Benchmark Column - January 2009, Volume 1, Number 1 by Cooley Law School

THE THOMAS M. COOLEY LAW SCHOOL

Benchmark

THE THOMAS M. COOLEY LAW SCHOOL ALUMNI NEWS PUBLICATION

C O LU M N JANUARY 2009 • VOLUME 1 • NUMBER 1

“Judge Brown has an interesting and inspiring story that reflects a core principle of Cooley’s mission: a legal education can be a reality for anyone with the desire and ability to practice law.” President and Dean Don LeDuc

OVERCOMING THE ODDS – JUDGE JOE BROWN 300 South Capitol Ave. P.O. Box 13038 Lansing, MI 48901 Change Service Requested

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Lansing, MI Permit No. 241

INSIDE SCHOOL NEWS BENCHMARK COLUMN ANNOUNCEMENT OVERCOMING THE ODDS — JUDGE JOE BROWN STUDENT AWARDS FACULTY BRIEFS ALUMNI MATTERS LANSING ALUMNI MIXER DALLAS ALUMNI RECEPTION CLASS NOTES

FEATURE ARTICLE

OVERCOMING THE ODDS Judge Brown credits his success and his popular “tough-love” sentencing philosophy to his parents, hard-working teachers who moved from Washington, D.C. to south central Los Angeles when Judge Brown was young. “I watched my parents tough it out on a daily basis, and I saw that what really kept them going was making a difference to others,” he said. “That’s why ‘making a difference to others’ is everything I’m about.”

In south central Los Angeles, countless children fall victim to the harsh environment of the inner city and never achieve a high school diploma, let alone a law degree. Enter Joe B. Brown, one of south central’s most successful natives. “I grew up in one of the toughest neighborhoods in Los Angeles,” he explained on his website.* “If you saw the movie Boys ‘n the Hood, that was the way I grew up.”

Judge Brown’s career path started in high school when he elected to pursue education above all else and graduated at the top of his class from Dorsey High School in Crenshaw, Calif. He worked his way though undergraduate courses at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) loading trucks and digging ditches, and he hadn’t considered law school until a close friend suggested it. Soon after, law became his passion, and he worked as a substitute teacher to finance law school at UCLA.

Despite the unfavorable conditions of his childhood, Judge Joe Brown has achieved national success as a lawyer, judge and television personality. While scores of viewers tune in daily to watch Judge Brown’s creative approaches to alternative sentencing, prior generations recognize him for a much broader role as the judge who reviewed the last appeal of Martin Luther King Jr.’s convicted assassin, James Earl Ray. As part of Cooley Law School’s 2009 Martin Luther King: Equal Access to Justice Day events, Judge Brown is scheduled to speak to the Cooley community this month about his role in the Ray case, the progress of civil rights, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy in a time when America inaugurates its first African-American president.

Once he had earned his law degree, he moved to Memphis, Tenn., to take his first position in the legal field, later moving on to a position with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Continuing to move up the legal ladder, Judge Brown became the city’s first African-American prosecutor and eventually the director of the city’s Public Defender’s Office. He opened his own practice in 1978, and returned to public service in 1990 when he was elected as a Tennessee Criminal Court judge. Instead of doling out jail or prison time sentences for guilty offenders, Judge Brown opted to find alternative, yet effective, sentences, which led him to become widely recognized.

INSPIRATION Judge Brown’s national recognition grew when he was assigned to review the last appeal of Martin Luther King Jr.’s convicted assassin, James Earl Ray. Ray had initially pled guilty in the assassination of King, was convicted and in 1969 was sentenced to 99 years in prison. Days after his conviction, he recanted his confession and spent nearly three decades seeking a new trial. In 1997, Judge Brown was asked to review Ray’s appeal. Judge Brown was later removed from the case before making a decision for a perceived bias in favor of Ray. A replacement judge was never assigned to the case, and Ray died in 1998. Judge Brown’s personal and professional experiences have shaped his work outside of the courtroom as well. He has devoted his weekends to mentoring youth in the roughest parts of Memphis, following up on court cases and helping kids and teens get involved in safe, healthy activities instead those that could land them in jail, or worse. “I listen to young people talk about what’s happening in their world, and I tell them about how I survived in south central,” Judge Brown said. “Because I overcame the street life and got a good education, they tend to listen to me more than most adults, and I think I give them hope.”

EVENTS Judge Joe Brown is scheduled to speak on Tuesday, January 19, 2009 at 1 p.m. in the Cooley Auditorium on the 6th floor of the Temple Building, 217 S. Capitol Ave., in downtown Lansing, as part of Cooley’s 2009 Martin Luther King: Equal Access to Justice Day events. His speech will be followed by a question-and-answer session. At 3 p.m., there will be a cultural presentation and reception sponsored by the Black Law Student Association. The event featuring Judge Joe Brown is free to the public and tickets are encouraged but not required. Donations to benefit the school’s student diversity program are welcome at the door and will be used to host similar diversity events in the future. Tickets are available at: The Student Bar Association Office

Enrollment and Student Services Offices

Contact: Kieshaune Perkins Cooley Center, Lower Level 300 S. Capitol Avenue Lansing, MI 48933

Cooley Center, 8th Floor 300 S. Capitol Avenue Lansing, MI 48933

Judge Brown has been recognized repeatedly for his dedication to the law and service to the community. He was honored with the Olender Foundation’s Advocate for Justice Award at the Kennedy Center for his work with inner-city youth. In recognition of Judge Brown’s service as a community leader and jurist, he was inducted into Phi Alpha Delta, the world’s pre-eminent law fraternity, as an honorary member in 1999. Goldie Adele, Cooley’s coordinator of student services and diversity, who is organizing Judge Brown’s visit to campus, believes that Judge Brown is a perfect fit to headline Cooley’s Equal Access to Justice Day. “Judge Brown has more than four decades of experience both inside and outside the courtroom,” Adele said. “He has endured personal and professional challenges and is willing to share his candid story.” Today, Judge Brown has a daily syndicated television program. The program has no judicial power sanctioned by any government, but it acts as an agreed-upon arbitration in place of small claims court litigation. “It’s simple,” Judge Brown said. “People should be kind, caring, and humane. When they are not, it’s my job to turn them around.” * All quotes attributed to Judge Joe Brown reflect postings on the website judgejoebrown.com

SCHOOL NEWS

WELCOME TO THE NEW BENCHMARK COLUMN Greetings Cooley alumni and friends: I am proud to introduce the first issue of our new Cooley alumni publication, the Benchmark Column. We hope you enjoy the newsy style and quick-read format. In the Benchmark Column, you will get up-to-date information about your classmates, Cooley faculty, recent events, and upcoming events. We want to hear from you, and we invite you to send your Class News and story submissions to communications@cooley.edu.

THE THOMAS M. COOLEY LAW SCHOOL

THE THOMAS M. COOLEY LAW SCHOOL ALUMNI NEWS PUBLICATION

JANUARY 2009 • VOLUME 1 • NUMBER 1

OVERCOMING THE ODDS – JUDGE JOE BROWN 300 South Capitol Ave. P.O. Box 13038 Lansing, MI 48901 Change Service Requested

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Lansing, MI Permit No. 241

INSIDE SCHOOL NEWS BENCHMARK COLUMN ANNOUNCEMENT OVERCOMING THE ODDS — JUDGE JOE BROWN STUDENT AWARDS FACULTY BRIEFS ALUMNI MATTERS LANSING ALUMNI MIXER DALLAS ALUMNI RECEPTION CLASS NOTES

Benchmark THE THOMAS M. COOLEY

LAW SCHOOL MAGAZINE

SPECIAL EDITION 35YEARS 2008

COOLEY CELEBRATES ITS 35TH ANNIVERSARY WITH OVER 13,000 GRADUATES ACROSS THE NATION AND WORLDWIDE

BENCHMARK ALUMNI MAGAZINE

C O LU M N

NEW BENCHMARK COLUMN ALUMNI PUBLICATION

Benchmark

The Benchmark Column will be the companion to our longstanding alumni magazine, Benchmark, and will be yet another way for Cooley Law School to connect with you throughout the year. Speaking of Benchmark magazine, in the next several weeks you will be receiving our keepsake 35th anniversary issue that will take you from our founding in 1972 to the present and into the future of the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. You will find that, although much has changed over the past 35 years, much has also stayed the same.

You will see that we have remained true to our mission of providing the opportunity to obtain an outstanding legal education to men and women who seek to learn the knowledge, skills, and ethics necessary to competently and ethically practice the law. I know that you will enjoy this wonderful keepsake issue. Look for both publications in the mail or on the web at cooley.edu. Best wishes for a happy, healthy, and successful 2009. Kind regards,

James D. Robb, Associate Dean of Development

LANSING MIXER

Cooley Law School and the Alumni Special Events Committee hosted the Lansing Alumni Reception and Student Mixer on May 29, 2008. Seventy-five guests, including Cooley faculty, staff, graduates from the Mid- Michigan area, and current students joined cohosts Alumni Association President Diane M. Smith (North Class, 1980), Alumni Treasurer Aletha L. Honsowitz (Witherell Class, 1990), and Alumni Relations Director Darryl Parsell (Wiest Class, 1979) for the evening in the Cooley Center. Elizabeth Clarke (Fisher Class, 2007), Steve Heisler (Iredell Class, 2001), Constituent Alumni Club Committee Chair Amanda Roggenbuck (Swainson Class, 2003), Membership & Outreach Alum Committee Chair Alecia Ruswinckel (Swainson Class, 2003), and Professor Nancy Wonch (Kelly Class, 1978) helped to greet the guests.

