Butzel is expanding its immigration practice with the addition of Christopher J. Ammori, a senior attorney based in the firm’s Detroit office.
Ammori helps businesses navigate growth, compliance, and global talent mobility with a strategic and pragmatic approach. His practice focuses on complex corporate immigration matters. He regularly advises foreign and domestic companies and individuals on the full range of nonimmigrant and immigrant visa petitions.
With experience spanning Am Law 200 and boutique firms in Metro Detroit, Ammori has advised closely held businesses and multinational companies on matters ranging from employment-based visa strategies to business transactions. He represents clients in a range of nonimmigrant visa matters, including O-1 visas for individuals of extraordinary ability, E-2 treaty investors, L-1 intra-company transferees, H-1B specialty occupation workers, TN visas, and E-3 visas. He also represents clients in permanent residency matters such as EB-1, permanent labor certification (PERM), and EB-5 immigrant investor visas.
Prior to joining Butzel, Ammori was the founder and managing attorney of a Michigan firm offering legal services in the areas of Employment Immigration, Immigration and Naturalization, and Business Transactions.
Ammori earned a law degree from Wayne State University Law School and a B.S.B.A. in Accounting from Wayne State University. During law school, he served as an intern to Wayne County Circuit Court Judge David A. Hathaway.
A frequent speaker on immigration and corporate planning, Ammori is an active member of the Chaldean American Bar Association and the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
In addition, attorney Elizabeth M. Siefker has joined Butzel as an associate in the firm’s Troy and Lansing offices. She provides legal counsel in matters of estate and succession planning, estate and trust administrations, and effectively guides clients through complex probate litigation, including contested guardianships and conservatorships.
Siefker collaborates with clients to understand their individual needs and to develop customized estate plans, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives. She also guides personal representatives and trustees through every stage of estate and trust administration – preparing probate filings, advising on fiduciary duties, and facilitating the proper distribution of assets to beneficiaries.
Before joining Butzel, Siefker practiced at a mid-size business law firm in Michigan. Prior to private practice, she served as a research attorney at the Michigan Court of Appeals, where she conducted in-depth legal research and drafted proposed judicial opinions across civil and criminal matters. She also provided recommendations in parental rights cases and collaborated with judges and senior attorneys on the implications of new appellate decisions. She further served as a judicial intern to U.S. District Court Judge Marianne O. Battani, Eastern District of Michigan.
Siefker has been recognized by Michigan Super Lawyers – Rising Stars, Estate Planning & Probate, 2024-2025, Michigan Lawyers Weekly – Up & Coming Lawyers, 2025, and the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) – Certificate Recipient, Probate and Estate Planning.
She is an active member of several bar associations, including the State Bar of Michigan where she is a member of the Probate and Estate Planning Section. Siefker earned a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies, with a Minor in Philosophy, from Grand Valley State University.
• • •
Bodman PLC is pleased to announce that it has launched the International Trade Team, a subgroup of the firm’s Business Practice Group. The Team is comprised of lawyers with extensive experience counseling major clients on matters involving international trade and finance across North America and in global markets.
Bodman has a history of supporting both OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers, starting more than 95 years ago with our representation of the Ford Family in 1929. Its International Trade Team aims to expand our legal capabilities by advising on matters such as USMCA Compliance, import and export compliance, duties, tariffs, trade remedy
investigations, sanctions, embargoes, trade finance, and other global trade strategy.
Bodman Member Bradley T. French leads the International Trade Team. He has experience advising global manufacturers on import and export compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations including procedural compliance, duties, tariffs, economic sanctions, and trade risk management. French has represented clients in connection with Department of Commerce trade remedy investigations, helping them navigate multimillion dollar enforcement actions, reducing liability, and avoiding substantial penalties.
In addition, Bodman is pleased to share that Michigan Lawyers Weekly has selected Nathan D. Dupes as a 2025 “Go-to Lawyer” for Business Litigation.
Dupes, who is based in Bodman’s Detroit office, is the co-chair of the firm’s Environmental Practice Group and a member of the Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution, Automotive and Industrial, and Municipal Law and Government Relations groups. He represents clients involved in complex commercial litigation and a variety of environmental law matters including permitting, regulatory compliance, and environmental risk arising from real estate transactions. He has expertise in chemical regulatory law and frequently advises clients on compliance with the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Controlled Substances Act, REACH, and other related statutes and regulations.
