http://www.judged.com/jdfirmrssfeed_mn.php Judged Law Firm en-us (C) 2006 Judged. All rights reserved. contact@judged.com(Judged) contact@judged.com Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:41:10 -0500 Law Firms http://www.judged.com/jdfirmrssfeed_mn.php 60 http://www.judged.com/images/xml_rss_feed.gif http://www.judged.com/jdfirmrssfeed_mn.php Address : 123 East Maumee Street, Phone : 517-263-8811, City : Adrian http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2027 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2027&page=1 Address : 400 Renaissance Center, Phone : 313-568-6800, City : Detroit Dykema today announced that Mark W. Peters, member of the firm's Business Services Department in the Corporate Finance Practice Area, was elected to serve as Secretary of World Services Group (WSG) for 2007-2008 at WSG's 6th Annual Meeting in Montreal, Canada. Mr. Peters is currently in the second year of a four-year term on the WSG Board of Directors. World Services Group is a global association of large local, national and international providers of legal advice and other professional services. It is one of the world's largest networks of independent leading professional services firms and companies, with approximately 18,000 professionals at its more than 130 member firms worldwide. Dykema is the exclusive Michigan law firm member of WSG. Mr. Peters has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions of public and private companies, subsidiaries and divisions. He has also represented issuers in initial public and private securities offerings, including high-yield debt offerings and demutualizations, as well as experience in internet-related securities matters. Mr. Peters was the recipient of the WSG Membership Award in 2005 in recognition of his contribution to the organization. Prior to joining Dykema in 1996, he clerked for the Honorable Patricia J. Boyle of the Michigan Supreme Court. A resident of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Mr. Peters received his B.M.E. from the University of Kansas, his M.A. and M.B.A. from Southern Methodist University, and his J.D., cum laude and Order of the Coif, from Wayne State University. Dykema today announced that Mark W. Peters, member of the firm's Business Services Department in the Corporate Finance Practice Area, was elected to serve as Secretary of World Services Group (WSG) for 2007-2008 at WSG's 6th Annual Meeting in Montreal, Canada. Mr. Peters is currently in the second year of a four-year term on the WSG Board of Directors. World Services Group is a global association of large local, national and international providers of legal advice and other professional services. It is one of the world's largest networks of independent leading professional services firms and companies, with approximately 18,000 professionals at its more than 130 member firms worldwide. Dykema is the exclusive Michigan law firm member of WSG. Mr. Peters has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions of public and private companies, subsidiaries and divisions. He has also represented issuers in initial public and private securities offerings, including high-yield debt offerings and demutualizations, as well as experience in internet-related securities matters. Mr. Peters was the recipient of the WSG Membership Award in 2005 in recognition of his contribution to the organization. Prior to joining Dykema in 1996, he clerked for the Honorable Patricia J. Boyle of the Michigan Supreme Court. A resident of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Mr. Peters received his B.M.E. from the University of Kansas, his M.A. and M.B.A. from Southern Methodist University, and his J.D., cum laude and Order of the Coif, from Wayne State University. Dykema announces that Katherine L. Jough has joined the firm's Real Estate Practice Group as Of Counsel in the firm's Chicago office. Ms. Jough's practice focuses on commercial financing and commercial real estate. She represents institutional investors in debt (construction, mezzanine and permanent) and equity investments in all types of real estate, restructurings, leasing and the acquisition and sale of real property. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Jough was a partner at a law firm in Washington, D.C. where she represented institutional investors in real estate investments nationwide and advised her clients in a general counsel capacity. A resident of Chicago, Ms. Jough received her B.A., with general honors and Phi Beta Kappa, from Vassar College and her J.D. from Washington & Lee University. Dykema announces that Katherine L. Jough has joined the firm's Real Estate Practice Group as Of Counsel in the firm's Chicago office. Ms. Jough's practice focuses on commercial financing and commercial real estate. She represents institutional investors in debt (construction, mezzanine and permanent) and equity investments in all types of real estate, restructurings, leasing and the acquisition and sale of real property. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Jough was a partner at a law firm in Washington, D.C. where she represented institutional investors in real estate investments nationwide and advised her clients in a general counsel capacity. A resident of Chicago, Ms. Jough received her B.A., with general honors and Phi Beta Kappa, from Vassar College and her J.D. from Washington & Lee University. Dykema, a premier Midwest-based law firm, today announced that Lori McAllister, member of the firm's Litigation Department, and the firm's General Counsel has been appointed by Michigan's Supreme Court as Chair of the Attorney Discipline Board (ADB) for a one year term commencing October 1, 2007. The ADB is the adjudicative arm of the Michigan Supreme Court that assists in carrying out its exclusive jurisdiction over the licensing and discipline of Michigan attorneys. The Disciplinary Board's goals are to protect the general public, maintain a high standard of integrity in the legal profession and safeguard the reputation of the courts of Michigan. "I am honored to serve as chairman of this prestigious board," McAllister said. "I've been a member of the Attorney Discipline Board for the last 5 years, and I look forward to continuing our work to uphold the integrity of the legal profession." The ADB appoints three-attorney panels, composed of volunteers, which hear attorney misconduct matters and recommend sanctions against attorneys who violate ethics rules. The ADB hears appeals from the decisions of the hearing panels. "Lori is an experienced attorney who will be able to bring her expertise and extensive private practice experience to her role as Chair of the Board," said Rex Schlaybaugh, Dykema's chairman and chief executive officer. "We congratulate her on this prestigious appointment." McAllister has served as a member of the ADB since October of 2002 when she was appointed to the Board for a three-year term. In September 2005, the Michigan Supreme Court re-appointed her to a second three year term, and in 2006, reappointed her to a second one-year term as Vice Chairperson commencing October 1, 2006. McAllister focuses her practice in complex commercial litigation and the defense of class-action lawsuits, and appellate litigation. She also represents regulated entities before the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Services. She is a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan, and the Ingham County Bar Association. McAllister earned a B.A summa cum laude from Central Michigan University and a J.D cum laude from University of Michigan Law School. Dykema, a premier Midwest-based law firm, today announced that Lori McAllister, member of the firm's Litigation Department, and the firm's General Counsel has been appointed by Michigan's Supreme Court as Chair of the Attorney Discipline Board (ADB) for a one year term commencing October 1, 2007. The ADB is the adjudicative arm of the Michigan Supreme Court that assists in carrying out its exclusive jurisdiction over the licensing and discipline of Michigan attorneys. The Disciplinary Board's goals are to protect the general public, maintain a high standard of integrity in the legal profession and safeguard the reputation of the courts of Michigan. "I am honored to serve as chairman of this prestigious board," McAllister said. "I've been a member of the Attorney Discipline Board for the last 5 years, and I look forward to continuing our work to uphold the integrity of the legal profession." The ADB appoints three-attorney panels, composed of volunteers, which hear attorney misconduct matters and recommend sanctions against attorneys who violate ethics rules. The ADB hears appeals from the decisions of the hearing panels. "Lori is an experienced attorney who will be able to bring her expertise and extensive private practice experience to her role as Chair of the Board," said Rex Schlaybaugh, Dykema's chairman and chief executive officer. "We congratulate her on this prestigious appointment." McAllister has served as a member of the ADB since October of 2002 when she was appointed to the Board for a three-year term. In September 2005, the Michigan Supreme Court re-appointed her to a second three year term, and in 2006, reappointed her to a second one-year term as Vice Chairperson commencing October 1, 2006. McAllister focuses her practice in complex commercial litigation and the defense of class-action lawsuits, and appellate litigation. She also represents regulated entities before the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Services. She is a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan, and the Ingham County Bar Association. McAllister earned a B.A summa cum laude from Central Michigan University and a J.D cum laude from University of Michigan Law School. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=677 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=677&page=31 Address : 500 Woodward AvenueSuite 4000, Phone : 313-223-3500, City : Detroit Dickinson Wright PLLC is pleased to announce that 42 of its attorneys have been included in The Best Lawyers in America 2008, published by Woodward/White, up from 37 listed in 2007. Dickinson Wright congratulates the attorneys in our firm who are ranked among the best lawyers in the country," said James A. Samborn, chief executive officer, Dickinson Wright. More than a dozen have been recognized by their peers for inclusion on this prestigious list for more than a decade, and several for more than 20 years. They are among the great lawyers who make Dickinson Wright a great law firm. We are proud to have a breadth and depth of talent at our firm that enables us to deliver outstanding results on behalf of our clients. Dickinson Wright PLLC is pleased to announce that 42 of its attorneys have been included in The Best Lawyers in America 2008, published by Woodward/White, up from 37 listed in 2007. Dickinson Wright congratulates the attorneys in our firm who are ranked among the best lawyers in the country," said James A. Samborn, chief executive officer, Dickinson Wright. More than a dozen have been recognized by their peers for inclusion on this prestigious list for more than a decade, and several for more than 20 years. They are among the great lawyers who make Dickinson Wright a great law firm. We are proud to have a breadth and depth of talent at our firm that enables us to deliver outstanding results on behalf of our clients. Dickinson Wright PLLC has added intellectual property attorneys William E. Beaumont and Suzanne E. Ziska, Ph.D. in Washington, D.C. Both join Dickinson Wright from the Washington, D.C. office of Minneapolis-based intellectual property law firm Merchant & Gould. Beaumont has extensive experience in patent application drafting and prosecution in all areas of chemistry, pharmaceutics and biotechnology, such as the synthesis of drugs and complex natural products, preparation and uses of carbon nanoparticles as catalysts and transistors, preparation of medicinal formulations having improved bioavailabilities, and genetic modifications of both animals and plants. He has a sub-specialty in plant genetic engineering with expertise in cross-protection techniques and phytoremediation of contaminated soils. He also has significant experience in PCT (patent cooperation treaty) practice and portfolio management, as well as patent infringement and validity analyses involving numerous technologies. Beaumont was a partner at the Washington law firms of Oblon, Spivak and Lowe Hauptman & Berner before joining Merchant & Gould. He holds a B.S. degree in chemistry from Muskingum College and a M.S. degree in physical organic chemistry from the University of South Florida, as well as a J.D. degree from Franklin Pierce Law Center and an LL.M. degree in patent law and trade regulation from George Washington University. He is a member of the American Bar Association and the American Intellectual Property Law Association. Ziska specializes in patent portfolio management for biotech companies, life sciences companies, universities and research organizations. Her experience includes drafting and prosecuting patent applications related to the areas of biotechnology, genetic engineering of eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms, immunology, genetically modified plants, vaccines, diagnostics, gene therapy, and cancer detection and treatments, as well as experience in due diligence matters and freedom to operate analyses. Previously, Ziska served as a primary patent examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in its biotechnology group, and as a senior staff fellow at the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, where she conducted cancer research. She holds a B.A. degree in biology from Bucknell University, a Ph.D. degree in biology from Georgetown University and a J.D. degree from the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law. She is a member of the American Bar Association, intellectual property and litigation sections; the American Association for the Advancement of Science; and the American Intellectual Property Law Association. Dickinson Wright's IP practice is the largest among full-service law firms in Michigan. The firm is also one of the only law firms nationally with its own "IP Academy," where practicing attorneys train law students with technical and engineering school undergraduate degrees to become intellectual property lawyers. Dickinson Wright PLLC has added intellectual property attorneys William E. Beaumont and Suzanne E. Ziska, Ph.D. in Washington, D.C. Both join Dickinson Wright from the Washington, D.C. office of Minneapolis-based intellectual property law firm Merchant & Gould. Beaumont has extensive experience in patent application drafting and prosecution in all areas of chemistry, pharmaceutics and biotechnology, such as the synthesis of drugs and complex natural products, preparation and uses of carbon nanoparticles as catalysts and transistors, preparation of medicinal formulations having improved bioavailabilities, and genetic modifications of both animals and plants. He has a sub-specialty in plant genetic engineering with expertise in cross-protection techniques and phytoremediation of contaminated soils. He also has significant experience in PCT (patent cooperation treaty) practice and portfolio management, as well as