Maddin, Hauser, Roth, & Heller PC
Maddin Hauser is proud to announce that its president and CEO, Steven D. Sallen, was selected as the Real Estate Lawyer of the Year at the Michigan REjournals 2025 Detroit Commercial Real Estate Awards.
In addition to this most recent honor, Sallen was recognized as a Michigan Lawyers Weekly “Go To” lawyer in commercial real estate for the second time. He was previously selected in 2021 and named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s Hall of Fame in 2020. He has also been listed in several peer-reviewed listings including Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, Leading Lawyers, and DBusiness Top Lawyers.
Sallen concentrates his practice in real estate, environmental, and corporate law. His clients include some of Michigan’s most successful manufacturing firms, real estate developers, general contractors, and commercial real estate brokers.
Sallen has also dedicated significant time to firm leadership. He serves as president, CEO, Environmental Law Group chair, and Real Estate Practice Group co-chair.
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Office of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Three attorneys have been appointed by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to state panels.
Claudnyse Holloman has been reappointed as a court appointed special advocate to the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect. The president and chief executive officer of Voices for Children Advocacy Center, Holloman is an attorney with Holloman and Holloman Legal Services. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English and political science from Clarke University and a law degree from Cooley Law School. Her two-year term expires December 31, 2027.
Gail Alpert has been appointed to the Michigan Science, Technology, and Mathematics Education Advisory Council for a term expiring September 30, 2028. Albert is president and chair of FIRST in Michigan, promoting FIRST robotics and other programs across the state. Albert, who also is an associate broker with Max Broock Realtors, earned a bachelor of arts from Michigan State University and a law degree from University of Detroit Merch School of Law.
Nicholas Gable has been appointed to the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council for a term expiring on September 30. A senior attorney at Disability Rights Michigan, Gable earned a bachelor’s degree in ancient history and languages from the University of Michigan, and a law degree from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law.
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Plunkett Cooney
The partners of Plunkett Cooney have re-elected three colleagues and elected two new members to its board of directors.
At the firm’s recent annual meeting, Jeffrey S. Hengeveld, Patrick C. Lannen, and Robert A. Marzano were re-elected to serve three-year terms. They will be joined by first-time board members Matthew J. Boettcher, who will also serve a three-year term, and Stephen P. Brown, who will serve a two-year term.
Hengeveld, who serves as co-leader of Plunkett Cooney’s Professional Liability Practice Group, focuses primarily on defending professional liability claims brought against attorneys, accountants, and broker-dealers and related ethics and licensing actions. He also represents clients in class action litigation. A member of the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office, Hengeveld is licensed to practice in all Michigan state and federal courts.
Lannen is a partner in the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office and leads the Commercial Litigation Practice Group. An experienced trial attorney, he has played a role in the growth and success of the firm’s high stakes, bet-the-company commercial litigation practice. He is recognized for handling complex commercial and financial services litigation, banking and creditors’ rights matters, and class, mass and multi-district actions.
A co-leader of the firm’s Torts & Litigation Practice, Marzano maintains a practice that includes premises liability law, foodservice and hospitality law, security guard liability, pet liability, real estate law and landlord/tenant disputes. He is a member of Plunkett Cooney’s Bloomfield Hills office and one of the firm’s most experienced municipal attorneys. He currently represents one of southeast Michigan’s largest and fastest growing cities.
Boettcher is a partner in Plunkett Cooney’s Commercial Litigation Practice Group who specializes in real property disputes, banking conflicts, contract claims, class action defense and business torts. A member of the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office, Boettcher is licensed to practice in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
A co-leader of Plunkett Cooney’s Insurance Coverage Practice Group, Brown focuses his practice exclusively on the representation of insurance companies in complex coverage disputes. His practice involves a range of issues, including insurance coverage for underlying product liability and environmental contamination claims to bad faith and failure to settle claims, among others. He has also represented corporate entities in complex product liability litigation.
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Mike Morse Law Firm
Mike Morse Law Firm is pleased to announce it has won a 2025 Golden Gavel Award for Best Client Testimonial. This is the sixth time in six years the firm has been recognized for their unique, creative, and high-quality video productions. The award is presented by The National Trial Lawyers. The Golden Gavel Awards, which recognize exceptional marketing work in the legal industry, were held on January 28 in Miami Beach, Florida. The firm was also a finalist for Best Social Media Ad, Best Regional/ National :15 TV Ad and Best Multiple Billboard Campaign.