Dupes is active in professional and civic organizations. He currently serves on the Grosse Pointe Farms Foundation’s board of trustees. He has been recognized for outstanding client service by several notable publications including Benchmark Litigation, DBusiness Magazine, Michigan Rising Stars, and Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch.
• • •
John Stoddard, a partner with Detroit-based business and land use law firm Dalton & Tomich, has been named to the Michigan Lawyers Weekly 2025 list of Go To Business Litigation Lawyers.
With experience managing the legal challenges faced by banks, credit unions, and other lenders, Stoddard litigates cases for clients in matters involving commercial disputes, workouts, collections, and creditor bankruptcy. In an April 2025 bankruptcy court decision (In re Top Shelv Worldwide, LLC, 2025 WL 887262), Stoddard prevailed in excepting a client’s commercial interest rate from Michigan’s usury laws.
Beyond financial services, Stoddard’s practice includes negotiating and litigating the successful resolution of disputes for commercial landlords, sellers of specialty products and equipment, and other businesses.
Prior to joining Dalton & Tomich as a partner in 2021, Stoddard’s experience included serving as a litigation manager for a publicly traded finance company and working in a leadership role for firms throughout Michigan that represent financial institutions, court-appointed receivers, and bankruptcy trustees.
Active in legal and civic organizations, Stoddard is a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute, State Bar of Michigan, Indiana State Bar Association, and American Bar Association. He is also an associate member of the Michigan Bankers Association. He eaned his law degree from Notre Dame Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from Albion College.
• • •
Goodman Acker announces the addition of attorney Elise Boike to its growing legal team.
Boike joins Goodman Acker after serving as a staff attorney at Lakeshore Legal Aid in Detroit, where she represented hundreds of low-income households facing eviction.
Prior to that, she worked in insurance and personal injury litigation at O’Neill, Wallace, & Doyle, developing experience in trial preparation, motion practice, and negotiation. She has also served as a legal intern in both public and private sectors, including the Mesa City Prosecutor’s Office, Arizona Voice for Crime Victims, and Carvana’s in-house legal team.
A graduate of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, Boike earned her law degree in 2020 and eaned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and English literature from the University of Michigan.
Licensed to practice law in Michigan, Boike is also active in the legal community as a former board secretary for the Women Lawyers’ Association of Michigan, Great Lakes Bay Region.
• • •
Kemp Klein is pleased to announce that attorney Matthew W. Frank was named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s “Go To Lawyers” Business Litigation List.
Frank advises clients through asset and stock sales, corporate restructurings, joint ventures, and commercial real estate acquisitions and dispositions. He is adept at navigating transactions involving closely held businesses, where practical experience and sound judgment are key to closing deals efficiently and protecting client interests.
Frank serves as outside general counsel to a variety of privately held companies, providing guidance on corporate governance, shareholder matters, contract negotiation, and strategic planning. His background in bankruptcy and commercial litigation further enhances his ability to assess risk, resolve disputes, and deliver pragmatic solutions to business challenges.
DBusiness Magazine recognized Frank as a 2025 DBusiness Top Lawyer for his work in Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Frank was also recognized for his work in Bankruptcy Law in 2018 by Lawyers of Distinction.
• • •
Michael B. Stewart, managing partner and co-founder of intellectual property law firm Fishman Stewart PLLC, has been included on Forbes inaugural list of Best-In-State Lawyers for 2025. Stewart has the distinction of being the only intellectual property attorney in Michigan named to the list.
“I view the Forbes Best in State honor as a firm honor,” Stewart said. “I must credit the achievements and contributions of the entire Fishman Stewart team: our attorneys for their outstanding legal work for clients and engagement with the profession, and the dedication and consistency of our support staff – their contributions are foundational to everything we do and are an essential part of this success.”
Stewart also applauded his colleagues’ commitment to the firm’s mission of increasing understanding of the role and power of intellectual property in business and pop culture.
“We not only educate, we have fun in the process – and so do the thousands who follow our commentary in the weekly Fish Tank® newsletter, the travels of our whimsical firm mascot, Finny, quick-read white papers, Finnyettes, and the other communication tools and outreach we use to inform and entertain.
“These efforts, individually and collectively, create a multiplier effect that not only strengthens our reputation externally but also reinforces the culture of excellence within Fishman Stewart.”
