Swift, Collins, & Smith, PC in Southfield. Schultz concentrates his practice on personal injury and insurance defense matters. He has experience in a variety of civil defense fields including construction litigation, first and third-party auto liability, workers’ compensation defense, and premises liability.
Schultz received his law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
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ABC Law Centers
Jesse Reiter, president and founder of ABC Law Centers (Reiter & Walsh PC), was a speaker and panelist at the 40th Annual Conference for Obstetrics, Gynecology, Perinatal Medicine, Neonatology, Multi-Specialties, and the Law from January 2-7. His topics included “Potential Harm in L&D: Where’s My Nurse?” and “Heart of the Matter... Navigating Peripartum Cardiomyopathy.”
Reiter also spoke on: HIE with injury but normal MRI, Sudden Post-Natal Collapse (SUPC) - recognition and prevention, interventions for abnormal uterine contraction patterns, timing of late preterm delivery in high-risk cases, and the vital role of nurses advocating for timely interventions in labor and delivery.
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Cummings Law Group PLC
Attorney Heather Cummings has been appointed to the Board of State Canvassers by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
The founding partner at Cummings Law Group PLC, Cummings specializes in union-side labor law and employment rights at the state and federal level; provides pro bono legal services, including Election Day voter protection efforts; and volunteers as a cooperating attorney for the ACLU of Michigan.
Cummings additionally serves as chair of the ACLU Oakland County Lawyers’ Committee. She earned a bachelor of arts in English from Alma College, a master’s in library science from the University of Michigan, and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
Cummings was appointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing February 1 and expiring January 31, 2029. Cummings succeeds Jeanette Bradshaw, whose term is expiring.
The Board of State Canvassers canvasses and certifies statewide elections, elections for legislative districts that cross county lines, and all judicial offices except judge of the probate court. The Board of Canvassers consists of four members — two from each major political party.
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Goodman Acker P.C.
Goodman Acker announces partner Mark Brewer has been hired as general counsel of the Michigan American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).
Brewer will act as the attorney on all matters for the Michigan AFL-CIO which is the umbrella organization for 45 international and statewide unions which include American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), United Auto Workers (UAW), and more. He will advise on all legal matters and policy, representing the organization in litigation, and advising its lobbyists.
“The Michigan AFL-CIO has long been a champion for working people in Michigan and will continue to be a leader in those efforts,” said Brewer. “I have spent my entire legal career fighting for the rights of working people and it will be a great privilege to represent the Michigan AFL-CIO, its affiliates, and their members.”
Brewer’s dedication to advancing justice is also reflected in his pro bono legal work, which is vast. From defending free speech to promoting voter equality, he has represented numerous state and national organizations, including the ACLU of Michigan and the League of Women Voters of Michigan.
In addition to Brewer’s role at the Michigan AFL-CIO, he will continue as a partner at Goodman Acker where he will continue to support the firm’s clients and long history of standing up for working people.
Brewer received a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University and law degree from Stanford University Law School.
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Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho PLC
Cummings, McClorey, Davis, & Acho PLC (CMDA) is pleased to share that the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce (CACC) has selected Ronald G. Acho as their 2025 Businessperson of the Year.
“Being selected as Businessperson of the Year by CACC is an incredible honor,” Acho stated. “The Chamber consistently selects businesspeople for this award for whom I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration. I am deeply humbled to be included among such esteemed individuals who have previously received this award.”
He further shares, “I am very grateful to be receiving this award. The foundation of our firm was built on a strong commitment to helping others. Throughout my 50-year legal career, I have been blessed to represent many clients and have made an effort to give back to our community through pro bono work and advocating for humanitarian issues.
Although I am the one being recognized, the reality is that our firm’s success is the result of the wonderful people who work here. This award is a testament to our firm’s solid foundation, as well as my incredible support system comprised of close colleagues and a loving wife and family.”
Acho will be recognized at the Chamber’s Annual Award Dinner on May 1.