“Making an award-winning commercial isn’t just about creativity. It’s about sharing real-life accounts of Metro Detroiters that resonates and connects with the people,” said Mike Morse of Mike Morse Law Firm. “It’s the emotional impact that truly makes a campaign unforgettable.”
The commercial, titled “Actavia,” spotlights a woman whose family member was injured in a pedestrian hit and run accident.
For the last 12 years, Mike Morse Law Firm has collaborated with Michigan-based Lerner Advertising to produce their commercials. In 2020, the firm won a Golden Gavel Award for a :30 second TV commercial titled “Ambulance Chaser.” In 2021, they won for a :60 second TV commercial titled “Masked Mike,” and in 2022, they won for a :30 second TV commercial titled “Sharpies.” In 2023, they won for Best Public Relations Ad featuring the firm’s annual Project Backpack program. In 2004, they won for Best :30 Second Commercial titled “What Matters.”
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Fathers Justice Law PLLC
Fathers Justice Law PLLC is pleased to announce that attorney Jermaine A. Wyrick, owner and founder, recently successfully completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, Detroit, Michigan Cohort 31, earning a “Certificate of Entrepreneurship.”
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business in an investment in the growth of small businesses that helps entrepreneurs create jobs and economic opportunities by providing access to education, capital, and support services. The curriculum is designed by Babson College. The Detroit program is a collaboration between Babson College, Wayne State University, Macomb Community College, and Oakland Community College. The program is an intensive 14-week education program with like-minded small businesses owners, wherein entrepreneurs receive one-on-one business advice while learning valuable skills to help you grow your business.
Wyrick has practiced law since 1997. His awards include the 2010 College World Reporter Best Written Article, 2007, Detroit Urban Lutheran School, “Stiving for Excellence,” 2006, Pepsi “Everyday Freedom” Award, 2004, “Civil Rights and Education,” United States Attorney’s Office, Black History Month Award; “2004 Trailblazer Award” from Jordan Educational Consulting Inc., “Five under Ten” Award from the University of Michigan, African American Alumni Council; Who’s Who in America; the Federal Bar Association, Pro Bono Project Award; Respect for Law, Optimist International; and an award from the Detroit Branch NAACP for Outstanding Leadership in Affirmative Action.
Wyrick has lectured at various places, including for the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement, Detroit Public Schools Community District, “Dad’s Day in Pre-K,” Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association, the Detroit Branch NAACP George W. Crockett Community Law School, Lorman Education Services, the Northville Psychiatric Hospital, Continuing Medical Education program.
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Butzel Long
Butzel attorney Claudia Rast will be featured during an Automation Alley Integr8 Roundtable program on Wednesday, March 12, at Automation Alley in Troy. Butzel is a sponsor of the program.
The roundtable discussion will focus on resiliency, not just how manufacturers can safeguard their digital ecosystems but how they can embrace and incorporate certain best practices so that when the cyber incident does occur, they can react, respond, and recover swiftly.
Rast has been at the forefront of data protection and emerging technologies throughout her career. Whether counseling clients on preparing for, or responding to, global cyber incidents, complying with new state consumer privacy laws, or implementing policies and procedures to effectively use generative AI tools, she maintains her position as a leader among technology practitioners.
Rast, who chairs Butzel’s Intellectual Property, Cybersecurity and Emerging Technology Practice Department, blends her expertise in law, business, and science to assist companies in their strategic use of technology, counseling clients in the areas of privacy, cybersecurity, data security and governance, intellectual property licensing and registration, and the forensic preservation and analysis of
electronically stored information.
From 2020-2023, Rast served as co-chair the American Bar Association Cybersecurity Legal Task Force and currently maintains an active membership in that Task Force. Prior to that, she had been appointed to successive one-year terms since 2013.
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Dickinson Wright PLLC
Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that Jaclyn Culler has joined the firm’s Troy office as an associate.
Culler focuses her practice on employee benefits and executive compensation. She has experience in tax, employee benefits, and employment law, having practiced at leading law firms and later serving as the district director for a Michigan state senator.
Culler is committed to giving back to the legal community and is actively involved in the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, currently serving on the board of its Wayne Region.