Class, 1983), Professor Otto Stockmeyer, Alumni Executive Assistant Amy Swope, and Assistant Dean of Students Cynthia Ward.

Assistant Director Julie Mullens stated that “The Career and Professional Development Office (CPD) has several ways for alumni to volunteer. The On Campus Interview Program and Cooley Classifieds provide targeted student and alumni recruitment. The Cooley Volunteer Corps and the Professional Development Program matches alumni with qualified students to assist in their office and gives the student

“The student-alumni mixers are a great opportunity for students to network with practicing attorneys, for attorneys to network with one another and meet potential law clerks, and for old friends to simply catch up. They're always professional, but fun and relaxing events.”

Alumni Director Darryl Parsell is “always glad to provide occasions for Cooley's graduates and current students to meet. Both groups have such a transforming experience in common, but are at different locations along the same path.” “The mixers are win/win scenarios. Students have the opportunity to learn about the day-to-day lives of lawyers, and to explore specific areas of the law. Alumni have a time to reconnect with their law school, and to become energized by meeting students who are in the process of obtaining a legal education. Alumni always enjoy comparing their own school days with the students' experiences. Both students and alumni begin relationships that can last for years. Finally, everyone has a few hours to relax and enjoy a pleasant afternoon of fellowship.” The Cooley contingent included Student Services Coordinator Goldie Adele (Paterson Class, 2002), Professor Gary Bauer (Green Class, 1988), Professor & Alumni Association Past President Julie Clement (McDonald Class, 1998), Events Director Margie Doyle, Receptionist Vivian Jackson-Boko, Professor Linda Kisabeth (Snow Class, 1998), Programs Planning & Assessment Clinical Coordinator Marianne Menna (Blair Class, 2001), CPD Assistant Director Julie Mullens, Professor Marjorie Russell (Chandler

(Carr Class, 1984), Kathy Bielefeldt (Steere Class, 1995), Christine Campbell (Potter Class, 1980), Rhonda Clark-Kreuer (Ostrander Class, 1994), Tony Dowling (Steere Class, 1995), Steven W. Dulan (Person Class, 1994), Randy Eicher (McGrath Class, 1992), Jeffrey Estrella (Sharpe Class, 2008), Navjyot Francis (Adams Class, 2008), Tom Fredericks (Wing Class, 1982), Diana Lauren Gramenos (Brickley Class, 2007), Tiffany Grappin (Adams Class, 2008), Terence Manarpaac (Adams Class, 2008), Judge Paula Manderfield (Goodwin Class, 1982), Randall Mattson

Past Alumni President Julie Clement

an opportunity to gain legal or non legal experience.” “Excursions to the Legal Community and the Speaker Series give alumni the opportunity to speak about their career path and assist students with career exploration. Finally, the Mock Interview Program offers alumni the chance to assist students with their interviewing skills. If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please contact the Career and Professional Development Office by telephone at (517) 371-5140, ext. 4110 or by e-mail at cpdoffice@cooley.edu. We look forward to working with you!” The alumni guests included Judge Rosemarie Aquilina

(Edwards Class, 2006), Rhonda Yvonne Miller (Rutledge Class, 2000), Adam Mittman (Boyles Class, 2005), William Nordeen (Adams Class, 2008), Billie O’Berry (Manning Class, 1984), Mary Schrauben (Brickley Class, 2007), Lynnea Schurkamp (Sharpe Class, 2008), Linda Sutton (Dethmers Class, 1981), Michael Tornero (Brickley Class, 2007), Karen Truszkowski (Flannigan Class, 1999), and Eric Van Steel (Edwards Class, 2006).

for attorneys to network with one another and meet potential law clerks, and for old friends to simply catch up. They're always professional, but fun and relaxing events.”

Current Cooley students also attended the event including Faheema Abdullah, Shahzad Akhtar, Tammy Allison, Christine Caswell, Erin Chestang, Floyd Frank, Ashley Ferrel, Jill Gagnon, Amit Ghoshal, Nazeen Hasan, Courtney Haueter, Robin Koshy, Faith LaQualla Sackey, James Lee, Gloria Mason, Dana C. Matthews, Lansing SBA President Patrick McCabe, Thomas Myers, Nosheen Rathore, Trevor Reaves, David Rutledge, Lisa Shannon, Louvenia Stevens, Sarah Simchowitz, and Zeely Stewart. Current student Thomas Myers said, “I think the Lansing alumni-student mixer was a great opportunity for students to network with Cooley graduates who are proven in their respective profession. At the same time, it was a great opportunity for alumni to come back to the school and remain an integral part of the Cooley family.” Graduates felt that the mixer served as a pressurefree way for current Cooley students to interact with former Cooley students. As a Cooley student, the Lansing alumni-student mixer gave me the opportunity to meet Cooley alumni who have gone on to become professors, judges, and practicing attorneys; and it took place all in the same room. Graduates also felt that the mixer in Lansing was an excellent way for current Cooley students and Cooley alumni to join as one to represent the ever-growing Cooley community. Even though Cooley Law School has more alumni than any other law school, the alumni-student mixer provided an inviting and intimate setting for current Cooley students to meet Cooley alumni.

According to Past Alumni President Julie Clement, “The student-alumni mixers are a great opportunity for students to network with practicing attorneys,

KNOWLEDGE. SKILLS. ETHICS.

SCHOOL NEWS

SAVE THE DATE U.S. Supreme Court Admission Ceremony and Related Events April 26-29, 2009 Various Locations Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. – area Alumni Reception April 29, 2009 Key Bridge Marriott Hotel Arlington, Va.

Alumni Reception at State Bar of Michigan Annual Meeting

Cooley Alumni Association Annual Meeting

September 17, 2009 4:30-6:30 p.m. Hyatt Regency Hotel, Rotunda Dearborn, Mich.

October 10, 2009 4:00-6:00 p.m. Cooley Temple, Middle Temple Classroom Lansing, Mich.

Boston Area Alumni Reception January 22, 2009 5:30-7:30 p.m. Royal Sonesta Hotel Cambridge, Mass.

Cooley Alumni Association Board of Directors Spring Meeting May 2, 2009 1:00-3:00 p.m. Cooley Temple, Middle Temple Classroom Lansing, Mich.

Cooley Alumni Association Evening of Good Taste Annual Wine Tasting, Silent Auction and Jazz Night October 10, 2009 6:00-10:00 p.m. Cooley Temple Auditorium Lansing, Mich.

Faculty Briefs

Attended, SUMIT_08, at the

David L. Finnegan,

University of Michigan, Information

Associate Professor

Tammy Asher,Assistant Professor

Michigan Bar Admission Ceremony

Cooley 5k Race for Education

May 2009 Cooley Center Lansing, Mich.

June 5, 2009 7:30 p.m. Downtown Lansing, Mich.

Cooley Society Debut: the Annual Donor Recognition Gala

Michigan Bar Admission Ceremony

October 24, 2009 6:30 p.m. Cooley Center Lobby Lansing, Mich.

Hilary Term Honors Convocation April 2009 Cooley Temple Auditorium Lansing, Mich.

Cooley Alumni Association Golf Outing Benefit June 22, 2009 10:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Country Club of Lansing Lansing, Mich.

November 2009 Cooley Temple Auditorium Lansing, Mich.

Sept. 9, 2008, in Plymouth, Mich.

Technology Security Services, Ann

Received, his

Spoke, on Conservation Easements,

Elliot B.

Arbor, Mich., on Oct. 21, 2008.

Ph.D. in Politi-

at the Oakland County Planning and

Glicksman,

Organized, the annual membership

Panelist, “Internet Security and

cal Science

Economic Development Harvest Semi-

Professor

luncheon and meeting of Scribes-The

Privacy,” Due Process Productions,

from the Uni-

nar on Sept. 25, 2008, Upton Farms,

Spoke, on

American Society of Legal Writers.

Attended, the

Ch. 56-WTVS, Detroit, Mich.,

versity of Michi-

Metamora, Mich.

May 21, 2008,

Justice Scalia received an award and

Legal Writing

on Oct. 13, 2008.

gan on Dec. 14,

at the 24th An-

spoke at the luncheon.

Institute conference July 14-17, 2008 in Indianapolis, Ind.

2008. He deSpoke, on “A Review of Michigan

and Private Sector Development in Crimes,” Michigan Association of

Cyber Crime Laws - Cyber Bullying,

Attended, Teaching Prospective

Identity Theft, and Other High Tech

Seminar, in Lansing, Mich.

Crimes,” Advanced Training Associ-

Patrick Corbett, Professor Spoke, on

the Horizons,” American Bar

Limiting is the

Association, Washington, D.C.,

Fourth Amend-

from June 18-20, 2008.

ment?” Educat-

Spoke, on “Cyber Bullying and Other

issues while working closely with circuit

Committee on Federal Rules.

reform in Africa.

