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Ian Williamson '04
, a partner at Mantese Honigman PC, has been elected chairperson of the State Bar of Michigan's Business Law Section for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Williamson is a key leader in Mantese Honigman's business litigation practice group, where he adeptly manages business and shareholder disputes both in Michigan and nationwide. He has received widespread recognition for his expertise in business litigation matters, including being named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly's Go-To Lawyers Power List for business litigation in 2023.
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Jason Anderson '09
, attorney at the Law Offices of Jason D. Anderson, PLLC, was featured in Downtown Magazine for his upcoming novel, Apocalypsing, set to be released by Roadside Press in November. This 300-page book caters to both casual and serious readers, featuring an accessible young adult style while presenting a storyline geared toward adults.
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Jeffrey Hicks '97
, a Managing Counsel for Real Estate at Tesla, Inc., has recently joined the company's world headquarters in Austin, Texas. Hicks brings a wealth of experience in real property law, gained from both in-house and private practice positions. In his role at Tesla, he will leverage his expertise to navigate complex real estate transactions and contribute to the company's growth in the evolving automotive landscape.
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Joseph A. Peterson '15
, senior tax attorney and Tax Law Practice Group Leader at Plunkett Cooney, has been named vice chair of the Oakland County Bar Association’s (OCBA) Tax Law Committee. Peterson focuses his practice on resolving individual and business tax controversies, including audit defense, collections, and litigation with the IRS and state tax authorities. He also advises clients on the Employee Retention Credit Program and Paycheck Protection Program forgiveness. Admitted to practice in state and federal courts in Michigan, as well as the U.S. Tax Court, Peterson has extensive experience in tax planning and litigation.
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Scott H. Sirich '92
, a partner at Plunkett Cooney, has been named to the Michigan Super Lawyers list for 2024. Scott was recognized for his expertise in construction litigation, reflecting his commitment to excellence in this field. His continued inclusion on the list underscores his strong reputation and success in handling complex construction-related legal matters.
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Mary Massaron '90
, a partner at Plunkett Cooney, has been named to the Michigan Super Lawyers list for 2024. This marks the 18th consecutive year she has been recognized among the top 50 female lawyers in the state for her expertise in appellate law. Mary’s continued inclusion on this prestigious list highlights her outstanding contributions to the legal profession and her distinguished appellate practice.
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Nayyer Siddiqi '04
, a shareholder and patent attorney at Quinn IP Law, has been named to the Michigan Lawyers Weekly Class of 2024 "Influential Women of Law." This award honors women attorneys for their outstanding contributions to the justice system, their clients, and communities, as well as their service to the legal profession. Nayyer's recognition highlights her unwavering commitment to excellence in patent law, her technical expertise, and her professionalism, which distinguish her in the field.
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Sandra Glazier '82
Equity Shareholder at Lipson Neilson P.C., has been appointed as a Commissioner to the ABA Commission on Law and Aging (COLA) by the ABA President. COLA leads efforts to strengthen and secure the legal rights, dignity, autonomy, and quality of life for older adults. The Commission’s work includes research, policy development, advocacy, education, training, and supporting lawyers, bar associations, and others addressing aging issues.
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Alexis Smith-Scott, Esq. '20
, a Corporate Law and Mergers & Acquisitions attorney at Bodman PLC, has been recognized with two prestigious honors: Board Member of the Year and Committee Chair of the Year by the Wolverine Bar Association. These accolades were awarded at the Annual Presidents Dinner, co-hosted by the Wolverine Bar Association, the D. Augustus Straker Bar Association, and the Association of Black Judges of Michigan. The awards celebrate Alexis for her remarkable contributions, drawing on her background as a Public Relations and Marketing professional to advance the Wolverine Bar Association's mission and for organizing the highly successful 62nd Annual Barristers' Ball.
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Jill Ferrari '01
, managing partner at Renovare Development, is featured in Crain’s Detroit Business for her impactful real estate projects, including Munising Marketplace and Dorsey Estates. She co-founded the Women’s Sustainable Development Initiative to support women of color in real estate. Ferrari is also recognized for her creative work, including an award-winning screenplay and a children’s book.
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Jamerika Ramsey '23
recently joined Plunkett Cooney, one of the Midwest’s oldest and most esteemed law firms, as a member of its Torts & Litigation Practice Group. Based in the Bloomfield Hills office, she handles a range of litigation defense matters, including premises and transportation liability, and governmental law claims. Her practice encompasses slip and fall cases, auto negligence litigation, labor and employment issues, and police liability claims for municipalities.
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Hon. Kameshia Gant '04
an Oakland County Circuit Court Judge received two prestigious awards at the Presidents' Dinner hosted by the WBA, Straker Bar, ABJM, and BWLAM. She was honored with the Harold Hood Award from the Association of Black Judges of Michigan and the Committee of the Year Award from the D. Augustus Straker Bar Association, recognizing her role as Chair of the Community Service Committee.