CMDA is also pleased to welcome Brandon L. Wykoff to the firm’s Livonia office where he focuses his practice on appellate law, insurance defense, and law enforcement defense. Wykoff has experience in claims and underwriting, PIP, and no fault litigation. He focuses on writing briefs for submission to all levels of state and federal courts,
arguing cases in both the state and federal courts of appeals, and performing research for all areas of law handled by the firm.
Wykoff is a member of the State Bar of Michigan Young Lawyers Section and Negligence Law Section. He received a law degree from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School and a Bachelor of Science degree from Oakland University.
In addition, John D. Gwyn, an attorney in the firm’s Livonia office, is a contributor to the Institute of Continuing Legal Education’s (ICLE) recent on-demand seminar on short-term rentals. He was asked by ICLE to contribute to the seminar based on his experience with real estate law, community association law, and municipal law.
Gwyn focuses his practice on real estate law, community association law, and commercial and construction litigation. He has more than 25 years of experience in matters involving commercial and consumer litigation primarily focused on the representation of community associations and financial institutions.
Gwyn represents developers, condominium and homeowner associations regarding matters involving real estate, contract, and construction issues. He has handled all facets of litigation in matters related to bylaw violations enforcement, collections, corporate civil rights defense, and creditor bankruptcy matters.
Gwyn has also spent a part of his legal career representing banks and credit unions in proceedings related to compliance, negotiable instruments, construction lien foreclosures, receiverships, fraud litigation, probate, and collections.
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Clarkston Legal
After three and a half years as a senior attorney at Clarkston Legal, Frank Briguglio has been promoted to managing partner of the firm. Briguglio’s practice involves high-conflict and high-asset divorce cases, as well as intra-state child custody disputes.
A past president of the Macomb County Bar Association, Briguglio has been licensed by the State Bar of Michigan for the past 16-years.
As managing partner, Briguglio will take on a host of administrative and substantive law firm tasks.
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Garan Lucow Miller P.C.
Garan is pleased to announce that Ebony L. Duff has been named chair of the firm’s Executive Committee. She is Garan’s first female chair.
Duff works in the Detroit office and practices municipal and employment law. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys, The Library Network, and the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce. Duff is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Michigan Association for Justice, the Association of Defense Trial Counsel, the Detroit Bar Association, the National Association of Insurance Women, and the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys.
Timothy Jordan, the previous chairperson, will continue to be a member of the Executive Committee. He is in the Detroit office and specializes in maritime, construction, and IP law. Jordan is a board member of the Michigan Judo Development Association and is a member of The Maritime Law Association of the United States.
Ebony is one of three women on the five-person committee, serving alongside Stacey L. King and Tara L. Velting.
King, also in the firm’s Detroit office, practices automobile no-fault and negligence law. She is a member of the Women’s Lawyers Association of Michigan, the Women’s Bar Association in Oakland County, the Association of Defense Trial Counsel, and the Negligence Section of the State Bar of Michigan.
Velting is the managing partner of the firm’s Grand Rapids office. She handles a range of civil defense claims and litigation, in addition to maintaining a probate and estate practice.
Additionally, Fredrick Plumb is a member of the committee. He is in the Detroit office and practices general tort litigation. He was honored in the 2024 Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame and is a member of The American Board of Trial Advocacy.
—————
Brooks Kushman attorney Bryan Hart was recently appointed as vice chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee of the Intellectual Property Owner Association (IPO)
for 2025 by the IPO Board.
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee includes several members from across the country who focus on diversity issues and related matters. As vice chair, Hart will help maintain organizational focus around and execution of diversity and inclusion programming offered by the committee. Hart has been active within IPO for many years and has previously held the role of secretary in the committee.
Hart specializes in all areas of patent law, with a focus on preparing and prosecuting patent applications in mechanical, electrical, and software technologies. He has handled numerous applications across diverse fields, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, machine vision, robotics, vehicle sensor cleaning, airbags, and additive manufacturing. His litigation experience spans federal district courts, the International Trade Commission, and inter partes review proceedings before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board.
