Bowman and Brooke LLP is proud to announce that Ingrid A. Evert has joined the firm's Detroit office as an associate.
Evert concentrates her practice on product liability litigation within the automotive industry, with a focus on discovery and eDiscovery. Having spent more than 18 years working in multiple facets within the automotive industry, Evert uses her vast knowledge of the industry and familiarity with in-house counsel to defend her clients in complex litigation.
Evert has experience working directly with corporate in-house counsel as an attorney on contract with several leading automotive suppliers of seating, interior, exterior, safety and emission control technologies. In this role, she focused on contractual and warranty matters as well as litigation support and discovery, including document collection, review and production.
Evert also served as legal assistant to the assistant general counsel of product and regulatory affairs at one of the world's leading automobile manufacturers. She was responsible for managing corporate discovery collection, instituting litigation holds, retrieving responsive data and documents, and managing production to outside counsel.
Outside of her practice, Evert is the owner of Chronical Photography LLC, a company she started after graduating college. She received her law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
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Mark Papazian has been named a Leading Lawyer 2016. Papazian is a partner in Giarmarco, Mullins, & Horton PC's litigation department.
Papazian specializes in divorce, custody and related family matters, commercial and business litigation and represents numerous media celebrities, recording artists and professional athletes. Papazian also has experience working with government law, real estate, sports and entertainment representation and marketing. He has more than 40 years of law experience, has tried cases throughout the state of Michigan and has been appointed as a "receiver" by the Oakland County Circuit Court.
Papazian has an AV Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He also has been named as a Top Lawyer by DBusiness Magazine, and has been selected as a Best Lawyer and Super Lawyer by various publications.
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The Meisner Law Group is pleased to announce that Robert M. Meisner was selected as a 2016 Top Lawyer in Metro Detroit in the field of real estate law. This is Meisner's third Top Lawyer selection.
The 2016 Top Lawyer selection process involved a peer review survey, where 19,000 attorneys in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Livingston counties were polled. The selection was conducted by the DBusiness Journal.
Meisner is the founding member of The Meisner Law Group PC and a practicing attorney specializing in Condominium Law, Real Estate Law, and Commercial Litigation for more than 44 years, holding a B.A. from the University of Michigan, a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School.
Meisner has the distinction of being a fellow and Michigan's first inductee into the CAI College of Community Association Lawyers. He has also been selected as a Michigan Super Lawyer five times, a Top Metro Detroit Lawyer three times by DBusiness Journal, and as one of only 30 "Leaders in the Law" by Michigan Lawyers Weekly in 2014.
Meisner authored the recently published second edition of the popular book "Condo Living 2: An Authoritative Guide to Buying, Selling and Operating a Condominium," and he is a co-draftsperson of the 1978 Michigan Condominium Act and contributor to the 2001-2002 Amendments thereto.
Meisner is a certified mediator, has been a featured columnist for over 35 years with the Observer and Eccentric Newspapers and a former adjunct professor of law at Western Michigan University Cooley Law School and Michigan State University College of Law, as well as having lectured before many professional education programs.
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Plunkett Cooney announces that its Detroit office has moved to the Madden Building in the city's financial district, effective Feb. 22.
"We are extremely excited about the opportunity to move to the heart of Detroit's revitalization near the riverfront," said the firm's President & CEO Dennis Cowan. "The Madden Building is an excellent facility, and this location will provide our attorneys with immediate access to local courts, businesses and government facilities. Our move reaffirms our commitment of over a century to the city of Detroit."
The firm's new offices will be located on the 8th floor of the building overlooking the Detroit River. An open floor plan and contemporary design will welcome clients and guests upon their arrival. The office will also feature inviting collaboration spaces and state-of-the-art conference rooms.
The firm's new office address will be:
150 West Jefferson, Suite 800
Detroit, 48226
General: 313-965-3900
FAX 248-901-4040
Plunkett Cooney's Detroit office will initially be home to 21 attorneys, along with paralegals and support staff members who provide a range of legal services to clients in the public and private sectors. The firm has maintained a major office presence in Detroit since its founding in 1913.
In addition, Plunkett Cooney senior environmental law attorney Saulius Mikalonis was among the featured thought leaders at the 2016 Michigan Forum on Economic Regulatory Policy.