Culler received her B.A. from George Washington University and her law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
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Zausmer, P.C.
On February 10, Managing Shareholder Mark Zausmer introduced Chad Duschinsky and John Lewsley as the newest shareholders at Zausmer PC.
Duschinsky focuses his practice on insurance defense and fraud litigation, representing insurers and individuals in first-party no-fault and third-party auto negligence matters. Duschinsky earned his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law and his Bachelor of Arts in Social Relations and Policy from Michigan State University.
Lewsley is a key member of Zausmer’s Appellate, Energy Infrastructure, and Eminent Domain practice groups, specializing in dispositive motions, complex appeals, and statutory interpretation. Lewsley earned his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School and his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Michigan.
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Varnum LLP
Varnum attorney Jailah Emerson has been elected as vice president of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (WLAM) Wayne Region.
As a member of Varnum’s Litigation and Trial Practice Team, Emerson specializes in complex commercial, family law, tax, and insolvency litigation. She represents clients throughout the litigation process including hearings, depositions, trial, and appellate proceedings. She also assists clients with a range of commercial litigation issues, ranging from standard breach of contract claims to complex real estate disputes.
Emerson serves on the board of the Wolverine Bar Foundation and is secretary of the Wolverine Bar Association. She is also a member of the Federal Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, and Detroit Young Professionals.
Beyond her legal practice, Emerson volunteers with the Umoja Debate League, an organization that uses debate as a vehicle to teach Detroit youth ages 11-18 transferable life skills.
In addition, Varnum is pleased to announce that attorney Ali Bazzi has joined the firm’s Corporate Practice Team in the Birmingham office.
Bazzi brings experience in advising public and private companies on a variety of transactional matters, such as fund formations, mergers and acquisitions, financings, joint ventures and general corporate governance. He focuses on representing sponsors and investment managers with private fund matters including structuring, governance, regulatory, and compliance.
Bazzi is also experienced in all aspects of forming and structuring private funds and separately managed accounts that primarily pursue private equity, structured finance, private credit, hedge, or venture capital investment strategies. Additionally, he advises clients on securities and investment adviser regulations and compliance matters.
Prior to joining Varnum, Bazzi practiced at two large law firms in New York City.
Bazzi earned his law degree from George Washington University Law School and his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University.
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Brooks Kushman P.C.
Isheeta Patel Laxmanan, a shareholder at Brooks Kushman, served as a panelist at a career development event for chemical engineering (ChE) freshmen and sophomores at the University of Michigan on February 17. Hosted by the University of Michigan Chemical Engineering (ChE) department, the panel explored the theme “What is it like 10-15 years after graduation?” Panelists, including Laxmanan, shared their career journeys, discuss corporate advancement, and highlight key experiences that shaped their professional growth.
Laxmanan is a registered patent attorney who has experience working with a range of clients that vary in size, from Fortune 100 companies to small start-ups. She focuses her practice on preparing and prosecuting domestic patent applications in the chemical engineering and materials arts. She also advises her clients on various IP-related strategies, such as whether they have freedom to operate and by assessing the validity of patents. She provides insight to clients regarding business-critical decisions and has experience supporting IP negotiations, settlements, and litigation.
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Miller Johnson
Miller Johnson has announced that Fadwa A. Hammoud will continue to serve as office managing member in Detroit as part of the firm’s executive structure. Hammoud is on the firm’s senior leadership team advancing strategic growth and client representation across the state. She helps direct key lines of service, including crisis management, investigations, corporate, health care, and municipal law.
Also at the Detroit office, the following practice lead positions are 1-year terms:
Education – Kevin T. Sutton (chair)
Intellectual Property – Brandon Griffith and Michael Nye (co-chairs)
Internal Investigations & Compliance – Andrew C. Goetz (chair)
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Taft
Michigan Lawyers Weekly recently named Taft attorney Joseph Lash as one of Michigan’s “Go To Lawyers” for Commercial Real Estate Law.
Lash specializes in commercial real estate and business law. He represents a variety of clients, including entrepreneurs, developers, manufacturers, law firms, physicians, dentists, banks, landlords, and tenants. He has experience in the formation of business entities, purchase and sale of businesses, negotiation of leases (shopping center, industrial, and office), syndication of investment opportunities, and negotiation of loan documents.
