Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently announced the appointment of Nicole Huddleston to the Oakland County Probate Court.
Huddleston is the owner of Huddleston Law PLLC, a firm specializing in probate, family, and civil law. Huddleston previously served as managing director at the Detroit Justice Center and as a staff attorney at Detroit Justice Center, Lakeshore Legal Aid, and Legal Aid and Defender.
Huddleston is a member of the Tri-Community Coalition, Youth Connections, and the D. Augustus Straker Bar Association. She is also a member of the Executive Board of
Matrix Theater and often serves as a volunteer attorney at expungement fairs.
Huddleston earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Oakland University and a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
“I am sincerely honored and humbled by this appointment from Governor Whitmer, and I am grateful to her and her team for their thoughtful consideration throughout this process,” said Huddleston. “It is a privilege to serve the people of Oakland County and this great state. I remain committed to advancing a justice system grounded in fairness, integrity, and efficiency, and I will work hard every day to uphold the trust that has been placed in me. Thank you again, Governor Whitmer, for this tremendous honor.”
This appointment was made to fill a partial term following the resignation of Judge Kathleen Ryan. Huddleston’s term will commence on April 17, 2026, and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2027.
• • •
Michigan Assistant Attorney General Stephanie B. White was recently recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as one of its 2026 Up and Coming Lawyers.
White joined the Michigan Department of Attorney General in 2022 and currently serves the Children and Youth Services Division where she represents the Department of Health and Human Services. Prior to becoming an assistant attorney general, she served as a Lawyer Guardian Ad Litem with Juvenile Law Group where she represented children in child welfare and delinquency proceedings. In this role, she advocated for the best interests of minors navigating complex legal systems. White was also previously an attorney at A Call to Care Law Firm where she handled a broad range of matters, including child welfare, family law, and criminal law.
White earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a concentration in criminal justice, double minor in child development and psychology from Central Michigan University in 2014. White received her law degree from Michigan State University College of Law in 2017.
White is active in civic and cultural organizations, including the Children’s Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, the Department of Attorney General Social Committee, the Black Women’s Lawyers Association of Michigan, and the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan.
• • •
Goodman Acker announced the opening of a new office in Livonia. Located at 17370 North Laurel Park Drive, the new office provides a dedicated, professional setting for client meetings, depositions and case-related discussions, expanding Goodman Acker’s footprint in western Wayne County and increasing accessibility for Metro Detroit clients.
“This expansion reflects both our growth as a firm and our desire to be present in the communities we serve,” said Jordan Acker, partner at Goodman Acker. “Livonia is home to families, workers and businesses who deserve trusted personal injury representation. Having a physical presence here allows us to better support clients during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.”
• • •
Miller Johnson is pleased to welcome Jennifer Hetu to the Intellectual Property Practice Group. Hetu joins the firm’s growing Detroit office.
Hetu concentrates her practice on trademark law and brand protection. She advises clients on the availability, use, and registration of trademarks in the United States and foreign jurisdictions, and provides strategic guidance on global trademark filing and portfolio management. Hetu manages all aspects of U.S. and international trademark prosecution and represents clients before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Her practice also includes trademark enforcement matters, including cease and desist actions, domain name disputes, settlement negotiations, and opposition proceedings in the United States and abroad.
Prior to joining Miller Johnson, Hetu served as a trademark examining attorney at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and was previously a partner in the intellectual property practice group of a large Michigan-based business law firm.
“I’m thrilled to join Miller Johnson and become part of such a respected and innovative firm,” said Hetu. “I look forward to working alongside this talented group of attorneys to continue building a market-leading practice and delivering outstanding results for our clients.”
Hetu earned a law degree from Cooley Law School and a B.A. from Western Michigan University.
• • •
McDonald Hopkins is proud to announce that attorney Stephen Gross has been recognized as a member of the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers.
Gross is a member in the firm’s Strategic Advisory and Business Restructuring Department and chair of the Automotive Practice Group. He addresses complex business issues, including creative strategic solutions to liquidity, pricing, and other issues requiring contract renegotiation, restructuring, acquisitions, or divestitures.