The one-day conference, which was held on Feb. 26 at Michigan State University's Kellogg Center in East Lansing, was designed by the Institute of Public Utilities (IPU) for the Michigan Public Service Commission, the Michigan State Legislature, the Offices of the Governor and Attorney General, consumer and environmental advocates, utility industry representatives, and others interested in Michigan regulatory policy.
Mikalonis was featured on the Analyst and Advocate Perspectives panel
The IPU supports informed, effective and efficient regulation of the infrastructure-intensive network industries providing vital utility services.
Mikalonis is a senior attorney in Plunkett Cooney's Bloomfield Hills office, and he leads the firm's Environment, Energy and Resources Law Industry Group. He advises clients and represents their interests in litigation and administrative hearings on issues related to environmental liability and compliance, natural resources and energy law with particular emphasis on greenhouse gases, renewable energy and green building/LEED.
In addition, Mikalonis represents clients in commercial and real estate transactions involving the development of Brownfields and otherwise environmentally-sensitive sites. He also assists clients with completing due diligence in complex transactions, including the identification, allocation and reduction of environmental risks.
A prolific "green" blogger, Mikalonis writes about sustainability issues, alternative energy and environmental law for Crain's Detroit Business. His "Essential Environment & Energy Blog" posts can also be found at http://www.plunkettcooney.com/blogs-environmentalandenergylawblog.
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The Waterford State of the Township Breakfast took place on February 17 at the Overtyme Fireside Lounge in Waterford Township. The event was presented by Waterford Township, Waterford Township School District, Oakland Community College, and the Waterford Chamber of Commerce.
Secrest Wardle attorneys Jennifer C. Hill and Margaret A. Scott were in attendance. Hill, an associate in the firm's Troy location, currently serves on the Waterford Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is a past-president and past-vice president of the chamber. Scott, an executive partner in Secrest Wardle's Troy location, serves Waterford Township as local ordinance prosecutor at the 51st District Court.
Hill, a lifetime supporter of Waterford Township and a graduate of Waterford Kettering High School, commented on the event:
"The State of the Township event is one I always look forward to attending. I am proud to have roots in the Waterford community and I'm delighted to be a part of the vibrant environment Waterford Township offers for both residents and businesses."
Scott, also a strong advocate of Waterford Township, as current prosecutor for the Township at the local ordinance level and as a former Oakland County prosecuting attorney, had this to say:
"I wouldn't miss this event. I feel privileged to represent Waterford Township at the 51st District Court. I enjoy actively working with the Waterford Township Police, Fire, and Public Works Departments in attaining positive outcomes for residents, visitors, and entities doing business in the Township. I was honored to receive a North Oakland County Veteran's Treatment Court 'Challenge Coin' in 2015. Waterford Township offers so many programs to enrich the community and I'm honored to be a part of it."
On behalf of the firm, the Secrest Wardle Executive Committee is also pleased to announce that effective January 1, 2016, local attorneys Craig O. Pavlock and Matthew J. Consolo were promoted to the position of partner.
In addition, Andrea M. Mannino has joined Secrest Wardle's Troy office as an associate attorney and member of the firm's General Negligence, Motor Vehicle Litigation and Premises Liability Practice Groups. Prior to joining Secrest Wardle, Mannino practiced at a Metro-Detroit area firm handling defense litigation primarily in the area of no-fault claims.
Mannino received her Bachelor of Business Administration, with a double major in International Business and Economics and a minor in Spanish, from Grand Valley State University in 2010. She is proficient in speaking and writing Spanish. Mannino received her law degree from Michigan State University College of Law in 2014.
Mannino was admitted to practice in the State of Michigan in 2014. She is also admitted to practice in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the American Bar Association, and the Italian American Bar Association of Michigan.
Mannino has served as a team captain for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society "Light the Night Walk," as a camp counselor for Royal Family KIDS, and is also supportive of the World Vision mission. She has also participated in several missionary trips overseas.
Secrest Wardle is also pleased to announce that MaryEllen McLeod has joined the firm as a partner in the Troy office. McLeod is a member of the firm's Construction, General Negligence, Malpractice/Professional Liability, Motor Vehicle Litigation, and Property, Fire and Casualty Practice Groups. Prior to joining Secrest Wardle, McLeod practiced in the Metro Detroit area as managing attorney of the firm McLeod & Associates, serving as Michigan staff counsel for AIG, an American multinational property and casualty insurance corporation. She practices in the areas of general negligence, medical malpractice, motor vehicle litigation, and professional liability.
