The Alternative Dispute Resolution Section of the State Bar of Michigan is proud to announce that James E. Darden II
is the recipient of the section’s George N. Bashara Jr. Award. This
award is given in recognition of exemplary service to the Section and
its members.
Darden has contributed many years of dedicated service as the section’s treasurer. His commitment, professionalism, and stewardship have greatly contributed to the section’s success and the advancement of ADR in Michigan.
Darden and other awardees will be honored at the ADR Annual Awards Ceremony on Friday, September 19, at Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth. For additioanl information about the section and the ADR Annual Conference and Awards Ceremony, visit www.sbmadrconference.com.
• • •
Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Michelle Rick, 4th Judicial District, has been named the 44th president of the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ). Rick, whose presidential term began in November 2024, is recognized as a Fellow of both the Michigan State Bar Foundation and the American Bar Foundation. She also teaches “Access to Justice” at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, a course that inspired her presidential theme: “Access to Justice is Justice for All.”
In March 2025, Rick hosted the NAWJ midyear conference at the University of Michigan Law School in Ann Arbor. The event centered on the theme “Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere.” Speakers included former Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Beth Clement, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Brian Zahra, Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Welch, and American Bar Association President Bill Barr, a University of Michigan Law School alumnus.
Welch welcomed judicial attendees from across the country, while Cavanagh led a panel on the restorative impact of specialty courts. Rick interviewed Clement and Justice for All Committee Co-Chair Zahra, who discussed the Commission’s efforts to close the access to justice gap through regulatory reforms and innovative solutions. Clement
emphasized the essential role of courts in fostering public confidence in the judiciary.
The conference featured sessions on compassionate judging, the restorative nature of specialty courts, the use of AI to assist self-represented litigants, the impact of incarceration on families, and best practices and ethics for transitioning from the bench to alternative dispute resolution. The event aimed to inspire judges to develop creative solutions to the growing civil justice gap.
Rick remarked, “Ensuring equal justice for all is vital. The justice gap affects seniors, veterans, members of rural communities, the poor, the un-homed, and returning citizens.
We must all do our part to eradicate the civil justice gap.”
Rick’s term as president of NAWJ ends in October at NAWJ’s annual conference. The conference takes place October 23-25 in Boston. The theme of the conference is “Where Women Lead.” To learn more about NAWJ, its conferences and programming, visit www.nawj.org.
• • •
Williams, Williams, Rattner, & Plunkett (WWRP) is pleased to announce that 13 firm attorneys have been named to the 2025 Michigan Super Lawyers list.
The following WWRP attorneys have received the 2025 Michigan Super Lawyers designation in the noted practice areas, followed by the years they have been on the Super
Lawyer list:
Alexander A. Ayar — Business Litigation (2021–2025; Rising Star 2013–2016)
Robert S. Bick — Business & Corporate; Mergers & Acquisitions; Securities & Corporate Finance (2007–2025)
John W. Crowe Jr. — Mergers & Acquisitions, Business/Corporate, Real Estate — Business, Business Litigation, Securities & Corporate Finance, Civil Litigation — Defense (2025)
James P. Cunningham — Family Law; Estate & Trust Litigation; International (2006–2025)
Brian E. Etzel — Business Litigation (2013–2025; Rising Star 2008)
William E. Hosler — Real Estate; Business; General Litigation; State, Local & Municipal; Business Litigation (2018–2025)
Robert B. Labe — Estate Planning & Probate; Business & Corporate (2009–2025)
Jason C. Long — Eminent Domain; Tax — Business, Appellate; Real Estate — Business (2022–2025; Rising Star 2011–2014)
Jerome P. Pesick — Eminent Domain; Tax; Land Use & Zoning (2006–2025)
David E. Plunkett — Business Litigation; Real Estate; Business & Corporate (2013–2025)
Richard E. Rassel III — Business & Corporate; General Litigation; Real Estate (2010–2025; Rising Star 2008–2009)
Richard D. Rattner — Land Use & Zoning; Real Estate; Business & Corporate (2006–2025)
C. Kim Shierk — Real Estate (2007–2022, 2024-2025)