Stewart is a master’s level experienced engineer and strategic adviser to CEOs and senior executives across the globe. He develops IP management strategies for U.S. and foreign-based companies, from middle market to Fortune 500, to safeguard their business assets throughout the world. He has experience managing, administering, and conducting worldwide projects involving updating ownership records of large intellectual property portfolios and applying a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary approach to maximize the scope of intellectual property protection and beneficial usage. His litigation experience includes both trials and oral arguments before the Court of Appeals for the federal circuit, and he is admitted before the United States Supreme Court.
Stewart is a frequent speaker on IP topics and a recognized leader in the legal profession. He is a member of the standing committee directed to Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) of the international Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI), a member of the International Trademark Association (INTA), and the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) including acting as co-chair of the organization’s first ever leadership forum earlier this year and as chair of its PCT Issues Committee.
In addition to the 2025 Forbes list, Stewart was also recently named to the IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals – 2025 list for his success in patent litigation and patent prosecution. He has previously been honored on the IAM Patent 1000 list multiple times. Other legal awards include repeat honors as an IP Star, Best Lawyer and Michigan Super Lawyer.
Stewart earned a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School, and three additional degrees from the University of Michigan: an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, B.S. in English, and a B.S.M.E.
• • •
McDonald Hopkins is pleased to welcome Annslee Perego to the firm’s national Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice Group. She brings a background in incident response
and focuses her practice on guiding her clients through every stage of a cyber event.
“McDonald Hopkins stood out as a destination firm with a robust data privacy practice and a truly collaborative, supportive team,” said Perego. “I’m excited to deepen my knowledge and build strong relationships as I grow my practice here.”
Prior to joining McDonald Hopkins, she served at an international privacy law firm, where she advised clients on incident response, HIPAA compliance and proactive privacy measures. She also has a foundation and legal analysis for incident response from her time at the New York State Supreme Court as a court attorney, where she drafted complex commercial decisions across many industries.
“Data privacy law is constantly evolving,” said Perego. “I enjoy helping clients navigate high-stress incidents and finding solutions that allow them to recover and move forward with confidence.”
Perego also brings a unique perspective to her legal work through her service as a reserve Naval officer and her active role as a Fellow with the Council for Emerging National Security Affairs (CENSA). Her research focuses on the intersection of national security, emerging technology, and cybersecurity.
Perego earned a law degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, a M.S. in Global Security, Conflict and Cybercrime from NYU, and a B.S.W. from Baylor University.
• • •
Brian McKeen, founder and managing partner of McKeen & Associates, recently joined fellow members of the American Association for Justice’s National Finance Council in a successful fundraising effort for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. The event, held in conjunction with the AAJ’s Annual Convention in San Francisco in July, exceeded expectations by raising an impressive $17,250, far surpassing the original $4,500 goal.
At the AAJ Convention, McKeen spoke on the classic perspective of direct and cross-examination as part of the panel Advocacy Track: Tradition Meets Innovation: Bridging Classic Trial Techniques with Modern Methods, hosted by the AAJ Stalwarts/Hall of Fame Committee.
• • •
Varnum partner Ziyad Hermiz has been recognized as a “Go To Lawyer” for Business Litigation by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
Hermiz is a member of Varnum’s Litigation and Trial Practice Team, concentrating his practice in business and commercial litigation. He has experience handling trade secret and non-compete disputes, shareholder and member disputes, arbitrations, franchise litigation, civil RICO claims, real estate litigation, and other business matters in state and federal courts across Michigan and the country.
Beyond his role as a litigator, Hermiz serves as outside general counsel to several companies. He provides clients with strategic guidance and practical solutions for their daily corporate and legal challenges, bringing a business-oriented perspective that emphasizes risk management and practical, forward-thinking solutions.
Among other recognitions, Hermiz has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation and DBusiness© Top Lawyers.
• • •
Cummings, McClorey, Davis, & Acho PLC has welcomed Alexander R. Karana to the firm. He has joined CMDA as an attorney in the firm’s Livonia office.
An Intellectual Property attorney, Karana is admitted to practice in Michigan and Illinois. As a registered patent attorney, he brings a technical and legal foundation to clients at the forefront of innovation, brand-building, and entertainment. His practice centers on patent and trademark prosecution, IP strategy, and technology-driven business transactions. He regularly advises startups, creators, and established companies on protecting their inventions, scaling their brands, and navigating complex IP and contract disputes.