2008-2009 by the OCBF Board of

court judges throughout the state

Trustees.

jurisdictions. Topics for discussion

Development” at the ILS Symposium

Attended, meetings of the State Bar

included the use and admission of com-

on the Rule of Law in Africa, Thomas

Public Corporation Law Section Coun-

puter/electronic evidence, admission of

M. Cooley Law School, on Oct. 4,

cil; Board of Directors for the Land In-

psychological reports, parties testifying

2008.

formation Access Association, public

as to what their children stated:

interest corp.; and the Michigan Munic-

whether or not it is offered to prove the

ipal League Professionalism and Educa-

proof of the asserted matter, trial limita-

Donna McK-

tion Committee of the Michigan

tions on the use of child interrogations,

neelen,

Association of Municipal Attorneys.

admissions of police and school records

Assistant Pro-

Moderated, a May 19, 2008 presen-

and the admission standards of business

fessor

tation on municipal law by two Cooley

records when uniquely prepared for

Spoke, on “Law and Economic

of the “Plain Language” column in the Michigan Bar Journal. The column is the longest-running legal-writing column in any journal.

in Africa” at the 2008 U.S.-Africa

Authored, “The Path to Successful Law Reform,” a paper prepared for

alumni to Cooley students.

High Tech Crimes Involving Teens,” the World Bank’s Doing Business Michigan Association of Teachers of

East Lansing, Mich., on Dec. 4, 2008.

Spring Conference, Boyne Mountain,

Spoke, on “Topics in Cyber Security:

Mich., on May 1, 2008.

A Review of Michigan Cyber Crime

Mary Phelan D’Isa, Professor

Laws,” Oakland University, Rochester,

Published,

Mich., on Nov. 18, 2008.

“Grammar

Spoke, on “Searching and Seizing

Control:

Computers - the Fourth Amendment

What Is a

in Cyberspace,” Oakland University,

'Misdemeanor

Rochester, Mich., on Nov. 18, 2008.

Crime of

project, on Feb.

Served, as Master of Ceremonies at a

26, 2008.

golf outing fundraiser for the North

Published,

child support hearings. The Hearsay

an article, “Legal Barriers to

Rule and its ramifications was also a

Post-Conviction DNA Testing,” in

central theme of

CDAM The Right

the talk.

To Counsel.

vancy, July 21,

Joseph Kim-

Ann Miller,

2008.

ble, Professor

Associate

Spoke, on

Dean

redrafting the

and Profes-

Federal Rules of

sor

Oakland Headwaters Land ConserGerald Fisher, Professor Published, as

Heather

a co-author,

Garretson,

Michigan

Assistant

Zoning, Planning and Land Use, by the

Professor

Institute of Continuing Legal Education

Authored, an

(ICLE). Domestic

Spoke, on “Topics in Cyber Security:

Civil Procedure, at three conferences:

Appointed,

the

as Consultant Evaluator by the Higher

international

Learning Commission (HLC). The

conference of the Legislative Drafting

HLC is an

Institute, in New Orleans, La.; the

independent corporation and one of six

biennial conference of the Legal Writing

regional institutional accreditors in the

Institute, in Indianapolis, Ind.; and the

United States.

article, “Federal Criminal Forfeiture: A Royal Pain in the Assets,”

Violence' Under the Federal Gun

Spoke, on Land Use Planning, at the

Possession Statute?” in PREVIEW of U.S.

Michigan Planning Association Seminar

Supreme Court Cases (ABA Div. for

on July 22, 2008, in Bedford Town-

Pub. Ed.) Issue No. 2, Vol. 36, Pg. 103,

ship, Mich.

Nov. 3, 2008.

Spoke, on the Examination of Major

that will be published in the University of Southern California Gould School of Law’s Southern California Review of Law and Social

Legal Land Mines in Land Use Risk Management, at the ICLE Land Use and Development 2008 Seminar on

BENCHMARK COLUMN

Completed, his 20th year as editor

Mich., on July 24, 2008.

Children with Emotional Impairments

Lansing, Mich., on Nov. 11, 2008.

County Bar Foundation (OCBF) for

Sister Cities Conference, Lansing,

Education, 24th Annual Conference,

Laws,” Michigan State University, East

consultant to the Standing

examines law and economic policy

Spoke, on “Law and the Private Sector

Seizures: How

A Review of Michigan Cyber Crime

sues, abuse claims and support

June 27, 2008. Attended, “CyberLaw: Expanding

Citizenship, Michigan Center for Civic

drafting those rules as the drafting

Elected, President of the Oakland

ates Conference, Jackson, Mich., on

“Searches and

ing for

Evidence. Professor Kimble is re-

pute matters such as child custody is-

Tanzania,” Non-Public Schools Fall Conference,

Spoke, on “A Review of Michigan

Committee on the Federal Rules of

Mich. These referees handle family disBelleville, Mich.

Identity Theft, and Other High Tech

Michigan Family Planning Update, on

Attended, a meeting of the Advisory

ciation of Michigan held in Petoskey, ation Seminar on Oct. 30, 2008, in

2008. The dissertation, titled “Law

Mackinac Island, Mich., on Oct. 9, 2008.

nual Conference of the Referees Asso-

ment, at the Michigan Planning Associfended his dissertation on Oct. 1,

Cyber Crime Laws - Cyber Bullying,

Spoke, on Plain Language, to the 2008 Sept. 17, 2008 in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Spoke, on Planning and Risk Manage-

Justice, in the 2008-2009 volume.

third international conference of Clarity, in Mexico City, Mexico. Professor Kimble is the immediate past president of Clarity.

SCHOOL NEWS

Secured Transactions, which he

NORML Legal

tional Submerged Hands Management

International Law Society Symposium.

Presented, in 2008, “How One’s

teaches, were heavily involved. News

Committee

Conference Oct. 27, 2008, in Traverse

Presented, in 2008, “Law, Ethics,

Jurisprudential World View Affects the

of the event

in Aspen, Colo., on Action Methods

City, Mich.

and Good Governance in Africa,” at

Destiny of A Nation,” at the Christian

was published

in Case Development - client and

Wrote, the forward for David Slade’s

the 17th Annual U.S.-Africa Sister

Legal Fellowship national conference

Nelson P.

in the

witness

new book titled, “The Public Trust

Cities Conference.

of Canadian law students.

Miller, Asso-

Wall Street

interviews.

Doctrine In

Journal.

Presented, “An Introduction into

Presented, in 2008, “Fresh

ciate Dean/

Taught, at the 15th annual Trial

Motion 1997-

Legal Ethics,” made to members of the

Perspectives on Law in a Global

Associate

Lawyers College in DuBois, Wyo.,

2008.”

Student Statesmanship Institute.

Context – the Threat to Free

Professor

July 15-22, 2008.

Otto Stock-

Presented, in 2008, “The Divine

meyer,

Law, Natural Law, and Common Law

Emeritus

Foundations of a Parent’s Right to

Published, and co-authored, Equality as

Expression,” at the Christian Legal Fellowship national conference of Canadian law students.

Talisman:

James D. Robb, Associate Dean

Getting

Conducted, the 5th Annual

Professor

Direct and Control the Upbringing of

Presented, in 2008, “A Primer

and General Counsel

Cooley/CDAM Criminal Defense Trial

Children,” presented to leaders of edu-

on State Legislative Committees:

Beyond Bias

Published, “To Err is Human, to

Served, as Master of

College, at the Cooley Lansing cam-

Moo Bovine: The Rose of Aberlone

cation organizations at the 25th Annual

Structure and Function,” made at

to Cultural

Ceremonies

pus, Aug. 22-27, 2008.

Story,” in 24 Thomas M. Cooley Review

INCH Home Education Convention.

the Student Statesmanship Institute’s

Competence as a Professional Skill, in

and a principal

25 Cooley Law Review 100 (2008).

presenter on the topic of ethics

Taught, at a

491 (2007).

Onsite Program.

Regional SemiPublished,

ordinances at “Food for Thought,”

The Lost of

a training symposium for city of

Michigan — Re-

Birmingham, Mich., employees and

leased Prisoners

committee volunteers on the city’s code

Needing State

of ethics, Michigan’s Open Meetings Act

Identification, in

and Freedom of Information Act, and

87/11 Michigan

nar of the Trial

Published,

Lawyers Col-

“Using Mi-

Presented, in 2008, “Will You Recognize God’s Ring Tone When

lege, held in

crosoft Word’s Readability Pro-

He Calls?” at the 25th Annual INCH

New Harmony,

Home Education Convention.

Ind., Nov. 5-9,

gram,” in The

2008. The subject was Discovering

Scrivener

Presented, in 2008, “The Coming

speaker forum

the Story of Your Case.

(Scribes, Spring

Storm: State Interference with a Par-

sponsored by

2008).

ent’s Constitutional Right to Make

Point of Rele-

ods workshop at the winter confer-

Amy Timmer, Associate Dean

Educational Choices for Their Children,” to the Center Right Coalition.

ence of the NORML Legal Committee

and Professor

in Key West, Fla.

Published, as a co-editor,

Presented, in 2008, “Worldviews

Religious Conscience at Risk,” at the

authored, and co-authored chapters of

Collide Series: God, Man, and the

Political Leadership Academy annual

the book:

Courts,” at the Home Education

forum.

Reflections of

League’s “Homeschool Family Day at

a Lawyer’s Soul – The Institutional

the Capitol.”

Experience of Professionalism at

Presented, in 2008, “Navigating to

the Ethical Talk,” at the Phi Delta Phi

Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

the City on the Hill or over the

Annual program.

Published by William S. Hein & Co.

Gomorrahian Precipice,” to members

of Law/Medi-

William Wagner, Professor

of the Manitoba Bench and Provincial

cine.

Published, in 2008, “When

Bar in Manitoba, Canada.