In addition, WWRP is pleased to announce that 12 attorneys, all partners in the firm, have been selected by their peers for inclusion in the 32nd annual edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. The following WWRP attorneys have been granted the Best Lawyers® designation in their respective categories of distinction:
Robert S. Bick — Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law; Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
John W. Crowe — Corporate Law
James P. Cunningham — Family Law
Brian E. Etzel — Commercial Litigation; Employment Law – Individuals
John D. Gaber — Litigation – Real Estate
Robert B. Labe — Trusts and Estates
Jason C. Long — Land Use and Zoning Law; Real Estate Law
Jerome Pesick — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law; Real Estate Law
David E. Plunkett — Commercial Litigation
Richard E. Rassel III — Commercial Litigation; Land Use and Zoning Law; Litigation – Real Estate
Richard D. Rattner — Copyright Law; Land Use and Zoning Law; Litigation – Land Use and Zoning; Litigation – Real Estate; Real Estate Law
C. Kim Shierk — Corporate Law; Land Use and Zoning Law; Real Estate Law
In addition to being named a Best Lawyer, Richard Rassel III has been awarded 2026 Best Lawyers regional “Lawyer of the Year” honors. Rassel received the accolade in the category of real estate litigation. He was previously awarded Best Lawyers’ “Lawyer of the Year” honor in 2022. Rassel’s practice at WWRP, where he serves on the board of directors, focuses on business, real estate and land use litigation, as well as business and real estate transactions.
WWRP is also pleased to announce that President and Managing Partner John W. Crowe has again been included in DBusiness Magazine’s annual Detroit 500.
Crowe has been president and managing partner of WWRP since 2021, first joining the firm as a partner in 2006. In addition to day-to-day management responsibilities and guiding the strategic vision of the firm, Crowe’s legal practice includes corporate law, mergers & acquisitions, private equity, start-ups, franchise law, shareholder disputes and litigation, real estate, family business succession, and serving as general counsel to his clients.
Crowe earned a law degree from the University of Buffalo School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Notre Dame. He is active in professional associations and community endeavors, including volunteer work for Grace Centers of Hope and Leader Dogs for the Blind.
• • •
Michael Weaver has joined the Flood Law team as the firm’s newest senior attorney, effective immediately. Prior to his current role, he served as an attorney at Plunkett Cooney for more than 35 years.
Weaver is a trial attorney with approximately 90 cases tried to verdict. He has represented an array of commercial clients directly and through their insurance providers, and his litigation practice includes product liability, general liability, insurance law, employment law, Title IX claims, premises liability, motor vehicle liability and civil rights.
Weaver earned his undergraduate degree in 1986 from Arizona State University and his law degree in 1990 from Michigan State University College of Law. He has been named among the Best Lawyers in America® for commercial, labor and employment and product liability litigation defense. Michigan Super Lawyers has honored Weaver for his employment litigation defense expertise, and he has received Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer review rating-AV Preeminent™.
• • •
Matz Injury Law has received a Best Family-Led Law Firm award in the inaugural list presented by Michigan Lawyers Weekly magazine.
Matz Injury Law was founded by Steve Matz in 1978, and he now runs the company with his son Jared Matz, the managing partner. The partnership recently announced more than $10 million worth of savings to clients it serves through its unique reduced fee model: clients pay 22 percent of their financial award compared with the normal charge of 33 percent.
In addition to the company’s community involvement, Steve Matz’s contributions to the legal profession were also highlighted including his service on the Committee on Character and Fitness and the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board. Steve Matz is also included for the 12th year in the list of Michigan Super Lawyers and was inducted into the Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame earlier this year.
“I am very proud to have established a legacy of service to our clients and commitment to the legal profession. I am thrilled that my son continues to serve accident victims with caring and compassion,” said Steve Matz. “The opportunity to help injury victims through the worst time in their lives is a privilege and one I have never taken for granted.”