McLeod served three terms as a member of the Trenton City Council. She was first elected in 2003. Her final term expired in November 2015. She received her law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 1981. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History, English minor, from the University of Michigan in 1978.
McLeod is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the Oakland County Bar Association. She is admitted to practice in all Michigan State Courts, the United States District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. McLeod has received an AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell.
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Collins, Einhorn, Farrell PC is pleased to announce that attorney Amy L. Felder has joined the firm's Insurance Coverage practice group. Licensed to practice law in Michigan and Illinois, Felder routinely represents insurance companies throughout the United States in a wide variety of complex first- and third-party insurance coverage disputes.
She provides guidance to clients in connection with coverage opinions and is active in litigating insurance claims in the areas of bodily injury, property damage, construction defects, toxic torts, product liability, first party property, auto and bad faith claims.
Felder's experience also includes counseling clients and litigating insurance coverage disputes in connection with CGL, personal lines, umbrella and excess policies.
Felder received a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University in 1999, and a law degree from DePaul University College of Law in 2002.
Felder is a member of the Insurance and Indemnity Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, and the American Bar Association (where she served as the editor for the Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section's Law Journal). In addition, Felder is active in the Insurance Law Committee within the Defense Research Institute serving as a member of the Steering Committee and vice-chair of the Membership Committee in charge of retention.
Collins, Einhorn, Farrell PC is also pleased to announce that partner David C. Anderson has been named a 2016 Leader in the Law by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. Anderson, selected for his dedication, leadership, and going above and beyond the call in support of his clients and his firm, is one of 30 distinguished lawyers who were chosen to receive this award.
A shareholder at Collins, Einhorn, Farrell, Anderson has practiced for nearly two decades, defending a wide variety of professional liability claims ranging from legal malpractice to claims against accountants, insurance agents, and real estate appraisers. He has also successfully defended numerous corporations against product liability claims, including claims involving wrongful death and serious personal injury.
Anderson has become a nationally recognized leader in the industry through his successes in the courtroom and through his contributions to the legal community. Early on in his career, Anderson began garnering recognition through accolades such as Michigan Defense Trial Counsel's Golden Gavel Award and numerous recognitions from Super LawyersTM and Best Lawyers of America®. This year, he was recognized by Best Lawyers in America as the Lawyer of the Year in the State of Michigan for his work in Professional Liability Defense.
Anderson has made an impact through his diligent service to the bar, contributing his time to a number of legal associations and groups, including the Oakland County Bar Association, where he has served on the Board of Directors for the better part of the last 10 years. Anderson currently serves as president-elect of the board, and will be sworn in as president of the Oakland County Bar Association at its annual meeting in June of 2016.
Anderson will be formally honored at an awards ceremony hosted by Michigan Lawyers Weekly on March 17th at Detroit Marriott Troy, and will be profiled in the March 21st edition of Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
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Gillian Yee, a shareholder in the Detroit office of Ogletree Deakins, has been selected by the International Law Office and Lexology as a 2016 Client Choice Award recipient.
Yee is the winner of the Employment & Benefits category for Michigan and is selected as a recipient for the second time.
Established in 2005, Client Choice recognizes law firms and attorneys around the world that stand apart for the excellent client service they provide and the quality of their work.
Yee was selected as a recipient of the 2016 Client Choice Award based on feedback provided by corporate counsel. The recognition focused on her ability to add real value to clients' businesses, with specific criteria including the quality of legal advice, commercial awareness, industry knowledge, strategic thinking, billing transparency, tailored fee structures, value for money, responsiveness, effective communication, clarity of documentation, sharing of expertise, appropriate staffing, project management, use of technology, loyalty, and ethics.
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The board of directors of Legal Aid and Defender Association Inc. (LAD) has elected a new executive committee, according to LAD President and CEO Deierdre L. Weir. The new committee consists of:
- Chair J. Sherman Larkins, co-founder and president of Infiniti Energy Inc.
- Vice Chair Arthur Dudley, II, shareholder, Butzel Long PC.
- Treasurer Roger Short, CPA, financial manager for Detroit Building Authority.
- Secretary Karen Chadwick, general counsel, Plastech Manufacturing Co.
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During the holidays, Reiter & Walsh PC found a unique way to give back to their local community. For every greeting card the law firm sent to peers and colleagues, it donated a dollar to the Miracle League of Michigan.
