Taft
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
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Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone
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.
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Giarmarco, Mullins, & Horton, P.C.
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
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Goodman Acker P.C.
Goodman Acker announces the addition of attorney Michael Turner to its growing team.
Turner joins Goodman Acker after clerking and serving as a junior associate at Cravath, Swaine, & Moore LLP in New York, where he worked on complex antitrust, intellectual property, and commercial litigation matters. Prior to that, he served as a summer associate at Brown Rudnick LLP, where he gained experience in bankruptcy, intellectual property, and real estate matters.
A graduate of the University of Michigan Law School, Turner earned his law degree in 2024. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture from Occidental College.
In addition to his legal accomplishments, Turner previously served as a legislative aide to Michigan State Senator Erika Geiss, assisting with policy research, bill drafting, and constituent services.
Outside the office, he is active in the community as a volunteer youth baseball coach and mentor with Michigan Youth in Government.
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McDonald Hopkins LLC
For the past month, McDonald Hopkins’ Detroit office has been working to raise both funds and awareness for the 2025 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. On Sept. 14, their efforts culminated in a proud moment as “Team McDonald Hopkins” participated in this year’s race and celebrated the achievement of raising more than $34,000 to support life-saving breast cancer research.
The fundraising efforts were championed by McDonald Hopkins’ co-president, Jim Giszczak, who also serves on the Board of Directors for Susan G. Komen Michigan.
“We want to raise awareness and, most importantly, we want to make sure we raise money because we really need to work on research. Our goal is to be back with you one day not to race for the cure but to celebrate the cure,” Giszczak said.
Thanks to the generosity of McDonald Hopkins’ staff, clients, friends and family, “Team McDonald Hopkins” emerged as the top fundraising team by the end of the race. The greater triumph, however, is in the collective efforts of the entire Detroit community, which raised more than $280,000.
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Reising Ethington PC
Reising PC is pleased to announce that Rick Hoffmann was named a Super Lawyer for the 20th year, being only one of 147 small and mid-sized law firm attorneys that have made it 20 years in a row. Corey Beaubien, Matt Schmidt, and Jim Stevens were also named Super Lawyers, and Shannon Smith was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star.
In addition, Reising has once again been named to the IAM Patent 1000. The IAM Patent 1000 shines a spotlight on the firms and individuals that are deemed outstanding in the pivotal area of patent law. Corey Beaubien, Colin Cicotte, Rick Hoffmann, Matt Schmidt, Jim Stevens, and Steve Walmsley have been specifically recommended.
Reising is also pleased to announce that Shannon Smith was appointed as academic liaison for the Intellectual Property Inn of Court Executive Committee. She was also recently elected to the Board of Directors for the Michigan Intellectual Property Law Association.
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Kotz Sangster
Thirteen lawyers from Kotz Sangster offices in Detroit and Bloomfield Hills have been honored as 2025 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.
Kotz Sangster attorneys honored as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars, along with the areas of practice for which they have been recognized, are:
—Michigan Super Lawyers
R. Edward Boucher – Construction Litigation
George F. Curran III – Environmental
David R. de Reyna – Estate & Probate
Dennis K. Egan – Business Litigation
Walter B. Fisher Jr. – Employee Benefits
Robert B. Goldi – Banking
Jeffrey M. Sangster – Construction Litigation
Keith J. Soltis – Health Care
Jeffrey S. Sternberg – Estate & Probate
John P. (Jack) Ulrich Jr. – Mergers & Acquisitions
Gregory L. Wysocki – Mergers & Acquisitions
—Michigan Rising Stars
Yousef Farraj – Construction Litigation
Mark W. Oszust – Construction Litigation
Of special note, corporate law attorney Gregory L. Wysocki, who serves as Kotz president in the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office, has been honored for 10 consecutive years by Super Lawyers and construction law attorney Jeffrey M. Sangster, resident in the firm’s Detroit office, has been honored for 20 consecutive years.
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Office of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced the appointment of Corinne Rockoff to the Electronic Recording Commission
Rockoff is a senior attorney at Miller, Canfield, Paddock, and Stone PLC whose practice focuses on real estate, construction, and financial litigation. Rockoff was previously a shareholder at Maddin, Hauser, Roth, & Heller PC. Rockoff is also the chair of the board of directors for The Ruth Ellis Center.
Rockoff earned a Bachelor of Science in international relations and politics and a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Carnegie Mellon University and a law degree from George Washington University Law School.
Rockoff is appointed to represent attorneys licensed to practice law in the state and whose expertise emphasizes real property matters for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring January 1, 2026. Rockoff succeeds Dominic Rios, whose term has expired.
The Electronic Recording Commission keeps the standards and practices of county registers of deeds in this state in harmony with the standards and practices of offices of county registers of deeds in other jurisdictions. The commission keeps the technology used by county registers of deeds in this state compatible with technology used by offices of county registers of deeds in other jurisdictions.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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Secrest Wardle
Secrest Wardle is pleased to announce that Executive Partner Samantha J. Orvis has been appointed by the State Bar of Michigan president to serve on the SBM’s Judicial Qualifications Committee for another year.
The committee, as requested by the governor, evaluates candidates for possible appointment to judicial vacancies and reports in confidence to the governor.
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
—————
Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone
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.
