LEGAL PEOPLE

The Michigan Supreme Court named Oakland County Circuit Court Michael Warren to the Committee on Model Civil Jury Instructions for the 2015-2017 term. The Committee on Model Civil Jury Instructions drafts standard instructions for juries in civil cases. This is Warren's third term; he was first appointed to the committee in 2008 and was reappointed in 2011. The 21-member Committee on Model Civil Jury Instructions, created under Supreme Court Administrative Order No. 2001-6, is composed of judges and attorneys appointed by the Supreme Court. Members are appointed for three-year terms and may be reappointed for two additional terms. Warren was appointed to the bench by Governor John Engler in 2002 and was retained and re-elected in 2004, 2006 and 2012. He is a former member of the Michigan State Board of Education and is a member of the Board of Directors for Cornerstone Schools Association. Warren has published a number of guest commentaries regarding the law, education and civics. He and his then 10-year-old daughter Leah co-created Patriot Week (www.patriotweek.org). He also authored "America's Survival Guide, How to Stop America's Impending Suicide by Reclaiming Our First Principles and History" (www.americassurvvivalguide.com). A graduate of Wayne State University and the University of Michigan Law School, Warren began his career of public service as a judicial clerk to Michigan Supreme Court Justice Dorothy Comstock Riley. He formerly worked for the State Board of Education, the Detroit based law firm of Honigman, Miller, Schwartz, and Cohn and is the former executive director of The New Common School Foundation. Warren has received a Distinguished Public Servant Award from the Oakland County Bar Association, a Distinguished Jurist Award from the Women's Bar Association, a Special Tribute from the Michigan Legislature, and Great Influence Award from the Michigan Council on Social Studies. - - - Gov. Rick Snyder recently announced reappointments to the Michigan Community Service Commission. Among those reappointed were Michael Lavoie and retired Judge Fred Mester. Lavoie is a shareholder at Butzel Long where he is a member of the business litigation practice group. He served in the U.S. Attorney's Office in numerous roles, including assistant chief of the criminal division in charge of general crimes unit and assistant U.S. attorney for the economic crimes unit. He was a Peace Corps volunteer. Lavoie earned a bachelor's degree in government from The University of Notre Dame and a law degree from University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. He continues to represent business. Mester is owner of The Law Office of Fred M. Mester. He served as a circuit court judge in Oakland County and chairman of the William Booth Legal Clinic. Mester was a captain in the U.S. Army. Mester earned a bachelor's degree in liberal arts and Latin from Central Michigan University and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School. He continues to represent individuals with expertise in the educational, training, and developmental needs of youth, particularly disadvantaged youth. Established in 1991, the 25-member board fosters a culture of service by providing vision and resources to strengthen communities through volunteerism. It also develops a three-year comprehensive community and national service plan that is updated annually. Appointees will serve three-year terms to expire Oct. 1, 2017. Appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. - - - Hall, Render, Killian, Heath & Lyman, a law firm that focuses exclusively on matters specific to the health care industry, has recently announced that Susanne Crysler and Larry Jensen have been named shareholders. Crysler, R.N. (Detroit office) graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and concentrates her practice on hospital & physician transactions, fraud & abuse/Stark, False Claims Act/Qui Tam Actions, clinical services & patient care issues, patient safety and physician group practices. Jensen (Detroit office) graduated from Michigan State University College of Law and concentrates his practice on all aspects of employment litigation. - - - Gov. Rick Snyder recently announced appointments to the Michigan Committee on Juvenile Justice. Among the appointees are Michigan Supreme Court Justice Mary Beth Kelly and Terri Gilbert. Kelly joined the Michigan Supreme Court in January 2011. Prior to her election, she served as a judge on the Wayne County Circuit Court from 1999-2010 and as commercial litigation partner at Dickinson Wright. During her tenure on the Wayne County Circuit Court, the Michigan Supreme Court appointed her to serve for three terms as chief judge. Kelly earned a bachelor's degree in political science and history from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and a law degree from Notre Dame Law School. She represents representatives of law enforcement and juvenile justice agencies, which may include state or local police, the local sheriff's department, juvenile and family court judges, prosecutors, counsel for children and youth, and probation workers. Kelly is also appointed chair. Gilbert is executive director of the Oakland County Bar Association. She served as bureau director of child welfare funding and juvenile programs. Gilbert earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Oakland University and a master's in social work from the University of Michigan. She represents representatives of law enforcement and juvenile justice agencies, which may include state or local police, the local sheriff's department, juvenile and family court judges, prosecutors, counsel for children and youth, and probation workers. Created by Executive Order 2012-1, the 15-member committee advises the governor on juvenile justice issues and guides effective implementation of juvenile justice policies and programs. Members