patent infringement and validity analyses involving numerous technologies. Beaumont was a partner at the Washington law firms of Oblon, Spivak and Lowe Hauptman & Berner before joining Merchant & Gould. He holds a B.S. degree in chemistry from Muskingum College and a M.S. degree in physical organic chemistry from the University of South Florida, as well as a J.D. degree from Franklin Pierce Law Center and an LL.M. degree in patent law and trade regulation from George Washington University. He is a member of the American Bar Association and the American Intellectual Property Law Association. Ziska specializes in patent portfolio management for biotech companies, life sciences companies, universities and research organizations. Her experience includes drafting and prosecuting patent applications related to the areas of biotechnology, genetic engineering of eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms, immunology, genetically modified plants, vaccines, diagnostics, gene therapy, and cancer detection and treatments, as well as experience in due diligence matters and freedom to operate analyses. Previously, Ziska served as a primary patent examiner at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in its biotechnology group, and as a senior staff fellow at the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, where she conducted cancer research. She holds a B.A. degree in biology from Bucknell University, a Ph.D. degree in biology from Georgetown University and a J.D. degree from the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law. She is a member of the American Bar Association, intellectual property and litigation sections; the American Association for the Advancement of Science; and the American Intellectual Property Law Association. Dickinson Wright's IP practice is the largest among full-service law firms in Michigan. The firm is also one of the only law firms nationally with its own "IP Academy," where practicing attorneys train law students with technical and engineering school undergraduate degrees to become intellectual property lawyers. Dickinson Wright Member J. Bryan Williams has been appointed by the City Commission of the City of Birmingham to complete a three-year term on the Planning Board for the City of Birmingham. The Planning Board advises the City Commission with regard to the proper development of the city, and has primary responsibility for site plan and design review for properties and zoning ordinance text revision and amendments. Williams lives in Birmingham and is based in the Bloomfield Hills office of Dickinson Wright, where he focuses his practice on corporate law, corporate governance, municipal law and finance, and mergers and acquisitions. His experience include providing counsel to numerous publicly and privately held companies, boards of directors, and audit, compensation, nominating and other special committees on Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance and corporate governance issues; and providing counsel to various business enterprises on corporate finance, commercial lending, and commercial operating issues. He currently serves as Corporate Secretary to Dura Automotive Systems, Inc., advising it on all aspects of corporate governance and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance matters, and as Corporate Secretary of ACO, Inc. Williams earned an A.B. degree, cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame, and a J.D. degree, cum laude, from the University of Michigan Law School. He served as Chief Executive Officer of Dickinson Wright from 1991 - 2000. Dickinson Wright Member J. Bryan Williams has been appointed by the City Commission of the City of Birmingham to complete a three-year term on the Planning Board for the City of Birmingham. The Planning Board advises the City Commission with regard to the proper development of the city, and has primary responsibility for site plan and design review for properties and zoning ordinance text revision and amendments. Williams lives in Birmingham and is based in the Bloomfield Hills office of Dickinson Wright, where he focuses his practice on corporate law, corporate governance, municipal law and finance, and mergers and acquisitions. His experience include providing counsel to numerous publicly and privately held companies, boards of directors, and audit, compensation, nominating and other special committees on Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance and corporate governance issues; and providing counsel to various business enterprises on corporate finance, commercial lending, and commercial operating issues. He currently serves as Corporate Secretary to Dura Automotive Systems, Inc., advising it on all aspects of corporate governance and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance matters, and as Corporate Secretary of ACO, Inc. Williams earned an A.B. degree, cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame, and a J.D. degree, cum laude, from the University of Michigan Law School. He served as Chief Executive Officer of Dickinson Wright from 1991 - 2000. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=628 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=628&page=41 Address : 2001 Commonwealth BoulevardSuite 301, Phone : 734-662-0270, City : Ann Arbor J. Douglas Miller at Small Business IP Protection and Managament has given his thoughts on the age-old question of just what is the "Proper Use of SAID in Patent Claims" There are currently three different practices used in writing patent claims. The first time an element or part is recited in a patent claim, it must be preceded by the indefinite article "a" or "an" (although some exceptions exist for "means" and plural recitations). For each repeated reference of an element, one practice is to use "said" preceding the element and use "the" for anything else. Alternatively, some practitioners precede everything with "said" upon repetition thereof. A third, and somewhat more recent practice, is to omit the use of "said", and simply use "the" to precede everything repeated. I prefer to use "said" for only the first time that an element appears in any dependent claim, as a signal for the reader to look back to an earlier claim for the antecedent basis. Leave your comment below. J. Douglas Miller at Small Business IP Protection and Managament has given his thoughts on the age-old question of just what is the "Proper Use of SAID in Patent Claims" There are currently three different practices used in writing patent claims. The first time an element or part is recited in a patent claim, it must be preceded by the indefinite article "a" or "an" (although some exceptions exist for "means" and plural recitations). For each repeated reference of an element, one practice is to use "said" preceding the element and use "the" for anything else. Alternatively, some practitioners precede everything with "said" upon repetition thereof. A third, and somewhat more recent practice, is to omit the use of "said", and simply use "the" to precede everything repeated. I prefer to use "said" for only the first time that an element appears in any dependent claim, as a signal for the reader to look back to an earlier claim for the antecedent basis. Leave your comment below. John Welch at the TTABlog has done a painstaking review of the TTAB's decisions for the past year which yielded the following approximate statistics regarding the Board's affirmance rate for ex parte refusals Section 2(d) likelihood of confusion ---80% affirmed Section 2(e)(1) mere descriptiveness ---86% Genericness ---61% Section 2(e)(4) surname --- 60% He also uncovers the longest applied for mark at 182 words which the Board found did not function as a trademark. John Welch at the TTABlog has done a painstaking review of the TTAB's decisions for the past year which yielded the following approximate statistics regarding the Board's affirmance rate for ex parte refusals Section 2(d) likelihood of confusion ---80% affirmed Section 2(e)(1) mere descriptiveness ---86% Genericness ---61% Section 2(e)(4) surname --- 60% He also uncovers the longest applied for mark at 182 words which the Board found did not function as a trademark. On January 10, 2006, The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit proposed a revision to its Internal Operating Procedure 14 on Petitions for Rehearing En Banc. Comments must be received by the close of business on January 31, 2006 with regard to the following three new sentences have proposed for additon: During the en banc process, even after the normal time for panel action has expired, but before a majority of the court has voted to take the case en banc, the panel may reclaim jurisdiction over the petition for the purpose of modifying the decision or opinion. Following such action, circulation to the full court of the modified opinion, if precedential, would occur as usual, within a new 8-day circulation period beginning to run again from the date of the modification. If the panel changes the opinion or judgment, any party may take whatever action is available to it in accordance with the provisions of Fed. R. App. P. 35. It's too bad that the complete set of IOPs are not already posted on the Federal Circuit's website. Nonetheless, Professor Hal Wegner has already commented that "With cases such as LizardTech being denied en banc review because of the difficulty of gaining seven votes, there had been comment within the patent community about the difficulty of obtaining the votes necessary for en banc review. With the anticipated senior status of one of the members of the court two weeks from now, the majority is reduced to six members of the court. Furthermore, under an amendment this past year to FRAP Rule 35(a), if one of the judges is disqualified from voting whether to grant an en banc rehearing, his or her vote does not count in making up a majority. Formerly, the local court rule required seven of the twelve judges to affirmatively vote for en banc rehearing, even if one or more of the judges was disqualified from voting." On January 10, 2006, The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit proposed a revision to its Internal Operating Procedure 14 on Petitions for Rehearing En Banc. Comments must be received by the close of business on January 31, 2006 with regard to the following three new sentences have proposed for additon: During the en banc process, even after the normal time for panel action has expired, but before a majority of the court has voted to take the case en banc, the panel may reclaim jurisdiction over the petition for the purpose of modifying the decision or opinion. Following such action, circulation to the full court of the modified opinion, if precedential, would occur as usual, within a new 8-day circulation period beginning to run again from the date of the modification. If the panel changes the opinion or judgment, any party may take whatever action is available to it in accordance with the provisions of Fed. R. App. P. 35. It's too bad that the complete set of IOPs are not already posted on the Federal Circuit's website. Nonetheless, Professor Hal Wegner has already commented that "With cases such as LizardTech being denied en banc review because of the difficulty of gaining seven votes, there had been comment within the patent community about the difficulty of obtaining the votes necessary for en banc review. With the anticipated senior status of one of the members of the court two weeks from now, the majority is reduced to six members of the court. Furthermore, under an amendment this past year to FRAP Rule 35(a), if one of the judges is disqualified from voting whether to grant an en banc rehearing, his or her vote does not count in making up a majority. Formerly, the local court rule required seven of the twelve judges to affirmatively vote for en banc rehearing, even if one or more of the judges was disqualified from voting." http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2616 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2616&page=4 Address : 150 West JeffersonSuite 100, Phone : 313-225-7000, City : Detroit Butzel Long senior attorney Jack D. Shumate will be featured in a panel discussion at the Michigan Association of Environmental Professionals event on October 1, 2007 in Brighton. The panel presentation is titled, "Duty to Investigate Urban Soil Conditions" with a special emphasis on environmental concerns in redevelopment of urban properties. Based in Butzel Long's Bloomfield Hills office, Mr. Shumate concentrates in environmental law, natural resources, insurance coverage matters and appellate law. Mr. Shumate is the firm's Senior Environmental attorney. He has been engaged in all aspects of environmental law for more than 30 years. Currently, his environmental practice is focused on investigation and cleanup of Superfund sites throughout the country, pre-acquisition property investigations, environmental aspects of major real estate and corporate transactions, Brownfield redevelopment, and environmental litigation. Mr. Shumate has a broad background in real estate and corporate transactions and related litigation and legislative relations. Prior to joining Butzel Long, he worked in the Corporate Legal Department of Consumers Power Company. His duties in that position included licensing, investigation, and closure and re-use of the company's coal ash landfills, including resolving heavy metals issues. He has represented subsidiaries engaged in exploration and development of oil, natural gas, and uranium. He also has served as a legal and legislative advisor to the Governor of Ohio. Mr. Shumate is one of 23 attorneys from across the United States and the only Michigan lawyer who have founded the American College of Environmental Lawyers. The College will recognize the achievements of outstanding environmental attorneys and focus their efforts to enhance the practice of environmental law. Mr. Shumate is an active member, and past Chairperson, of the Real Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. He is a frequent author and lecturer on real estate and environmental topics, and has served as an expert witness concerning environmental and attorney malpractice issues. He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America. Butzel Long senior attorney Jack D. Shumate will be featured in a panel discussion at the Michigan Association of Environmental Professionals event on October 1, 2007 in Brighton. The panel presentation is titled, "Duty to Investigate Urban Soil Conditions" with a special emphasis on environmental concerns in redevelopment of urban properties. Based in Butzel Long's Bloomfield Hills office, Mr. Shumate concentrates in environmental law, natural resources, insurance coverage matters and appellate law. Mr. Shumate is the firm's Senior Environmental attorney. He has been engaged in all aspects of environmental law for more than 30 years. Currently, his environmental practice is focused on investigation and cleanup of Superfund sites throughout the country, pre-acquisition property investigations, environmental aspects of major real estate and corporate transactions, Brownfield redevelopment, and environmental litigation. Mr. Shumate has a broad background in real estate and corporate transactions and related litigation and legislative relations. Prior to