Attorney Anthony J. Scalise has joined Butzel as a shareholder in the firm’s Troy office. His practice focuses on helping clients navigate complex corporate matters primarily in the aerospace and defense industry.
For more than 20 years, Scalise has advised corporate entities in the aerospace and defense industry on defense-industry mergers and acquisitions (M&A), government contracting matters related to combat tracked vehicle weapon systems programs, and complex commercial matters. His experience spans buy-side and sell-side acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic investments, and ongoing regulatory, contractual, and compliance issues associated with operating in highly regulated national security environments.
Scalise has played a role in numerous high-profile M&A transactions within the defense sector, providing clients with strategic guidance on transaction structuring, comprehensive due diligence, and effective risk management for matters involving the Dept. of War contractors and suppliers.
Scalise offers clients the advantage of his experience navigating complex regulatory issues, including Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and antitrust reviews, and government contract evaluation and negotiation in the context of M&A. He assists clients with novation and consent requirements, Federal Acquisition Regulation/Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (FAR/DFARS) compliance, export controls, security clearance matters, and the seamless integration of contracts, subcontractor relationships, and supply chains after closing. He partners with acquirers and sellers across every stage of the transaction, from initial diligence and deal structuring through execution and post-closing compliance.
Alongside his M&A work, Scalise has a background in advising on the Dept. of War and federal contracting matters. He helps clients with everything from developing strategies to win contracts, constructing proposals, negotiating terms, and managing contracts through to completion and compliance. His experience covers a wide range of Army and Dept. of War procurement programs, surge and sustainment planning, and building multi-level subcontracting teams that keep critical defense operations running smoothly.
Scalise often collaborates with clients to set up and negotiate joint ventures, strategic partnerships, public-private partnerships, and licensing deals across the defense, aerospace, manufacturing, and industrial sectors.
Prior to joining Butzel, Scalise held a leadership role at a Tier 1 defense manufacturing enterprise in the business of supporting U.S. Army and allied military vehicle platforms. He also has served as a procurement analyst at the Dept. of War / U.S. Army.
Scalise earned a law degree from Cooley Law School and a Bachelor of Science from Central Michigan University. Scalise was named to DBusiness magazine’s 2026 Top Corporate Counsel list.
• • •
Plunkett Cooney partner Frank T. Mamat was recently appointed president of the Private Directors Association (PDA) Detroit – Toledo-Windsor Chapter (Detroit Chapter).
In his role as president, Mamat will guide the PDA Detroit Chapter in its mission to foster high-performing and diverse boards and advance good governance. The chapter, led by volunteers who contribute their time and expertise, serves as a hub for expert programming on leading board practices, facilitates peer-to-peer networking and informs members about current and challenging topics facing the local private company community.
A partner in the Labor & Employment Law Practice Group of Plunkett Cooney, Mamat utilizes his more than 50 years of experience to help companies, contractors, employers, lawmakers and trade associations resolve union matters. His expertise includes contract negotiations, elections, union avoidance and labor arbitrations. He also advises clients on noncompete agreements, unfair labor practice litigation, harassment suits, wage and hour issues, OSHA-MIOSHA safety matters and entertainment law. He is also a registered lobbyist.
In addition, Mamat’s experience includes the resolution of National Labor Relations Board matters, attempted union organization, mass picketing and violence, and secondary boycotts and pressure. His clients also rely on his counsel and advice on ERISA trust funds and related fiduciary liabilities.
Mamat has been honored by several media and peer review platforms, including Best Lawyers in America, Michigan Super Lawyers, DBusiness magazine’s Top Lawyers, the Labor Relations Institute, American Lawyer magazine and the American Registry, as well as to the 2025 class of Go To Lawyers in employment law as determined by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
Mamat received his undergraduate degree from the University of Rochester in 1971 and his law degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 1974.
• • •
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced the appointment of Andrew Lievense to the Michigan Court of Appeals, First District.
Lievense currently serves as an assistant U.S. attorney. Lievense previously served as an associate in the litigation department at Honigman, Miller, Schwartz, & Cohn in Detroit and as a law clerk to U.S. District Court Judge Avern Cohn, Eastern District of Michigan.
Lievense earned a Bachelor of Arts in politics and government and Spanish from Ohio Wesleyan University and a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School.