will serve three year terms expiring Dec. 31, 2017. Their appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. - - - Honigman, Miller, Schwartz, and Cohn LLP is pleased to announce that its board of directors has elected the following local attorneys as partners: Aaron E. Bass is a member of Honigman's Real Estate Department and is located in the firm's Bloomfield Hills office. His practice focuses on development, financing, restructuring and leasing, representing owners and developers in the retail, office, hospitality and lodging, and industrial areas. Bass was recognized by Michigan Super Lawyers as a "Rising Star" in 2014. He earned a law degree at the University of Michigan Law School and a B.B.A. at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. Laura J. Davis is a member of Honigman's Corporate Department and is located in the firm's Detroit office. She counsels clients regarding private equity transactions and other corporate matters. Davis' practice focuses on mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and entity formations. She served as a clerk for Judge Robert H. Cleland in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Davis earned a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School and a B.A. from the University of Michigan. Eric M. Jones is a member of Honigman's Corporate Department and is located in the firm's Detroit office. His practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, including leveraged buyouts, divestitures and financings, as well as general corporate matters. He represents private equity and venture capital funds and their portfolio companies, as well as public companies. Jones earned a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School, an M.A. from Central Michigan University and a B.A. from Alma College. Kathryn A. Katz is a member of Honigman's Corporate Department and is located in the firm's Bloomfield Hills office. Her practice focuses on trusts and estates. Katz counsels individuals on various aspects of estate and wealth transfer planning, including the preparation of wills and trusts, and the formation and operation of private foundations and public charities. She was recognized for her pro bono service by the Legal Aid and Defender Association in 2012 and 2014. Katz earned a law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin. Christopher R. Kazanowski is a member of Honigman's Labor and Employment Department and is located in the firm's Detroit office. He focuses his practice on employment litigation and counseling with a particular emphasis on FLSA collective action defense, non-compete litigation, and employee investigations. Kazanowski represents employers and their managers in federal and state courts and in administrative proceedings. He was recognized by Michigan Super Lawyers as a "Rising Star" in 2013. Kazanowski earned a law degree from Emory University School of Law and a B.A. the University of Michigan. He is admitted to practice law in both Michigan and Georgia. Roger P. Meyers is a member of Honigman's Litigation Department and is located in the firm's Detroit office. He focuses his practice on disputes involving private equity, mergers, acquisitions, securities and corporate governance issues. After law school, Meyers served as a clerk for U. S. Court of Appeals Judge Raymond M. Kethledge, Sixth Circuit. He is currently co-chair of the Private Equity Litigation Subcommittee of the American Bar Association. Meyers was recognized by Michigan Super Lawyers as a "Rising Star" from 2012 to 2014. He earned a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School and a B.S. from Suffolk University. Matthew J. Moussiaux is a member of Honigman's Corporate Department and is located in the firm's Detroit office. He counsels publicly and privately held companies, private equity and venture capital funds and their portfolio companies, investors, non-profit organizations and family offices. His practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, financing and corporate governance, as well as general corporate and commercial matters. After law school, Moussiaux was a clerk for U.S. District Court Judge Nancy G. Edmunds, Eastern District of Michigan. He was recognized by Michigan Super Lawyers as a "Rising Star" in 2013 and 2014. Moussiaux earned a law degree from Wayne State University Law School, an M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix, and a B.S. from Michigan State University. Brittany D. Parling is a member of Honigman's Litigation Department and is located in the firm's Detroit office. She focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation matters, including contract disputes, class actions, consumer litigation and shareholder litigation. After law school, Parling served as a clerk for U.S. Court of Appeals Judge David W. McKeague, Sixth Circuit. She was recognized by Illinois Super Lawyers as a "Rising Star" in 2014. Parling earned a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School and a B.A. from Michigan State University. Rodney C. Ploucha is a member of Honigman's Real Estate Department and is located in the firm's Detroit office. He focuses his practice on multifamily, retail, office, industrial and related commercial real estate matters. He was recognized by Michigan Super Lawyers as a "Rising Star" in 2011 and 2012. He earned a law degree from Wayne State University Law School and a B.A. from the University of Michigan. Clara L. Seymour is a member of Honigman's Corporate Department and is located in the firm's Detroit office. She focuses her practice on finance, private equity and information technology matters. Seymour was recognized by Michigan Super Lawyers as a "Rising Star" in 2013 and 2014. She earned a law degree from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law and a B.A. from the University of Michigan. - - - Collins, Einhorn, Farrell