Biology Speaks

Presented, in 2008, “The

Truth to

Jurisprudential and Constitutional

Parliament,”

Underpinnings of the Fundamental

in 2008-(S) Revue juridique Chretienne

Right of Liberian Parents to Direct the

Upbringing of Their Children,” at the

Defense Research Institute Annual

Published, in 2008, “Restoring the

40th Annual World Conference of the

Conference, on Sept. 21, 2008, in

Intrinsic Value of Human Life – A Fed-

Liberian Studies Association.

Orlando, Fla.

eral Legislative Proposal to Euthanize

Presented, in 2008, “A Primer on

Court of

Physician-Assisted Killing,” in the book,

Judicial Elections and the Founder’s

Appeals in

The American Experiment: Religious

Reasons for Separating Power,”

Atlanta, Ga., on

Freedom, published by the University

presented at CTV Inc., 16th Annual

behalf of a for-

of Portland.

Legislative Briefing.

mer client. The name of the case is

Elected, in 2008, Chairperson of the

Presented, in 2008, “The Relevance

Reynolds v. Credit Solutions. He argued

Board of Directors, Angel House USA

of Morality to Good Governance under

for the Defendant-Appellant that Con-

Inc., an international educational/

the Rule of Law in the Americas,” to a

gress did not intend to make consumer

service non-profit organization.

delegation of lawyers, judges, officials,

arbitration agreements

Elected, in 2008, as Vice-President

and academics representing 10 different

unenforceable with regard to federal

of the Board of Directors, Parental-

countries from South and Central

statutory Credit Repair Organizations

Rights.Org, Inc., a national civil rights

America, at the International Visitor

Act claims.

organization.

Leadership Program sponsored by the

Presented, on Jan. 13, 2009, the

U.S. Department of State.

Public Trust

Presented, on Oct. 4, 2008,

Michigan ICLE program on e-discovery

Doctrine and

“The Interplay Between the Liberian

Presented, in 2008, “The True Test

in Ann Arbor, Mich. (and via webcast),

Offshore

Constitutional Provisions Protecting

of Tolerance,” as part of a symposium

along with an Ann Arbor, Mich.,

Energy Facilities: Modern Application of

Parental Rights and the U.N. Conven-

panel commemorating ABA National

federal district court judge, the Hon.

an Ancient Doctrine,” for the Interna-

tion on the Rights of the Child,” at an

Diversity Day.

Steven D. Pepe, and an attorney from

rules of parliamentary procedure on

Bar Journal 36 (2008).

May 15, 2008, in Birmingham, Mich.

John Nussbaumer, Associate

Spoke, on “A Review of Proposed

Dean and Professor

Municipal Ethics Ordinances” to the city

Received,

of Rochester Hills (Michigan) City

the 2008 Legacy Justice Academic

Council to review and comment on that

Achievement Award for Commit-

city’s proposed ethics ordinance on

Devin S. Schindler,

ment to Diversity in the Legal Profes-

June 23, 2008, in Rochester Hills, Mich.

Associate Professor

sion from the American Bar

Appointed, to the Board of

Association Council on Legal Education

Conducted, a psychodrama meth-

Accepted, for publication, “Pay For Performance, Quality of Care and the

Directors of Revitalization

Opportunity.

the Detroit

Appointed, by American Bar

Metropolitan

Association President H. Thomas

Bar Associa-

Wells, Jr. to the ABA Presidential

tion Founda-

Advisory Council on Diversity in

tion in

Delivered, a paper, “The Fu-

2008.

ture of Nursing

Subcommittee.

Selected, by Michigan Lawyers

Named, Co-Chair of the Federal Bar

Weekly as one of Michigan’s 20

Association’s Pro Bono Committee for

“In-House Leaders in the Law –

the Eastern District of Michigan.

tion,” at the

John P. Rooney, Professor

U.S. Central Command and U.S.

Spoke, as a commentator, at the Amintaphil Conference

Published, his response to the article “When Judges Make Foreign Policy,”

at Villanova

Command at the

University

invitation of

Sept. 25-26,

in the New York Times Magazine on

Gen. Michael

2008, on

Chris A. Shafer, Professor

Peplinski, Com-

“Swaying in the

Attended, the Wind Energy Work-

927th Air

Balance: Civil

shop on Dec. 11, 2008 at Michigan

Liberties, Secu-

State

Refueling Wing at Selfridge Air

rity, and Justice in Times of Emergency.”

University.

National Guard Base.

Speaking, Jan. 24, 2009, at

Delivered,

Don Petersen,

the 24th Meeting of the Semiotic

the keynote

Associate Professor

Circle of California, on “Semiotics is

speech, “The

Represented, a group of

Taught in Communications Courses.”

Russian

Marjorie Russell, Professor

investors who bought the third-

Presented,

largest auction house

at the summer conference of the

in the world for about $40 million.

of A Nation, at the national

vance.

Presented, on Oct. 1, 2008, “Why Walking the Ethical Walk beats Talking

Presented, on Sept. 13, 2008, “Building More than Buildings – Building a Legacy,” at the 2008 national benefit for Angel House USA. Derek S.Witte, Assistant Professor Presented, on Dec. 11, 2008, oral front of the 11th Circuit

Oct. 12, 2008.

mander of the

fects the Destiny

argument in

2008” in April 2008.

Attended, a Civic Leaders Tour to Special Forces

Home Litiga-

World View Af-

Presented, “The Free Exercise of

Matrix: Journal

September,

the Legal Profession, and named Chair of the PACD’s Legal Education

of the False Claims Act,” in Health

Presented, in 2008, “How One’s

Distinguished Student Award Alumni Association President Diane Smith Grants the Distinguished Student Award to the Kavanaugh Class The faculty, staff, and student body of Thomas M. Cooley Law School gathered in the Auditorium of the Temple Building on July 11, 2008 for the Honors Convocation of Trinity Term 2008. Alumni Association President Diane M. Smith (North Class, 1980) was on hand to grant the Distinguished Student Award to Jihan T. Bahhur (Kavanagh Class, 2008). Nine students were considered for the term’s Distinguished Student Award. Nominees furnished a variety of informa-

tion, including résumés and letters of reference that were reviewed by the Alumni Executive Committee. Nominees were also personally interviewed as part of the selection process. Members of each graduating class were evaluated on the criteria of character, academic accomplishment, leadership, and extracurricular activities in the decision to grant the Distinguished Student Award.

a medium to large-sized law firm and to continue to practice in the same areas of the law.

Ms. Bahhur will take the Michigan Bar Examination in February 2009. She wants to work in the areas of estate, probate, and general civil law practice at a firm in Oakland County, Mich. Her ultimate goal is to become a partner in

The Alumni Association is proud and pleased to give recognition to this outstanding member of the Kavanagh Class and extends its best wishes for her continuing success.

“It is a great feeling to know that I am being awarded with the Distinguished Student Award. This is definitely an honor that I was not expecting, and it feels great to know that my hard work and accomplishments have been noticed by the Cooley community.”

KNOWLEDGE. SKILLS. ETHICS.

ALUMNI MATTERS

Alumni Receptions Dallas Alumni Reception

William Luce III (Fitzgerald Class, 2006), Okwy Maduforo (Boyles Class, 2005), Jude Menes (Fellows Class, 1997), Christopher Migliaccio (Boyles Class, 2005), Obioma Osimiri (Boyles Class, 2005), Roger Trerice (Carpenter Class, 1993), and Gary Warren (Krinock Class, 1991).

Cooley Law School hosted an alumni reception in Dallas on May 15, 2008. Texas alumni and friends joined Texas alumni leader Bill Cox III (Witherell Class, 1990) and Alumni Relations Director Darryl Parsell (Wiest Class, 1979) at Cantina Laredo. Bill Cox also generously donated the cost of the event to the law school.

Jude Menes said, “Please extend my appreciation to the Alumni Office for organizing the Texas reception. I truly enjoyed myself and was able to re-establish contacts with other alums. I am already looking forward to the next reception and will be sure to tell those alums who were unable to attend this one. Thanks again!”

“It was great seeing everyone in Dallas. Over the years we have been having these alumni receptions and it is nice seeing how everyone has excelled in their law practices. The reception was the talk of the courthouse the following morning,” said Cox.

“As always, all the Cooley grads had a wonderful time at our annual alumni gathering last month in Dallas. It was great to catch up with old friends, talk about recent developments at the law school, and meet with new graduates to share a little advice about the legal profession,” said David Karlen.

According to graduate David Karlen, “As always, all the Cooley grads had a wonderful time at our annual alumni gathering last month in Dallas. It was great to catch up with old friends, talk about recent developments at the law school, and meet with new graduates to share a little advice about the legal profession. Thanks go out to hosts Darryl Parsell, Bill Cox, and all our colleagues in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for making this event such a success.” The alumni guests included Don Hood (Krinock Class, 1991), Jeanne Huey (Voelker Class, 1997), David Karlen (Krinock Class, 1991),

Class Notes

Vary, Richard R., was named a vice

1977 Felch Class Johnson, Byron, was elected to chair

Wiest Class

recipient of the Third Annual Stephen

LLP in Philadelphia, Penn., as a partner

lic utility law. Prior to joining FSBR, Mr.

marketing

in Saginaw, Mich. He previously was a

H. Schulman Outstanding Business

in the Business Practice. She specializes

Aaron was a partner with Honigman

officer for

Michigan State Police trooper and an

Lawyer Award. She is the director of

in utility law. Phone: (215) 495-6524;

Miller Schwartz and Cohn for over

Cranbrook

Assistant U.S. attorney.

the corporate division for Michigan’s

e-mail: mmorris@regerlaw.com.