Karana also brings niche expertise in Entertainment and Sports Law, helping athletes, musicians, and influencers protect and monetize their creative assets. His legal experience spans working with carbon credit registry platforms as a product legal assistant and serving as contract counsel on patent filings, trademark registrations, and IP-heavy deals.
Karana received a law degree (concentration in Intellectual Property Law- Patent Track) from UIC Law School. His legal journey has been complemented by his background in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University.
Multilingual and community-driven, Karana speaks intermediate Arabic and Aramaic (Sureth). He is engaged in legal and social communities, including serving as the former president of the Assyrian American Bar Association and now president of the Chaldean American Bar Association.
• • •
Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that Daniel Quick (member, Troy) has been named a “Go To Lawyer” for Business Litigation by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
“I am honored to be selected by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a ‘Go To Lawyer’ for Business Litigation,” said Quick. “It is a privilege to be included with such a talented and accomplished group of attorneys.”
Quick’s litigation experience includes shareholder and family business disputes, trade secret and non-compete litigation, domestic and international arbitration, banking litigation, UCC and automotive industry litigation, and intellectual property cases. He is recognized as one of Michigan’s top lawyers by Chambers USA.
Quick is the author of several works, including Michigan Business Torts (ICLE) and Michigan Court Rules Practice (Thompson Reuters). He is the past president of the Oakland County Bar Association, the 89th president of the State Bar of Michigan, and a long-time leader of the Litigation Section of the American Bar Association. He serves as an arbitrator through the American Arbitration Association and privately as a mediator and arbitrator.
• • •
Dykema recently announced that its Tax and Estate Planning Groups were ranked in the 2025 edition of Chambers High Net Worth Guide (Chambers HNW) in the area of Private Wealth Law for the State of Michigan. In addition Michael G. Cumming received an individual ranking in the same area. Cumming has appeared each year since 2020.
Cumming, of the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office, advises affluent clients on their estate and charitable planning endeavours. He often helps to implement tax-efficient trusts and investment structures.
• • •
Taft Detroit is pleased to announce that 49 attorneys in the firm’s Detroit office have been selected to the Leading Lawyers Network for 2025.
Following are the Taft honorees:
Gus Andreasen
Deborah Baughman
Thomas Bejin
Marko J. Belej
Jeremy D. Bisdorf
Jordan S. Bolton
Joshua M. Borson (Emerging Lawyer)
Trey Brice
R. Christopher Cataldo
Kenneth J. Clarkson
Mark G. Cooper
Thomas Coughlin
Joseph J. DeVito
Joel S. Golden
Michelle C. Harrell
Jeffrey Heuer
Michael F. Jacobson
Bruce S. Kahn
Shirley A. Kaigler
Lee Kellert
Milton I. Kovinsky
Mark L. Kowalsky
Richard Kruger
Sara M. Kruse
Mark P. Krysinski
Jennifer M. LaTosch
Bill Lentine
Robert E. Lewis
Susan S. Lichterman
Eli Maroko
Emily M. Mayer (Emerging Lawyer)
Derek D. McLeod
Nicole Meisner
Judith Greenstone Miller
Gregory W. Moore
Mark D. Rubenfire
Michelle A. Rubin (Emerging Lawyer)
Aaron H. Sherbin
William E. Sider
Arthur Siegal
Susan M. Sutton
Holli Hart Targan
Scott R. Torpey
Thomas Walters
Billee Lightvoet Ward
Arthur A. Weiss
Jeffrey Weiss
Jay Welford
Richard A. Zussman
• • •
Maddin Hauser is pleased to announce that Michigan Lawyers Weekly selected shareholder David E. Hart as a “Go To” lawyer in business litigation for the second time. Hart was previously honored in 2023.
As a shareholder and executive committee member, Hart provides leadership within the firm. A trial attorney, he leads Maddin Hauser’s Complex Litigation and Risk Advisory group and co-chairs the Financial Services and Real Property Litigation group. He centers his practice on litigation and dispute resolution involving title insurance, business and commercial disputes, mortgage and real estate litigation, construction disputes, and creditors’ rights law, including bankruptcy.
Hart is a lecturer who frequently presents topics on business law, title insurance, and real estate law. He is also actively involved with the Mortgage Bankers Association. Throughout his career, he has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America, Michigan Super Lawyers, Michigan Leading Lawyers, and was named among DBusiness Magazine’s 2018 Top Lawyers.