Lievense is a member of the U.S. Courts Committee of the State Bar of Michigan and is a past president of the Federal Bar Association, Eastern District of Michigan Chapter. He has volunteered with many local civic organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Detroit.
“I am honored to serve the people of Michigan as a judge on the Michigan Court of Appeals, and grateful to Governor Whitmer for the responsibility she has entrusted to me,” said Lievense.
This appointment was made to fill a partial term following the resignation of Judge Kirsten Frank Kelly. Lievense’s term will expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2027.
• • •
Karyn Caldwell rejoins Zausmer as Of Counsel to establish the firms Financial Services Practice and to expand the capabilities of its Environmental Law practice.
Caldwell is a financial services and regulatory attorney who advises businesses operating in heavily regulated environments. She has 25 years of experience in complex disputes, regulatory compliance, and transactional risk, including more than a decade in senior in-house roles at large financial institutions.
Caldwell began her career in private practice, where she handled complex commercial litigation for regulated businesses. She then moved in-house to broaden her perspective on risk and operations, serving in senior legal roles at the nation’s largest financial institutions. In those roles, she advised executive leadership on consumer and commercial finance, managed nationwide litigation, and worked with federal and state regulators during examinations and investigations.
Caldwell understands how regulated businesses operate because she has advised them from both sides. She has managed class actions, regulatory inquiries, and high-stakes disputes while guiding business leaders through compliance and transactional risk.
As in-house counsel, Caldwell advised on mortgage and auto lending, debt sales, licensing, fair lending, privacy, cybersecurity, anti-money laundering, sanctions, and debt collection. She translated regulatory requirements into business processes designed to withstand scrutiny.
At Zausmer, Caldwell will counsel financial institutions and other regulated entities facing litigation, regulatory oversight, and transactional risk. She will also support the Environmental Law team.
• • •
Crain’s Detroit Business has named Jones Day partner Ann Hollenbeck among the publication’s “Notable Women in Law” for 2026.
As a partner-in-charge of the Detroit office, Hollenbeck advises clients in the health care and life sciences industry on strategic transactions, digital health, artificial intelligence, human subjects research, organ transplant, and fraud and abuse matters. Her clients include academic medical centers, health systems, and technology companies. Hollenbeck’s recent experience includes advising hospitals on organ transplant matters and on telehealth services. She has guided clients on various joint ventures, whole-hospital management, and service-line management agreements, as well as mergers and acquisitions among health care industry constituents.
Hollenbeck is a current member of the American Health Lawyers Association and of the State Bar of Michigan. She is also a member of the board of directors of Gift of Life Michigan.
• • •
Brooks Kushman is pleased to announce that President Sangeeta Shah has been named a 2026 Hall of Fame Honoree by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
As president of Brooks Kushman, Shah leads the firm’s shareholders and drives the firm’s strategic vision and business administration. In her first year, she expanded the practice by bringing on several new attorneys and spearheading initiatives to strengthen the firm’s infrastructure, positioning it for long-term growth.
In addition to her leadership role, Shah maintains an active practice with more than 20 years of experience managing patent portfolios, PTAB matters, patent litigation, and opinions. As an early leader in inter partes review proceedings, she serves as co-chair of the firm’s post-grant practice and works closely with Fortune 500 clients, providing strategic counseling on post-grant matters and complex global intellectual property portfolios.
Her expertise has earned national recognition from Managing IP, Best Lawyers, AIPLA, and the PTAB Bar Association, including being recognized as a member of IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading IP Strategists.
Prior to becoming president, Shah served as CEO of Brooks Kushman, where she guided strategic planning, advanced client-focused initiatives, and expanded the firm’s presence beyond Michigan to markets such as Silicon Valley, Chicago, Los Angeles, Germany, and Asia. She developed mentoring and training programs, built niche expertise in emerging areas, and implemented advanced technology and analytics tools to enhance client service.
Brooks Kushman is also pleased to announce that shareholder Dustin Zak has been named a 2026 “Up & Coming Lawyer” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. He was recognized for his service to his clients, dedication to the legal community, and professional development to others within Brooks Kushman.
Zak is a registered patent attorney who focuses his practice on patent litigation and prosecution. He possesses a range of technical experience, from chemical and material arts to software applications and artificial intelligence.