Maddin Hauser is proud to announce that its president and CEO, Steven D. Sallen, was selected as the Real Estate Lawyer of the Year at the Michigan REjournals 2025 Detroit Commercial Real Estate Awards.
In addition to this most recent honor, Sallen was recognized as a Michigan Lawyers Weekly “Go To” lawyer in commercial real estate for the second time. He was previously selected in 2021 and named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s Hall of Fame in 2020. He has also been listed in several peer-reviewed listings including Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, Leading Lawyers, and DBusiness Top Lawyers.
Sallen concentrates his practice in real estate, environmental, and corporate law. His clients include some of Michigan’s most successful manufacturing firms, real estate developers, general contractors, and commercial real estate brokers.
Sallen has also dedicated significant time to firm leadership. He serves as president, CEO, Environmental Law Group chair, and Real Estate Practice Group co-chair.
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Office of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Three attorneys have been appointed by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer to state panels.
Claudnyse Holloman has been reappointed as a court appointed special advocate to the Governor’s Task Force on Child Abuse and Neglect. The president and chief executive officer of Voices for Children Advocacy Center, Holloman is an attorney with Holloman and Holloman Legal Services. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English and political science from Clarke University and a law degree from Cooley Law School. Her two-year term expires December 31, 2027.
Gail Alpert has been appointed to the Michigan Science, Technology, and Mathematics Education Advisory Council for a term expiring September 30, 2028. Albert is president and chair of FIRST in Michigan, promoting FIRST robotics and other programs across the state. Albert, who also is an associate broker with Max Broock Realtors, earned a bachelor of arts from Michigan State University and a law degree from University of Detroit Merch School of Law.
Nicholas Gable has been appointed to the Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council for a term expiring on September 30. A senior attorney at Disability Rights Michigan, Gable earned a bachelor’s degree in ancient history and languages from the University of Michigan, and a law degree from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law.
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Plunkett Cooney
The partners of Plunkett Cooney have re-elected three colleagues and elected two new members to its board of directors.
At the firm’s recent annual meeting, Jeffrey S. Hengeveld, Patrick C. Lannen, and Robert A. Marzano were re-elected to serve three-year terms. They will be joined by first-time board members Matthew J. Boettcher, who will also serve a three-year term, and Stephen P. Brown, who will serve a two-year term.
Hengeveld, who serves as co-leader of Plunkett Cooney’s Professional Liability Practice Group, focuses primarily on defending professional liability claims brought against attorneys, accountants, and broker-dealers and related ethics and licensing actions. He also represents clients in class action litigation. A member of the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office, Hengeveld is licensed to practice in all Michigan state and federal courts.
Lannen is a partner in the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office and leads the Commercial Litigation Practice Group. An experienced trial attorney, he has played a role in the growth and success of the firm’s high stakes, bet-the-company commercial litigation practice. He is recognized for handling complex commercial and financial services litigation, banking and creditors’ rights matters, and class, mass and multi-district actions.
A co-leader of the firm’s Torts & Litigation Practice, Marzano maintains a practice that includes premises liability law, foodservice and hospitality law, security guard liability, pet liability, real estate law and landlord/tenant disputes. He is a member of Plunkett Cooney’s Bloomfield Hills office and one of the firm’s most experienced municipal attorneys. He currently represents one of southeast Michigan’s largest and fastest growing cities.
Boettcher is a partner in Plunkett Cooney’s Commercial Litigation Practice Group who specializes in real property disputes, banking conflicts, contract claims, class action defense and business torts. A member of the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office, Boettcher is licensed to practice in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
A co-leader of Plunkett Cooney’s Insurance Coverage Practice Group, Brown focuses his practice exclusively on the representation of insurance companies in complex coverage disputes. His practice involves a range of issues, including insurance coverage for underlying product liability and environmental contamination claims to bad faith and failure to settle claims, among others. He has also represented corporate entities in complex product liability litigation.
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Mike Morse Law Firm
Mike Morse Law Firm is pleased to announce it has won a 2025 Golden Gavel Award for Best Client Testimonial. This is the sixth time in six years the firm has been recognized for their unique, creative, and high-quality video productions. The award is presented by The National Trial Lawyers. The Golden Gavel Awards, which recognize exceptional marketing work in the legal industry, were held on January 28 in Miami Beach, Florida. The firm was also a finalist for Best Social Media Ad, Best Regional/ National :15 TV Ad and Best Multiple Billboard Campaign.