• • •
Varnum Partner Brendan Best has joined the board of Cass Community Social Services, a Detroit-based nonprofit that works across the city in areas of concentrated poverty, providing programs focused on food, health, housing, and employment. As a board member, Best supports the organization’s mission and strategic initiatives to serve individuals and families in need.
Best leads Varnum’s Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Creditors’ Rights Practice Team. He represents lenders, debtors, creditors, and other stakeholders in complex Chapter 11 restructurings, insolvency-related litigation, and out-of-court workouts. Best advises clients across a variety of industries on restructuring strategies and bankruptcy-related matters.
• • •
Honigman’s Jacob Drouillard has been named Advisor of the Year by The Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Detroit as part of the 11th Annual M&A All Star Awards.
Drouillard is a partner in Honigman’s Corporate and Private Equity practices where he regularly represents private equity funds and privately held clients in complex business transactions, including leveraged buyouts, strategic mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, growth equity investments, and recapitalizations.
• • •
Miller Canfield is pleased to announce that attorney Amy M. Johnston, co-leader of the firm’s nationally recognized Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group, has been inducted into the International Society of Barristers.
Johnston is a litigator with more than 25 years of courtroom and commercial arbitration experience. She represents clients nationwide in complex commercial disputes and class actions, with particular experience in the banking, energy, manufacturing and real estate industries. Her practice includes business, trade secret, antitrust, environmental, construction, real estate, contract and product liability matters, among many others.
An adviser to clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to startups, Johnston is known for her counsel, trial skills and understanding of clients’ business objectives. In addition to her litigation practice, she advises businesses on risk avoidance and long-term solutions to legal and operational challenges.
Johnston has earned several honors throughout her career, including recognition in Chambers USA, Legal 500 US Detroit Elite for Commercial Disputes, Crain’s Detroit Business’ Notable Litigators and Trial Attorneys, Crain’s Detroit Business’ Notable Women in Law, and Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s Leader in the Law. She is also the former chair of Miller Canfield’s Managing Directors.
• • •
Taft Detroit attorney Shirley Kaigler received the Wayne State University Black Law Students Association Legacy in Law Award at the organization’s annual reception on April 4 at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
Kaigler is an attorney in the Private Client practice group. She concentrates her practice in the areas of probate and trust administration, estate, tax, retirement and business succession planning, elder law, and health care proxy and special needs issues.
Kaigler has experience principally in the area of gift, estate, and tax planning for all estate sizes. Her clients are business owners, professionals in solo and group practices, corporate executives, educators, retirees, and individuals with special needs.
• • •
Howard & Howard Attorneys is pleased to announce that Michael Pappas has joined the firm, strengthening its capabilities at the intersection of health care, technology and regulatory compliance.
Pappas brings more than 20 years of combined in-house, law firm and consulting experience advising health care organizations, technology companies and other industry stakeholders. He focuses his practice on helping clients navigate complex regulatory environments, structure innovative transactions and implement compliant, forward-looking business strategies.
Prior to joining Howard & Howard, Pappas served as general counsel at a digital health company where he oversaw a broad portfolio of commercial, technology and procurement agreements. He has also held senior leadership roles at global consulting and professional services organizations, guiding digital health regulatory and analytics initiatives, as well as prior in-house and private practice roles.
Pappas has experience advising on health care regulation, data privacy, compliance protocols and health data analytics. His work has included leading multi-million-dollar joint ventures, supporting large-scale regulatory modernization efforts and advising on initiatives tied to value-based care and Medicaid transformation. He is also an active participant in and co-founding member of the American Telemedicine Association’s Virtual Foodcare Coalition.
“I’m excited to join Howard & Howard and collaborate with such a strong, nationally recognized team,” said Pappas. “The firm’s entrepreneurial approach and commitment to client service align closely with my practice and the needs of today’s health care and technology players.”