joining Butzel Long, he worked in the Corporate Legal Department of Consumers Power Company. His duties in that position included licensing, investigation, and closure and re-use of the company's coal ash landfills, including resolving heavy metals issues. He has represented subsidiaries engaged in exploration and development of oil, natural gas, and uranium. He also has served as a legal and legislative advisor to the Governor of Ohio. Mr. Shumate is one of 23 attorneys from across the United States and the only Michigan lawyer who have founded the American College of Environmental Lawyers. The College will recognize the achievements of outstanding environmental attorneys and focus their efforts to enhance the practice of environmental law. Mr. Shumate is an active member, and past Chairperson, of the Real Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. He is a frequent author and lecturer on real estate and environmental topics, and has served as an expert witness concerning environmental and attorney malpractice issues. He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America. Butzel Long attorney and shareholder Denise Alexander will receive the Circle of Hope Award during the CARE House of Oakland County (formerly Child Abuse and Neglect Council of Oakland County) Merry-Go-Round benefit on Saturday, October 13, 2007 at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham. The Circle of Hope Award is given to an individual for exemplary commitment to the mission of the Council and its efforts in advocacy prevention, intervention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Other honorees include Sandie Knollenberg who will receive the Kaleidoscope Award and Denise Abrash who will receive the Merry-Go-Round Award. Ms. Alexander is president of the Board of Trustees for CARE House, a leader in the protection of children in Oakland County. For 30 years, CARE House has been providing advocacy, intervention and treatment services to child victims of abuse, and prevention programs and services to at-risk families before abuse happens. Ms. Alexander is the Practice Group Leader for the Butzel Long Family Law Practice. She has extensive experience practicing in all areas of family law. She has been recognized by various professional and legal organizations as a leading practitioner in this area. She is an active speaker on various family law issues, and has authored numerous articles on special family law topics, including: "Diplomacy in Domestic Relations" for the Michigan State Bar Family Law Journal (Volume 22, April 1995); "Procedures for Obtaining a Personal Protection Order" for the Michigan State Bar Family Law Journal Special Edition for Single Parents (1998); and "To Sign or Not to Sign: Pitfalls of the 'Final' Agreement" for the Michigan State Bar Family Law Journal Special Edition - Dividing the Assets (2001). Ms. Alexander has served as an instructor and lecturer for several professional and continuing legal education organizations including The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers; Institute of Continuing Legal Education; State Bar of Michigan, Family Law Section; and the Oakland County Bar Association, Peoples Law School. Ms. Alexander currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Michigan Inter-Professional Association on Marriage, Divorce and the Family, Inc. She has held numerous public service positions including serving on the Waterford Planning Commission (1997-2001), the Southfield City Council (1989-1992); the Southfield Planning Commission (1983-1989); HUD Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development (1992-1993); Executive Director of the Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board (1991-1992); and the Executive Director of the Government Task Force on Children's Justice (1991-1992). Ms. Alexander is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Oakland County Bar (family law sections), the Michigan Inter-Professional Association (MIPA), Inforum (formerly the Women's Economic Club), and a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. She also has been honored as a "90 for the 90's" honoree by Crain's Detroit Business and by the Southfield Business and Professional Women's "Women of the Year" in 1992. Ms. Alexander graduated from the Detroit College of Law (J.D., 1976) and The University of Michigan (B.G.S., 1973). She resides in Birmingham. Butzel Long attorney and shareholder Denise Alexander will receive the Circle of Hope Award during the CARE House of Oakland County (formerly Child Abuse and Neglect Council of Oakland County) Merry-Go-Round benefit on Saturday, October 13, 2007 at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham. The Circle of Hope Award is given to an individual for exemplary commitment to the mission of the Council and its efforts in advocacy prevention, intervention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Other honorees include Sandie Knollenberg who will receive the Kaleidoscope Award and Denise Abrash who will receive the Merry-Go-Round Award. Ms. Alexander is president of the Board of Trustees for CARE House, a leader in the protection of children in Oakland County. For 30 years, CARE House has been providing advocacy, intervention and treatment services to child victims of abuse, and prevention programs and services to at-risk families before abuse happens. Ms. Alexander is the Practice Group Leader for the Butzel Long Family Law Practice. She has extensive experience practicing in all areas of family law. She has been recognized by various professional and legal organizations as a leading practitioner in this area. She is an active speaker on various family law issues, and has authored numerous articles on special family law topics, including: "Diplomacy in Domestic Relations" for the Michigan State Bar Family Law Journal (Volume 22, April 1995); "Procedures for Obtaining a Personal Protection Order" for the Michigan State Bar Family Law Journal Special Edition for Single Parents (1998); and "To Sign or Not to Sign: Pitfalls of the 'Final' Agreement" for the Michigan State Bar Family Law Journal Special Edition - Dividing the Assets (2001). Ms. Alexander has served as an instructor and lecturer for several professional and continuing legal education organizations including The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers; Institute of Continuing Legal Education; State Bar of Michigan, Family Law Section; and the Oakland County Bar Association, Peoples Law School. Ms. Alexander currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Michigan Inter-Professional Association on Marriage, Divorce and the Family, Inc. She has held numerous public service positions including serving on the Waterford Planning Commission (1997-2001), the Southfield City Council (1989-1992); the Southfield Planning Commission (1983-1989); HUD Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development (1992-1993); Executive Director of the Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board (1991-1992); and the Executive Director of the Government Task Force on Children's Justice (1991-1992). Ms. Alexander is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Oakland County Bar (family law sections), the Michigan Inter-Professional Association (MIPA), Inforum (formerly the Women's Economic Club), and a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. She also has been honored as a "90 for the 90's" honoree by Crain's Detroit Business and by the Southfield Business and Professional Women's "Women of the Year" in 1992. Ms. Alexander graduated from the Detroit College of Law (J.D., 1976) and The University of Michigan (B.G.S., 1973). She resides in Birmingham. Dr. Jerome D. Hill, Of Counsel to Butzel Long, was a featured speaker at the Michigan Public Employees Retirement System (MAPERS) meeting, an association of financial advisors/certified public accountants, on September 17 in Grand Rapids. Dr. Hill will be speaking on "China: Updates and Trends." His presentation will focus on economic development, World Trade Organization (WTO) status, the new employment law, as well as non-economic developments. As an attorney, Dr. Hill has represented clients in matters ranging from civil litigation and commercial business issues to labor negotiations and employment matters. His clients include academic institutions such as Wayne State University and the University of Michigan. He also has represented and advised business entities such as the UAW/DaimlerChrysler National Training Center and Wausau/ Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. Dr. Hill has provided legal counsel and served as a member of a State of Michigan delegation to the People's Republic of China and many other delegations. Dr. Hill has published articles in the State Bar Journal and the State's International Law Journal, and is a member of several bar associations. As a consultant on doing business in China, Dr. Hill has conducted several seminars for GE Capital, DaimlerChrysler Corporation, General Motors and Tenneco Automotive and many others. The seminars include cultural perspectives, negotiation techniques, and differences in management styles. He has made presentations on international business, education and arbitration in the U.S., China and Korea. Dr. Hill has served as a China consultant and legal adviser to numerous auto industry clients on creating business entities in China, assisting with developing business plans, resolving employment/labor issues, solving repatriation of funds difficulties, and resolving related technical legal problems. Dr. Hill is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School (J.D., 1983). He also has completed additional studies in Chinese Philosophy at the University of Michigan (Ph.D., 1981) and the University of Michigan (M.A., 1974) and Oakland University (B.A., 1970). He speaks Mandarin Chinese and he has been designated an "honorary citizen" in China for his work in Guizhou Province. Dr. Jerome D. Hill, Of Counsel to Butzel Long, was a featured speaker at the Michigan Public Employees Retirement System (MAPERS) meeting, an association of financial advisors/certified public accountants, on September 17 in Grand Rapids. Dr. Hill will be speaking on "China: Updates and Trends." His presentation will focus on economic development, World Trade Organization (WTO) status, the new employment law, as well as non-economic developments. As an attorney, Dr. Hill has represented clients in matters ranging from civil litigation and commercial business issues to labor negotiations and employment matters. His clients include academic institutions such as Wayne State University and the University of Michigan. He also has represented and advised business entities such as the UAW/DaimlerChrysler National Training Center and Wausau/ Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. Dr. Hill has provided legal counsel and served as a member of a State of Michigan delegation to the People's Republic of China and many other delegations. Dr. Hill has published articles in the State Bar Journal and the State's International Law Journal, and is a member of several bar associations. As a consultant on doing business in China, Dr. Hill has conducted several seminars for GE Capital, DaimlerChrysler Corporation, General Motors and Tenneco Automotive and many others. The seminars include cultural perspectives, negotiation techniques, and differences in management styles. He has made presentations on international business, education and arbitration in the U.S., China and Korea. Dr. Hill has served as a China consultant and legal adviser to numerous auto industry clients on creating business entities in China, assisting with developing business plans, resolving employment/labor issues, solving repatriation of funds difficulties, and resolving related technical legal problems. Dr. Hill is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School (J.D., 1983). He also has completed additional studies in Chinese Philosophy at the University of Michigan (Ph.D., 1981) and the University of Michigan (M.A., 1974) and Oakland University (B.A., 1970). He speaks Mandarin Chinese and he has been designated an "honorary citizen" in China for his work in Guizhou Province. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1381 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1381&page=34 Address : 600 South Adams RoadSuite 300, Phone : 248-433-1414, City : Birmingham http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1343 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1343&page=13 Address : 206 South Fifth AvenueSuite 400, Phone : 734-663-6535, City : Ann Arbor http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=504 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=504&page=7 Address : 150 West JeffersonSuite 2500, Phone : 313-963-6420, City : Detroit Miller Canfield announces the details of its Annual Employment Law Seminar on Thursday, October 18, from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the MSU Management Education Center in Troy (811 W. Square Lake Road). Presentations and interactive workshops will provide important legal and practical updates on a wide range of topics for human resource professionals, corporate counsel, and business executives who need to stay current on labor and employment laws, regulations and practices. The seminar will help attendees plan and prepare for the critical employment issues they may face including: - How recent developments in employment law affect the future - Planning for layoffs and litigation under ADEA - Training supervisors to avoid harassment and discrimination - Dealing with costly retiree benefits - The unique needs of small business owners - Preparing for employment issues in mergers and acquisitions - And much more... The all-day seminar begins with a continental breakfast and includes lunch. Cost is $85 per person and $50 for each additional attendee from the same company. Attendees will receive seminar materials on a complimentary flash drive. For an additional $15, attendees may purchase a hard-copy binder containing all seminar materials. Register online at www.millercanfield.com or contact Virginia Herrick at 313/496-7548 or herrick@millercanfield.com. This program has been approved for 6.0 recertification credit hours toward PHR, SPHR and GPHR recertification through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). Miller Canfield announces the details of its Annual Employment Law Seminar on Thursday, October 18, from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the MSU Management Education Center in Troy (811 W. Square Lake Road). Presentations and interactive workshops will provide important legal and practical updates on a wide range of topics for human resource professionals, corporate counsel, and business executives who need to stay current on labor and employment laws, regulations and practices. The seminar will help attendees plan and prepare for the critical employment issues they may face including: - How recent developments in employment law affect the future - Planning for layoffs and litigation under ADEA - Training supervisors to avoid harassment and discrimination - Dealing with costly retiree benefits - The unique needs of small business owners - Preparing for employment issues in mergers and acquisitions - And much