“Making an award-winning commercial isn’t just about creativity. It’s about sharing real-life accounts of Metro Detroiters that resonates and connects with the people,” said Mike Morse of Mike Morse Law Firm. “It’s the emotional impact that truly makes a campaign unforgettable.”
The commercial, titled “Actavia,” spotlights a woman whose family member was injured in a pedestrian hit and run accident.
For the last 12 years, Mike Morse Law Firm has collaborated with Michigan-based Lerner Advertising to produce their commercials. In 2020, the firm won a Golden Gavel Award for a :30 second TV commercial titled “Ambulance Chaser.” In 2021, they won for a :60 second TV commercial titled “Masked Mike,” and in 2022, they won for a :30 second TV commercial titled “Sharpies.” In 2023, they won for Best Public Relations Ad featuring the firm’s annual Project Backpack program. In 2004, they won for Best :30 Second Commercial titled “What Matters.”
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Fathers Justice Law PLLC
Fathers Justice Law PLLC is pleased to announce that attorney Jermaine A. Wyrick, owner and founder, recently successfully completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, Detroit, Michigan Cohort 31, earning a “Certificate of Entrepreneurship.”
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business in an investment in the growth of small businesses that helps entrepreneurs create jobs and economic opportunities by providing access to education, capital, and support services. The curriculum is designed by Babson College. The Detroit program is a collaboration between Babson College, Wayne State University, Macomb Community College, and Oakland Community College. The program is an intensive 14-week education program with like-minded small businesses owners, wherein entrepreneurs receive one-on-one business advice while learning valuable skills to help you grow your business.
Wyrick has practiced law since 1997. His awards include the 2010 College World Reporter Best Written Article, 2007, Detroit Urban Lutheran School, “Stiving for Excellence,” 2006, Pepsi “Everyday Freedom” Award, 2004, “Civil Rights and Education,” United States Attorney’s Office, Black History Month Award; “2004 Trailblazer Award” from Jordan Educational Consulting Inc., “Five under Ten” Award from the University of Michigan, African American Alumni Council; Who’s Who in America; the Federal Bar Association, Pro Bono Project Award; Respect for Law, Optimist International; and an award from the Detroit Branch NAACP for Outstanding Leadership in Affirmative Action.
Wyrick has lectured at various places, including for the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement, Detroit Public Schools Community District, “Dad’s Day in Pre-K,” Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association, the Detroit Branch NAACP George W. Crockett Community Law School, Lorman Education Services, the Northville Psychiatric Hospital, Continuing Medical Education program.
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Butzel Long
Butzel attorney Claudia Rast will be featured during an Automation Alley Integr8 Roundtable program on Wednesday, March 12, at Automation Alley in Troy. Butzel is a sponsor of the program.
The roundtable discussion will focus on resiliency, not just how manufacturers can safeguard their digital ecosystems but how they can embrace and incorporate certain best practices so that when the cyber incident does occur, they can react, respond, and recover swiftly.
Rast has been at the forefront of data protection and emerging technologies throughout her career. Whether counseling clients on preparing for, or responding to, global cyber incidents, complying with new state consumer privacy laws, or implementing policies and procedures to effectively use generative AI tools, she maintains her position as a leader among technology practitioners.
Rast, who chairs Butzel’s Intellectual Property, Cybersecurity and Emerging Technology Practice Department, blends her expertise in law, business, and science to assist companies in their strategic use of technology, counseling clients in the areas of privacy, cybersecurity, data security and governance, intellectual property licensing and registration, and the forensic preservation and analysis of
electronically stored information.
From 2020-2023, Rast served as co-chair the American Bar Association Cybersecurity Legal Task Force and currently maintains an active membership in that Task Force. Prior to that, she had been appointed to successive one-year terms since 2013.
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Dickinson Wright PLLC
Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that Jaclyn Culler has joined the firm’s Troy office as an associate.
Culler focuses her practice on employee benefits and executive compensation. She has experience in tax, employee benefits, and employment law, having practiced at leading law firms and later serving as the district director for a Michigan state senator.
Culler is committed to giving back to the legal community and is actively involved in the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, currently serving on the board of its Wayne Region.