In addition, Brooks Kushman is pleased to announce that Hope Shovein has been named co-chair of the firm’s Trademark Practice. In this role, Shovein works alongside Co-Chair Molly Crandall to lead the firm’s trademark operations, nurture client relationships, and drive strategic initiatives.
As co-chairs, Shovein and Crandall oversee trademark prosecution and enforcement activities across the firm. They work closely with other firm leaders to implement strategic growth initiatives for the Trademark Practice, enhance processes for streamlined client service and portfolio management, and mentor junior attorneys and staff on trademark law and best practices.
With more than 20 years of intellectual property experience, Shovein has expertise in managing trademark portfolios and crafting comprehensive IP strategies. She specializes in trademark clearance, prosecution, and enforcement for domestic and multinational companies. Shovein also advises on brand protection programs, including investigations, demand letters, online and social media platform takedowns, domain name disputes, and Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB) proceedings. She is adept at helping clients enforce their rights across all mediums, including addressing unauthorized use of trademarks and copyrighted materials online.
Shovein is a past chair of both the State Bar of Michigan (SBM) Intellectual Property Law Section and the Young Lawyers Section, and she previously served as a commissioner on the SBM Board of Commissioners. She has also served on committees within the International Trademark Association (INTA) since 2006, currently serving on the Unreal Campaign Committee, which advances INTA’s consumer awareness initiative designed to educate young consumers on the dangers of counterfeit products. Since 2018, Shovein has been consistently recognized by World Trademark Review in its prestigious “WTR 1000” rankings.
—————
Foster, Swift, Collins, & Smith, PC
Attorney Jeffrey G. Schultz has joined the litigation practice of Foster, Swift, Collins, & Smith, PC in Southfield. Schultz concentrates his practice on personal injury and insurance defense matters. He has experience in a variety of civil defense fields including construction litigation, first and third-party auto liability, workers’ compensation defense, and premises liability.
Schultz received his law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
—————
ABC Law Centers
Jesse Reiter, president and founder of ABC Law Centers (Reiter & Walsh PC), was a speaker and panelist at the 40th Annual Conference for Obstetrics, Gynecology, Perinatal Medicine, Neonatology, Multi-Specialties, and the Law from January 2-7. His topics included “Potential Harm in L&D: Where’s My Nurse?” and “Heart of the Matter... Navigating Peripartum Cardiomyopathy.”
Reiter also spoke on: HIE with injury but normal MRI, Sudden Post-Natal Collapse (SUPC) - recognition and prevention, interventions for abnormal uterine contraction patterns, timing of late preterm delivery in high-risk cases, and the vital role of nurses advocating for timely interventions in labor and delivery.
—————
Cummings Law Group PLC
Attorney Heather Cummings has been appointed to the Board of State Canvassers by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
The founding partner at Cummings Law Group PLC, Cummings specializes in union-side labor law and employment rights at the state and federal level; provides pro bono legal services, including Election Day voter protection efforts; and volunteers as a cooperating attorney for the ACLU of Michigan.
Cummings additionally serves as chair of the ACLU Oakland County Lawyers’ Committee. She earned a bachelor of arts in English from Alma College, a master’s in library science from the University of Michigan, and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
Cummings was appointed to represent Democrats for a term commencing February 1 and expiring January 31, 2029. Cummings succeeds Jeanette Bradshaw, whose term is expiring.
The Board of State Canvassers canvasses and certifies statewide elections, elections for legislative districts that cross county lines, and all judicial offices except judge of the probate court. The Board of Canvassers consists of four members — two from each major political party.
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Goodman Acker P.C.
Goodman Acker announces partner Mark Brewer has been hired as general counsel of the Michigan American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).