Ammori helps businesses navigate growth, compliance, and global talent mobility with a strategic and pragmatic approach. His practice focuses on complex corporate immigration matters. He regularly advises foreign and domestic companies and individuals on the full range of nonimmigrant and immigrant visa petitions.
With experience spanning Am Law 200 and boutique firms in Metro Detroit, Ammori has advised closely held businesses and multinational companies on matters ranging from employment-based visa strategies to business transactions. He represents clients in a range of nonimmigrant visa matters, including O-1 visas for individuals of extraordinary ability, E-2 treaty investors, L-1 intra-company transferees, H-1B specialty occupation workers, TN visas, and E-3 visas. He also represents clients in permanent residency matters such as EB-1, permanent labor certification (PERM), and EB-5 immigrant investor visas.
Prior to joining Butzel, Ammori was the founder and managing attorney of a Michigan firm offering legal services in the areas of Employment Immigration, Immigration and Naturalization, and Business Transactions.
Ammori earned a law degree from Wayne State University Law School and a B.S.B.A. in Accounting from Wayne State University. During law school, he served as an intern to Wayne County Circuit Court Judge David A. Hathaway.
A frequent speaker on immigration and corporate planning, Ammori is an active member of the Chaldean American Bar Association and the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
In addition, attorney Elizabeth M. Siefker has joined Butzel as an associate in the firm’s Troy and Lansing offices. She provides legal counsel in matters of estate and succession planning, estate and trust administrations, and effectively guides clients through complex probate litigation, including contested guardianships and conservatorships.
Siefker collaborates with clients to understand their individual needs and to develop customized estate plans, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives. She also guides personal representatives and trustees through every stage of estate and trust administration – preparing probate filings, advising on fiduciary duties, and facilitating the proper distribution of assets to beneficiaries.
Before joining Butzel, Siefker practiced at a mid-size business law firm in Michigan. Prior to private practice, she served as a research attorney at the Michigan Court of Appeals, where she conducted in-depth legal research and drafted proposed judicial opinions across civil and criminal matters. She also provided recommendations in parental rights cases and collaborated with judges and senior attorneys on the implications of new appellate decisions. She further served as a judicial intern to U.S. District Court Judge Marianne O. Battani, Eastern District of Michigan.
Siefker has been recognized by Michigan Super Lawyers – Rising Stars, Estate Planning & Probate, 2024-2025, Michigan Lawyers Weekly – Up & Coming Lawyers, 2025, and the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) – Certificate Recipient, Probate and Estate Planning.
She is an active member of several bar associations, including the State Bar of Michigan where she is a member of the Probate and Estate Planning Section. Siefker earned a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies, with a Minor in Philosophy, from Grand Valley State University.
• • •
Bodman PLC is pleased to announce that it has launched the International Trade Team, a subgroup of the firm’s Business Practice Group. The Team is comprised of lawyers with extensive experience counseling major clients on matters involving international trade and finance across North America and in global markets.
Bodman has a history of supporting both OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers, starting more than 95 years ago with our representation of the Ford Family in 1929. Its International Trade Team aims to expand our legal capabilities by advising on matters such as USMCA Compliance, import and export compliance, duties, tariffs, trade remedy
investigations, sanctions, embargoes, trade finance, and other global trade strategy.
Bodman Member Bradley T. French leads the International Trade Team. He has experience advising global manufacturers on import and export compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations including procedural compliance, duties, tariffs, economic sanctions, and trade risk management. French has represented clients in connection with Department of Commerce trade remedy investigations, helping them navigate multimillion dollar enforcement actions, reducing liability, and avoiding substantial penalties.
In addition, Bodman is pleased to share that Michigan Lawyers Weekly has selected Nathan D. Dupes as a 2025 “Go-to Lawyer” for Business Litigation.
Dupes, who is based in Bodman’s Detroit office, is the co-chair of the firm’s Environmental Practice Group and a member of the Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution, Automotive and Industrial, and Municipal Law and Government Relations groups. He represents clients involved in complex commercial litigation and a variety of environmental law matters including permitting, regulatory compliance, and environmental risk arising from real estate transactions. He has expertise in chemical regulatory law and frequently advises clients on compliance with the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Controlled Substances Act, REACH, and other related statutes and regulations.