Zak has technical knowledge related to cybersecurity and computer technologies. During his studies, he has immersed himself in many technical topics including C++, Java, and visual basic programming, networking, open-source networking, end-user computing, ethical hacking and offensive security, cyber intelligence, Linux security administration, information security, risk-vulnerability analysis, and digital forensics.
• • •
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced appointments to the following boards and commissions:
—Michigan Appellate Defender Commission
John Hiemstra is a district commissioner at the Michigan Court of Appeals. Hiemstra earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan in jazz studies, a Master of Music with a concentration in jazz studies from Michigan State University, and a law degree from Cooley Law School.
Hiemstra will be appointed as a member recommended by the Michigan Court of Appeals for a term commencing March 19, 2026, and expiring May 24, 2029. Hiemstra succeeds JoAnn Lank, whose term will expire.
The Michigan Appellate Defender Commission is responsible for the development of a system of indigent appellate defense services which shall include services provided by the office of the state appellate defender and locally appointed private counsel. The Commission will be responsible for the development of minimum standards to which all indigent criminal defense appellate services shall conform and will compile and keep current a statewide roster of attorneys eligible for and willing to accept appointment by an appropriate court to serve as criminal appellate defense counsel for indigents.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
—Michigan Wildlife Council
Daniel Cooke is the founder and chief executive officer of Expedition Detroit LLC and the principal attorney of Daniel Cooke Law PLLC. Cooke earned a Bachelor of Arts in international relations from Michigan State University and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
Cooke will be reappointed as an individual with a media or marketing background who is not a member of the department for a term commencing March 31, 2026, and expiring March 31, 2030.
The Michigan Wildlife Council was created to educate about the importance of wildlife conservation and the role of hunters and anglers in preserving Michigan's great outdoor heritage for future generations.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
—Electronic Recording Commission
Corinne Rockoff is a senior attorney at Miller, Canfield, Paddock, and Stone PC. Rockoff was previously a shareholder at Maddin, Hauser, Roth, & Heller, PC. Rockoff earned a Bachelor of Science in international relations and politics and in psychology from Carnegie Mellon University and a law degree from George Washington University Law School.
Rockoff is reappointed as an attorney licensed to practice law in the state and whose expertise emphasizes real property matters for a term commencing March 19, 2026, and expiring January 1, 2028.
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.
For more than 20 years, Scalise has advised corporate entities in the aerospace and defense industry on defense-industry mergers and acquisitions (M&A), government contracting matters related to combat tracked vehicle weapon systems programs, and complex commercial matters. His experience spans buy-side and sell-side acquisitions, divestitures, and strategic investments, and ongoing regulatory, contractual, and compliance issues associated with operating in highly regulated national security environments.
Scalise has played a role in numerous high-profile M&A transactions within the defense sector, providing clients with strategic guidance on transaction structuring, comprehensive due diligence, and effective risk management for matters involving the Dept. of War contractors and suppliers.
Scalise offers clients the advantage of his experience navigating complex regulatory issues, including Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and antitrust reviews, and government contract evaluation and negotiation in the context of M&A. He assists clients with novation and consent requirements, Federal Acquisition Regulation/Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (FAR/DFARS) compliance, export controls, security clearance matters, and the seamless integration of contracts, subcontractor relationships, and supply chains after closing. He partners with acquirers and sellers across every stage of the transaction, from initial diligence and deal structuring through execution and post-closing compliance.
Alongside his M&A work, Scalise has a background in advising on the Dept. of War and federal contracting matters. He helps clients with everything from developing strategies to win contracts, constructing proposals, negotiating terms, and managing contracts through to completion and compliance. His experience covers a wide range of Army and Dept. of War procurement programs, surge and sustainment planning, and building multi-level subcontracting teams that keep critical defense operations running smoothly.
Scalise often collaborates with clients to set up and negotiate joint ventures, strategic partnerships, public-private partnerships, and licensing deals across the defense, aerospace, manufacturing, and industrial sectors.
Prior to joining Butzel, Scalise held a leadership role at a Tier 1 defense manufacturing enterprise in the business of supporting U.S. Army and allied military vehicle platforms. He also has served as a procurement analyst at the Dept. of War / U.S. Army.
Scalise earned a law degree from Cooley Law School and a Bachelor of Science from Central Michigan University. Scalise was named to DBusiness magazine’s 2026 Top Corporate Counsel list.