Pappas earned his law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
Huddleston is the owner of Huddleston Law PLLC, a firm specializing in probate, family, and civil law. Huddleston previously served as managing director at the Detroit Justice Center and as a staff attorney at Detroit Justice Center, Lakeshore Legal Aid, and Legal Aid and Defender.
Huddleston is a member of the Tri-Community Coalition, Youth Connections, and the D. Augustus Straker Bar Association. She is also a member of the Executive Board of
Matrix Theater and often serves as a volunteer attorney at expungement fairs.
Huddleston earned a Bachelor of Arts in communications from Oakland University and a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
“I am sincerely honored and humbled by this appointment from Governor Whitmer, and I am grateful to her and her team for their thoughtful consideration throughout this process,” said Huddleston. “It is a privilege to serve the people of Oakland County and this great state. I remain committed to advancing a justice system grounded in fairness, integrity, and efficiency, and I will work hard every day to uphold the trust that has been placed in me. Thank you again, Governor Whitmer, for this tremendous honor.”
This appointment was made to fill a partial term following the resignation of Judge Kathleen Ryan. Huddleston’s term will commence on April 17, 2026, and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2027.
• • •
Michigan Assistant Attorney General Stephanie B. White was recently recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as one of its 2026 Up and Coming Lawyers.
White joined the Michigan Department of Attorney General in 2022 and currently serves the Children and Youth Services Division where she represents the Department of Health and Human Services. Prior to becoming an assistant attorney general, she served as a Lawyer Guardian Ad Litem with Juvenile Law Group where she represented children in child welfare and delinquency proceedings. In this role, she advocated for the best interests of minors navigating complex legal systems. White was also previously an attorney at A Call to Care Law Firm where she handled a broad range of matters, including child welfare, family law, and criminal law.
White earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a concentration in criminal justice, double minor in child development and psychology from Central Michigan University in 2014. White received her law degree from Michigan State University College of Law in 2017.
White is active in civic and cultural organizations, including the Children’s Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, the Department of Attorney General Social Committee, the Black Women’s Lawyers Association of Michigan, and the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan.
• • •
Goodman Acker announced the opening of a new office in Livonia. Located at 17370 North Laurel Park Drive, the new office provides a dedicated, professional setting for client meetings, depositions and case-related discussions, expanding Goodman Acker’s footprint in western Wayne County and increasing accessibility for Metro Detroit clients.
“This expansion reflects both our growth as a firm and our desire to be present in the communities we serve,” said Jordan Acker, partner at Goodman Acker. “Livonia is home to families, workers and businesses who deserve trusted personal injury representation. Having a physical presence here allows us to better support clients during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.”
• • •
Miller Johnson is pleased to welcome Jennifer Hetu to the Intellectual Property Practice Group. Hetu joins the firm’s growing Detroit office.
Hetu concentrates her practice on trademark law and brand protection. She advises clients on the availability, use, and registration of trademarks in the United States and foreign jurisdictions, and provides strategic guidance on global trademark filing and portfolio management. Hetu manages all aspects of U.S. and international trademark prosecution and represents clients before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Her practice also includes trademark enforcement matters, including cease and desist actions, domain name disputes, settlement negotiations, and opposition proceedings in the United States and abroad.
Prior to joining Miller Johnson, Hetu served as a trademark examining attorney at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and was previously a partner in the intellectual property practice group of a large Michigan-based business law firm.
“I’m thrilled to join Miller Johnson and become part of such a respected and innovative firm,” said Hetu. “I look forward to working alongside this talented group of attorneys to continue building a market-leading practice and delivering outstanding results for our clients.”
Hetu earned a law degree from Cooley Law School and a B.A. from Western Michigan University.
• • •
McDonald Hopkins is proud to announce that attorney Stephen Gross has been recognized as a member of the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers.
Gross is a member in the firm’s Strategic Advisory and Business Restructuring Department and chair of the Automotive Practice Group. He addresses complex business issues, including creative strategic solutions to liquidity, pricing, and other issues requiring contract renegotiation, restructuring, acquisitions, or divestitures.