Steve Matz said he also appreciated that his daughter, Rachel Matz, who works for the company part-time as a social media strategist, had found ways to convey the company’s unique message of lower fees, to prospective clients.
• • •
Foley, Baron, Metzger, & Juip PLLC is proud to announce that Joseph P. McGill has been appointed by the Michigan Supreme Court to serve on the Attorney Grievance Commission (AGC).
McGill will serve a three-year term in one of only six attorney seats on the AGC. Appointees are chosen by the court for their professionalism, integrity, and commitment to public service.
“This appointment is a tremendous honor,” said McGill. “I look forward to contributing to the commission’s vital work on behalf of the legal profession and the people of Michigan.”
In addition to this new role with the AGC, McGill is the 90th president of the State Bar of Michigan and currently serves as Honorary Consul of Ireland for the State of Michigan.
• • •
Honigman LLP recently announced that Jason Monahan joined the firm as a partner in the Corporate Department. Monahan joins the firm from General Dynamics, a global aerospace and defense company, where he served as general counsel and as vice president & general manager of a $1.5 billion defense engineering, manufacturing, and support business with nearly 2,000 employees across North America and the Middle East. While based in Detroit, Monahan will work closely with the firm’s Washington D.C. office, further strengthening the firm’s national aerospace and defense capabilities.
Monahan brings more than 20 years of executive and legal experience in the aerospace, defense, and manufacturing sectors. He has led complex international negotiations and successfully captured and executed multi-billion-dollar contracts with government customers in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. He is adept at managing highly regulated global businesses, with experience in complex international negotiations, compliance programs, high-stakes transactions, and international arbitration.
Monahan earned his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center and his B.A. from the University of Florida. He also earned an M.B.A from IE Business School in Spain and a European Masters in Law & Economics from Universität Hamburg in Germany.
• • •
Miller Canfield principal Jennifer L. Sabourin has been elected vice chair of the American Bar Association’s Section of Labor and Employment Law. The election took place at the ABA’s annual meeting in Toronto.
Sabourin has been active in the section for more than 20 years and has served in leadership roles on numerous committees and national programs. She is also a fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, and is consistently recognized by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers and Michigan Super Lawyers.
A deputy leader of Miller Canfield’s Employment and Labor Group, Sabourin represents employers nationwide in litigation and agency matters. She advises employers on compliance with state and federal laws while helping them achieve their business goals and has a record of success in high-stakes, complex cases. As a member of the Association of Workplace Investigators, Sabourin is often retained to assist in conducting independent investigations into workplace concerns.
• • •
Taft is pleased to welcome several new associates to the firm. New associates (admissions pending) joining the Detroit Taft office and practice groups are:
Mason Gill, Litigation
Danielle J. Heinz, Business
Lena Vushaj, Business
• • •
Giarmarco, Mullins, & Horton PC (GMH) is proud to announce that numerous attorneys from its Troy office have been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America®.