Dupes is active in professional and civic organizations. He currently serves on the Grosse Pointe Farms Foundation’s board of trustees. He has been recognized for outstanding client service by several notable publications including Benchmark Litigation, DBusiness Magazine, Michigan Rising Stars, and Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch.
• • •
John Stoddard, a partner with Detroit-based business and land use law firm Dalton & Tomich, has been named to the Michigan Lawyers Weekly 2025 list of Go To Business Litigation Lawyers.
With experience managing the legal challenges faced by banks, credit unions, and other lenders, Stoddard litigates cases for clients in matters involving commercial disputes, workouts, collections, and creditor bankruptcy. In an April 2025 bankruptcy court decision (In re Top Shelv Worldwide, LLC, 2025 WL 887262), Stoddard prevailed in excepting a client’s commercial interest rate from Michigan’s usury laws.
Beyond financial services, Stoddard’s practice includes negotiating and litigating the successful resolution of disputes for commercial landlords, sellers of specialty products and equipment, and other businesses.
Prior to joining Dalton & Tomich as a partner in 2021, Stoddard’s experience included serving as a litigation manager for a publicly traded finance company and working in a leadership role for firms throughout Michigan that represent financial institutions, court-appointed receivers, and bankruptcy trustees.
Active in legal and civic organizations, Stoddard is a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute, State Bar of Michigan, Indiana State Bar Association, and American Bar Association. He is also an associate member of the Michigan Bankers Association. He eaned his law degree from Notre Dame Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from Albion College.
• • •
Goodman Acker announces the addition of attorney Elise Boike to its growing legal team.
Boike joins Goodman Acker after serving as a staff attorney at Lakeshore Legal Aid in Detroit, where she represented hundreds of low-income households facing eviction.
Prior to that, she worked in insurance and personal injury litigation at O’Neill, Wallace, & Doyle, developing experience in trial preparation, motion practice, and negotiation. She has also served as a legal intern in both public and private sectors, including the Mesa City Prosecutor’s Office, Arizona Voice for Crime Victims, and Carvana’s in-house legal team.
A graduate of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, Boike earned her law degree in 2020 and eaned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and English literature from the University of Michigan.
Licensed to practice law in Michigan, Boike is also active in the legal community as a former board secretary for the Women Lawyers’ Association of Michigan, Great Lakes Bay Region.
• • •
Kemp Klein is pleased to announce that attorney Matthew W. Frank was named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s “Go To Lawyers” Business Litigation List.
Frank advises clients through asset and stock sales, corporate restructurings, joint ventures, and commercial real estate acquisitions and dispositions. He is adept at navigating transactions involving closely held businesses, where practical experience and sound judgment are key to closing deals efficiently and protecting client interests.
Frank serves as outside general counsel to a variety of privately held companies, providing guidance on corporate governance, shareholder matters, contract negotiation, and strategic planning. His background in bankruptcy and commercial litigation further enhances his ability to assess risk, resolve disputes, and deliver pragmatic solutions to business challenges.
DBusiness Magazine recognized Frank as a 2025 DBusiness Top Lawyer for his work in Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Frank was also recognized for his work in Bankruptcy Law in 2018 by Lawyers of Distinction.
• • •
Michael B. Stewart, managing partner and co-founder of intellectual property law firm Fishman Stewart PLLC, has been included on Forbes inaugural list of Best-In-State Lawyers for 2025. Stewart has the distinction of being the only intellectual property attorney in Michigan named to the list.
“I view the Forbes Best in State honor as a firm honor,” Stewart said. “I must credit the achievements and contributions of the entire Fishman Stewart team: our attorneys for their outstanding legal work for clients and engagement with the profession, and the dedication and consistency of our support staff – their contributions are foundational to everything we do and are an essential part of this success.”
Stewart also applauded his colleagues’ commitment to the firm’s mission of increasing understanding of the role and power of intellectual property in business and pop culture.
“We not only educate, we have fun in the process – and so do the thousands who follow our commentary in the weekly Fish Tank® newsletter, the travels of our whimsical firm mascot, Finny, quick-read white papers, Finnyettes, and the other communication tools and outreach we use to inform and entertain.
“These efforts, individually and collectively, create a multiplier effect that not only strengthens our reputation externally but also reinforces the culture of excellence within Fishman Stewart.”
