Dykema Earns 16 Practice Area Rankings and 29 Individual Rankings in Chambers USA 2023

Bankruptcy/Restructuring

What the team is known for

Dykema offers debtor-side representation focused on midmarket companies across a wide range of industry sectors, with significant energy, real estate and healthcare experience. Adept at advising on distressed asset acquisition and bankruptcy-related litigation. Works with debtors, creditors and committees. Also represents financial institutions, including Texas-based and community-based banks.

Strengths

"They are extremely responsive. The lawyers also expeditiously move legal issues to resolution."

Notable practitioners

Deborah Williamson is a go-to practitioner in the insolvency and restructuring space. She has broad sector expertise and often works with clients from the healthcare and energy sectors on the full spectrum of bankruptcy matters. "Deborah is knowledgeable and intelligent. She's one of the leading bankruptcy lawyers." "She's creative and experienced."

Cannabis Law

What the team is known for

Dykema is designed to offer a full range of legal services to cannabis businesses. Combines experience in navigating licensing and regulatory regimes with a track record of guiding clients through real estate and corporate deals.

Strengths

"When it comes to cannabis licensing, the lawyers at Dykema Gossett show a clear command of the law and the administrative processes."

"The team show an outstanding understanding of the industry and regulations, and always add valuable members with specific skill sets to clients' cases."

Notable practitioners

Lance Boldrey is regularly called upon to provide whole-business advice to cannabis businesses. Recent work has involved advising on licensing agreements and regulatory compliance matters. "Lance is outstanding. He is a very knowledgeable attorney, who is both responsive and engaged in the space."

Corporate/M&A

What the team is known for

Dykema provides sophisticated counsel on a wide range of corporate and financing matters, including commercial loan structuring, business governance and securities issuances. Attracts a diverse client base encompassing lenders, banks, investors and high-profile businesses. Maintains a strong private equity offering, acting on portfolio acquisitions and sales.

Dykema has strong skills in midmarket M&A. The San Antonio-based team represents clients across a broad range of industries, including healthcare and the automotive industry.

Strengths

"The team are strong advocates for us as the client, but when it is time to get the deal finished, they're able to structure reasonable compromises. They work tirelessly and are accessible throughout."

"Their multifaceted team allows us to rely on a single resource for a variety of issues."

Notable practitioners

Kate Bechen advises clients on a range of M&A transactions and investments, both at home and abroad, offering particular skill in SPAC mergers and in the healthcare sector.

Michael Bernard is a highly regarded practitioner who is esteemed for his strengths in M&A, corporate governance and capital raising transactions. He is frequently mandated on acquisitions and disposals in the automotive industry.

Jeff Gifford is a respected practitioner who advises on transactions. He is frequently called upon by public companies.

Jin-Kyu Koh is widely considered to be a leader in M&A. He is equally skilled in the public and private sectors and is also well versed in venture capital financing.

Eric Lenzen has experience in working on corporate transactions, restructurings, and M&A. He also has expertise in advising on related regulatory matters.

Will Liebmann offers experience in a wide range of corporate issues, including M&A and joint ventures. "Will is an outstanding resource."

Thomas Vaughn is experienced handling matters related to real estate investment funds, including in regard to formation issues. "He's very knowledgeable about the law, but also the practical side of doing business."

Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation

What the team is known for

Dykema has significant expertise in a wide range of employee benefits and executive compensation matters, supported by comprehensive resources in corporate finance, labor and employment and tax. The firm demonstrates particular strength in the formation of qualified employee benefit plans, welfare benefit schemes and issues relating to ERISA. Experience also covers health plans. Client base includes public and church-affiliated employers.

Strengths

"The legal team at Dykema is always highly knowledgeable and responsive."

Notable practitioners

Amy Christen heads up the health and welfare team, overseeing an array of matters relating to the ACA and COBRA. "Amy is knowledgeable and responsive."

Insurance

What the team is known for

Dykema offers dedicated representation of insurers in complex coverage disputes and other litigation. It has a strong track record in both professional liability and general liability claims and has particular expertise in cases involving bank failure. The team also frequently acts on bad faith claims.

Dykema fields an esteemed insurance practice with capabilities across the state of Texas. It is recognized among insurers for its expertise in regulatory proceedings and commercial general liability overage, among other matters.

Strengths

"Dykema Gossett has handled all aspects of insurance coverage very competently and knowledgeably. The team is very strong with extensive experience and the service is of the highest level."

"This is our go-to firm for the most complex cases."

"Their written work product is high-quality and their advice is practical.”

"I use them for the most complex cases we encounter."

Notable practitioners

Thomas Alleman is codirector of the firm's nationwide insurance industry group. He offers expertise in handling injury claims and property damage, product liability, bad faith claims and reinsurance work.

Lewis Loss frequently represents prominent insurance carriers in complex and sensitive disputes. He expertly handles a wide array of claims as well as cases alleging bad faith. "Lewis is an outstanding advocate and I have yet to find someone who exceeds his knowledge and handling of matters."

Thomas Judge has particular expertise in professional liability disputes, including D&O and E&O work. "Tom Judge is extremely knowledgeable in the field of insurance coverage." "Tom is amazingly bright. He is strong in his field, strong in the law and strong in negotiation." "Tom is a very strong coverage attorney who gets us great results."

Labor & Employment

What the team is known for

Robust labor and employment practice popular with a diverse range of banking, higher education and technology clients. Notable strength in representing clients in administrative proceedings before the NLRB and Michigan Employment Relations Commission. Employment expertise spans noncompete and trade secrets disputes as well as discrimination claims. Also active advising on traditional labor matters, including union issues and wage and hour cases.

Strengths

"The team are always responsive and timely."

