Chambers USA 2022 Edition Ranks Dykema as a Top Firm Nationally in Automotive Practices and in 14 Practices Overall

Bankruptcy/Restructuring

What the team is known for

Debtor-side representation focused on mid-market 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. Clients say, “They are a strong corporate finance group.”

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. Clients say, “Deborah provides excellent legal advice and is very aware of the needs and expectations of her clients.”

Cannabis Law

What the team is known for

Dykema… offers 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. Clients say, “They are very responsive and very accurate.”

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.

Corporate/M&A

What the team is known for

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.

Additionally, 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. Clients say, “We have been very impressed with the level of service, attention to detail and analysis provided to us on all matters.”

Notable practitioners

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. Clients say “Jin has an excellent reputation; he is a smart and good lawyer.”

Eric Lenzen has experience working on corporate transactions and M&A, as well as expertise advising on related regulatory matters.

Will Liebmann offers experience in a wide range of corporate issues, including M&A and joint ventures. Clients say, “Will is a true corporate/M&A lawyer,” and “He supplied exceptional legal services on all matters.”

Thomas Vaughn is experienced [at] handling matters related to real estate investment funds, including in regard to formation issues. Clients say, “Thomas is a very good attorney, he's smart and tenacious.”

Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation

What the team is known for

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. 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.

Notable practitioners

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

Meg Hunter has a wealth of knowledge in employee benefits and associated tax matters. Her wide-ranging practice encompasses the entire life-cycle of benefit programs, from their design through to operation and termination.

Insurance

What the team is known for

Dykema offers dedicated representation of insurers in complex coverage disputes and other litigation. Strong track record in both professional liability and general liability claims, including particular expertise in cases involving bank failure. Also frequently acts on bad faith claims.

Additionally, Dykema has an esteemed insurance practice with capabilities across Texas. Recognized among insurers for its expertise in regulatory proceedings and commercial general liability overage, among other matters. Clients say, “They are wonderfully responsive, thorough and easy to work with.”

Notable practitioners

Thomas Alleman is co-director 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 experienced and gives clear, practical, advice.” “A trusted adviser who is enjoyable to work with." "He is an excellent advocate in all regards.”

Thomas Judge has particular expertise in professional liability disputes, including D&O and E&O work. “Thomas is extremely detail-oriented and leaves no stone unturned. He has a strong ability to break down complex issues and is one of my go-to attorneys when expecting tough negotiations.” “He thinks deeply about the issues and gives good advice. He'll give us his opinion but will work with us if we have a different perspective.”

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. Clients say, “The labor and employment team has many experienced members with expertise in many areas, along with associates of increasing levels of experience and expertise,” “Dykema is good at getting back to us on issues in a timely manner,” and “They have experienced and knowledgeable attorneys.”

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. Clients say, “James is always well informed, defends cases strategically and responds promptly to communications,” and “He always provides practical advice to go with his legal opinions.”

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. Clients say, “He is well versed on the FLSA.”

Litigation

What the team is known for

Thriving commercial litigation team acting for both sides in a range of high-stakes civil disputes. Possesses an excellent track record representing clients in arbitrations and mediations, as well as state and federal court cases across the USA. Handles a wide range of antitrust, product liability and real estate-related issues. Well known for its work advising major pharmaceutical and medical device businesses, as well as automotive companies. Also represents clients in the healthcare industry in product liability matters. Clients say, “Their team has a broad range of experience that we have been able to draw from when needed.”

Additionally, Dykema handles a diverse array of contentious proceedings, including high-value contract disputes, dealer and franchise issues and government investigations. Maintains a strong client roster of both international and regional companies, as well as individuals and boards of directors. Active in sectors ranging from banking and consumer finance to the healthcare, energy and technology industries. Clients say, “The [San Antonio] office is highly regarded with lots of really good lawyers,” and “It is a terrific firm with terrific litigators.”

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.

Thomas Sanders is experienced with representing insurers in commercial litigation. Clients say, “He’s a courtroom lawyer with important experience of trying lawsuits.”

Native American Law

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.

Product Liability

What the team is known for

Well-regarded automotive product liability firm with particular strength in Detroit. Excels across both mass torts and consumer class actions. Frequently represents major automobile clients in MDLs and large-scale economic loss cases. Further strengths in personal injury lawsuits and product defect litigation. Expertise includes acting as local, regional and national counsel. Client’s say “The Dykema team provides a great customer service.”

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 terrific, technically excellent litigator.”

John Thomas is a fine choice of counsel for large automotive manufacturers facing complex consumer class actions, as well as appellate litigation.

Real Estate

What the team is known for

Dykema undertakes the full spectrum of real estate work including commercial loan origination and infrastructure development, as well as litigation. Acts for a host of transactional stakeholders, from real estate owners and investors to lenders. Experienced in working with clients from the retail and utilities sectors. Known for its bench of highly experienced practitioners, and regularly acts with members of other groups within the firm to provide an integrated service.

Additionally, Dykema is a full-service real estate practice, representing a range of clients such as developers, investors and owners. Draws on its impressive construction knowledge to advise on transactional real estate matters, covering property acquisition, leasing, restructurings and financings. “They are extremely responsive and turn around work in the communicated timeframe.”

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.

Kyle Hauberg leads the real estate and environmental department, advising on all aspects of commercial property matters.

Michael Kurtzon is a real estate financing specialist known for his work with big-name lenders. His capabilities include syndication, structuring and collateralization. Clients say “Michael is very smart, practical and gets deals done,” and “A really good lender-side attorney.”

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. Clients say, “Andrew is an excellent lawyer.”