14 years. He is listed in the 2008 Best

Educational

Toy, Charles, was named an

Lawyers in America (Energy Law

Community in

associate dean

Specialty), Cambridge Who’s Who 2007.

Bloomfield

at Cooley

McQuillan, Kevin, was chosen as

Law School.

#37 on Forbes Technology Investment

previously served for three years as

He oversees

List. Kevin is co-founder and general

senior vice president of the Comcast

Cooley’s Office

partner of Focus Ventures. He learned

Foundation and senior director of

of Career and

the business at Dominion Ventures and

public affairs for Comcast Corp., in

Professional

Ransom Class

Bureau of Commercial Services.

Alliance of

named a trustee of the Grand Rapids

Rabaut, Stephen, received the

He is the nutrition and wellness industry relations director for Access Business Group, LLC, which

Dietz, Diane, has been named chief

law firm of Reger, Rizzo and Darnall,

1980 Potter Class

Associations.

Morell Class

Baker, G. Ann, was named the sole

Craft, Barbara A., has been

Supplement

and franchised businesses. Mr. Aaron is

Patterson, Schutter, Peters & Vary, PC,

the International Food/Dietary

Morris, Margaret, has joined the

a recognized expert in energy and pub-

president and shareholder at Masud,

(Michigan) Bar Association.

2008 Leonard Gilman Award which is

Koch, Kevin William, was named

presented to the “outstanding practi-

secretary/treasurer of the Marquette

tioner of criminal law” in the Eastern

County (Michigan) Bar Association.

District of the Michigan Chapter of

He practices in Negaunee, Mich.

the Federal Bar Association. He was se-

Phone: (906) 475-9948; e-mail: kwmkoch@sbcglobal.net.

manufactures Nutrilite® vitamins and

Comdisco Ventures, where he made

Philadelphia, Penn.

Development. He is president-elect

software and communications invest-

1986 Mundy Class

of the State Bar of Michigan and will

ments. Focus took five of its portfolio

Bushnell Class

become president of the State Bar in

companies public in 2007 and helped

lected by prior award winners.

Kelly Class

Daugs, E. John, was recently named

2009. He was most recently a partner

sell another three. EqualLogic's pending

awarded the CRN (Steuben) Apple

Reynolds, Frank Harrison, has

as a member of the Multi-Million Dollar

at Farhat & Story, PC.

$1.4 billion sale to Dell had the honor

Award by the Council for Responsible

joined the firm of Foster, Swift,

Advocates Forum. He founded his

Long Class

of being the largest all-cash acquisition of

Nutrition (CRN). The award is CRN’s

Collins & Smith, PC, in Lansing,

Beaufort, S.C., law firm in 1984, and

highest award.

Mich., as a shareholder. He is part

has over 25 years experience in the

Graves Class

of the firm’s litigation practice group

specialized in family law and general

and continues to focus his practice

lifetime member of the Million Dollar

in criminal defense.

Advocates Forum, of which less

Manis, Paula K., taught “How

of the Western Michigan University

to Become a Mediator and ADR

1981 Kavanagh Class

Board of Trustees.

Opportunities for Non-Lawyers”

David, Jonathan J., has joined the

1978 Marston Class

at a State Bar of Michigan Legal

law firm of Foster, Swift, Collins, &

Assistants Section event in May, 2008

Smith, PC, as a shareholder in the

for Small Claims Court, and criminal trials held in high schools with students serving as jurors. He also implemented the 8th Circuit’s Mental Health Court, the first of its kind in Michigan.

mail: kevin@focusventures.com.

Davis, Mark A., president and CEO of Howard &

1985T. Smith Class

tions and oversees the production of its

Mittleman, David S., of Church

security, fleet management, and GPS

Wyble, PC, has

tracking products.

been designated

1982 Goodwin Class

by Michigan

Howard Attorneys, PC, has been named to Michigan Super Lawyers

Gov. Jennifer Brennan,Theresa, was re-elected as

2008 in the Granholm

District Court Judge in Livingston

Real Estate practice area by a survey as Chair of the

County, Mich., Nov. 5, 2008. Michigan Public

in Plymouth, Mich. She practices oil

firm’s Grand Rapids office. He is part

and gas law and is a lead trainer for

of the firm's Business & Corporate

1983 Chandler Class

Educational Facilities Authority. He has

mediation. She is also an arbitrator for

Practice Group, where his focus is con-

Aaron, Richard J., has joined the law

also been selected by his peers for 2009

the American Arbitration Association.

tracts, business organizations, probate

practice of

Best Lawyers in America in personal

Sepic, Mike, was elected president-

and estate administration, real estate

Fahey Schultz

injury litigation.

elect of the Berrien County (Michigan)

law, and estate planning. He writes a

Burzych

Bar Association. He is the chief assistant

question and answer column for Legal-

Rhodes PLC,

prosecuting attorney for the Berrien

Ease that is published in area newspa-

located at 4151

County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

pers and through a Colorado

Okemos Road,

syndicate. He has also published Estate

in Okemos,

of Law & Politics Media, Inc. He was selected through a process which included peer evaluation and independent research. Only 5 percent of the attorneys in Michigan were named to the list.

Planning:The Basics.

Mich. The firm specializes in providing counsel to public utilities, municipalities

BENCHMARK COLUMN

1987 Champlin Class

members. He is a former prosecutor.

innovations have included Saturday morning court sessions, night sessions

Phone: (650) 325-7400, ext. 254; e-

manages the company's daily operathan 1 percent of U.S. attorneys are

community service. He is chairman

its Champion of Justice Award. His

Robbins, Jeffrey, has been appointed Integrated Security Systems, Inc. He

1979 Butzel Class

ored by the State Bar of Michigan with

practice areas. Phone: (231) 533-8635. a venture-backed company of all time.

plaintiff’s personal injury field. He is a

Red Rose award for outstanding

Court Judge in Ionia, Mich., was hon-

Wendling, PC, in Bellaire, Mich. She has

Chief Operations Officer at Homeland

Kalamazoo, Mich., Rotary Club’s

Hoort, Hon. David A., 8th Circuit

Luckett, Lori, has joined the firm of Young, Graham, Elsenheimer &

mineral supplements. He was also

Miller, Kenneth, received the

Hills, Mich. She

ALUMNI MATTERS

Fox, Mark R., a shareholder at Fraser Trebilcock, Davis & Dunlap, PC, in Lansing, Mich., has been named a Michigan Super Lawyer for

Wilson Class

documentation of sophisticated corpo-

dock & Stone, PLC.

Carlson, Kurt M., has joined the

personal injury law. OTA Services LLC

rate transactions. He represents clients

He works in the firm’s

firm of Much Shelist Denenberg

provides sales and rental of high-

in the purchase and sale of companies,

Kalamazoo,

Ament & Rubenstein, P.C., in Chicago,

density compaction equipment.

Ill., as chair of the Bankruptcy,

Carpenter Class

Mich., office and practices exclusively Stawiarski, Lawrence V., an

Reorganization & Creditors’ Rights

Perlman, Lee M., operates the Law

Hopkins, LLC, has been elected to the

practice group. Previously he was with

Offices of Lee M. Perlman, at 1926

firm’s membership. He works in the

Tishler & Wald, LTD., for nearly 12

Greentree Rd., Ste. 100, Cherry Hill,

years. Phone: (312) 521-2658;

N.J. 08003. Lee concentrates exclu-

Politics Magazine.

who focuses on commercial litigation,

e-mail: kcarlson@muchshelist.com.

sively in consumer bankruptcy, Fair

general corporate law, product liability

City, Mich., was awarded the Certificate

Crumpler, Mike, was elected

Credit Reporting Act and Fair Debt

defense, employment law, and intellec-

president of the Rotary Club of West

and Collections Act work. He and

tual property law.

Jacksonville, Fla., for the 2008-2009 year. He is a solo practitioner and a

his staff oversee three offices and

board-certified workers’ compensation

cases per year. Lee and his wife

Addiction

attorney specializing in the defense of

Kristen live in Haddonfield, NJ and

Addiction Professionals. He is a

real estate, construction lien and

supply agreements, estate planning,

construction litigation; antitrust,

prenuptial agreements, employment

intellectual property and other com-

matters, and business aircraft transac-

plex litigation matters.

tions. Phone: (248) 353-7620; e-mail:

1999 Weadock Class

1997 P. Adams Class

of the Marinette County (Wisconsin)

Popplewell, Brenda, in private

District Attorney’s Office as a part-

practice in Kentucky, secured a new

time Assistant District Attorney. She

trial for a man convicted of complicity

previously practiced insurance defense

to murder and complicity to wanton

for several years.

endangerment, when the U.S. 6th U.S.

2000 Jay Class

Jackson W. Macheers, born on Feb. accidents and injuries at work.

have a 7 month old daughter

1991Turner Class

named Kate. Phone: (856) 751-4224,

Hauser, Karen, has joined the staff

20, 2008. Jackson weighed 6 lbs., 10 oz., at birth. In addition, Charles (609) 265-9065, and (732) 244-2024; Pasteur, Micki, with Foster Zack

has opened the firm of Charles W. e-mail: lmpesquire@comcast.net. Macheers, LLC, Attorney at Law, 6750

trained interventionist associated with

& Manning, PC,

the professional practice of Jeff and

Okemos, was

Harter, Mathew, was elected to

KS 66204. His practice areas include

Debra Jay of Grosse Pointe, Mich. He

elected vice-

serve as the 8th Judicial District Court

estate planning, real estate, corpo-

is also a frequent speaker on addiction,

president of the

Judge, Family Division (Dept. N), in

rate/business, conservatorships, and

treatment, recovery, and advocacy.