more... The all-day seminar begins with a continental breakfast and includes lunch. Cost is $85 per person and $50 for each additional attendee from the same company. Attendees will receive seminar materials on a complimentary flash drive. For an additional $15, attendees may purchase a hard-copy binder containing all seminar materials. Register online at www.millercanfield.com or contact Virginia Herrick at 313/496-7548 or herrick@millercanfield.com. This program has been approved for 6.0 recertification credit hours toward PHR, SPHR and GPHR recertification through the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C., Michigan's largest corporate law firm, announced today that it has opened an office in Chicago. The new Chicago office will be located at 225 W. Washington Street and will start with five attorneys formerly with McGuire Woods LLP law firm of Chicago. The office resident director will be John L. Senica, corporate, M&A and real estate attorney. Also joining the firm are Darryl R. Davidson, public finance and capital markets attorney; Paul D. Durbin, public finance and capital markets attorney; Janice K. Hamblin, corporate, M&A and international transactions attorney; and Robert T. Zielinski, labor and employment attorney. "Our expansion into the largest economic center in the Midwest will create new opportunities and regional and international access for clients, especially in transactional and litigation matters," said Michael W. Hartmann, CEO of Miller Canfield. The firm is the only Michigan-based law firm with offices in Canada and Poland. "We have numerous clients headquartered or active in the Chicago area, and we work with many Chicago underwriters and financial institutions in the public and private sectors." Hartmann added, "The five attorneys joining the firm bring a broad variety of expertise, furthering our ability to be a full-service corporate law firm in the Midwest. We will look to expand this regional platform in the next year according to client needs." With over 350 attorneys practicing in all major areas of law, Miller Canfield is among the 200 largest law firms in the U.S. and is Michigan's largest and oldest law firm. More than 100 of the firm's attorneys are recognized in the country's most prestigious legal referral guides, The Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, and Super Lawyers - more than any other law firm in Michigan. Miller Canfield was established in Detroit in 1852. Earlier this year, the firm opened an office in Cambridge, Mass. Other offices are located in Michigan, Florida, New York, Canada and Poland. Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C., Michigan's largest corporate law firm, announced today that it has opened an office in Chicago. The new Chicago office will be located at 225 W. Washington Street and will start with five attorneys formerly with McGuire Woods LLP law firm of Chicago. The office resident director will be John L. Senica, corporate, M&A and real estate attorney. Also joining the firm are Darryl R. Davidson, public finance and capital markets attorney; Paul D. Durbin, public finance and capital markets attorney; Janice K. Hamblin, corporate, M&A and international transactions attorney; and Robert T. Zielinski, labor and employment attorney. "Our expansion into the largest economic center in the Midwest will create new opportunities and regional and international access for clients, especially in transactional and litigation matters," said Michael W. Hartmann, CEO of Miller Canfield. The firm is the only Michigan-based law firm with offices in Canada and Poland. "We have numerous clients headquartered or active in the Chicago area, and we work with many Chicago underwriters and financial institutions in the public and private sectors." Hartmann added, "The five attorneys joining the firm bring a broad variety of expertise, furthering our ability to be a full-service corporate law firm in the Midwest. We will look to expand this regional platform in the next year according to client needs." With over 350 attorneys practicing in all major areas of law, Miller Canfield is among the 200 largest law firms in the U.S. and is Michigan's largest and oldest law firm. More than 100 of the firm's attorneys are recognized in the country's most prestigious legal referral guides, The Best Lawyers in America, Chambers USA, and Super Lawyers - more than any other law firm in Michigan. Miller Canfield was established in Detroit in 1852. Earlier this year, the firm opened an office in Cambridge, Mass. Other offices are located in Michigan, Florida, New York, Canada and Poland. Miller Canfield announced today that 72 of its lawyers have been named in the second edition of Michigan Super Lawyers. The firm has more lawyers named than any other firm in Michigan. Super Lawyers are the top 5 percent of attorneys in the state as chosen by their peers and through the independent research of Law & Politics. Michigan Super Lawyers 2007 is based on the survey of more than 30,000 attorneys across the state who have been in practice for five years or more. Following is a list of Miller Canfield attorneys named in Michigan Super Lawyers 2007. Ann Arbor office: Gregory L. Curtner, Litigation; Bettye S. Elkins, Health Care; Joseph M. Fazio, Real Estate; Robert E. Gilbert, Real Estate; Allyn D. Kantor, Litigation; Marta A. Manildi, Business Litigation; Thomas C. O'Brien, Criminal Defense; Stephen G. Palms, Real Estate Detroit office: Marjory G. Basile, Intellectual Property Litigation (Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers); William B. Beach, Government/Cities/Municipalities; Orin D. Brustad, Employee Benefits/ERISA; Beverly Hall Burns, Labor and Employment; Michael P. Coakley, Securities Litigation; Donna J. Donati, Labor and Employment; Lawrence M. Dudek, Real Estate; W. Mack Faison, Litigation; Joseph F. Galvin, Litigation; Leonard D. Givens, Labor and Employment, Kalman G. Goren, Employee Benefits/ERISA; Jonathan S. Green, Bankruptcy & Creditor-Debtor Rights; Saul A. Green, Criminal Defense; Michael W. Hartmann, Litigation; Stephen S. LaPlante, Bankruptcy & Creditor-Debtor Rights; Thomas W. Linn, Securities & Corporate Finance; Michael P. McGee, Bonds/Government Finance; Samuel J. McKim III, Tax; Megan P. Norris, Labor and Employment (Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers); Kathryn L. Ossian, Information Technology/Outsourcing; Thomas G. Parachini, Business Litigation; Clarence L. Pozza, Jr., Litigation (Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers); Steven A. Roach, Bankruptcy & Creditor-Debtor Rights; Jerry T. Rupley, Bonds/Government Finance; Larry J. Saylor, Business Litigation; Richard J. Seryak, Employment Litigation Defense; Deborah W. Thompson, Employee Benefits/ERISA (Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers); Amanda Van Dusen, Bonds/Government Finance (Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers); Carl H. von Ende, Business Litigation (Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers); Peter W. Waldmeir, Litigation; Jerome R. Watson, Employment Litigation Defense (Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers); John H. Willems, Labor and Employment, Michael H. Traison, Bankruptcy & Creditor-Debtor Rights Grand Rapids office: Robert L. DeJong, Litigation; Richard A. Gaffin, Intellectual Property Litigation; Charles S. Mishkind, Employment Litigation Defense; Stanley J. Stek, Litigation; Jennifer M. Van Horn, Litigation; Robert E.L. Wright, Alternative Dispute Resolution Kalamazoo office: Ronald E. Baylor, Environmental; Eric V. Brown, Jr., Securities & Corporate Finance; John R. Cook, Banking; Pamela C. Enslen, Litigation; Kurt N. Sherwood, Labor and Employment; James G. Vantine, Jr., Business Litigation Lansing office: Douglas W. Crim, Environmental; William J. Danhof, Bonds/Government Finance; Michael J. Hodge, Employment Litigation: Defense; Thomas C. Phillips, Environmental Troy office: James L. Allen, Real Estate; Brad B. Arbuckle, Securities & Corporate Finance; Thomas W. Cranmer, White-Collar Criminal Defense (Top 10 Michigan Super Lawyers/3rd Top Point Getter); Ronald E. Hodess, Real Estate; Amy M. Johnston, Personal Injury Defense: Products; David D. Joswick, Securities & Corporate Finance (Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers); Kenneth E. Konop, Estate Planning & Probate; Matthew F. Leitman, Litigation; Anna M. Maiuri, Environmental (Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers); Stephen J. Ott, Personal Injury Defense: Products; Ronald H. Riback, Banking; James A. Simpson, Banking; David M. Thoms, Estate Planning & Probate; J. Kevin Trimmer, Real Estate; Katheryne L. Zelenock, Real Estate Michigan Super Lawyers is published annually in September in a special advertising supplement in The Detroit News and Detroit Free Press, and in The New York Times. The law firm of Miller Canfield was established in Detroit in 1852 and employs more than 800 in offices in Michigan, Massachusetts, Florida, New York, Canada and Poland. Miller Canfield announced today that 72 of its lawyers have been named in the second edition of Michigan Super Lawyers. The firm has more lawyers named than any other firm in Michigan. Super Lawyers are the top 5 percent of attorneys in the state as chosen by their peers and through the independent research of Law & Politics. Michigan Super Lawyers 2007 is based on the survey of more than 30,000 attorneys across the state who have been in practice for five years or more. Following is a list of Miller Canfield attorneys named in Michigan Super Lawyers 2007. Ann Arbor office: Gregory L. Curtner, Litigation; Bettye S. Elkins, Health Care; Joseph M. Fazio, Real Estate; Robert E. Gilbert, Real Estate; Allyn D. Kantor, Litigation; Marta A. Manildi, Business Litigation; Thomas C. O'Brien, Criminal Defense; Stephen G. Palms, Real Estate Detroit office: Marjory G. Basile, Intellectual Property Litigation (Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers); William B. Beach, Government/Cities/Municipalities; Orin D. Brustad, Employee Benefits/ERISA; Beverly Hall Burns, Labor and Employment; Michael P. Coakley, Securities Litigation; Donna J. Donati, Labor and Employment; Lawrence M. Dudek, Real Estate; W. Mack Faison, Litigation; Joseph F. Galvin, Litigation; Leonard D. Givens, Labor and Employment, Kalman G. Goren, Employee Benefits/ERISA; Jonathan S. Green, Bankruptcy & Creditor-Debtor Rights; Saul A. Green, Criminal Defense; Michael W. Hartmann, Litigation; Stephen S. LaPlante, Bankruptcy & Creditor-Debtor Rights; Thomas W. Linn, Securities & Corporate Finance; Michael P. McGee, Bonds/Government Finance; Samuel J. McKim III, Tax; Megan P. Norris, Labor and Employment (Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers); Kathryn L. Ossian, Information Technology/Outsourcing; Thomas G. Parachini, Business Litigation; Clarence L. Pozza, Jr., Litigation (Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers); Steven A. Roach, Bankruptcy & Creditor-Debtor Rights; Jerry T. Rupley, Bonds/Government Finance; Larry J. Saylor, Business Litigation; Richard J. Seryak, Employment Litigation Defense; Deborah W. Thompson, Employee Benefits/ERISA (Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers); Amanda Van Dusen, Bonds/Government Finance (Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers); Carl H. von Ende, Business Litigation (Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers); Peter W. Waldmeir, Litigation; Jerome R. Watson, Employment Litigation Defense (Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers); John H. Willems, Labor and Employment, Michael H. Traison, Bankruptcy & Creditor-Debtor Rights Grand Rapids office: Robert L. DeJong, Litigation; Richard A. Gaffin, Intellectual Property Litigation; Charles S. Mishkind, Employment Litigation Defense; Stanley J. Stek, Litigation; Jennifer M. Van Horn, Litigation; Robert E.L. Wright, Alternative Dispute Resolution Kalamazoo office: Ronald E. Baylor, Environmental; Eric V. Brown, Jr., Securities & Corporate Finance; John R. Cook, Banking; Pamela C. Enslen, Litigation; Kurt N. Sherwood, Labor and Employment; James G. Vantine, Jr., Business Litigation Lansing office: Douglas W. Crim, Environmental; William J. Danhof, Bonds/Government Finance; Michael J. Hodge, Employment Litigation: Defense; Thomas C. Phillips, Environmental Troy office: James L. Allen, Real Estate; Brad B. Arbuckle, Securities & Corporate Finance; Thomas W. Cranmer, White-Collar Criminal Defense (Top 10 Michigan Super Lawyers/3rd Top Point Getter); Ronald E. Hodess, Real Estate; Amy M. Johnston, Personal Injury Defense: Products; David D. Joswick, Securities & Corporate Finance (Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers); Kenneth E. Konop, Estate Planning & Probate; Matthew F. Leitman, Litigation; Anna M. Maiuri, Environmental (Top 50 Women Michigan Super Lawyers); Stephen J. Ott, Personal Injury Defense: Products; Ronald H. Riback, Banking; James A. Simpson, Banking; David M. Thoms, Estate Planning & Probate; J. Kevin Trimmer, Real Estate; Katheryne L. Zelenock, Real Estate Michigan Super Lawyers is published annually in September in a special advertising supplement in The Detroit News and Detroit Free Press, and in The New York Times. The law firm of Miller Canfield was established in Detroit in 1852 and employs more than 800 in offices in Michigan, Massachusetts, Florida, New York, Canada and Poland. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1659 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1659&page=35 Address : 1000 Woodbridge Place, Phone : 313-446-1530, City : Detroit Garan Lucow Miller, P.C., with offices throughout Michigan, announces two new associate attorneys have been hired by the law firm. Matthew S. LaBeau was a law clerk and now he is an associate in the Detroit office. Also, Rachel A. Bissett went from law clerk to associate in the Troy office. LaBeau graduated cum laude with his B.B.A. from Western Michigan University and earned his law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 2006. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan. His practice areas include municipal litigation, no-fault automobile defense and criminal defense. Bissett earned her B.A. at Michigan State University and graduated with honors. She received her J.D. from Wayne State University Law School in 2006. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the American Bar Association. Her practice areas include commercial litigation, real estate litigation and construction lien litigation. Garan Lucow Miller, P.C. is a full-service law firm founded in 1948 with offices throughout Michigan. We provide legal services to businesses, individuals and municipalities. Garan Lucow Miller, P.C., with offices throughout Michigan, announces two new associate attorneys have been hired by the law firm. Matthew S. LaBeau was a law clerk and now he is an associate in the Detroit office. Also, Rachel A. Bissett went from law clerk to associate in the Troy office. LaBeau graduated cum laude with his B.B.A. from Western Michigan University and earned his law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 2006. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan. His practice areas include municipal litigation, no-fault automobile defense and criminal defense. Bissett earned her B.A. at Michigan State University and graduated with honors. She received her J.D. from Wayne State University Law School in 2006. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the American Bar Association. Her practice areas include commercial litigation, real estate litigation and construction lien litigation. Garan Lucow Miller, P.C. is a full-service law firm founded in 1948 with offices throughout Michigan. We provide legal services to businesses, individuals and municipalities. The Law Firm of Garan Lucow Miller, P.C. announces associate attorney, Emily Lee Partridge, has been appointed for a two-year term as Secretary of the Asian Professionals Organization of West Michigan effective August 2007. Ms. Partridge has been on the Board of Directors since November 2006. The Asian Professionals Organization of West Michigan is a non-profit organization that provides leadership in connecting Asian professionals and the broader community for economic, social and intellectual enrichment. This organization works to create opportunities for personal and professional growth, business partnerships, educational advancement and community involvement for Asian professionals in the West Michigan area, including Grand Rapids, Holland, and Kalamazoo. Ms. Partridge graduated with a B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1997 and a J.D. from the University of Toledo College of Law in 2000. She became a member of the Michigan Bar in 2002 and the U.S. District Court the Western District in 2003. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Grand Rapids Bar Association, Women's Lawyers Association of West Michigan, the Grand Rapids Adjusters Association (Executive Board) as well as the Asian Professionals Organization. Ms. Partridge's practice areas include first and third party no-fault insurance, insurance coverage issues, general liability, premises liability, and subrogation collections. She practices in the firm's Grand Rapids office. The Law Firm of Garan Lucow Miller, P.C. announces associate attorney, Emily Lee Partridge, has been appointed for a two-year term as Secretary of the Asian Professionals Organization of West Michigan effective August 2007. Ms. Partridge has been on the Board of Directors since November 2006. The Asian Professionals Organization of West Michigan is a non-profit organization that provides leadership in connecting Asian professionals and the broader community for economic, social and intellectual enrichment. This organization works to create opportunities for personal and professional growth, business partnerships, educational advancement and community involvement for Asian professionals in the West Michigan area, including Grand Rapids, Holland, and Kalamazoo. Ms. Partridge graduated with a B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1997 and a J.D. from the University of Toledo College of Law in 2000. She became a member of the Michigan Bar in 2002 and the U.S. District Court the Western District in 2003. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Grand Rapids Bar Association, Women's Lawyers Association of West Michigan, the Grand Rapids Adjusters Association (Executive Board) as well as the Asian Professionals Organization. Ms. Partridge's practice areas include first and third party no-fault insurance, insurance coverage issues, general liability, premises liability, and subrogation collections. She practices in the firm's Grand Rapids office. The Law Firm of Garan Lucow Miller, P.C. announces attorney and shareholder, Jami E. Leach, has been appointed for a three-year term as Barrister of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law's chapter of American Inns of Court effective August, 2007. Ms. Leach graduated with a B.S. (summa cum laude) in 1991 and a J.D. (cum laude) in 1995 from the University of Detroit. She became a member of the Michigan Bar in 1995 and the U.S. District Court, Eastern District in 1995 and the Western District in 1997. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, the Association of Defense Trial Lawyers and the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys. She is the co-editor of the firm's publication, GovLaw, a monthly publication that provides legal information and analysis to Michigan cities, townships, villages, and schools, their officials, carriers and counsel. Ms. Leach's practice areas include municipal liability defense, casino litigation, premises liability and automobile negligence. She practices in the firm's Detroit office. The Law Firm of Garan Lucow Miller, P.C. announces attorney and shareholder, Jami E. Leach, has been appointed for a three-year term as Barrister of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law's chapter of American Inns of Court effective August, 2007. Ms. Leach graduated with a B.S. (summa cum laude) in 1991 and a J.D. (cum laude) in 1995 from the University of Detroit. She became a member of the Michigan Bar in 1995 and the U.S. District Court, Eastern District in 1995 and the Western District in 1997. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, the Association of Defense Trial Lawyers and the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys. She is the co-editor of the firm's publication, GovLaw, a monthly publication that provides legal information and analysis to Michigan cities, townships, villages, and schools, their officials, carriers and counsel. Ms. Leach's practice areas include municipal liability defense, casino litigation, premises liability and automobile negligence. She practices in the firm's Detroit office. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=846 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=846&page=39 Address : 350 South Main StreetSuite 400, Phone : 734-761-9000, City : Ann Arbor http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=484 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=484&page=10 Address : One West Michigan Avenue, Phone : 269-966-3000, City : Battle Creek http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1327 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1327&page=11 Address : 660 Woodward AvenueSuite 2290, Phone : 313-465-7000, City : Detroit Detroit-based business law firm, Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP (Honigman) announced that Stanley H. Pitts, attorney in the Labor and Employment Department, was elected to the D. Augustus Straker Bar Association board of directors for the 2007-2008 term. Mr. Pitts focuses on defending corporations and other employers in family and medical leave disputes, discrimination and other employment matters. The D. Augustus Straker Bar Association was formed in 1990 as a special purpose bar association recognized by the State Bar of Michigan. It was founded as a proactive organization of diverse attorneys, with a mission of promoting legal practice opportunities for minorities and women and facilitating equal justice for all citizens in Oakland County, Mich. Mr. Pitts received his Juris Doctor from the Wayne State University Law School and his bachelor's of science degree from the Wayne State University business school. He was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 1981. Detroit-based business law firm, Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP (Honigman) announced that Stanley H. Pitts, attorney in the Labor and Employment Department, was elected to the D. Augustus Straker Bar Association board of directors for the 2007-2008 term. Mr. Pitts focuses on defending corporations and other employers in family and medical leave disputes, discrimination and other employment matters. The D. Augustus Straker Bar Association was formed in 1990 as a special purpose bar association recognized by the State Bar of Michigan. It was founded as a proactive organization of diverse attorneys, with a mission of promoting legal practice opportunities for minorities and women and facilitating equal justice for all citizens in Oakland County, Mich. Mr. Pitts received his Juris Doctor from the Wayne State University Law School and his bachelor's of science degree from the Wayne State University business school. He was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 1981. Detroit-based business law firm Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP (Honigman) announced that C. Leslie Banas, partner in the Real Estate Department, has been elected Chair-Elect of the State Bar of Michigan's Real Property Law Section for its 2007-2008 term. The Real Property Law Section provides education and information about current real property issues through their Web site, meetings, seminars, pro bono service programs and a quarterly journal publication. Ms. Banas earned her Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School, cum laude and a bachelor of arts degree in Economics from the University of Detroit, magna cum laude . She has extensive experience in a wide variety of sophisticated commercial transactions for clients, including real estate developers, apartment owners, commercial lenders and health care providers. Ms. Banas resides in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. Detroit-based business law firm Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP (Honigman) announced that C. Leslie Banas, partner in the Real Estate Department, has been elected Chair-Elect of the State Bar of Michigan's Real Property Law Section for its 2007-2008 term. The Real Property Law Section provides education and information about current real property issues through their Web site, meetings, seminars, pro bono service programs and a quarterly journal publication. Ms. Banas earned her Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School, cum laude and a bachelor of arts degree in Economics from the University of Detroit, magna cum laude . She has extensive experience in a wide variety of sophisticated commercial transactions for clients, including real estate developers, apartment owners, commercial lenders and health care providers. Ms. Banas resides in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP has announced that the chair of its Environmental Law Department, Steven C. Nadeau, was recognized as a peer reviewer of the recently released National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Report entitled "Sediment Dredging at Superfund Megasites: Assessing the Effectiveness." Contaminated sediments can be found at the bottom of many U.S. rivers and other water bodies near former mining, agricultural, or industrial sites. The technical feasibility, cost and complexity of contaminated sediment sites is a significant challenge nationally, with some estimates that the price tag to address this issue could exceed $1 trillion. Many of these sites are slated for cleanup by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the federal Superfund program. A minimum of 14 of them are sediment "megasites" -- where the cost of remediating sediments is expected to reach at least $50 million or already has. Decisions about whether to dredge at these sites have proved controversial, so Congress asked the National Academy of Sciences to evaluate the method's effectiveness. To form its conclusions, the NAS Committee on Dredging Effectiveness examined 26 dredging projects, five of them at megasites, and evaluated whether they had attained their cleanup and risk-reduction goals. The report was sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine and National Research Council make up the National Academies. They are private, nonprofit institutions that provide science, technology, and health policy advice under a congressional charter. Nadeau is a national leader in working on contaminated sediment sites, and has worked on projects in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, Illinois, New York and New Jersey. In addition, Nadeau founded and is the coordinating director of the Sediment Management Work Group (SMWG), an ad hoc industry group with 42 Members and 42 Sponsors, whose mission is to advocate risk-based approaches for managing contaminated sediment. Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP has announced that the chair of its Environmental Law Department, Steven C. Nadeau, was recognized as a peer reviewer of the recently released National Academy of Sciences (NAS) Report entitled "Sediment Dredging at Superfund Megasites: Assessing the Effectiveness." Contaminated sediments can be found at the bottom of many U.S. rivers and other water bodies near former mining, agricultural, or industrial sites. The technical feasibility, cost and complexity of contaminated sediment sites is a significant challenge nationally, with some estimates that the price tag to address this issue could exceed $1 trillion. Many of these sites are slated for cleanup by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the federal Superfund program. A minimum of 14 of them are sediment "megasites" -- where the cost of remediating sediments is expected to reach at least $50 million or already has. Decisions about whether to dredge at these sites have proved controversial, so Congress asked the National Academy of Sciences to evaluate the method's effectiveness. To form its conclusions, the NAS Committee on Dredging Effectiveness examined 26 dredging projects, five of them at megasites, and evaluated whether they had attained their cleanup and risk-reduction goals. The report was sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine and National Research Council make up the National Academies. They are private, nonprofit institutions that provide science, technology, and health policy advice under a congressional charter. Nadeau is a national leader in working on contaminated sediment sites, and has worked on projects in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, Illinois, New York and New Jersey. In addition, Nadeau founded and is the coordinating director of the Sediment Management Work Group (SMWG), an ad hoc industry group with 42 Members and 42 Sponsors, whose mission is to advocate risk-based approaches for managing contaminated sediment. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1113 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1113&page=45 Address : 500 Woodward AvenueSuite 3500, Phone : 313-965-8300, City : Detroit Clark Hill Attorney Michael Antovski has been admitted to Leadership Oakland's class of LOXVIII. Leadership Oakland was founded in 1990, and brings together developing leaders from civic, corporate and nonprofit backgrounds for a 9-month program in which local issues and opportunities are examined in an effort to shape tomorrow's community. Antovski is a Senior Attorney with Clark Hill's Birmingham office, and focuses his practice in the Business Practice Group. Antovski concentrates his practice in the areas of tax planning, acquisitions and dispositions, and general corporate matters, and regularly advises clients on tax planning strategies involving corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships. He earned his B.A. from Michigan State University, his J.D. from the University of Detroit Mercy, and his L.L.M. from the Georgetown University Law Center. Clark Hill Attorney Michael Antovski has been admitted to Leadership Oakland's class of LOXVIII. Leadership Oakland was founded in 1990, and brings together developing leaders from civic, corporate and nonprofit backgrounds for a 9-month program in which local issues and opportunities are examined in an effort to shape tomorrow's community. Antovski is a Senior Attorney with Clark Hill's Birmingham office, and focuses his practice in the Business Practice Group. Antovski concentrates his practice in the areas of tax planning, acquisitions and dispositions, and general corporate matters, and regularly advises clients on tax planning strategies involving corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships. He earned his B.A. from Michigan State University, his J.D. from the University of Detroit Mercy, and his L.L.M. from the Georgetown University Law Center. Clark Hill attorney Douglas Kelly will present at the National Business Institute's "Road and Access Law: Successfully Handling Disputes" seminar on November 12 in Southfield, Michigan. Kelly's presentation, entitled "Preparing the Road and Access Case for Litigation," will focus on competing interests, multiple interests, litigation tips and tactics, reduced or temporary access claims, and claims related to road funding. More information, including instructions on how to register, can be found online at www.nbi.sems.com. Douglas Kelly is a member in Clark Hill's Litigation, Real Estate and Personal Services Practice Groups in the firm's Birmingham office. Kelly has substantial experience representing businesses with breach of contract claims, trademark infringement, claims arising under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), construction litigation, franchise claims and appellate work. He also has substantial experience representing clients in a variety of real estate matters, including easement, zoning and land use, eminent domain, construction, mortgage foreclosures, environmental, drain law, landlord-tenant and title disputes. He also represents individual clients with probate and estate matters. Kelly earned his B.B.A. from Eastern Michigan University and his J.D. from the University of Detroit Law School. Clark Hill attorney Douglas Kelly will present at the National Business Institute's "Road and Access Law: Successfully Handling Disputes" seminar on November 12 in Southfield, Michigan. Kelly's presentation, entitled "Preparing the Road and Access Case for Litigation," will focus on competing interests, multiple interests, litigation tips and tactics, reduced or temporary access claims, and claims related to road funding. More information, including instructions on how to register, can be found online at www.nbi.sems.com. Douglas Kelly is a member in Clark Hill's Litigation, Real Estate and Personal Services Practice Groups in the firm's Birmingham office. Kelly has substantial experience representing businesses with breach of contract claims, trademark infringement, claims arising under the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), construction litigation, franchise claims and appellate work. He also has substantial experience representing clients in a variety of real estate matters, including easement, zoning and land use, eminent domain, construction, mortgage foreclosures, environmental, drain law, landlord-tenant and title disputes. He also represents individual clients with probate and estate matters. Kelly earned his B.B.A. from Eastern Michigan University and his J.D. from the University of Detroit Law School. John Van Fossen has joined the Lansing office of Clark Hill PLC as Director of Governmental Affairs, firm CEO John Hern announced. Van Fossen most recently served as Director of Public Affairs for the Van Andel Institute, a private cancer research institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Prior to joining the Van Andel Institute in 2004. Van Fossen served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Pete Hoekstra, (R-MI). As Chief of Staff, Van Fossen was responsible for advising the Congressman on all political and public policy matters, developing the office's legislative agenda and strategy, and managing the day to day operations of four congressional offices in Michigan and Washington, D.C. During his tenure with Congressman Hoekstra, Van Fossen worked as the primary staff liaison for the Congressman to the House Budget Committee, House Education and Workforce Committee, House leadership offices, Republican Study Committee, the executive branch, local and national labor unions, education reform groups and city, county and state governments. Van Fossen has also served for the past 3 years as a Vice President for a federal public policy and governmental advocacy firm where he served as a key advisor and advocate for several clients in Washington, DC. Van Fossen has more than fifteen years of experience working in local, state and federal governments, as well as the non-profit sector, and he has developed an extensive background in organizational leadership, project management and governmental advocacy. Van Fossen began his career in local government focusing on city management and economic development where he was responsible for overseeing a wide variety of commercial and industrial development and redevelopment initiatives, including the construction of a 1.2 million square foot regional mall and the successful revitalization of several Brownfield sites. Van Fossen received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Masters in Public Administration from Western Michigan University. John Van Fossen has joined the Lansing office of Clark Hill PLC as Director of Governmental Affairs, firm CEO John Hern announced. Van Fossen most recently served as Director of Public Affairs for the Van Andel Institute, a private cancer research institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Prior to joining the Van Andel Institute in 2004. Van Fossen served as Chief of Staff to Congressman Pete Hoekstra, (R-MI). As Chief of Staff, Van Fossen was responsible for advising the Congressman on all political and public policy matters, developing the office's legislative agenda and strategy, and managing the day to day operations of four congressional offices in Michigan and Washington, D.C. During his tenure with Congressman Hoekstra, Van Fossen worked as the primary staff liaison for the Congressman to the House Budget Committee, House Education and Workforce Committee, House leadership offices, Republican Study Committee, the executive branch, local and national labor unions, education reform groups and city, county and state governments. Van Fossen has also served for the past 3 years as a Vice President for a federal public policy and governmental advocacy firm where he served as a key advisor and advocate for several clients in Washington, DC. Van Fossen has more than fifteen years of experience working in local, state and federal governments, as well as the non-profit sector, and he has developed an extensive background in organizational leadership, project management and governmental advocacy. Van Fossen began his career in local government focusing on city management and economic development where he was responsible for overseeing a wide variety of commercial and industrial development and redevelopment initiatives, including the construction of a 1.2 million square foot regional mall and the successful revitalization of several Brownfield sites. Van Fossen received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Masters in Public Administration from Western Michigan University. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=444 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=444&page=32 Address : 401 South Old Woodward AvenueSuite 300, Phone : 248-540-7701, City : Birmingham http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2013 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2013&page=15 Address : 300 Park StreetSuite 285, Phone : 248-540-1300, City : Birmingham Paul Hage, an associate with Southfield-based Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss, P.C. has been awarded the prestigious American Bankruptcy Law Journal Award from St. John's University School of Law. The American Bankruptcy Law Journal Award is a nationally recognized honor bestowed on behalf of the American Bankruptcy Law Journal. The award recognizes the student with the highest grade point average in his or her bankruptcy coursework. Mr. Hage is a member of the Firm's Insolvency and Reorganization Practice Group. He received his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University in 2003 and is a 2006 graduate of the Loyola University Chicago School of Law. He earned his LL.M. in Bankruptcy from St. John's University School of Law in New York in June of this year. Paul Hage, an associate with Southfield-based Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss, P.C. has been awarded the prestigious American Bankruptcy Law Journal Award from St. John's University School of Law. The American Bankruptcy Law Journal Award is a nationally recognized honor bestowed on behalf of the American Bankruptcy Law Journal. The award recognizes the student with the highest grade point average in his or her bankruptcy coursework. Mr. Hage is a member of the Firm's Insolvency and Reorganization Practice Group. He received his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University in 2003 and is a 2006 graduate of the Loyola University Chicago School of Law. He earned his LL.M. in Bankruptcy from St. John's University School of Law in New York in June of this year. The ETA Government Relations Committee supports the development of ETA's strategy and activities in the government relations arena. Specifically, it is responsible for identifying, monitoring, and evaluating legislative and regulatory activities at the national and state level and assisting in the communication of issues of importance to members. The committee also makes recommendations on areas for direct advocacy or specific positions that the association should promulgate. The ETA is a national trade association comprised of companies who offer electronic processing products and services. Weston is an associate of Jaffe's Finance Practice Group. She is a 2003 graduate of James Madison College at Michigan State University and a 2006 magna cum laude graduate of the Michigan State University College of Law. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the American Bar Association. The ETA Government Relations Committee supports the development of ETA's strategy and activities in the government relations arena. Specifically, it is responsible for identifying, monitoring, and evaluating legislative and regulatory activities at the national and state level and assisting in the communication of issues of importance to members. The committee also makes recommendations on areas for direct advocacy or specific positions that the association should promulgate. The ETA is a national trade association comprised of companies who offer electronic processing products and services. Weston is an associate of Jaffe's Finance Practice Group. She is a 2003 graduate of James Madison College at Michigan State University and a 2006 magna cum laude graduate of the Michigan State University College of Law. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the American Bar Association. Jill Miller, an associate with Southfield-based Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss, P.C., has been re-elected to the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) Education Committee. Jaffe CEO Richard Zussman made the announcement. The ETA Education Committee concentrates on identifying, developing and reviewing program content for seminars, training sessions and workshops for its members. The ETA is a national trade association comprised of companies who offer electronic processing products and services. Miller is a member of Jaffe's Finance Practice Group. She is a 1993 graduate of Eastern Michigan University and a 2004 cum laude graduate of the Michigan State University College of Law. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the American Bar Association. Jill Miller, an associate with Southfield-based Jaffe Raitt Heuer & Weiss, P.C., has been re-elected to the Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) Education Committee. Jaffe CEO Richard Zussman made the announcement. The ETA Education Committee concentrates on identifying, developing and reviewing program content for seminars, training sessions and workshops for its members. The ETA is a national trade association comprised of companies who offer electronic processing products and services. Miller is a member of Jaffe's Finance Practice Group. She is a 1993 graduate of Eastern Michigan University and a 2004 cum laude graduate of the Michigan State University College of Law. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the American Bar Association. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1175 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1175&page=16 Address : 300 East Long Lake RoadSuite 200, Phone : 248-540-2300, City : Bloomfield Hills http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2289 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2289&page=17 Address : 39400 Woodward AvenueSuite 101, Phone : 248-645-1483, City : Bloomfield Hills Lisa Gretchko Named To Co-Chair Task Force Bloomfield Hills, Michigan - January 26, 2006: Lisa S. Gretchko, an attorney with Howard & Howard Attorneys, P.C., was recently selected to co-chair the Preference Task Force of the American Bankruptcy Institute's (ABI) Unsecured Trade Creditors' Committee. Ms. Gretchko practices in the Bloomfield Hills Office. The American Bankruptcy Institute is the largest multi-disciplinary, non-partisan organization dedicated to research and education on matters related to insolvency. Ms. Gretchko's Task Force is responsible for keeping the ABI and its Unsecured Trade Creditors' Committee apprised of important developments in preference law and litigation. The work of the Preference Task Force is especially important to suppliers to financially troubled customers. Ms. Gretchko concentrates her practice in creditors' rights and commercial litigation. She has represented nearly every constituency in bankruptcy courts around the country, including secured creditors, unsecured creditors' committees, landlords, licensors of intellectual property, debtors and trustees, and has litigated many of the issues which arise in the context of bankruptcy law. She has lectured extensively for many organizations on various creditors' rights issues. Ms. Gretchko also has experience in real estate litigation. She received a B.A. degree with honors from the University of Michigan in 1976 and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. She received her J.D. degree, cum laude, from the University of Detroit, where she was awarded the National Order of the Barrister and an elected member of the Justice Frank Murphy Honor Society. In addition, Ms. Gretchko was an associate editor of the Univeristy of Detroit's Journal of Urban Law. As an adjunct professor at Wayne State University Law School, she taught Bankruptcy Law and Creditors' Rights. Ms. Gretchko was a member of the Advisory Committee of the Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. She is currently a member of the Business Law Advisory Board for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education, and a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute, where