—Lawyer of the Year 2026
Bruce W. Haffey – Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
—The Best Lawyers in America 2026
Thomas P. Cavanaugh (since 2013) – Litigation – Trusts and Estates
Kenneth B. Chapie (since 2025) – Litigation – Labor and Employment
Anthony K. Chubb (since 2025) – Litigation – Municipal; Municipal Law
George A. Contis (since 2021) – Real Estate Law
Elizabeth Favaro (since 2024) – Commercial Litigation
Kara Ferrara (since 2024) – Trusts and Estates
Julius H. Giarmarco (since 2011) – Tax Law; Trusts and Estates
Bruce W. Haffey (since 2020) – Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law; Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Tax Law
William H. Heritage III (since 2013) – Corporate Law; Health Care Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Real Estate Law
William H. Horton (since 2011) – Bet-the-Company Litigation; Commercial Litigation; Litigation – Labor and Employment; Litigation – Mergers and Acquisitions; Litigation – Real
Estate
Keela Johnson (since 2024) – Family Law; Family Law Mediation
Alex Lebedinski (since 2026) – Corporate Law
Victoria S. Lehman (since 2021) – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
Adam Levitsky (since 2024) – Litigation – Insurance; Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers
Timothy J. Mullins (since 2012) – Education Law
Ryan L. Perry (since 2013) – Commercial Litigation
Paul Thursam (since 2024) – Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law; Corporate Law
Jared Trust (since 2024) – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
Geoffrey S. Wagner (since 2025) – Commercial Litigation
Donald K. Warwick (since 2025) – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
Matthew S. Weaver (since 2020) – Family Law; Family Law Mediation
LeRoy H. Wulfmeier III (since 2011) – Family Law; Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants; Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants
—Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America 2026
Samantha Faulkner (since 2026) – Family Law
John R. Fleming (since 2024) – Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
Courtney Moore (since 2026) – Litigation – Labor and Employment
David Occhiuto (since 2026) – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
Katherine E. Ross (since 2024) – Appellate Practice; Commercial Litigation; Insurance Law
• • •
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP has welcomed Antonia R. Giles as an associate.
Giles’ practice centers on mergers and acquisitions, general corporate law, and commercial contract matters. She advises both private and public companies across a range of industries, from closely held startups to established enterprises. She will practice in the firm’s Detroit office.
Prior to joining Warner, Giles was an attorney with Dykema Gossett PLLC in Bloomfield Hills. Earlier in her career, she served as a policy intern for Neighborhood Defender Services in Detroit, worked with the Michigan Department of Attorney General and interned for U.S. Distruct Court Judge Judith Levy, Eastern District of Michigan.
Giles serves on the board of the Detroit Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth and is chair of its NextGen steering committee. In 2024, the organization honored Giles with its Igniting Inspiration award, which recognizes the next generation of women leading Michigan’s middle-market M&A community.
Giles earned a bachelor’s degree from Davidson College and a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She is a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, and the Detroit Bar Association, where she also serves as a board member.
Darden has contributed many years of dedicated service as the section’s treasurer. His commitment, professionalism, and stewardship have greatly contributed to the section’s success and the advancement of ADR in Michigan.
Darden and other awardees will be honored at the ADR Annual Awards Ceremony on Friday, September 19, at Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth. For additioanl information about the section and the ADR Annual Conference and Awards Ceremony, visit www.sbmadrconference.com.
• • •
Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Michelle Rick, 4th Judicial District, has been named the 44th president of the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ). Rick, whose presidential term began in November 2024, is recognized as a Fellow of both the Michigan State Bar Foundation and the American Bar Foundation. She also teaches “Access to Justice” at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, a course that inspired her presidential theme: “Access to Justice is Justice for All.”
In March 2025, Rick hosted the NAWJ midyear conference at the University of Michigan Law School in Ann Arbor. The event centered on the theme “Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere.” Speakers included former Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Beth Clement, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Brian Zahra, Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Welch, and American Bar Association President Bill Barr, a University of Michigan Law School alumnus.
Welch welcomed judicial attendees from across the country, while Cavanagh led a panel on the restorative impact of specialty courts. Rick interviewed Clement and Justice for All Committee Co-Chair Zahra, who discussed the Commission’s efforts to close the access to justice gap through regulatory reforms and innovative solutions. Clement
emphasized the essential role of courts in fostering public confidence in the judiciary.
The conference featured sessions on compassionate judging, the restorative nature of specialty courts, the use of AI to assist self-represented litigants, the impact of incarceration on families, and best practices and ethics for transitioning from the bench to alternative dispute resolution. The event aimed to inspire judges to develop creative solutions to the growing civil justice gap.
Rick remarked, “Ensuring equal justice for all is vital. The justice gap affects seniors, veterans, members of rural communities, the poor, the un-homed, and returning citizens.
We must all do our part to eradicate the civil justice gap.”