Brewer will act as the attorney on all matters for the Michigan AFL-CIO which is the umbrella organization for 45 international and statewide unions which include American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), United Auto Workers (UAW), and more. He will advise on all legal matters and policy, representing the organization in litigation, and advising its lobbyists.
“The Michigan AFL-CIO has long been a champion for working people in Michigan and will continue to be a leader in those efforts,” said Brewer. “I have spent my entire legal career fighting for the rights of working people and it will be a great privilege to represent the Michigan AFL-CIO, its affiliates, and their members.”
Brewer’s dedication to advancing justice is also reflected in his pro bono legal work, which is vast. From defending free speech to promoting voter equality, he has represented numerous state and national organizations, including the ACLU of Michigan and the League of Women Voters of Michigan.
In addition to Brewer’s role at the Michigan AFL-CIO, he will continue as a partner at Goodman Acker where he will continue to support the firm’s clients and long history of standing up for working people.
Brewer received a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University and law degree from Stanford University Law School.
—————
Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho PLC
Cummings, McClorey, Davis, & Acho PLC (CMDA) is pleased to share that the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce (CACC) has selected Ronald G. Acho as their 2025 Businessperson of the Year.
“Being selected as Businessperson of the Year by CACC is an incredible honor,” Acho stated. “The Chamber consistently selects businesspeople for this award for whom I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration. I am deeply humbled to be included among such esteemed individuals who have previously received this award.”
He further shares, “I am very grateful to be receiving this award. The foundation of our firm was built on a strong commitment to helping others. Throughout my 50-year legal career, I have been blessed to represent many clients and have made an effort to give back to our community through pro bono work and advocating for humanitarian issues.
Although I am the one being recognized, the reality is that our firm’s success is the result of the wonderful people who work here. This award is a testament to our firm’s solid foundation, as well as my incredible support system comprised of close colleagues and a loving wife and family.”
Acho will be recognized at the Chamber’s Annual Award Dinner on May 1.
CMDA is also pleased to welcome Brandon L. Wykoff to the firm’s Livonia office where he focuses his practice on appellate law, insurance defense, and law enforcement defense. Wykoff has experience in claims and underwriting, PIP, and no fault litigation. He focuses on writing briefs for submission to all levels of state and federal courts,
arguing cases in both the state and federal courts of appeals, and performing research for all areas of law handled by the firm.
Wykoff is a member of the State Bar of Michigan Young Lawyers Section and Negligence Law Section. He received a law degree from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School and a Bachelor of Science degree from Oakland University.
In addition, John D. Gwyn, an attorney in the firm’s Livonia office, is a contributor to the Institute of Continuing Legal Education’s (ICLE) recent on-demand seminar on short-term rentals. He was asked by ICLE to contribute to the seminar based on his experience with real estate law, community association law, and municipal law.
Gwyn focuses his practice on real estate law, community association law, and commercial and construction litigation. He has more than 25 years of experience in matters involving commercial and consumer litigation primarily focused on the representation of community associations and financial institutions.
Gwyn represents developers, condominium and homeowner associations regarding matters involving real estate, contract, and construction issues. He has handled all facets of litigation in matters related to bylaw violations enforcement, collections, corporate civil rights defense, and creditor bankruptcy matters.
Gwyn has also spent a part of his legal career representing banks and credit unions in proceedings related to compliance, negotiable instruments, construction lien foreclosures, receiverships, fraud litigation, probate, and collections.
—————
Clarkston Legal
After three and a half years as a senior attorney at Clarkston Legal, Frank Briguglio has been promoted to managing partner of the firm. Briguglio’s practice involves high-conflict and high-asset divorce cases, as well as intra-state child custody disputes.
A past president of the Macomb County Bar Association, Briguglio has been licensed by the State Bar of Michigan for the past 16-years.
As managing partner, Briguglio will take on a host of administrative and substantive law firm tasks.
—————
Garan Lucow Miller P.C.