she is a contributing editor to "Last in Line," a column in its monthly journal. She is a former council member and secretary of the Real Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan and was chair of the Oakland County Bar Association Creditors' Rights Committee. Founded in 1869, Howard & Howard is a full-service law firm with a national and international practice counseling businesses, banks and public sector clients. The firm has offices in Ann Arbor, Bloomfield Hills, Kalamazoo, Michigan and Peoria, Illinois. Howard & Howard's major practice areas include intellectual property, environmental, real estate, corporate, financial institutions, labor and employment, and litigation. For more information, please visit the firm's website at www.h2law.com. Lisa Gretchko Named To Co-Chair Task Force Bloomfield Hills, Michigan - January 26, 2006: Lisa S. Gretchko, an attorney with Howard & Howard Attorneys, P.C., was recently selected to co-chair the Preference Task Force of the American Bankruptcy Institute's (ABI) Unsecured Trade Creditors' Committee. Ms. Gretchko practices in the Bloomfield Hills Office. The American Bankruptcy Institute is the largest multi-disciplinary, non-partisan organization dedicated to research and education on matters related to insolvency. Ms. Gretchko's Task Force is responsible for keeping the ABI and its Unsecured Trade Creditors' Committee apprised of important developments in preference law and litigation. The work of the Preference Task Force is especially important to suppliers to financially troubled customers. Ms. Gretchko concentrates her practice in creditors' rights and commercial litigation. She has represented nearly every constituency in bankruptcy courts around the country, including secured creditors, unsecured creditors' committees, landlords, licensors of intellectual property, debtors and trustees, and has litigated many of the issues which arise in the context of bankruptcy law. She has lectured extensively for many organizations on various creditors' rights issues. Ms. Gretchko also has experience in real estate litigation. She received a B.A. degree with honors from the University of Michigan in 1976 and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. She received her J.D. degree, cum laude, from the University of Detroit, where she was awarded the National Order of the Barrister and an elected member of the Justice Frank Murphy Honor Society. In addition, Ms. Gretchko was an associate editor of the Univeristy of Detroit's Journal of Urban Law. As an adjunct professor at Wayne State University Law School, she taught Bankruptcy Law and Creditors' Rights. Ms. Gretchko was a member of the Advisory Committee of the Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. She is currently a member of the Business Law Advisory Board for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education, and a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute, where she is a contributing editor to "Last in Line," a column in its monthly journal. She is a former council member and secretary of the Real Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan and was chair of the Oakland County Bar Association Creditors' Rights Committee. Founded in 1869, Howard & Howard is a full-service law firm with a national and international practice counseling businesses, banks and public sector clients. The firm has offices in Ann Arbor, Bloomfield Hills, Kalamazoo, Michigan and Peoria, Illinois. Howard & Howard's major practice areas include intellectual property, environmental, real estate, corporate, financial institutions, labor and employment, and litigation. For more information, please visit the firm's website at www.h2law.com. Howard & Howard IP Attorneys Receive Rossman Award Bloomfield Hills, Michigan - January 23, 2006: Howard & Howard intellectual property attorneys, Jeffrey A. Sadowski and Trent K. English, were recently selected to receive the Patent and Trademark Office Society's prestigious Rossman Memorial Award for their article which appeared in the Journal of the Patent and Trademark Office Society. The award is conferred annually by the Society to those whose Journal article made the greatest contribution to the fields of Patent, Trademark and Copyright law during the period of time from July 2004 to June 2005. Sadowski and English's article, "Extending Provisional Rights Beyond 35 U.S.C. 154(d)", made the argument that, under certain conditions, the time period for measuring provisional rights (35 U.S.C. §154(d)) for continuation and divisional patents should begin when a corresponding parent application publishes and not when the later-filed continuation or divisional application publishes. The article appeared in the Journal's May 2005 issue. Factors taken in to consideration for the award include accuracy, depth of research, originality, readability, timeliness of the subject, and potential for impact on the existing system. The award will be presented to Sadowski and English at the Annual Meeting for the Patent and Trademark Office Society in Washington, D.C. on February 28, 2006. Mr. Sadowski concentrates his practice in litigation and prosecution in various aspects of patent, trademark, copyright and computer law. He is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and a leading authority on many different patent, trademark and copyright law issues. Mr. Sadowski received a B.S.M.E. degree, magna cum laude, from the Univeristy of Michigan in 1974 and a J.D. degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 1977. He is a member of Tau Beta Pi, Pi Tau Sigma, and Phi Delta Phi. Mr. Sadowski is admitted to practice in Michigan and is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Mr. Sadowski has practiced in more than 29 jurisdictions throughout the United States, as well as six Courts of Appeals and the Court of Claims. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Oakland County Bar Association, and the American Bar Association and its sections on Litigation and Patent, Trademark and Copyright Law. He is also a member of the Michigan Patent Law Association, the American Intellectual Property Law Association and its committee on Federal Practice and Procedure, and the International Trademark Association (INTA) and its Trademark Enforcement Committee. Mr. Sadowski has lectured throughout the U.S. to trade groups and other organizations on various patent and trademark issues, including conducting a recent roundtable discussion on intellectual property and the internet. Mr. English concentrates his practice in patent, trademark and copyright law, with a particular emphasis in mechanical and medical device technologies. He has substantial experience in patent preparation and prosecution, and conducting product clearance investigations including rendering associated legal opinions. Mr. English is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He received a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering in 1996 and an M.S. degree in Environmental Engineering in 1997, both from Micghian State University. He was a consulting engineer at Lawson-Fisher Associates where he conducted detailed analyses of combined sewer, sanitary sewer and separate storm sewer systems, and assisted clients with regulatory compliance issues associated with the Clean Water Act. Mr. English also worked as a project engineer at Triad Engineering Incorporated designing and analyzing sewer systems and assisting clients in the bidding process for municipal construction projects. He was also an intern in Howard & Howard's intellectual property law internship program from July 2000 to May of 2004. He received his Juris Doctor degree magna cum laude from Michigan State University College of Law in May 2004. Founded in 1869, Howard & Howard is a full-service law firm with a national and international practice counseling businesses, banks and public sector clients. The firm has offices in Ann Arbor, Bloomfield Hills, Kalamazoo, Michigan and Peoria, Illinois. Howard & Howard's major practice areas include intellectual property, environmental, real estate, corporate, financial institutions, labor and employment, and litigation. For more information, please visit the firm's website at www.h2law.com. " Howard & Howard IP Attorneys Receive Rossman Award Bloomfield Hills, Michigan - January 23, 2006: Howard & Howard intellectual property attorneys, Jeffrey A. Sadowski and Trent K. English, were recently selected to receive the Patent and Trademark Office Society's prestigious Rossman Memorial Award for their article which appeared in the Journal of the Patent and Trademark Office Society. The award is conferred annually by the Society to those whose Journal article made the greatest contribution to the fields of Patent, Trademark and Copyright law during the period of time from July 2004 to June 2005. Sadowski and English's article, "Extending Provisional Rights Beyond 35 U.S.C. 154(d)", made the argument that, under certain conditions, the time period for measuring provisional rights (35 U.S.C. §154(d)) for continuation and divisional patents should begin when a corresponding parent application publishes and not when the later-filed continuation or divisional application publishes. The article appeared in the Journal's May 2005 issue. Factors taken in to consideration for the award include accuracy, depth of research, originality, readability, timeliness of the subject, and potential for impact on the existing system. The award will be presented to Sadowski and English at the Annual Meeting for the Patent and Trademark Office Society in Washington, D.C. on February 28, 2006. Mr. Sadowski concentrates his practice in litigation and prosecution in various aspects of patent, trademark, copyright and computer law. He is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and a leading authority on many different patent, trademark and copyright law issues. Mr. Sadowski received a B.S.M.E. degree, magna cum laude, from the Univeristy of Michigan in 1974 and a J.D. degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 1977. He is a member of Tau Beta Pi, Pi Tau Sigma, and Phi Delta Phi. Mr. Sadowski is admitted to practice in Michigan and is registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Mr. Sadowski has practiced in more than 29 jurisdictions throughout the United States, as well as six Courts of Appeals and the Court of Claims. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Oakland County Bar Association, and the American Bar Association and its sections on Litigation and Patent, Trademark and Copyright Law. He is also a member of the Michigan Patent Law Association, the American Intellectual Property Law Association and its committee on Federal Practice and Procedure, and the International Trademark Association (INTA) and its Trademark Enforcement Committee. Mr. Sadowski has lectured throughout the U.S. to trade groups and other organizations on various patent and trademark issues, including conducting a recent roundtable discussion on intellectual property and the internet. Mr. English concentrates his practice in patent, trademark and copyright law, with a particular emphasis in mechanical and medical device technologies. He has substantial experience in patent preparation and prosecution, and conducting product clearance investigations including rendering associated legal opinions. Mr. English is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He received a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering in 1996 and an M.S. degree in Environmental Engineering in 1997, both from Micghian State University. He was a consulting engineer at Lawson-Fisher Associates where he conducted detailed analyses of combined sewer, sanitary sewer and separate storm sewer systems, and assisted clients with regulatory compliance issues associated with the Clean Water Act. Mr. English also worked as a project engineer at Triad Engineering Incorporated designing and analyzing sewer systems and assisting clients in the bidding process for municipal construction projects. He was also an intern in Howard & Howard's intellectual property law internship program from July 2000 to May of 2004. He received his Juris Doctor degree magna cum laude from Michigan State University College of Law in May 2004. Founded in 1869, Howard & Howard is a full-service law firm with a national and international practice counseling businesses, banks and public sector clients. The firm has offices in Ann Arbor, Bloomfield Hills, Kalamazoo, Michigan and Peoria, Illinois. Howard & Howard's major practice areas include intellectual property, environmental, real estate, corporate, financial institutions, labor and employment, and litigation. For more information, please visit the firm's website at www.h2law.com. " http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1126 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1126&page=19 Address : 1760 South Telegraph RoadSuite 300, Phone : 248-335-5000, City : Bloomfield Hills http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1070 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1070&page=20 Address : 3910 Telegraph RoadSuite 200, Phone : 248-593-5000, City : Bloomfield Hills http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1448 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1448&page=22 Address : 38505 Woodward AvenueSuite 2300, Phone : 248-258-2850, City : Bloomfield Hills http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2381 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=2381&page=23 Address : 39533 Woodward AvenueSuite 200, Phone : 248-642-3700, City : Bloomfield Hills http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=591 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=591&page=25 Address : 535 Griswold StreetSuite 2400, Phone : 313-965-3900, City : Detroit An experienced trial attorney in the public and private sectors, Audrey J. Forbush has joined the law firm of Plunkett Cooney as a shareholder in the Flint office. Forbush focuses her practice primarily in the area of municipal liability and has particular expertise in police matters. She advises municipalities on employment matters, including employee discipline and discharge situations, and labor contract issues. In addition, Forbush defends physicians and hospitals in medical malpractice matters and attorneys facing legal malpractice claims. "Audrey is a well respected and extremely effective attorney," said Carolyn M. Jereck, Plunkett Cooney's Litigation Department Leader. "We are certain that she will play an integral role in the continued development of our municipal practice group." Forbush currently serves as legal advisor to the Law Enforcement Action Forum, an organization consisting of select law enforcement executives throughout the State of Michigan. She is also a member of the Michigan Bar Association and the public corporation section of the Genesee County Bar Association, as well as the Professional / Code of Ethics and Governmental / Municipal Law Committees of the Defense Research Institute. Forbush received her law degree, magna cum laude, from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1988 and her undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University in 1984. Plunkett Cooney's municipal practice is one of the most