Ingham County

Nevada.

contracts. Previously, he worked for a

1994 Ostrander Class

Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the Antioch Rd., Ste. 301, Overland Park, defendant’s previous attorney had a

appointed an attorney with the Utica, conflict of interest in the 1999 case. N.Y., office of the Mental Hygiene Legal Service in the Fourth Judicial the court’s opinion. She will handle Department. The Utica office oversees the new trial.

Bar Association

1995 Bird Class

continues to co-chair the ICBA

the agency’s affairs in Herkimer,

Fortune 100 company where he foE-mail:

Jefferson, Lewis and Oneida counties.

cused on complex landlord, real estate

(ICBA) Board of Directors. She also Bostick-Tullis, Catherine, has

brenda@brenand multi-million dollar software con-

He previously worked in the Cortland

tact negotiations. Phone: (913) 432-

County District Attorney’s office.

9922 ext. 105. E-mail:

Sullenger, June G., has joined the

charles.macheers@macheerslaw.com.

Cherokee County, Ga., Office of

been appointed to the Lapeer, Mich., Probate Section for the 2008-2009 City Commission for a term expiring

Missad, Nicholas B., has joined

program year. She has also been

the law firm of Foster, Swift, Collins,

named a Michigan Super Lawyer in

& Smith, PC, as a shareholder in the

the area of Elder Law.

in November 2009. She is a past chair-

firm’s Grand Rapids, Mich., office. Lawrence Class

man of Lapeer County Habitat for

Romeo, Karen Ann, was appointed

Humanity and has been a member

by Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter as a judge

the Solicitor General as an Assistant

dapopplewell.com.

Solicitor General in the Domestic Voelker Class

Violence Unit. E-mail:

Practice Group, handling domestic

Gaines, Helen I. (Campbell),

and vice chairman of the city's zoning

in the 5th Judicial District. Previously,

board of appeals.

she worked in the District Attorney’s

relations, white-collar crime, criminal

received notification that the Court

Buquicchio, Steven, has been

Office in the 5th Judicial District since

named a partner at Varnum Attorneys

1997, and was most recently the Chief

at Law in Grand Rapids, Mich. He was

Deputy and Assistant District Attorney.

also elected to a three-year term on

defense, and general litigation issues.

of Appeals has certified her case, “In

He is Past President of the

Re Estate of Linda Louise Doerr” for

Ionia-Montcalm Bar Association.

hearing. She has relocated her office

Association. He is a partner with

to Monroe, Mich., were she serves as

DeFrancesco Dienes, PC, in the Niles,

Moody Jr. Class

LGAL in matters of neglect and abuse

Mich., area, and focuses his practice on

Chazell, Col. Russell E., has been

of children. Phone: (734) 243-6292.

zoning and land use, municipal law and

named Chief of Staff for the Civil Air

Stoner,Tim, of Grand Rapids, Mich., has authored his first non-fiction book, The God Who Smokes. He previously published a fiction book, The Paladins. 1989 Copeland Class

McGraw, Robert P., has been

Portions of her brief were cited in

Phone: (231) 933-8845; e-mail:

He is a member of the Litigation

management issues; contract litigation,

actions, manufacturing, distribution and

Macheers, Charles, and his wife,

Little Pasteur

Morse Class

e-discovery and corporate records

licensing agreements, real estate trans-

sknox@seyburn.com.

retired district court judge, and is a

tgilbert@touchstonerecovery.net.

agreements, technology agreements,

1996 Stone Class

Diane, announce the birth of their son,

from the Michigan Certification Board for

and dispute resolution. He focuses on

file over 500 consumer bankruptcy

of Advanced Counselor

in the area of commercial litigation

agreements, buy-sell and shareholder

firm’s Detroit office, and is a litigator

2008 by the publishers of Law &

Gilbert,Thomas S., of Traverse

financing arrangements, operating

associate attorney with McDonald

Dienes, Scott, was elected president of the Berrien County (Michigan) Bar

jsullenger@cherokeega.com. Rutledge Class Habeck, Melissa, has been elected

the American Board of Certification's

to the board of Washington Defense

Board of

Trial Lawyers. She also received the

Directors. The American Board of

Washington Defense Trial Lawyers

Certification (ABC) is dedicated to

Outstanding Associate for 2008 Award

public finance matters.

Patrol (CAP). He directs and oversees

improving the quality of the legal bars

and was selected by Washington Law

was elected as a member of the House

Stuart, Don, a partner in the tax

the organization’s national staff and

for bankruptcy and creditor's rights.

and Politics magazine as Rising Star

Makiyama, Ruby Hiroe (Otomi), of Councilors (upper house member)

practice at Waller Lansden Dortch &

advisers. He has been a CAP member

Buquicchio is certified in creditor's

Attorney for 2008. She is an attorney

Breisach, Eric, has joined the firm of

of the national government of Japan.

Davis, LLP in Nashville, Tenn., was

since joining as a cadet in 1978. He has

rights law. Buquicchio is a Martindale-

with Forsberg & Umlauf in Seattle,

Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice

As a member of the upper house,

appointed to serve a one-year term as

served in various command and staff

Hubbell AV-rated attorney and a

Wash., where she practices general civil

as a partner in its Washington, D.C.,

she works in the Foreign Diplomacy

vice chairman of the Tax and Finance

positions during his CAP career, most

member of the Varnum’s Litigation

litigation with a focus on asbestos tort

office. He focuses on telecommunica-

and Defense Committee, ODA

Practice Group of the American

recently as the Rocky Mountain Re-

and Trial Services Group where his

litigation. Phone: (206) 689-8500;

tions, cable, and broadcast law. He

Committee, and Audit Committee.

Health Lawyers Association (AHLA).

gion commander, leading more than

practice focuses on creditor's rights and

e-mail: mhabeck@forsberg-umlauf.com.

previously was a partner at Fleischman

She formerly worked as a legal manager

The AHLA is the nation’s largest

3,100 CAP officers and cadets in 100

commercial litigation. He specializes

& Harding.

Cushing

for Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan,

nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) educational

units located throughout Colorado,

in receivership law with an emphasis

Class

Quimby, Mike, a DWI defense

as the law office legal department

organization devoted to legal issues in

Idaho, Montana, Utah and Wyoming

in federal enforcement actions. He is

lawyer in Florida, has joined Drunk-

manager for PolyGram Japan (currently

in their performance of CAP’s primary

Daley (Haa-

the healthcare field with more than

the immediate past chair of the

DrivingDefense.com, the national

Universal Music), and for Marks &

missions of emergency services,

pala), Karen,

10,000 members. Stuart’s appoint-

Grand Rapids Bar Association

and her hus-

directory of premiere DUI defense

Murase, a New York firm specializing

ment began June 28, 2008.

cadet programs and aerospace edu-

Section on Litigation.

band, Jeff

attorneys, along with his partners,

in Japanese business. E-mail:

Ron Sholes and Garry Crews.

makiyama@wing.ocn.ne.jp.

Douglass Class

1992 McGrath Class

Nichols,William P., was re-elected

Quinn,Tim, has been appointed as

cation. Steere Class Benchetrit, Michael M., has joined

Daley, an-

to the office of the Counsel to Head

nounce the birth of their son, Jackson

mission observer.

of Compliance Americas for UBS

Robert Daley, born on Dec. 4, 2007.

Kahloon, Khalid, was appointed an

Investment Bank and has relocated

He weighed 7 lbs, 13 oz and was 21.5 inches long at birth.

Akerman Senterfitt as Of Counsel in the firm’s Miami, Fla., office. He is

Flynn, Allison, has been promoted

He is also a qualified CAP pilot and

as prosecutor in Monroe County,

the personnel director for Bay County,

co-chair of the firm’s Immigration

Assistant U.S. Attorney to the Criminal

from London UK to Stamford, Conn.

Mich.

Mich. Quinn has been the human

Practice, and focuses on immigration

Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office

E-mail: allison.flynn@ubs.com.

Morrison, William W., has joined

1990 Bacon Class

resources director for GM Powertrain

matters for national and multi-national

for the Western District of Kentucky.

1998 N. Sharpe Class

the Prince

for 10 years. He also is an adjunct busi-

companies in the financial services, real

Previously he worked as Assistant Com-

estate development, manufacturing,

monwealth’s Attorney for Jefferson

Larson, Mark A., announces the

Law Firm in Farmington Hills, Mich.,

ness instructor at both Northwood

opening of Larson & Associates, P.C.,

as an associate. He specializes in estate

University and Central Michigan

engineering, and information services

County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s in downtown Denver, 600 17th

planning and probate litigation. For-

University.

industries. He previously was partner

Office. Phone: (502) 582-5911. St., Suite 2800 South, Denver,

merly, he was a judicial staff attorney

1993 Hooker Class

and chair of the Immigration Law

Liebman, Cheryl Jan, married

Colo. 80202, on May 1, 2008, con-

for

Kolasa, Michael, was named as vice

Practice Group of Robert Allen Law

Keith Adam Guliner June 14, 2008.

centrating on general and commercial

the Oakland County Probate Court.