Garan is pleased to announce that Ebony L. Duff has been named chair of the firm’s Executive Committee. She is Garan’s first female chair.
Duff works in the Detroit office and practices municipal and employment law. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys, The Library Network, and the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce. Duff is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Michigan Association for Justice, the Association of Defense Trial Counsel, the Detroit Bar Association, the National Association of Insurance Women, and the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys.
Timothy Jordan, the previous chairperson, will continue to be a member of the Executive Committee. He is in the Detroit office and specializes in maritime, construction, and IP law. Jordan is a board member of the Michigan Judo Development Association and is a member of The Maritime Law Association of the United States.
Ebony is one of three women on the five-person committee, serving alongside Stacey L. King and Tara L. Velting.
King, also in the firm’s Detroit office, practices automobile no-fault and negligence law. She is a member of the Women’s Lawyers Association of Michigan, the Women’s Bar Association in Oakland County, the Association of Defense Trial Counsel, and the Negligence Section of the State Bar of Michigan.
Velting is the managing partner of the firm’s Grand Rapids office. She handles a range of civil defense claims and litigation, in addition to maintaining a probate and estate practice.
Additionally, Fredrick Plumb is a member of the committee. He is in the Detroit office and practices general tort litigation. He was honored in the 2024 Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame and is a member of The American Board of Trial Advocacy.
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Office of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced appointments to the following boards and commissions:
—State Board of Ethics
Carlos Escurel is an associate principal attorney at Foley, Baron, Metzger. & Juip PLLC. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in international relations from Michigan State University and a law degree from Wayne State University School of Law. Escurel will be reappointed to represent Independents for a term commencing February 8, 2025, and expiring February 7, 2029.
The State Board of Ethics is authorized to determine the ethical conduct of classified or unclassified state employees, and public officers of the executive branch of Michigan state government who are appointed by the Governor or another executive department official.
This appointment is subject to advice and consent of the Senate.
—Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification
Emily Frascaroli is global director of the Automotive Safety Office at Ford Motor Company, a lecturer at the University of Michigan Law School, and co-chair of the legal and insurance workgroup for MCity at the University of Michigan. Previously, Frascaroli was managing counsel of the product litigation group at Ford. Frascaroli earned a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering from the University of Southern California, a Master of Engineering in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan, and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School. Frascaroli is reappointed to represent insurance interests for a term commencing January 23, 2025, and expiring October 21, 2028.
The Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification serves in an advisory capacity to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, the Governor, and the Legislature, providing annual recommendations on changes in state policy. In doing so, the Council works to ensure Michigan continues to be an epicenter of future transportation solutions around mobility and electrification.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced appointments to the following boards and commissions:
—State Board of Ethics
Carlos Escurel is an associate principal attorney at Foley, Baron, Metzger. & Juip PLLC. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in international relations from Michigan State University and a law degree from Wayne State University School of Law. Escurel will be reappointed to represent Independents for a term commencing February 8, 2025, and expiring February 7, 2029.
The State Board of Ethics is authorized to determine the ethical conduct of classified or unclassified state employees, and public officers of the executive branch of Michigan state government who are appointed by the Governor or another executive department official.
This appointment is subject to advice and consent of the Senate.
—Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification
Emily Frascaroli is global director of the Automotive Safety Office at Ford Motor Company, a lecturer at the University of Michigan Law School, and co-chair of the legal and insurance workgroup for MCity at the University of Michigan. Previously, Frascaroli was managing counsel of the product litigation group at Ford. Frascaroli earned a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering from the University of Southern California, a Master of Engineering in aerospace engineering from the University of Michigan, and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School. Frascaroli is reappointed to represent insurance interests for a term commencing January 23, 2025, and expiring October 21, 2028.
The Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification serves in an advisory capacity to the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, the Governor, and the Legislature, providing annual recommendations on changes in state policy. In doing so, the Council works to ensure Michigan continues to be an epicenter of future transportation solutions around mobility and electrification.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