accomplished in Michigan. The firm represents hundreds of cities, townships, villages and public entities either directly or through their insurance providers including the Michigan Municipal League Liability and Property Pool. An experienced trial attorney in the public and private sectors, Audrey J. Forbush has joined the law firm of Plunkett Cooney as a shareholder in the Flint office. Forbush focuses her practice primarily in the area of municipal liability and has particular expertise in police matters. She advises municipalities on employment matters, including employee discipline and discharge situations, and labor contract issues. In addition, Forbush defends physicians and hospitals in medical malpractice matters and attorneys facing legal malpractice claims. "Audrey is a well respected and extremely effective attorney," said Carolyn M. Jereck, Plunkett Cooney's Litigation Department Leader. "We are certain that she will play an integral role in the continued development of our municipal practice group." Forbush currently serves as legal advisor to the Law Enforcement Action Forum, an organization consisting of select law enforcement executives throughout the State of Michigan. She is also a member of the Michigan Bar Association and the public corporation section of the Genesee County Bar Association, as well as the Professional / Code of Ethics and Governmental / Municipal Law Committees of the Defense Research Institute. Forbush received her law degree, magna cum laude, from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1988 and her undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University in 1984. Plunkett Cooney's municipal practice is one of the most accomplished in Michigan. The firm represents hundreds of cities, townships, villages and public entities either directly or through their insurance providers including the Michigan Municipal League Liability and Property Pool. Jeanna M. Weaver has rejoined Plunkett Cooney as an associate attorney in the firm's Columbus, Ohio office, where she focuses her practice primarily in the area of banking law. Weaver represents banks and other financial institutions in loan workouts and originations, real estate (REO sales) and bankruptcy matters. She previously worked for Plunkett Cooney from 2003 to 2006 as a member of the Banking, Finance and Creditors' Rights Practice Group in the firm's Bloomfield Hills office. "Jeanna is an outstanding attorney, and our clients are very pleased she is working with them," said Dennis G. Cowan, Plunkett Cooney's Business Law Department Leader. "She adds expertise to our financial industry practice and depth to our Columbus office, which has doubled in size during the past year." Weaver is a member of several professional organizations, including the Columbus, Ohio State and Michigan bar associations and Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW). She is also admitted to practice in the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, as well as the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio. Weaver graduated from University of Toledo College of Law in 2002. While attending law school, she worked as a law clerk with various Toledo-area law firms. She also worked with the Family Law Project, representing victims of domestic violence. Weaver earned her undergraduate degree from Hope College in 1998. For more than 20 years, members of the Plunkett Cooney's Banking, Finance & Creditors' Rights Practice Group have represented banks and other financial institutions in a number of areas, including loan originations, lender liability defense, insider trading policies and compliance, SEC filings, acquisition of new banking powers, state and federal regulatory issues, negotiation/documentation of acquisitions, negotiable instrument defense and loan workout/commercial loan collections. Jeanna M. Weaver has rejoined Plunkett Cooney as an associate attorney in the firm's Columbus, Ohio office, where she focuses her practice primarily in the area of banking law. Weaver represents banks and other financial institutions in loan workouts and originations, real estate (REO sales) and bankruptcy matters. She previously worked for Plunkett Cooney from 2003 to 2006 as a member of the Banking, Finance and Creditors' Rights Practice Group in the firm's Bloomfield Hills office. "Jeanna is an outstanding attorney, and our clients are very pleased she is working with them," said Dennis G. Cowan, Plunkett Cooney's Business Law Department Leader. "She adds expertise to our financial industry practice and depth to our Columbus office, which has doubled in size during the past year." Weaver is a member of several professional organizations, including the Columbus, Ohio State and Michigan bar associations and Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW). She is also admitted to practice in the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, as well as the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio. Weaver graduated from University of Toledo College of Law in 2002. While attending law school, she worked as a law clerk with various Toledo-area law firms. She also worked with the Family Law Project, representing victims of domestic violence. Weaver earned her undergraduate degree from Hope College in 1998. For more than 20 years, members of the Plunkett Cooney's Banking, Finance & Creditors' Rights Practice Group have represented banks and other financial institutions in a number of areas, including loan originations, lender liability defense, insider trading policies and compliance, SEC filings, acquisition of new banking powers, state and federal regulatory issues, negotiation/documentation of acquisitions, negotiable instrument defense and loan workout/commercial loan collections. For the third consecutive year, the Michigan Business & Professional Association (MBPA) has named Plunkett Cooney as one of "Metropolitan Detroit's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For." "We are extremely pleased to have won this award three years in a row," said Henry B. Cooney, President and CEO of Plunkett Cooney. "The firm's management team is focused on retaining our excellent people through new and innovative programs. It's nice to see that effort acknowledged again this year." The MBPA award selection is a three-part process. First, an employee submits an application to nominate his or her company for consideration. Second, the MBPA contacts each company's Human Resources Department to complete an extensive written survey along with an employee roster. Third, the MBPA randomly surveys a number of employees to validate the anonymous recommendation and the information submitted in the company questionnaire. When selecting award winners, the MBPA's market research firm examines each application statistically for both quantitative and qualitative data. An independent panel of volunteer judges then examines the applications, which are scored on a point system, and companies receiving the highest points totals are selected as award recipients. The criteria for selecting the 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For in Metropolitan Detroit includes communications within the company; the organization's commitment to the community; compensation and benefits packages; diversity and multi-culturalism initiatives; employee continuing education and development; employee connection and commitment to their work and their organization; recognition and retention of the company's best and brightest employees; methods for recruiting people who best fit the organization; and balancing work, family and other demands. Plunkett Cooney maintains a "Great Place to Work" program firm wide to enhance the work experience for all employees. This program goes beyond compensation to focus on added value benefits in addition to the traditional health, vision, dental and insurance plans offered by most companies. The program includes such opportunities as continuing education, special events, employee convenience services, diversity recruitment and retention, mentoring and much more. As in past years, the firm is among excellent company in winning the 2007 MBPA award. The MBPA has also acknowledged a number of outstanding companies including Plunkett Cooney clients such as Amerisure Mutual Insurance Company, Arrow Strategies, Computer Consultants of America, Compuware Corporation, DTE Energy, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Fifth Third Bank, Flagstar Bank, Ghafari Associates LLC, Harley Ellis Deveraux, Henry Ford Health System, Huntington National Bank, Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Neighborhood Service Organization, St. John Health System and Walbridge Aldinger. For the third consecutive year, the Michigan Business & Professional Association (MBPA) has named Plunkett Cooney as one of "Metropolitan Detroit's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For." "We are extremely pleased to have won this award three years in a row," said Henry B. Cooney, President and CEO of Plunkett Cooney. "The firm's management team is focused on retaining our excellent people through new and innovative programs. It's nice to see that effort acknowledged again this year." The MBPA award selection is a three-part process. First, an employee submits an application to nominate his or her company for consideration. Second, the MBPA contacts each company's Human Resources Department to complete an extensive written survey along with an employee roster. Third, the MBPA randomly surveys a number of employees to validate the anonymous recommendation and the information submitted in the company questionnaire. When selecting award winners, the MBPA's market research firm examines each application statistically for both quantitative and qualitative data. An independent panel of volunteer judges then examines the applications, which are scored on a point system, and companies receiving the highest points totals are selected as award recipients. The criteria for selecting the 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For in Metropolitan Detroit includes communications within the company; the organization's commitment to the community; compensation and benefits packages; diversity and multi-culturalism initiatives; employee continuing education and development; employee connection and commitment to their work and their organization; recognition and retention of the company's best and brightest employees; methods for recruiting people who best fit the organization; and balancing work, family and other demands. Plunkett Cooney maintains a "Great Place to Work" program firm wide to enhance the work experience for all employees. This program goes beyond compensation to focus on added value benefits in addition to the traditional health, vision, dental and insurance plans offered by most companies. The program includes such opportunities as continuing education, special events, employee convenience services, diversity recruitment and retention, mentoring and much more. As in past years, the firm is among excellent company in winning the 2007 MBPA award. The MBPA has also acknowledged a number of outstanding companies including Plunkett Cooney clients such as Amerisure Mutual Insurance Company, Arrow Strategies, Computer Consultants of America, Compuware Corporation, DTE Energy, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Fifth Third Bank, Flagstar Bank, Ghafari Associates LLC, Harley Ellis Deveraux, Henry Ford Health System, Huntington National Bank, Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Neighborhood Service Organization, St. John Health System and Walbridge Aldinger. http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1894 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=1894&page=42 Address : 200 East Long Lake RoadSuite 110, Phone : 248-645-9400, City : Bloomfield Hills http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=150 http://www.judged.com/jdfirmdetail.php?firmid=150&page=28 Address : 7960 Grand River AvenueSuite 260, Phone : 810-225-4227, City : Brighton Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney partner, Jeff Singer, was a featured legal analyst providing a defense perspective on the Vioxx litigation in a live program on CNBC on September 7. Mr. Singer's commentary was part of a point/counterpoint segment in which Mark Lanier provided the plaintiff perspective. Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney partner, Jeff Singer, was a featured legal analyst providing a defense perspective on the Vioxx litigation in a live program on CNBC on September 7. Mr. Singer's commentary was part of a point/counterpoint segment in which Mark Lanier provided the plaintiff perspective. SMSM attorneys Jonathan Lively and Allison Scott won a defense verdict in Lake County Indiana on August 23, 2006. The case involved serious injuries to two passengers in a vehicle which rear-ended a tractor trailer. The plaintiffs claimed the semi was driving too slow, was mechanically unfit for the expressway and was the proximate cause of the accident. At the consolidated trial, the two plaintiffs asked for $460,000 in damages. The jury deliberated for a mere 30 minutes before returning a verdict in favor of the Defendants on all counts. SMSM attorneys Jonathan Lively and Allison Scott won a defense verdict in Lake County Indiana on August 23, 2006. The case involved serious injuries to two passengers in a vehicle which rear-ended a tractor trailer. The plaintiffs claimed the semi was driving too slow, was mechanically unfit for the expressway and was the proximate cause of the accident. At the consolidated trial, the two plaintiffs asked for $460,000 in damages. The jury deliberated for a mere 30 minutes before returning a verdict in favor of the Defendants on all counts. Arturo M. Aviles, a Senior Associate in Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney's Austin, Texas office, recently prepared, filed, and represented pro bono client Mr. A in his successful application for political asylum. Mr. A and many generations of his family have been active members of the main opposition party in the Togolese Republic. As a result of this activism, Mr. A, a college student, and his family were continously harassed, detained, assaulted, and tortured by government security forces. The family home was burned to the ground and Mr. A's family was eventually forced to flee Togo. Fearing for his life, Mr. A fled to the United States. The Asylum Office of the USCIS granted Mr. A's petition for asylum in August 2006. Mr. Aviles is proud to report that Mr. A has returned to pursuing his college education. Arturo M. Aviles, a Senior Associate in Segal McCambridge Singer & Mahoney's Austin, Texas office, recently prepared, filed, and represented pro bono client Mr. A in his successful application for political asylum. Mr. A and many generations of his family have been active members of the main opposition party in the Togolese Republic. As a result of this activism, Mr. A, a college student, and his family were continously harassed, detained, assaulted, and tortured by government security forces. The family home was burned to the ground and Mr. A's family was eventually forced to flee Togo. Fearing for his life, Mr. A fled to the United States. The Asylum Office of the USCIS granted Mr. A's petition for asylum in August