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Benjamin Glazebrook '06
a Partner at the Detroit office of Plunkett Cooney, was recently elected to the board of directors of the Detroit Bar Association. In this role, Glazebrook will provide strategic leadership to achieve the Detroit Bar’s goals and objectives. He will also focus on identifying new members and developing opportunities with strategic partners.
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Hon. Chandra W Baker-Robinson '03
a Wayne County Third Circuit Court Judge, has recently joined the Board of the Wayne County Jail Outreach Ministry (WCJOM). WCJOM is a non-profit organization with 501(c)3 status that offers interfaith religious services for inmates at the Wayne County Jail, catering to individuals of all denominations. Additionally, the ministry extends support to returning citizens by providing clothing, food, job placement, mentoring, as well as free medical and dental services.
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Jeffrey Schroder '01
a Partner at the Bloomfield Hills office of Plunkett Cooney, was recently named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly's 2024 list of Go-To Lawyers for Cannabis Law in Michigan. With prior experience as a Michigan Assistant Attorney General and Assistant City Attorney in Warren, Schroder specializes in assisting clients with securing and renewing cannabis business licenses, acquiring operational facilities, and navigating complex regulatory compliance in Michigan.
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Erika Riggs '11
partner at Disability Law Group, received the 2024 Champion of Justice Award from the State Bar of Michigan. This prestigious honor recognizes Attorney Riggs for her exceptional professional excellence and dedication to justice. The award is reserved for legal professionals who demonstrate integrity, superior competence, and extraordinary contributions to their community.
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Courtney Lavender '21
recently joined the Appellate Law Practice Group of Plunkett Cooney. Lavender, who is a member of the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office, focuses her appellate practice in the areas of commercial litigation, governmental law, first- and third-party motor vehicle negligence and insurance coverage disputes. She also has litigation experience defending No-Fault and third-party claims, as well as premises liability, pet liability and defamation matters.
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Shanika Owens '17
an Associate at Butzel, was awarded the Detroit Bar Association Pro Bono Service Award. The award is given to attorneys who demonstrate above and beyond pro bono legal service to the community. Recipients are also recognized by members of the Third Circuit Court Judges and Staff.
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Kameshia Gant '04
A Oakland County Circuit Court Judge, received the Joan Young Judicial Excellence Award from the Women's Bar Association-Oakland Region of WLAM at their Annual Meeting held on May 2, 2024.
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Cloie Chidiac '22
has recently become a member of the Torts & Litigation Practice Group at Plunkett Cooney. In her role, she brings a wealth of experience across various litigation domains, including general liability, insurance law, employment liability, premises liability, family law, commercial litigation, and motor vehicle liability.
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Kim Yapchai '93
has assumed the role of Chief Legal Officer at Teichert, Inc., one of California's longest-standing construction companies. In addition to her professional responsibilities, she actively engages with DirectWomen, an organization dedicated to enhancing the presence of women lawyers on corporate boards. Kim serves on the DirectWomen board and co-chairs the International Committee, leveraging her experience as an alumna of their Board Institute. With a distinguished 30-year career in-house, Kim has held significant roles in Fortune 200 companies, including her recent tenures at Tenneco and Whirlpool.
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Michael Khoury '82
a Partner at FisherBroyles, LLP, was honored with the 17th annual Stephen H. Schulman Outstanding Business Lawyer Award by the State Bar of Michigan’s Business Law Section. This prestigious award recognizes Michigan business lawyers who consistently demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, practice excellence, and a steadfast commitment to service, ethical conduct, and collegiality within the legal profession. Michael's continued recognition includes listings in Best Lawyers, SuperLawyers, and dBusiness Top Lawyers.
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Michael Cassar '17
recently elected as a shareholder at Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC, specializes in workers' compensation defense within the firm's Employer Services group. With a focus on representing employers, insurance carriers, and third-party administrators across Michigan, Cassar offers comprehensive legal counsel in workers’ compensation matters. Additionally, he advises employers of all sizes on workplace safety and employment law issues.
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Scott Hill '03
has been re-elected as Executive Partner of Varnum LLP. As a member of the Corporate Practice Team, Scott specializes in business representation, including transactions, planning, and counseling. His expertise extends to navigating supply chain opportunities and risks across various levels, as well as providing succession planning support to closely-held businesses. Additionally, Scott dedicates a portion of his practice to advising clients on sales, mergers, and similar transactional matters.
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Thomas Schehr '97
has been appointed by Dykema as a member of its six-person Executive Board. Schehr is an experienced commercial litigator who regularly handles business, financial services, and healthcare disputes. In addition to his work in the trial courts, Schehr has won appeals for clients in important cases before the Michigan Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit. He previously served as Director of Dykema’s more than 100-lawyer Financial Industry Group.
