By Frank Weir
Legal News
Nacht and Associates, a long-time fixture in the area's legal scene, is undergoing significant changes with a new name and the addition of the equally well-known Nick Roumel.
The firm will henceforth be known as Nacht, Roumel, Salvatore, Blanchard and Walker PC, Nacht Law in shorthand.
"I've known and respected the other attorneys for years," Roumel said. "We've swapped ideas, referred cases, and caught up at seminars. So it's a very easy transition and a great fit.
"I'm grateful for such amazing co-workers, including my supporting staff. This is a dynamic firm, and we will continue to be a force in the legal community," he said.
Whatever the name on the door, the emphasis will continue to be on employment rights and civil rights law said David Nacht, who founded the firm as a solo practice, David A. Nacht PC, in January of 1996.
''The new name reflects the great team of advocates we have put together,'' Nacht said.
Along with the addition of Roumel, long-time Nacht Law lawyers Jennifer Salvatore, David Blanchard, and Angela Walker were invited to become principals in the new firm.
"I wanted to recognize the great work we have done as a team over the last six years," Nacht noted.
"As we move forward into the next stage of our development, it was essential that the name reflect how we all share in that success together."
In addition to the new names on the door, associate Ned Macey also joined the firm this September after finishing a clerkship on the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals.
"The firm was founded on a commitment to standing up for employment rights--that is one thing that hasn't changed," a firm spokesperson said.
"All the lawyers boast superb credentials and a continued commitment to this area. From discrimination, harassment, or whistleblower protection; to unpaid wages, employment benefits, or medical leave or accommodation issues, the firm boasts a body of experience and skill to handle every type of employment matter."
Blanchard explained, "We want people across the state to know where to go when their employment rights are on the line. We are trial lawyers with a sensitivity to the unique needs of those fighting for workplace dignity. Whether it's federal litigation or solid advice on how to navigate a medical leave issue, our lawyers have the tools to protect Michigan workers."
In addition to employment, the firm's attorneys also have other expertise.
"In a broad sense, the firm has always been about bringing high quality legal advocacy to the 'little guy,'" Blanchard continued.
"Under that umbrella is a wide range of practice areas, from civil rights advocacy and criminal defense for individuals, to general representation of non-profits and government entities, to business litigation for small to mid-size businesses.
"With the new size, the firm is in a better position to provide representation in commercial litigation matters and intellectual property disputes for the growing high-tech sector."
Nacht lawyers also are active in the community.
Roumel is co-chair of the labor and employment law section of the Washtenaw County bar, a position also previously held by David Blanchard and David Nacht.
Walker is the president of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan Washtenaw Region, a post previously held by Salvatore. Walker dedicates time providing pro-bono legal advice and human resources seminars for the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living.
Salvatore has been on the boards of the Womens' Center of Southeast Michigan and SafeHouse Center, a local non-profit.
Blanchard serves in several roles as president of the Washtenaw Association for Justice and the statewide affiliate of the National Employment Lawyers Association, as well as a member of the executive board of the Michigan Association for Justice.
David Nacht himself continues a tradition of public service that he has fostered at the firm, as a current board member and past chair of the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority and a former Scio Township trustee.
He has also served in several prior non-profit board experiences, including the American Lung Association of Michigan, Temple Beth Emeth, and Ozone House.
The newest members of the firm, Roumel and Macey, as well as those elevated to partner, Blanchard and Walker, all have much to recommend them in their backgrounds and practice areas.
Roumel litigates in the areas of employment and civil rights, labor and education. He also practices criminal defense, victim's rights, and entertainment law, and has been appointed by the courts to act as a receiver, facilitator and guardian ad litem.
Macey joins the firm as an associate and recently completed two federal clerkships: first for the Hon. David Hamilton, then District COurt judge in the Southern District of Indiana and subsequently for the Hon. Eric Clay on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Blanchard focuses his practice on federal and state court litigation and appals in employment, civil rights, government fraud and abuse, police misconduct and criminal defense matters.
He is active on the executive board of the Michigan Association for Justice, current president of the Michigan Employment Lawyers Association, and a local cooperating attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union.
Walker litigates employment discrimination cases in state and federal courts. Also, she devotes a significant portion of her practice to counseling employees and job seekers about disability accommodations, medical leave issues, and discrimination issues as they arise. She also drafts employee handbooks and provides policy advice to small and mid-size business.
The firm will be holding an open house on Tuesday, Nov. 23, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the firm's offices at: 101 N. Main Street, Suite 555, Ann Arbor, 48104.
Walker litigates employment discrimination cases in state and federal courts. Also, she devotes a significant portion of her practice to counseling employees and job seekers about disability accommodations, medical leave issues, and discrimination issues as they arise. She also drafts employee handbooks and provides policy advice to small and mid-size business.
Published: Thu, Nov 11, 2010
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