Stewart is a master’s level experienced engineer and strategic adviser to CEOs and senior executives across the globe. He develops IP management strategies for U.S. and foreign-based companies, from middle market to Fortune 500, to safeguard their business assets throughout the world. He has experience managing, administering, and conducting worldwide projects involving updating ownership records of large intellectual property portfolios and applying a comprehensive, cross-disciplinary approach to maximize the scope of intellectual property protection and beneficial usage. His litigation experience includes both trials and oral arguments before the Court of Appeals for the federal circuit, and he is admitted before the United States Supreme Court.
Stewart is a frequent speaker on IP topics and a recognized leader in the legal profession. He is a member of the standing committee directed to Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) of the international Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI), a member of the International Trademark Association (INTA), and the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA) including acting as co-chair of the organization’s first ever leadership forum earlier this year and as chair of its PCT Issues Committee.
In addition to the 2025 Forbes list, Stewart was also recently named to the IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals – 2025 list for his success in patent litigation and patent prosecution. He has previously been honored on the IAM Patent 1000 list multiple times. Other legal awards include repeat honors as an IP Star, Best Lawyer and Michigan Super Lawyer.
Stewart earned a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School, and three additional degrees from the University of Michigan: an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering, B.S. in English, and a B.S.M.E.
• • •
McDonald Hopkins is pleased to welcome Annslee Perego to the firm’s national Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Practice Group. She brings a background in incident response
and focuses her practice on guiding her clients through every stage of a cyber event.
“McDonald Hopkins stood out as a destination firm with a robust data privacy practice and a truly collaborative, supportive team,” said Perego. “I’m excited to deepen my knowledge and build strong relationships as I grow my practice here.”
Prior to joining McDonald Hopkins, she served at an international privacy law firm, where she advised clients on incident response, HIPAA compliance and proactive privacy measures. She also has a foundation and legal analysis for incident response from her time at the New York State Supreme Court as a court attorney, where she drafted complex commercial decisions across many industries.
“Data privacy law is constantly evolving,” said Perego. “I enjoy helping clients navigate high-stress incidents and finding solutions that allow them to recover and move forward with confidence.”
Perego also brings a unique perspective to her legal work through her service as a reserve Naval officer and her active role as a Fellow with the Council for Emerging National Security Affairs (CENSA). Her research focuses on the intersection of national security, emerging technology, and cybersecurity.
Perego earned a law degree from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, a M.S. in Global Security, Conflict and Cybercrime from NYU, and a B.S.W. from Baylor University.
• • •
Brian McKeen, founder and managing partner of McKeen & Associates, recently joined fellow members of the American Association for Justice’s National Finance Council in a successful fundraising effort for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. The event, held in conjunction with the AAJ’s Annual Convention in San Francisco in July, exceeded expectations by raising an impressive $17,250, far surpassing the original $4,500 goal.
At the AAJ Convention, McKeen spoke on the classic perspective of direct and cross-examination as part of the panel Advocacy Track: Tradition Meets Innovation: Bridging Classic Trial Techniques with Modern Methods, hosted by the AAJ Stalwarts/Hall of Fame Committee.
• • •
Varnum partner Ziyad Hermiz has been recognized as a “Go To Lawyer” for Business Litigation by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
Hermiz is a member of Varnum’s Litigation and Trial Practice Team, concentrating his practice in business and commercial litigation. He has experience handling trade secret and non-compete disputes, shareholder and member disputes, arbitrations, franchise litigation, civil RICO claims, real estate litigation, and other business matters in state and federal courts across Michigan and the country.
Beyond his role as a litigator, Hermiz serves as outside general counsel to several companies. He provides clients with strategic guidance and practical solutions for their daily corporate and legal challenges, bringing a business-oriented perspective that emphasizes risk management and practical, forward-thinking solutions.
Among other recognitions, Hermiz has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation and DBusiness© Top Lawyers.
• • •
Cummings, McClorey, Davis, & Acho PLC has welcomed Alexander R. Karana to the firm. He has joined CMDA as an attorney in the firm’s Livonia office.
An Intellectual Property attorney, Karana is admitted to practice in Michigan and Illinois. As a registered patent attorney, he brings a technical and legal foundation to clients at the forefront of innovation, brand-building, and entertainment. His practice centers on patent and trademark prosecution, IP strategy, and technology-driven business transactions. He regularly advises startups, creators, and established companies on protecting their inventions, scaling their brands, and navigating complex IP and contract disputes.