• • •
Varnum Partner Brendan Best has joined the board of Cass Community Social Services, a Detroit-based nonprofit that works across the city in areas of concentrated poverty, providing programs focused on food, health, housing, and employment. As a board member, Best supports the organization’s mission and strategic initiatives to serve individuals and families in need.
Best leads Varnum’s Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Creditors’ Rights Practice Team. He represents lenders, debtors, creditors, and other stakeholders in complex Chapter 11 restructurings, insolvency-related litigation, and out-of-court workouts. Best advises clients across a variety of industries on restructuring strategies and bankruptcy-related matters.
• • •
Honigman’s Jacob Drouillard has been named Advisor of the Year by The Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Detroit as part of the 11th Annual M&A All Star Awards.
Drouillard is a partner in Honigman’s Corporate and Private Equity practices where he regularly represents private equity funds and privately held clients in complex business transactions, including leveraged buyouts, strategic mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, growth equity investments, and recapitalizations.
• • •
Miller Canfield is pleased to announce that attorney Amy M. Johnston, co-leader of the firm’s nationally recognized Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group, has been inducted into the International Society of Barristers.
Johnston is a litigator with more than 25 years of courtroom and commercial arbitration experience. She represents clients nationwide in complex commercial disputes and class actions, with particular experience in the banking, energy, manufacturing and real estate industries. Her practice includes business, trade secret, antitrust, environmental, construction, real estate, contract and product liability matters, among many others.
An adviser to clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to startups, Johnston is known for her counsel, trial skills and understanding of clients’ business objectives. In addition to her litigation practice, she advises businesses on risk avoidance and long-term solutions to legal and operational challenges.
Johnston has earned several honors throughout her career, including recognition in Chambers USA, Legal 500 US Detroit Elite for Commercial Disputes, Crain’s Detroit Business’ Notable Litigators and Trial Attorneys, Crain’s Detroit Business’ Notable Women in Law, and Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s Leader in the Law. She is also the former chair of Miller Canfield’s Managing Directors.
• • •
Taft Detroit attorney Shirley Kaigler received the Wayne State University Black Law Students Association Legacy in Law Award at the organization’s annual reception on April 4 at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
Kaigler is an attorney in the Private Client practice group. She concentrates her practice in the areas of probate and trust administration, estate, tax, retirement and business succession planning, elder law, and health care proxy and special needs issues.
Kaigler has experience principally in the area of gift, estate, and tax planning for all estate sizes. Her clients are business owners, professionals in solo and group practices, corporate executives, educators, retirees, and individuals with special needs.
• • •
Howard & Howard Attorneys is pleased to announce that Michael Pappas has joined the firm, strengthening its capabilities at the intersection of health care, technology and regulatory compliance.
Pappas brings more than 20 years of combined in-house, law firm and consulting experience advising health care organizations, technology companies and other industry stakeholders. He focuses his practice on helping clients navigate complex regulatory environments, structure innovative transactions and implement compliant, forward-looking business strategies.
Prior to joining Howard & Howard, Pappas served as general counsel at a digital health company where he oversaw a broad portfolio of commercial, technology and procurement agreements. He has also held senior leadership roles at global consulting and professional services organizations, guiding digital health regulatory and analytics initiatives, as well as prior in-house and private practice roles.
Pappas has experience advising on health care regulation, data privacy, compliance protocols and health data analytics. His work has included leading multi-million-dollar joint ventures, supporting large-scale regulatory modernization efforts and advising on initiatives tied to value-based care and Medicaid transformation. He is also an active participant in and co-founding member of the American Telemedicine Association’s Virtual Foodcare Coalition.
“I’m excited to join Howard & Howard and collaborate with such a strong, nationally recognized team,” said Pappas. “The firm’s entrepreneurial approach and commitment to client service align closely with my practice and the needs of today’s health care and technology players.”
Pappas earned his law degree from Wayne State University Law School.