She is an attorney in New York.

litigation, business consulting, and

Phone: (248) 865-8810; e-mail:

serve as a Flint, Mich., district court

president and wealth management

in Miami.

specialist at Wells Fargo Wealth

Goldenberg, Alison E., was

Tripp, Amy, has been selected as

appellate advocacy. In September

wwm@probateprince.com.

judge. She previously served as an assistant city attorney for five years follow-

Management Group in Marquette,

appointed as a Special Assistant

Chair of the Elder Law and Disability

2007, Mark argued Holcomb v.

Sachs, Scott J., was nominated by

ing an 11-year career as a district court

Mich. He previously served Michigan

U.S. Attorney for the District of

Rights Section of the State Bar of

Jan-Pro Cleaning Systems of Southern

the American Bar Association Section

magistrate in Flushing.

clients as a vice president and trust

Colorado. Phone: (303) 312-7238;

Michigan. She is a partner with

Colorado, before the Colorado

of Environment, Energy and Resources as Young Lawyer of the Year, appointed

Chapman, Kevin K., is the new pastor at Berean Bible Church in Santa Fe, N.M. He also practices law, primarily in conveyances, trusts and wills. Dowd, M. Cathy, was appointed by Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm to

officer, developing new trust and estate Hughes, Stefan, has been hired as

planning business relationships and

a full-time Assistant U.S. Attorney

e-mail: alison.goldenberg@usdoj.gov.

Chalgian & Tripp Law Offices in East

Supreme

Kuhn Class

Lansing, Mich.

Court, a case

as chairperson for its Smart Growth

Easthope, Chris, has been elected a

Black Class

of first

and Urban Policy Committee, and is

impression in

district court judge in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Cole, Bill, and Melissa Cole adopted

co-

Colorado re-

a baby boy, Andrew Joseph, from

authoring the construction chapter in a

Rapchick, Anthony T., has re-

garding

Taiwan, on July 11, 2008.

forthcoming ABA publication on green

joined Hunton & Williams LLP, Litiga-

the Colorado

building. He is with Atkinson, Andelson,

tion Support Department, in Richmond,

Knox, Steven L., has been elected

No-Call List statutes.

Loya, Ruud & Romo in Cerritos, Calif.

Va. He had been with Philip Morris

a shareholder in the law firm of

Phone: (303) 260-6410, e-mail:

Phone: (562) 653-3599; e-mail:

USA.

Seyburn, Kahn, Ginn, Bess & Serlin,

mlarson@larsonandassoc.com.

ssachs@aalrr.com.

Sysol, Brad H., was elected a princi-

2001 Wilson Class

providing trust and agency account for the Western District of Missouri. administration for clients. Phone: (816) 426-4314; e-mail: stefan.hughes@usdoj.gov.

Kromholz, John W., was named managing partner by OTA Services, LLC, in Sebring, Fla. He is the owner of Kromholz Law in Sebring with offices at 104 N. Ridgewood Drive. He is a former assistant state's attorney

P.C. in Southfield, Mich. His areas of and practices criminal, malpractice emphasis include all aspects of business and law and he handles the negotiation and

pal of the firm Miller, Canfield, PadAmbrozaitis, Michelle, was elected

KNOWLEDGE. SKILLS. ETHICS.

ALUMNI MATTERS Blair Jr. Class

other and develop individual alumni

Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

Gardner, Katherine S., has joined

clubs throughout the country and

Boyles Class

the Law Office of Julie A. Gafkay in

world. Phone: (989) 872-8881.

Frankenmuth, Mich. She practices in the areas of employment litigation, employee benefits, and estate planning.

deputy city clerk.

makes recommendations per the plumbing code rules and licenses plumbers in the state.

Cohen, Adam G., married Sarah

Edwards Class

Pratt,Vanessa-Nola, began a

O. Smith Class

Alexandra Long on Aug. 31, 2008.

Good III, Joe, has been named

judicial clerkship with the Hon. Ive

Frimpong, Ben K., was

He is a trial attorney in Baltimore, Md.

partner in the firm of Olson, Good

A. Swan, Associate Justice of the

appointed by the Board of Directors

Attorneys at Law in Mt. Pleasant, South

Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands

obituaries

Kretzschmer, Julie E., has joined

of Michigan’s Tri-County Dental Health

Carolina. He practices civil defense

in January 2008. Phone: Tel: (340)

1976 Cooley Class

Honigman, Miller, Schwartz & Cohn,

Council to serve as the organization’s

LLP, in the firm’s Oakland County,

litigation, primarily construction-related

774-2237; e-mail: vanessa-

Thomas, Claude, 65, died Aug. 17,

vice president. He has also been

Mich. Office. She is in the corporate

cases, real estate law, and criminal

nola.pratt@visupremecourt.org.

2008. He was a former police officer,

the firm of

appointed as a member of the Board

department and intellectual property

defense. The firm has been added as the

Brickley Class

Ingham County Assistant Prosecutor,

Varnum,

of Directors by the Sickle Cell Disease

practice group. She previously was an

principal firm in South Carolina

Mazur, Melissa, is employed with

Phone: (989) 652-9240; e-mail: kgardner@gafkaylaw.com. Gregg, Randall S., has joined

and Lansing District Court Judge.

Riddering,

Association of America-Michigan

attorney with Cooper & Riesterer, a

representing the Council on Litigation

O’Brien & Ryan, LLP, in Philadelphia,

1977 Graves Class

Schmidt &

Chapter. He presently serves as the

business law firm in Brighton, Mich.

Management, formerly the Council on

Penn.

Howlett, LLP.,

Employment & Labor Counsel to

Bevez, Brian Ware, 58, died

Learning Care Group, Inc., based in

Misir, Kap, has opened his own

June 15, 2008. He worked in private

in Grand

McDonough, John, was elected St.

Ethical Billing.

Joseph County (Michigan) prosecuRapids, Mich.

Novi, Mich. Phone: (248) 719-1094.

Niven, Crystal Beitler, married

practice, Misir & Associates, 125-16

tor. He previously served as an

Chad D. Niven (Boyles Class, 2005).

Queens Blvd., Kew Gardens, NY.

assistant prosecutor with the office.

She is an associate attorney at Hoopes

Phone: (718) 732-7730; e-mail:

Nawrocki, Mark L., has joined the

& Adams, PLC, in Chandler, Ariz.,

kmisir@misirlaw.com.

1978 Kelly Class

firm of Fabrizio & Brook, PC, in Troy,

where she does estate planning, wills, probate, and business transactions.

Ross, Codie J., accepted an associate

Hershman, Murray J., 57, died

Mich. He practices civil litigation, com-

position with Hunt Suedhoff &

Aug. 6, 2008 in Prescott, Ariz. He

mercial transactions, creditors’ rights,

Phone: (480) 345-8845. Kalamaros in Fort Wayne, Ind. He

was a tax attorney and tax accountant

real estate litigation, and contracts. He

Fitzgerald Class

previously taught social studies at

with a special expertise in the tax

formerly worked for the Bay County

Chialastri, Carlo, has joined the

DeKalb High School from 1999

controversy area. He was active in the

Prosecutor’s Office, the Washtenaw

Los Angeles, Calif., immigration law

to 2008. Phone: (260) 423-1311

Worcester, Mass., community, and

County Public Defender’s Office, as a

His practice focuses primarily on real

Lawrence, Marc P., was appointed

estate and business law. He was previ-

as an associate attorney with the firm of

ously a founding and managing member at Hicks, Mullet & Gregg, PLLC, in Lansing, Mich. Phone: (616) 336-6000. White III, George O. (Rex), earned a Ph.D. in International Business from the College of Business Administration at the University of Texas at El Paso. He has accepted a position as an assistant professor of

Foley Baron & Metzger, PLLC, with offices in Detroit and Ann Arbor, Mich. He concentrates his practice in environmental and toxic tort litigation, complex commercial, civil, and products liability defense. He also counsels clients on the environmental and administrative law

and (260) 399-2505; e-mail:

was an adjunct professor in the MBA

an associate in the business, entertain-

program at Clark University. He was

Tibbs, Demond L., has joined the

cross@hsk-law.com.

as a juvenile probation officer for the

ment and employment division. He has

44th Circuit Court.

Smith, Shane S., has joined the

also assistant basketball coach at

Saginaw County (Michigan) Prosecutor’s

built a career as an immigration lawyer

Sarasota, Fla., law firm of Levin

Starr Class

focusing on all aspects of business,

Tannenbaum as an associate attorney.

1979 G. Clark Class

assistant prosecutor and an associate

Dubbeld, Jennifer C., married

employment and entertainment

She practices primarily in the areas of

immigration law in Miami, Fla. The

Lambert, Gary M., 59, of Grand

with Shinners & Cook in Saginaw, Mich.

Joseph J. Paolillo Jr. on March 30,

construction and commercial litigation.

Blanc, Mich., died Aug. 23, 2008. He

2008, in St. Pete Beach, Fla.

firm is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Wiggins, Corey J., has joined

was a tax attorney.

Zirnhelt and Bowron, PLC, as an

1980 North Class

of Michigan-Flint. He teaches classes

previously served as a Wayne County

research focuses on how regulations and laws in Asian emerging markets

Toy Class

6th Floor, Los Angeles, Calif. 90010.

influence multinational enterprise

Maitland, Maurice, with the

subsidiary strategies. E-mail:

Immigration Law Office of Maurice

gowhite@umflint.edu.