Rick’s term as president of NAWJ ends in October at NAWJ’s annual conference. The conference takes place October 23-25 in Boston. The theme of the conference is “Where Women Lead.” To learn more about NAWJ, its conferences and programming, visit www.nawj.org.
• • •
Williams, Williams, Rattner, & Plunkett (WWRP) is pleased to announce that 13 firm attorneys have been named to the 2025 Michigan Super Lawyers list.
The following WWRP attorneys have received the 2025 Michigan Super Lawyers designation in the noted practice areas, followed by the years they have been on the Super
Lawyer list:
Alexander A. Ayar — Business Litigation (2021–2025; Rising Star 2013–2016)
Robert S. Bick — Business & Corporate; Mergers & Acquisitions; Securities & Corporate Finance (2007–2025)
John W. Crowe Jr. — Mergers & Acquisitions, Business/Corporate, Real Estate — Business, Business Litigation, Securities & Corporate Finance, Civil Litigation — Defense (2025)
James P. Cunningham — Family Law; Estate & Trust Litigation; International (2006–2025)
Brian E. Etzel — Business Litigation (2013–2025; Rising Star 2008)
William E. Hosler — Real Estate; Business; General Litigation; State, Local & Municipal; Business Litigation (2018–2025)
Robert B. Labe — Estate Planning & Probate; Business & Corporate (2009–2025)
Jason C. Long — Eminent Domain; Tax — Business, Appellate; Real Estate — Business (2022–2025; Rising Star 2011–2014)
Jerome P. Pesick — Eminent Domain; Tax; Land Use & Zoning (2006–2025)
David E. Plunkett — Business Litigation; Real Estate; Business & Corporate (2013–2025)
Richard E. Rassel III — Business & Corporate; General Litigation; Real Estate (2010–2025; Rising Star 2008–2009)
Richard D. Rattner — Land Use & Zoning; Real Estate; Business & Corporate (2006–2025)
C. Kim Shierk — Real Estate (2007–2022, 2024-2025)
In addition, WWRP is pleased to announce that 12 attorneys, all partners in the firm, have been selected by their peers for inclusion in the 32nd annual edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. The following WWRP attorneys have been granted the Best Lawyers® designation in their respective categories of distinction:
Robert S. Bick — Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law; Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law
John W. Crowe — Corporate Law
James P. Cunningham — Family Law
Brian E. Etzel — Commercial Litigation; Employment Law – Individuals
John D. Gaber — Litigation – Real Estate
Robert B. Labe — Trusts and Estates
Jason C. Long — Land Use and Zoning Law; Real Estate Law
Jerome Pesick — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law; Real Estate Law
David E. Plunkett — Commercial Litigation
Richard E. Rassel III — Commercial Litigation; Land Use and Zoning Law; Litigation – Real Estate
Richard D. Rattner — Copyright Law; Land Use and Zoning Law; Litigation – Land Use and Zoning; Litigation – Real Estate; Real Estate Law
C. Kim Shierk — Corporate Law; Land Use and Zoning Law; Real Estate Law
In addition to being named a Best Lawyer, Richard Rassel III has been awarded 2026 Best Lawyers regional “Lawyer of the Year” honors. Rassel received the accolade in the category of real estate litigation. He was previously awarded Best Lawyers’ “Lawyer of the Year” honor in 2022. Rassel’s practice at WWRP, where he serves on the board of directors, focuses on business, real estate and land use litigation, as well as business and real estate transactions.
WWRP is also pleased to announce that President and Managing Partner John W. Crowe has again been included in DBusiness Magazine’s annual Detroit 500.
Crowe has been president and managing partner of WWRP since 2021, first joining the firm as a partner in 2006. In addition to day-to-day management responsibilities and guiding the strategic vision of the firm, Crowe’s legal practice includes corporate law, mergers & acquisitions, private equity, start-ups, franchise law, shareholder disputes and litigation, real estate, family business succession, and serving as general counsel to his clients.