PC is pleased to announce that attorney Zachary M. Zurek has joined the firm's General and Automotive Liability practice group. Zurek will focus his practice on the defense of first and third-party automobile litigation. Zurek graduated with honors from Michigan State University in 2009. Zurek then obtained his law degree from University of Michigan Law School in 2012. In addition to his experience in general and automobile litigation, Zurek has worked on all phases of litigation from initial discovery through trial. His experience includes cases involving commercial and real estate law, and general defense practice including premises liability, property damage, construction defects and defense of utilities. Zurek is a member of the Oakland County and Kalamazoo County bar associations. - - - Strobl & Sharp PC has added attorney Christopher Boloven to its staff. His practice serves a variety of clients in corporate, business and commercial law, probate and estate planning, family law and all forms of litigation. Most recently, Boloven worked at a general practice law firm in Livonia. He has a strong commitment to the community and dedicates his time and talents to a number of boards and organization serving local youth. He earned a B.A. in Accounting from the Wayne State University and a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. - - - Patricia Nemeth, founder of Nemeth Law PC, a Detroit-based management labor and employment law firm, has been selected by her peers as a Leading Lawyer in labor and employment law for 2014-2015. This is the first year Leading Lawyers has covered the state of Michigan. In addition to being recognized as a Leading Lawyer, Nemeth was recently named among The Best Lawyers in America for 2015 by Best Lawyers, a Michigan Super Lawyer and was included among Michigan's Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers for 2014. Nemeth founded Nemeth Law as a solo practitioner in 1992. The firm now has 12 attorneys and is largest woman-owned law firm in Michigan to exclusively represent management in the prevention, resolution and litigation of labor and employment disputes. Nemeth's areas of expertise include all aspects of traditional labor and employment litigation law, including complex employment investigations and analyses, discrimination/harassment, age, disability, sex, race, whistleblowers, wrongful discharge, union organizing activities and union issues, and multi-party lawsuits. She is also an arbitrator and a certified mediator for all types of civil litigation, including employment. Nemeth earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan and law degrees from Wayne State University Law School. She is an ABA Foundation Fellow and a member of the Michigan, Illinois, Federal and the United States Supreme Court bars. - - - Butzel Long attorney and shareholder Reginald A. Pacis will be a featured panelist during the 12th Annual Alumni Career Day at James Madison College at Michigan State University on Saturday, Jan. 31. Pacis, who received his B.A. from James Madison College at Michigan State University in 1992, will participate in a panel session along with other attorneys focused on the law and judiciary. Based in Butzel Long's Detroit office, Pacis concentrates his practice in immigration law and has handled a variety of immigration matters including H-1B specialty occupation cases, L-1 Intracompany transfers, Labor Certification matters, Immigrant Visa Petitions/Adjustment of Status applications and interviews, TN Free trade cases, H-1B Department of Labor Investigations, I-9 employer verification compliance, and U.S. Port of Entry airport and land port interviews. Pacis was named Immigration Lawyer of the Year 2013 in the field of Immigration Law by The Best Lawyers in America and has been listed in Best Lawyers for several years. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), and the Samahang Pilipino Ng Oakland Filipino organization. He served two consecutive one-year terms from 2003 to 2005 as chairperson of the Michigan Chapter of AILA and was a member of the AILA National Board of Governors for those terms. Pacis previously served as secretary (2001 to 2003) and membership chairperson of the Michigan Chapter of AILA (1998 to 2003). Pacis previously served as chairperson of the Michigan AILA Committee responsible for liaison with the Michigan Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agency, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security presiding over inspections and security of the U.S. border, from 2005 to 2007. His service expanded to the AILA National CBP liaison Committee as a member and vice chair and chair. He presently serves as vice chair on the AILA United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Field Operations Liaison Committee. - - - Christopher Trebilcock, a principal in the Detroit office of Miller Canfield, has been appointed to the board of the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition, a non-profit public/private partnership made up of business, labor, governmental and education leaders that works to find solutions to regional issues. The Coalition board is chaired by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell. He will succeed Miller Canfield chairman emeritus Thomas Linn on the board. Linn will retain an emeritus board member role with the Coalition. Trebilcock is a deputy practice group leader in Miller Canfield's nationally recognized Employment and Labor group. A counselor and litigator, he helps clients to resolve employment disputes in courts and arbitration rooms throughout the country. He also negotiates collective bargaining agreements and advises clients on all types of labor and employment issues. He earned his law degree from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2000 and a B.A. from Alma College in 1997. Published: Mon, Jan 26, 2015