Maitland, was invited to participate in the ABA/LSD Career Fair in New

Iredell Class LaMarca, Joy, joined the law firm of Block, Colucci, Longo, in Buffalo, N.Y.,

retirement in 2005.

firm of Darren Silver & Associates as

Office as an assistant prosecutor. He

management, and strategy. His

city attorney’s office until his

clerk for the Third Circuit Court, and

aspects of real estate development.

international business at the University on international business, international

practice and for the Lansing, Mich.,

York City. Phone: (212) 835-7758.

2004 Cross Class

Gower, Jason P., was awarded first

Phone: (213) 384-1900; e-mail: associate attorney in its Traverse City,

place in the category of Best Attorney info@darrensilver.com. by the readers of the Bay City Times

Mich., office.

newspaper in Bay City, Mich., along

Esser, Lisa Michelle, married

with his partner, Adam C. Reddick

Timothy Allan Czerniawski on June

(Sharpe Class, 2008).

28, 2008 in Clarkston, Mich. Lisa is

Johnson, Brian F., has been named

as an associate attorney. She previously

Eastman, Kathryn M., was named

a shareholder in the Peoria, Ill., law

was an associate attorney at Schop &

an associate in the area of workers’

firm of Johnson, Bunce & Noble, P.C.

Pleskow, LLP, in Buffalo.

compensation with the law firm of

Yavapai High School in Prescott.

Seidlein, Geoffrey H., 53, died April 24, 2008. He was an environmental

2008 E.

attorney and a partner at Hubbard, Fox,

Sharpe Class

Thomas, White & Bengston, in Lansing,

an associate attorney for Sommers

Murphy, Erin

Mich. He was also on the board of

Schwartz, PC, in Southfield, Mich.

R., has joined

Woldumar Nature Center and an

She specializes in medical malpractice.

the

adjunct professor at Cooley.

Detroit,

1982 Wing Class

Johnson's practice areas include:

Sharpe, Stephen Patrick, married

business formation, mergers, and

Mary Margaret Kennedy on June 21,

acquisitions; commercial real estate;

2008, in Hampton, Va. He is an

estate planning; and litigation with

assistant commonwealth attorney

Needham Class

emphasis in creditors' rights.

in Louisa County, Va.

been an assistant city attorney since

Biltekoff, Dara B., has joined Energy

Mossell, Kimberly, has accepted a

2007 Fisher Class

coverage law and general liability.

2004, and worked with the economic

Curtailment Specialists, Inc., in Buffalo,

staff attorney position at Cleary Got-

Bower II, Ross K., has joined the

Reddick, Adam C., was awarded

development office on a variety of

N.Y., as in-house corporate counsel.

tlieb Sheen & Hamilton, LLP, in New

law practice of Fahey Schultz Burzych

first place in the category of Best

issues including contract negotiations.

She is involved in energy-related regula-

York, N.Y. She specializes in complex

Rhodes, PLC, in Okemos, Mich. He

Attorney by the readers of the Bay

Ogbonna, Michael C., 47, died April

A registered patent attorney, Downs

tory proceedings across the country.

corporate litigation.

specializes in municipal law, administra-

City Times newspaper in Bay City,

21, 2008, during a visit to Nigeria. He

has also served as an adjunct professor

Kruger, Judy, has been named

Savaglio, Adam, has joined the

tive law and labor and employment

Mich., along with his partner, Jason

was a practicing attorney in Lansing,

P. Gower, (Starr Class, 2005).

Mich., and an employee of the Michi-

Kenney Shelton Liptak & Nowak, with 2002T. Johnson Class Downs,Timothy, has been named a city deputy director of economic development in Dayton, Ohio. He has

offices in Buffalo, Rochester, Corning and New York City.

of Plunkett Cooney as an

Lesperance, Jeffrey, accepted a

for the Lansing Regional Chamber

Ontario. He specializes in corporate

with Hubbard, Fox, Thomas, White &

position as corporate counsel-Patents

of Commerce.

securities and commercial law. Phone:

Bengtson, PC, where he practiced civil,

(416) 364-5371.

commercial and criminal litigation.

Souchick, Erin, was selected by

2006 Reid Class

Sass, Erica, has accepted a

the local and state chapters of the

Munson, Matthew E., has joined the

clearance studies, does patent licensing, assures global patent protection, and assists product developers/ inventors for Alticor’s various business divisions. Phone: (616) 787-7303. 2003 Swainson Class Roggenbuck, Amanda L., has renewed a certificate of completion in the areas of probate and estate planning issued by the Institute of Continuing Legal Education and the

Daughters of the American Revolution to receive the History Award for Teaching. She teaches history to

contract position as an Assistant Montgomery, Ala., law firm of Frank M.Wilson, P.C., as an associate. His

Crown Attorney/Prosecutor with

Cougar Club, Jaycees, and Chamber of

gan Department of Transportation.

law practice of John W. Stevenson and

2006 Edwards Class

Sean S. Land in Owensboro, Ky.

Boehms, Amy Derieg, 41, of

Torres, Judy Marie Deleon

Lapeer (formerly of Holland, Mich.)

Guerrero, has joined her elder

died Tuesday, September 2, 2008. She

brothers Vince, Joaquin, and Victorino

was most recently Director of Special

(all T. Johnson Class, 2002) as an

Education for Lapeer Community

attorney in the Torres Brothers Law

Schools. Previously, she was a Supervi-

Firm in Saipan.

sor of Special Education at Fenville

in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. E-mail: erica.sass@ontario.ca.

Edwardsburg Middle School

commercial litigation, products liability, and appellate practice. E-mail:

Waddell, Mary A., joined the firm of

C. Adams

Public Schools through the Allegan

2005 McAllister Class

matt@frankwilsonpc.com.

Vairo, Mechlin, Tomasi, Johnson &

Class

Area Educational Service Agency.

LaLonde, Christopher J., has

Trott, Amanda, joined the Detroit,

joined the Veritas Law Group in

Mich., law firm of Tanoury, Corbet,

Kalamazoo, Mich., as a principal. He

Shaw, Nauts, Essad, & Beutel as an as-

was formerly an associate attorney with

sociate. Trott concentrates her practice

Willis & Willis, PLC, in Kalamazoo. He

in medical malpractice defense.

(Michigan) eighth graders.

Manchester, PLLC, in Houghton, Mich. Frazier,

She practices in the areas of domestic

Melanie T., has

relations, litigation, real estate, general

joined the firm of

business transactions, corporations, Howard &

wills and estates. Attorneys, PC, in its litigation

Melisa

Altieri,Timothy J., has been hired as

group. She will practice out

(Werkema),

an associate at Cohen & Lombardo,

of the firm's Bloomfield Hills, Mich., office. She

has expertise in estate planning, probate

Mysliwiec,

and trust administration, and corporate law. He was selected as a Rising Star by

Howard

Boston Class

of the State Bar of Michigan. The attorney’s skills in the area of estate

Michigan Super Lawyers in 2008.

of Foster Zack

PC, in Buffalo, N.Y. He concentrates

and probate planning. It also allows

Phone: (269) 270-3500.

Little Pasteur &

his practice in the areas of criminal law

received her LL.M. from Cooley with

Manning, PC, in

and real estate law.

this class.

Okemos, Mich.,

attorneys to learn about new areas in the law and changes to current laws and practices. She practices in the area

Olson, Char-

Despetorich, Jason M., married

Smith VI,Thomas Dixon, of

elected to her

has been named the assistant

Natalie K. Hoying on June 21, 2008,

Lansing, Mich., married Sakélé

second term on

editor of the State Bar Probate and Es-

in Columbus, Ohio. Jason is in private

Elizabeth Wallace on March 15, 2008

the Michigan

tate Planning Journal. She has also been

practice in Columbus.

in New Haven, Ind.

Association of

named to serve on the Elder Law

Evans, Nicole, was appointed city

Whipple, R. Charles, of Grand

Collection

Committee

clerk for the city of East Lansing,

Rapids, Mich., was appointed to the

Agencies’ board of directors. She is a

and Amicus Curiae Committee of the

Mich. She previously served the city

State Plumbing Board to represent the

member of the commercial litigation

State Bar of Michigan Probate and

as a deputy court clerk, a probation

general public for a term expiring June

practice group at Plunkett Cooney in

Estate Planning Council.

officer, chief probation officer, and a

30, 2011. The State Plumbing Board

ity A., was

of estate planning and family law in Cass City, Mich. Amanda has also been named the Chairperson of the Cooley Law School Alumni Association Constituent Alumni Clubs Committee. The committee has members throughout the country and helps to organize a network of alumni to support each

BENCHMARK COLUMN

1998 Snow Class

Tierney, Matthew C., has joined the

the Ministry of the Attorney General,

practice focuses on personal injury,

Probate and Estate Planning Section program serves to strengthen an

area. He was active in the Lions Club, Commerce in Campbellsport.

firm of McLean Kerr, L.L.P, in Toronto,

supervises outside counsel, conducts

Campbellsport/Fond du Lac, Wis.,

her practice in the areas of insurance

the new procurement counselor

Mich. He prepares patent applications,

June 29, 2008. He practiced law in the

litigation practice groups. She focuses

at National College.

Swift Class

Haza, Michael “Mike,” 54, died

attorney in the firm’s insurance law and

law. He previously was an associate

Legal Division-with Alticor, Inc., in Ada,

Mich., office