Crowe earned a law degree from the University of Buffalo School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Notre Dame. He is active in professional associations and community endeavors, including volunteer work for Grace Centers of Hope and Leader Dogs for the Blind.
• • •
Michael Weaver has joined the Flood Law team as the firm’s newest senior attorney, effective immediately. Prior to his current role, he served as an attorney at Plunkett Cooney for more than 35 years.
Weaver is a trial attorney with approximately 90 cases tried to verdict. He has represented an array of commercial clients directly and through their insurance providers, and his litigation practice includes product liability, general liability, insurance law, employment law, Title IX claims, premises liability, motor vehicle liability and civil rights.
Weaver earned his undergraduate degree in 1986 from Arizona State University and his law degree in 1990 from Michigan State University College of Law. He has been named among the Best Lawyers in America® for commercial, labor and employment and product liability litigation defense. Michigan Super Lawyers has honored Weaver for his employment litigation defense expertise, and he has received Martindale-Hubbell’s highest peer review rating-AV Preeminent™.
• • •
Matz Injury Law has received a Best Family-Led Law Firm award in the inaugural list presented by Michigan Lawyers Weekly magazine.
Matz Injury Law was founded by Steve Matz in 1978, and he now runs the company with his son Jared Matz, the managing partner. The partnership recently announced more than $10 million worth of savings to clients it serves through its unique reduced fee model: clients pay 22 percent of their financial award compared with the normal charge of 33 percent.
In addition to the company’s community involvement, Steve Matz’s contributions to the legal profession were also highlighted including his service on the Committee on Character and Fitness and the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board. Steve Matz is also included for the 12th year in the list of Michigan Super Lawyers and was inducted into the Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame earlier this year.
“I am very proud to have established a legacy of service to our clients and commitment to the legal profession. I am thrilled that my son continues to serve accident victims with caring and compassion,” said Steve Matz. “The opportunity to help injury victims through the worst time in their lives is a privilege and one I have never taken for granted.”
Steve Matz said he also appreciated that his daughter, Rachel Matz, who works for the company part-time as a social media strategist, had found ways to convey the company’s unique message of lower fees, to prospective clients.
• • •
Foley, Baron, Metzger, & Juip PLLC is proud to announce that Joseph P. McGill has been appointed by the Michigan Supreme Court to serve on the Attorney Grievance Commission (AGC).
McGill will serve a three-year term in one of only six attorney seats on the AGC. Appointees are chosen by the court for their professionalism, integrity, and commitment to public service.
“This appointment is a tremendous honor,” said McGill. “I look forward to contributing to the commission’s vital work on behalf of the legal profession and the people of Michigan.”
In addition to this new role with the AGC, McGill is the 90th president of the State Bar of Michigan and currently serves as Honorary Consul of Ireland for the State of Michigan.
• • •
Honigman LLP recently announced that Jason Monahan joined the firm as a partner in the Corporate Department. Monahan joins the firm from General Dynamics, a global aerospace and defense company, where he served as general counsel and as vice president & general manager of a $1.5 billion defense engineering, manufacturing, and support business with nearly 2,000 employees across North America and the Middle East. While based in Detroit, Monahan will work closely with the firm’s Washington D.C. office, further strengthening the firm’s national aerospace and defense capabilities.
Monahan brings more than 20 years of executive and legal experience in the aerospace, defense, and manufacturing sectors. He has led complex international negotiations and successfully captured and executed multi-billion-dollar contracts with government customers in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. He is adept at managing highly regulated global businesses, with experience in complex international negotiations, compliance programs, high-stakes transactions, and international arbitration.
Monahan earned his law degree from Georgetown University Law Center and his B.A. from the University of Florida. He also earned an M.B.A from IE Business School in Spain and a European Masters in Law & Economics from Universität Hamburg in Germany.
• • •
Miller Canfield principal Jennifer L. Sabourin has been elected vice chair of the American Bar Association’s Section of Labor and Employment Law. The election took place at the ABA’s annual meeting in Toronto.