Notable practitioners

Jim Hermon is well versed in defending corporate employers against allegations of harassment and discrimination, as well as representing them in cases arising from breaches of noncompete agreements. He has further experience advising clients on workforce reductions.

Robert Boonin handles a broad array of traditional labor law matters and is well known for his expert knowledge of the FLSA. He is particularly adept at representing education and public sector clients. "Rob is an excellent resource."

Litigation: Appellate

Notable practitioners

Melanie Fry has a strong track record of Texan appellate work, particularly involving the energy industry. She regularly acts for clients before the Texas Supreme Court and the Fifth Circuit. "Melanie is a smart, well-respected appellate practitioner."

Litigation: General Commercial

What the team is known for

Dykema has a thriving commercial litigation team acting for both sides in a range of high-stakes civil disputes. It possesses an excellent track record representing clients in arbitrations and mediations, as well as state and federal court cases across the USA. The firm handles a wide range of antitrust, product liability and real estate-related issues. It is well known for its work advising major pharmaceutical and medical device businesses, as well as automotive companies. It also represents clients in the healthcare industry in product liability matters.

Dykema handles a diverse array of contentious proceedings, including high-value contract disputes, dealer and franchise issues and government investigations. The firm maintains a strong client roster of both international and regional companies, as well as individuals and boards of directors. It is active in sectors ranging from banking and consumer finance to the healthcare, energy and technology industries.

Strengths

"Dykema is responsive and collaborative."

"They always respond and communicate quickly and effectively."

"The team is responsive, knowledgeable and supportive."

"Dykema Gossett are particularly skilled at early technical workup and resolution of cases. They're also always attentive and responsive."

Notable practitioners

James Feeney has expertise covering the full gamut of pharmaceutical and medical device claims, in addition to toxic tort cases. His wider litigation practice encompasses financial services and antitrust litigation.

David Kinder is an experienced trial lawyer with expertise in complex business disputes, insurance claims and construction litigation. "David Kinder is a great litigator."

Thomas Sanders is experienced with representing insurers in commercial litigation. "Thomas Sanders is a wonderful litigator and a very talented advocate for his clients."

Litigation – White-Collar Crime & Government Investigations

Notable practitioners

Jennifer Beidel is a smart and savvy lawyer who is highly experienced when it comes to the courtroom."

Native American Law

What the team is known for

What the team is known for: Dykema Gossett is recognized for its expertise at the juncture of gaming and Native American law. The team advises nontribal clients as well as tribes and tribal entities on a broad range of related issues including land-to-trust work, eligibility applications and financing agreements.

Strengths

"A strong, developed team."

"Exceptional from briefing all the way to the courtroom."

"The firm has expert understanding of the legal issues informed by great practical experience."

Notable practitioners

Lance Boldrey advises tribes, nontribal governments and nontribal entities on a wide array of Native American law matters, with an emphasis on state-tribal relations, economic development and other corporate matters. "Lance shows the great adaptability and patience needed to manage a complex project."

Product Liability

What the team is known for

What the team is known for: Dykema Gossett is a well-regarded automotive product liability firm with particular strength in Detroit. It excels across both mass torts and consumer class actions. The team frequently represents major automobile clients in MDLs and large-scale economic loss cases, with further strengths in personal injury lawsuits and product defect litigation. Its expertise includes acting as local, regional and national counsel.

Strengths

"I find Dykema attorneys to be very well informed of recent developments in the law and in business."

"They are very collaborative and very easy to work with."

Notable practitioners

Derek Whitefield is widely experienced in automobile product liability, having represented leading companies in consumer class actions, personal injury lawsuits and federal MDLs. "Derek is a very strategic attorney. His knowledge of this field and of defense is incredibly deep. He's an excellent trial attorney and very client-focused."

Jim Feeney is an accomplished trial lawyer and is frequently sought after by major automotive industry names to handle high-stakes multi-court product liability cases. "He is one of the premier auto products lawyers." "James is a tremendous trial lawyer."

John Thomas is a fine choice of counsel for large automotive manufacturers facing complex consumer class actions, as well as appellate litigation. "John is a strategic thinker and a good writer." "He's a rare talent in class action litigation."

Mike Cooney leads the firm's litigation department and has a strong track record acting as national and regional trial counsel for major automotive manufacturers and suppliers. "He is a solid litigator and very confident trial counsel." "Michael is extremely smart, good on his feet and has good strategic judgment. He just does a really good job." "He's an outstanding trial lawyer."

Real Estate

What the team is known for

Dykema is a full-service real estate practice, representing a range of clients such as developers, investors and owners. It draws on its impressive construction knowledge to advise on transactional real estate matters, covering property acquisition, leasing, restructurings and financings.

Strengths

"Dykema Gossett has strong players up and down the bench and responds promptly, particularly with time-sensitive matters."

"Dykema is a solid firm."

Notable practitioners

Adam Fishkind is a well-regarded figure within the department. He has a variety of experience spanning the acquisition, leasing and financing of retail, residential, industrial and hotel properties. He is partner in charge of the firm's Bloomfield Hills office. "He is solid. A good real estate lawyer."

Kyle Hauberg advises on all aspects of commercial property matters.

Michael Kurtzon is a real estate financing specialist known for his work with big-name lenders. He is active on a variety of financing mandates, including construction and development loans. "He is a great lawyer, smart and practical, really well liked and well respected in the community." "He's easy to work with, smart with good market knowledge. Michael is a smart lender's lawyer."

Real Estate: Zoning/Land Use

Andrew Scott has built a noteworthy practice representing developers in land use and zoning matters. He also assists corporate clients with negotiating government entitlements and tax incentives for the development of corporate headquarters and manufacturing facilities. "He's a good lawyer and knows his material thoroughly." "He is a very good private sector entitlement expert, and he's very entrepreneurial in his practice."