The organization provides children with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball, as well as bowling, in competitive and non-competitive sports leagues. In Michigan alone, the league serves more than 10,000 people each year.
"At the core of the Miracle League are three hugely important areas of focus, all of which are critical parts of growing up--physical activity, making friends, and engaging in fun activities from a young age," stated attorney Jesse Reiter. "The kids who participate are so often excluded, and this is a fantastic opportunity to show them that they, too, are normal. It shows them that they can make friends and do what their peers do."
According to Genevieve Kotasek, the firm's officer manager, "The Miracle League is a cause very close to Reiter's heart and the entire Reiter & Walsh PC team. They've all made it their mission to serve as the voice for America's youth in legal proceedings involving newborn medical malpractice and birth injury cases."
"Our community outreach projects correspond to birth injury and childhood special needs advocacy, particularly within the Metro Detroit community," stated Reiter. "Everything we do works towards the pursuit of helping children with birth injuries live lives of rehabilitation, equal opportunity and fulfillment."
For Reiter and his staff-they bring to the table a genuine, burning desire to help people who can't always help themselves.
"As a young boy growing up, I remember my father telling me: 'There are people who represent the people and there are people who represent the powerful and we, in our family, represent the people.' I have never forgotten these words," stated Reiter.
This is not the first time Reiter & Walsh PC has made a generous donation to an organization that gives back to the community. Most recently, one of the firm's attorneys, Emily Thomas, took part in a marathon that benefited children with special needs. In this event, she raised $225 for Make-A-Wish.
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Maddin, Hauser, Roth & Heller PC and two of its attorneys have been recognized in Chambers USA.
"We are honored that Chambers USA has acknowledged our firm and are proud that our attorneys in the area of Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation have been recognized as notable practitioners," said Maddin Hauser President and CEO Steven D. Sallen.
Chambers USA recognized shareholders Charles M. Lax, first ranked in 2009, and Marc S. Wise, first ranked in 2013, in the Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation practice area.
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Wayne State University Law School Assistant (Clinical) Professor Nick Schroeck will participate in the Gordie Howe International Bridge Environmental Working Group.
The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority formed the group and describes it as a think tank to help the authority better understand the perspective of stakeholders on topics related to the bridge project. The working group's first meeting will be Tuesday, March 1.
As a participant, Schroeck will offer guidance on engaging the community, help garner feedback and ideas on a variety of aspects of the project, and share information about the project.
Schroeck, a 2007 alumnus of Wayne Law, is director of the law school's Transnational Environmental Law Clinic. In addition, he is executive director of the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center. Previously, Schroeck worked for the National Wildlife Federation, America's largest conservation organization, out of its Great Lakes Natural Resources Center in Ann Arbor. Prior to joining the federation, he was a sea grant fellow with the Great Lakes Commission.
Created in 2012, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority is a not-for-profit corporation, which reports to Canadian Parliament through the minister of transport. The authority is wholly owned by the Canadian government but is structured like a private company and operates independently from government. The authority manages the procurement process for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the new bridge between Windsor and Detroit. The authority also is responsible for project oversight, including the construction and operation of the new crossing.
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Butzel Long attorney and shareholder Robin Luce Herrmann will moderate a State Bar of Michigan Law and the Media Committee panel program on March 9, at Wayne State University Law School.
The program, titled "Body Cams: Competing Issues of Transparency, Privacy and Constitutional Rights," is co-presented by the Wolverine Bar Association. Herrmann is chair of the State Bar of Michigan's (SBM) Law and the Media Committee and general counsel of the Michigan Press Association.
The Law and the Media Committee develops, recommends, and supports programs that promote a positive relationship between the legal community and the media, and accuracy in the reporting of news concerning the law.
Herrmann, a Practice Department chair for one of Butzel Long's two Business Litigation Groups, concentrates her practice in the areas of media law, particularly defamation and access issues; commercial litigation, including Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO); non-competes and trade secrets; and civil rights.
She previously taught Law of the Press in the Journalism Department at Oakland University. Herrmann has been a guest speaker on Law of the Press at Wayne State University, Central Michigan University, and Oakland University.
Herrmann earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan in 1984 and a law degree from the Detroit College of Law in 1993.
Published: Mon, Feb 29, 2016