Culler received her B.A. from George Washington University and her law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
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Zausmer, P.C.
On February 10, Managing Shareholder Mark Zausmer introduced Chad Duschinsky and John Lewsley as the newest shareholders at Zausmer PC.
Duschinsky focuses his practice on insurance defense and fraud litigation, representing insurers and individuals in first-party no-fault and third-party auto negligence matters. Duschinsky earned his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law and his Bachelor of Arts in Social Relations and Policy from Michigan State University.
Lewsley is a key member of Zausmer’s Appellate, Energy Infrastructure, and Eminent Domain practice groups, specializing in dispositive motions, complex appeals, and statutory interpretation. Lewsley earned his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School and his Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Michigan.
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Varnum LLP
Varnum attorney Jailah Emerson has been elected as vice president of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (WLAM) Wayne Region.
As a member of Varnum’s Litigation and Trial Practice Team, Emerson specializes in complex commercial, family law, tax, and insolvency litigation. She represents clients throughout the litigation process including hearings, depositions, trial, and appellate proceedings. She also assists clients with a range of commercial litigation issues, ranging from standard breach of contract claims to complex real estate disputes.
Emerson serves on the board of the Wolverine Bar Foundation and is secretary of the Wolverine Bar Association. She is also a member of the Federal Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, and Detroit Young Professionals.
Beyond her legal practice, Emerson volunteers with the Umoja Debate League, an organization that uses debate as a vehicle to teach Detroit youth ages 11-18 transferable life skills.
In addition, Varnum is pleased to announce that attorney Ali Bazzi has joined the firm’s Corporate Practice Team in the Birmingham office.
Bazzi brings experience in advising public and private companies on a variety of transactional matters, such as fund formations, mergers and acquisitions, financings, joint ventures and general corporate governance. He focuses on representing sponsors and investment managers with private fund matters including structuring, governance, regulatory, and compliance.
Bazzi is also experienced in all aspects of forming and structuring private funds and separately managed accounts that primarily pursue private equity, structured finance, private credit, hedge, or venture capital investment strategies. Additionally, he advises clients on securities and investment adviser regulations and compliance matters.
Prior to joining Varnum, Bazzi practiced at two large law firms in New York City.
Bazzi earned his law degree from George Washington University Law School and his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University.
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Brooks Kushman P.C.
Isheeta Patel Laxmanan, a shareholder at Brooks Kushman, served as a panelist at a career development event for chemical engineering (ChE) freshmen and sophomores at the University of Michigan on February 17. Hosted by the University of Michigan Chemical Engineering (ChE) department, the panel explored the theme “What is it like 10-15 years after graduation?” Panelists, including Laxmanan, shared their career journeys, discuss corporate advancement, and highlight key experiences that shaped their professional growth.
Laxmanan is a registered patent attorney who has experience working with a range of clients that vary in size, from Fortune 100 companies to small start-ups. She focuses her practice on preparing and prosecuting domestic patent applications in the chemical engineering and materials arts. She also advises her clients on various IP-related strategies, such as whether they have freedom to operate and by assessing the validity of patents. She provides insight to clients regarding business-critical decisions and has experience supporting IP negotiations, settlements, and litigation.
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Miller Johnson
Miller Johnson has announced that Fadwa A. Hammoud will continue to serve as office managing member in Detroit as part of the firm’s executive structure. Hammoud is on the firm’s senior leadership team advancing strategic growth and client representation across the state. She helps direct key lines of service, including crisis management, investigations, corporate, health care, and municipal law.
Also at the Detroit office, the following practice lead positions are 1-year terms:
Education – Kevin T. Sutton (chair)
Intellectual Property – Brandon Griffith and Michael Nye (co-chairs)
Internal Investigations & Compliance – Andrew C. Goetz (chair)
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Taft
Michigan Lawyers Weekly recently named Taft attorney Joseph Lash as one of Michigan’s “Go To Lawyers” for Commercial Real Estate Law.
Lash specializes in commercial real estate and business law. He represents a variety of clients, including entrepreneurs, developers, manufacturers, law firms, physicians, dentists, banks, landlords, and tenants. He has experience in the formation of business entities, purchase and sale of businesses, negotiation of leases (shopping center, industrial, and office), syndication of investment opportunities, and negotiation of loan documents.