Sabourin has been active in the section for more than 20 years and has served in leadership roles on numerous committees and national programs. She is also a fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, and is consistently recognized by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers and Michigan Super Lawyers.
A deputy leader of Miller Canfield’s Employment and Labor Group, Sabourin represents employers nationwide in litigation and agency matters. She advises employers on compliance with state and federal laws while helping them achieve their business goals and has a record of success in high-stakes, complex cases. As a member of the Association of Workplace Investigators, Sabourin is often retained to assist in conducting independent investigations into workplace concerns.
• • •
Taft is pleased to welcome several new associates to the firm. New associates (admissions pending) joining the Detroit Taft office and practice groups are:
Mason Gill, Litigation
Danielle J. Heinz, Business
Lena Vushaj, Business
• • •
Giarmarco, Mullins, & Horton PC (GMH) is proud to announce that numerous attorneys from its Troy office have been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America®.
—Lawyer of the Year 2026
Bruce W. Haffey – Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
—The Best Lawyers in America 2026
Thomas P. Cavanaugh (since 2013) – Litigation – Trusts and Estates
Kenneth B. Chapie (since 2025) – Litigation – Labor and Employment
Anthony K. Chubb (since 2025) – Litigation – Municipal; Municipal Law
George A. Contis (since 2021) – Real Estate Law
Elizabeth Favaro (since 2024) – Commercial Litigation
Kara Ferrara (since 2024) – Trusts and Estates
Julius H. Giarmarco (since 2011) – Tax Law; Trusts and Estates
Bruce W. Haffey (since 2020) – Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law; Corporate Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Tax Law
William H. Heritage III (since 2013) – Corporate Law; Health Care Law; Mergers and Acquisitions Law; Real Estate Law
William H. Horton (since 2011) – Bet-the-Company Litigation; Commercial Litigation; Litigation – Labor and Employment; Litigation – Mergers and Acquisitions; Litigation – Real
Estate
Keela Johnson (since 2024) – Family Law; Family Law Mediation
Alex Lebedinski (since 2026) – Corporate Law
Victoria S. Lehman (since 2021) – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
Adam Levitsky (since 2024) – Litigation – Insurance; Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers
Timothy J. Mullins (since 2012) – Education Law
Ryan L. Perry (since 2013) – Commercial Litigation
Paul Thursam (since 2024) – Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law; Corporate Law
Jared Trust (since 2024) – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
Geoffrey S. Wagner (since 2025) – Commercial Litigation
Donald K. Warwick (since 2025) – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
Matthew S. Weaver (since 2020) – Family Law; Family Law Mediation
LeRoy H. Wulfmeier III (since 2011) – Family Law; Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants; Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants
—Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America 2026
Samantha Faulkner (since 2026) – Family Law
John R. Fleming (since 2024) – Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
Courtney Moore (since 2026) – Litigation – Labor and Employment
David Occhiuto (since 2026) – Medical Malpractice Law – Defendants
Katherine E. Ross (since 2024) – Appellate Practice; Commercial Litigation; Insurance Law
• • •
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP has welcomed Antonia R. Giles as an associate.
Giles’ practice centers on mergers and acquisitions, general corporate law, and commercial contract matters. She advises both private and public companies across a range of industries, from closely held startups to established enterprises. She will practice in the firm’s Detroit office.
Prior to joining Warner, Giles was an attorney with Dykema Gossett PLLC in Bloomfield Hills. Earlier in her career, she served as a policy intern for Neighborhood Defender Services in Detroit, worked with the Michigan Department of Attorney General and interned for U.S. Distruct Court Judge Judith Levy, Eastern District of Michigan.
Giles serves on the board of the Detroit Chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth and is chair of its NextGen steering committee. In 2024, the organization honored Giles with its Igniting Inspiration award, which recognizes the next generation of women leading Michigan’s middle-market M&A community.
Giles earned a bachelor’s degree from Davidson College and a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She is a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, and the Detroit Bar Association, where she also serves as a board member.