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Giarmarco, Mullins, & Horton, P.C.
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
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Goodman Acker P.C.
Goodman Acker announces the addition of attorney Michael Turner to its growing team.
Turner joins Goodman Acker after clerking and serving as a junior associate at Cravath, Swaine, & Moore LLP in New York, where he worked on complex antitrust, intellectual property, and commercial litigation matters. Prior to that, he served as a summer associate at Brown Rudnick LLP, where he gained experience in bankruptcy, intellectual property, and real estate matters.
A graduate of the University of Michigan Law School, Turner earned his law degree in 2024. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Studies in Literature and Culture from Occidental College.
In addition to his legal accomplishments, Turner previously served as a legislative aide to Michigan State Senator Erika Geiss, assisting with policy research, bill drafting, and constituent services.
Outside the office, he is active in the community as a volunteer youth baseball coach and mentor with Michigan Youth in Government.
—————
McDonald Hopkins LLC
For the past month, McDonald Hopkins’ Detroit office has been working to raise both funds and awareness for the 2025 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. On Sept. 14, their efforts culminated in a proud moment as “Team McDonald Hopkins” participated in this year’s race and celebrated the achievement of raising more than $34,000 to support life-saving breast cancer research.
The fundraising efforts were championed by McDonald Hopkins’ co-president, Jim Giszczak, who also serves on the Board of Directors for Susan G. Komen Michigan.
“We want to raise awareness and, most importantly, we want to make sure we raise money because we really need to work on research. Our goal is to be back with you one day not to race for the cure but to celebrate the cure,” Giszczak said.
Thanks to the generosity of McDonald Hopkins’ staff, clients, friends and family, “Team McDonald Hopkins” emerged as the top fundraising team by the end of the race. The greater triumph, however, is in the collective efforts of the entire Detroit community, which raised more than $280,000.
—————
Reising Ethington PC
Reising PC is pleased to announce that Rick Hoffmann was named a Super Lawyer for the 20th year, being only one of 147 small and mid-sized law firm attorneys that have made it 20 years in a row. Corey Beaubien, Matt Schmidt, and Jim Stevens were also named Super Lawyers, and Shannon Smith was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star.
In addition, Reising has once again been named to the IAM Patent 1000. The IAM Patent 1000 shines a spotlight on the firms and individuals that are deemed outstanding in the pivotal area of patent law. Corey Beaubien, Colin Cicotte, Rick Hoffmann, Matt Schmidt, Jim Stevens, and Steve Walmsley have been specifically recommended.
Reising is also pleased to announce that Shannon Smith was appointed as academic liaison for the Intellectual Property Inn of Court Executive Committee. She was also recently elected to the Board of Directors for the Michigan Intellectual Property Law Association.
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Kotz Sangster
Thirteen lawyers from Kotz Sangster offices in Detroit and Bloomfield Hills have been honored as 2025 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.
Kotz Sangster attorneys honored as Super Lawyers and Rising Stars, along with the areas of practice for which they have been recognized, are:
—Michigan Super Lawyers
R. Edward Boucher – Construction Litigation
George F. Curran III – Environmental
David R. de Reyna – Estate & Probate
Dennis K. Egan – Business Litigation
Walter B. Fisher Jr. – Employee Benefits
Robert B. Goldi – Banking
Jeffrey M. Sangster – Construction Litigation
Keith J. Soltis – Health Care
Jeffrey S. Sternberg – Estate & Probate
John P. (Jack) Ulrich Jr. – Mergers & Acquisitions
Gregory L. Wysocki – Mergers & Acquisitions
—Michigan Rising Stars
Yousef Farraj – Construction Litigation
Mark W. Oszust – Construction Litigation
Of special note, corporate law attorney Gregory L. Wysocki, who serves as Kotz president in the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office, has been honored for 10 consecutive years by Super Lawyers and construction law attorney Jeffrey M. Sangster, resident in the firm’s Detroit office, has been honored for 20 consecutive years.
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Office of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced the appointment of Corinne Rockoff to the Electronic Recording Commission
Rockoff is a senior attorney at Miller, Canfield, Paddock, and Stone PLC whose practice focuses on real estate, construction, and financial litigation. Rockoff was previously a shareholder at Maddin, Hauser, Roth, & Heller PC. Rockoff is also the chair of the board of directors for The Ruth Ellis Center.
Rockoff earned a Bachelor of Science in international relations and politics and a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Carnegie Mellon University and a law degree from George Washington University Law School.
Rockoff is appointed to represent attorneys licensed to practice law in the state and whose expertise emphasizes real property matters for a term commencing September 18, 2025, and expiring January 1, 2026. Rockoff succeeds Dominic Rios, whose term has expired.
The Electronic Recording Commission keeps the standards and practices of county registers of deeds in this state in harmony with the standards and practices of offices of county registers of deeds in other jurisdictions. The commission keeps the technology used by county registers of deeds in this state compatible with technology used by offices of county registers of deeds in other jurisdictions.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
—————
Secrest Wardle
Secrest Wardle is pleased to announce that Executive Partner Samantha J. Orvis has been appointed by the State Bar of Michigan president to serve on the SBM’s Judicial Qualifications Committee for another year.
The committee, as requested by the governor, evaluates candidates for possible appointment to judicial vacancies and reports in confidence to the governor.