• • •
Plunkett Cooney partner Frank T. Mamat was recently appointed president of the Private Directors Association (PDA) Detroit – Toledo-Windsor Chapter (Detroit Chapter).
In his role as president, Mamat will guide the PDA Detroit Chapter in its mission to foster high-performing and diverse boards and advance good governance. The chapter, led by volunteers who contribute their time and expertise, serves as a hub for expert programming on leading board practices, facilitates peer-to-peer networking and informs members about current and challenging topics facing the local private company community.
A partner in the Labor & Employment Law Practice Group of Plunkett Cooney, Mamat utilizes his more than 50 years of experience to help companies, contractors, employers, lawmakers and trade associations resolve union matters. His expertise includes contract negotiations, elections, union avoidance and labor arbitrations. He also advises clients on noncompete agreements, unfair labor practice litigation, harassment suits, wage and hour issues, OSHA-MIOSHA safety matters and entertainment law. He is also a registered lobbyist.
In addition, Mamat’s experience includes the resolution of National Labor Relations Board matters, attempted union organization, mass picketing and violence, and secondary boycotts and pressure. His clients also rely on his counsel and advice on ERISA trust funds and related fiduciary liabilities.
Mamat has been honored by several media and peer review platforms, including Best Lawyers in America, Michigan Super Lawyers, DBusiness magazine’s Top Lawyers, the Labor Relations Institute, American Lawyer magazine and the American Registry, as well as to the 2025 class of Go To Lawyers in employment law as determined by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
Mamat received his undergraduate degree from the University of Rochester in 1971 and his law degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 1974.
• • •
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced the appointment of Andrew Lievense to the Michigan Court of Appeals, First District.
Lievense currently serves as an assistant U.S. attorney. Lievense previously served as an associate in the litigation department at Honigman, Miller, Schwartz, & Cohn in Detroit and as a law clerk to U.S. District Court Judge Avern Cohn, Eastern District of Michigan.
Lievense earned a Bachelor of Arts in politics and government and Spanish from Ohio Wesleyan University and a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School.
Lievense is a member of the U.S. Courts Committee of the State Bar of Michigan and is a past president of the Federal Bar Association, Eastern District of Michigan Chapter. He has volunteered with many local civic organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Detroit.
“I am honored to serve the people of Michigan as a judge on the Michigan Court of Appeals, and grateful to Governor Whitmer for the responsibility she has entrusted to me,” said Lievense.
This appointment was made to fill a partial term following the resignation of Judge Kirsten Frank Kelly. Lievense’s term will expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2027.
• • •
Karyn Caldwell rejoins Zausmer as Of Counsel to establish the firms Financial Services Practice and to expand the capabilities of its Environmental Law practice.
Caldwell is a financial services and regulatory attorney who advises businesses operating in heavily regulated environments. She has 25 years of experience in complex disputes, regulatory compliance, and transactional risk, including more than a decade in senior in-house roles at large financial institutions.
Caldwell began her career in private practice, where she handled complex commercial litigation for regulated businesses. She then moved in-house to broaden her perspective on risk and operations, serving in senior legal roles at the nation’s largest financial institutions. In those roles, she advised executive leadership on consumer and commercial finance, managed nationwide litigation, and worked with federal and state regulators during examinations and investigations.
Caldwell understands how regulated businesses operate because she has advised them from both sides. She has managed class actions, regulatory inquiries, and high-stakes disputes while guiding business leaders through compliance and transactional risk.
As in-house counsel, Caldwell advised on mortgage and auto lending, debt sales, licensing, fair lending, privacy, cybersecurity, anti-money laundering, sanctions, and debt collection. She translated regulatory requirements into business processes designed to withstand scrutiny.
At Zausmer, Caldwell will counsel financial institutions and other regulated entities facing litigation, regulatory oversight, and transactional risk. She will also support the Environmental Law team.
• • •
Crain’s Detroit Business has named Jones Day partner Ann Hollenbeck among the publication’s “Notable Women in Law” for 2026.
As a partner-in-charge of the Detroit office, Hollenbeck advises clients in the health care and life sciences industry on strategic transactions, digital health, artificial intelligence, human subjects research, organ transplant, and fraud and abuse matters. Her clients include academic medical centers, health systems, and technology companies. Hollenbeck’s recent experience includes advising hospitals on organ transplant matters and on telehealth services. She has guided clients on various joint ventures, whole-hospital management, and service-line management agreements, as well as mergers and acquisitions among health care industry constituents.