Karana also brings niche expertise in Entertainment and Sports Law, helping athletes, musicians, and influencers protect and monetize their creative assets. His legal experience spans working with carbon credit registry platforms as a product legal assistant and serving as contract counsel on patent filings, trademark registrations, and IP-heavy deals.
Karana received a law degree (concentration in Intellectual Property Law- Patent Track) from UIC Law School. His legal journey has been complemented by his background in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University.
Multilingual and community-driven, Karana speaks intermediate Arabic and Aramaic (Sureth). He is engaged in legal and social communities, including serving as the former president of the Assyrian American Bar Association and now president of the Chaldean American Bar Association.
• • •
Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce that Daniel Quick (member, Troy) has been named a “Go To Lawyer” for Business Litigation by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
“I am honored to be selected by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a ‘Go To Lawyer’ for Business Litigation,” said Quick. “It is a privilege to be included with such a talented and accomplished group of attorneys.”
Quick’s litigation experience includes shareholder and family business disputes, trade secret and non-compete litigation, domestic and international arbitration, banking litigation, UCC and automotive industry litigation, and intellectual property cases. He is recognized as one of Michigan’s top lawyers by Chambers USA.
Quick is the author of several works, including Michigan Business Torts (ICLE) and Michigan Court Rules Practice (Thompson Reuters). He is the past president of the Oakland County Bar Association, the 89th president of the State Bar of Michigan, and a long-time leader of the Litigation Section of the American Bar Association. He serves as an arbitrator through the American Arbitration Association and privately as a mediator and arbitrator.
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Dykema recently announced that its Tax and Estate Planning Groups were ranked in the 2025 edition of Chambers High Net Worth Guide (Chambers HNW) in the area of Private Wealth Law for the State of Michigan. In addition Michael G. Cumming received an individual ranking in the same area. Cumming has appeared each year since 2020.
Cumming, of the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office, advises affluent clients on their estate and charitable planning endeavours. He often helps to implement tax-efficient trusts and investment structures.
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Taft Detroit is pleased to announce that 49 attorneys in the firm’s Detroit office have been selected to the Leading Lawyers Network for 2025.
Following are the Taft honorees:
Gus Andreasen
Deborah Baughman
Thomas Bejin
Marko J. Belej
Jeremy D. Bisdorf
Jordan S. Bolton
Joshua M. Borson (Emerging Lawyer)
Trey Brice
R. Christopher Cataldo
Kenneth J. Clarkson
Mark G. Cooper
Thomas Coughlin
Joseph J. DeVito
Joel S. Golden
Michelle C. Harrell
Jeffrey Heuer
Michael F. Jacobson
Bruce S. Kahn
Shirley A. Kaigler
Lee Kellert
Milton I. Kovinsky
Mark L. Kowalsky
Richard Kruger
Sara M. Kruse
Mark P. Krysinski
Jennifer M. LaTosch
Bill Lentine
Robert E. Lewis
Susan S. Lichterman
Eli Maroko
Emily M. Mayer (Emerging Lawyer)
Derek D. McLeod
Nicole Meisner
Judith Greenstone Miller
Gregory W. Moore
Mark D. Rubenfire
Michelle A. Rubin (Emerging Lawyer)
Aaron H. Sherbin
William E. Sider
Arthur Siegal
Susan M. Sutton
Holli Hart Targan
Scott R. Torpey
Thomas Walters
Billee Lightvoet Ward
Arthur A. Weiss
Jeffrey Weiss
Jay Welford
Richard A. Zussman
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Maddin Hauser is pleased to announce that Michigan Lawyers Weekly selected shareholder David E. Hart as a “Go To” lawyer in business litigation for the second time. Hart was previously honored in 2023.
As a shareholder and executive committee member, Hart provides leadership within the firm. A trial attorney, he leads Maddin Hauser’s Complex Litigation and Risk Advisory group and co-chairs the Financial Services and Real Property Litigation group. He centers his practice on litigation and dispute resolution involving title insurance, business and commercial disputes, mortgage and real estate litigation, construction disputes, and creditors’ rights law, including bankruptcy.
Hart is a lecturer who frequently presents topics on business law, title insurance, and real estate law. He is also actively involved with the Mortgage Bankers Association. Throughout his career, he has been recognized in Best Lawyers in America, Michigan Super Lawyers, Michigan Leading Lawyers, and was named among DBusiness Magazine’s 2018 Top Lawyers.