Hollenbeck is a current member of the American Health Lawyers Association and of the State Bar of Michigan. She is also a member of the board of directors of Gift of Life Michigan.
• • •
Brooks Kushman is pleased to announce that President Sangeeta Shah has been named a 2026 Hall of Fame Honoree by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
As president of Brooks Kushman, Shah leads the firm’s shareholders and drives the firm’s strategic vision and business administration. In her first year, she expanded the practice by bringing on several new attorneys and spearheading initiatives to strengthen the firm’s infrastructure, positioning it for long-term growth.
In addition to her leadership role, Shah maintains an active practice with more than 20 years of experience managing patent portfolios, PTAB matters, patent litigation, and opinions. As an early leader in inter partes review proceedings, she serves as co-chair of the firm’s post-grant practice and works closely with Fortune 500 clients, providing strategic counseling on post-grant matters and complex global intellectual property portfolios.
Her expertise has earned national recognition from Managing IP, Best Lawyers, AIPLA, and the PTAB Bar Association, including being recognized as a member of IAM Strategy 300: The World’s Leading IP Strategists.
Prior to becoming president, Shah served as CEO of Brooks Kushman, where she guided strategic planning, advanced client-focused initiatives, and expanded the firm’s presence beyond Michigan to markets such as Silicon Valley, Chicago, Los Angeles, Germany, and Asia. She developed mentoring and training programs, built niche expertise in emerging areas, and implemented advanced technology and analytics tools to enhance client service.
Brooks Kushman is also pleased to announce that shareholder Dustin Zak has been named a 2026 “Up & Coming Lawyer” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. He was recognized for his service to his clients, dedication to the legal community, and professional development to others within Brooks Kushman.
Zak is a registered patent attorney who focuses his practice on patent litigation and prosecution. He possesses a range of technical experience, from chemical and material arts to software applications and artificial intelligence.
Zak has technical knowledge related to cybersecurity and computer technologies. During his studies, he has immersed himself in many technical topics including C++, Java, and visual basic programming, networking, open-source networking, end-user computing, ethical hacking and offensive security, cyber intelligence, Linux security administration, information security, risk-vulnerability analysis, and digital forensics.
• • •
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced appointments to the following boards and commissions:
—Michigan Appellate Defender Commission
John Hiemstra is a district commissioner at the Michigan Court of Appeals. Hiemstra earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan in jazz studies, a Master of Music with a concentration in jazz studies from Michigan State University, and a law degree from Cooley Law School.
Hiemstra will be appointed as a member recommended by the Michigan Court of Appeals for a term commencing March 19, 2026, and expiring May 24, 2029. Hiemstra succeeds JoAnn Lank, whose term will expire.
The Michigan Appellate Defender Commission is responsible for the development of a system of indigent appellate defense services which shall include services provided by the office of the state appellate defender and locally appointed private counsel. The Commission will be responsible for the development of minimum standards to which all indigent criminal defense appellate services shall conform and will compile and keep current a statewide roster of attorneys eligible for and willing to accept appointment by an appropriate court to serve as criminal appellate defense counsel for indigents.
This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
—Michigan Wildlife Council
Daniel Cooke is the founder and chief executive officer of Expedition Detroit LLC and the principal attorney of Daniel Cooke Law PLLC. Cooke earned a Bachelor of Arts in international relations from Michigan State University and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
Cooke will be reappointed as an individual with a media or marketing background who is not a member of the department for a term commencing March 31, 2026, and expiring March 31, 2030.
The Michigan Wildlife Council was created to educate about the importance of wildlife conservation and the role of hunters and anglers in preserving Michigan's great outdoor heritage for future generations.
This appointment is subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
—Electronic Recording Commission
Corinne Rockoff is a senior attorney at Miller, Canfield, Paddock, and Stone PC. Rockoff was previously a shareholder at Maddin, Hauser, Roth, & Heller, PC. Rockoff earned a Bachelor of Science in international relations and politics and in psychology from Carnegie Mellon University and a law degree from George Washington University Law School.
Rockoff is reappointed as an attorney licensed to practice law in the state and whose expertise emphasizes real property matters for a term commencing March 19, 2026, and expiring January 1, 2028.
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.
