Dykema Achieves Top 10 National Ranks in Automotive, Cannabis, and Native American Law Categories in Legal 500 U.S. 2026
Press Releases
6.10.26
Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that the firm’s Automotive Product Liability and Class Action Litigation; Automotive, Mobility, and Transportation; Cannabis; and Gaming and Native American Law groups are recognized by the Legal 500 United States 2026 (The Legal 500). Dykema ranked among the top 10 firms nationally in four categories. In addition to the practice rankings, 19 Dykema attorneys were recognized.
For 35 years, The Legal 500 has analyzed the capabilities of law firms across the world, with a comprehensive research program revised and updated every year to bring the most up-to-date vision of the global legal market. The Legal 500 assesses the strengths of law firms in more than 150 jurisdictions. The rankings are based on a series of criteria and highlight the practice area teams that are providing the most cutting-edge and innovative advice to corporate counsel. The research is based on feedback from 300,000 clients worldwide.
As identified by The Legal 500 categories, the following Dykema attorneys and practices were recognized:
Product Liability, Mass Tort And Class Action - Defense: Automotive/Transport
Band 1 – Top 7 Firm Nationally
Dykema Gossett PLLC maintains an authoritative presence in the automotive sector, leveraging its Detroit heritage and a sprawling national network to provide comprehensive defense for OEMs and global suppliers. The firm is distinguished by its deep bench, featuring trial lawyers who have extensive nationwide experience. Its expertise covers the full lifecycle of vehicle litigation, from proactive regulatory counseling with NHTSA to defending high-stakes class actions and catastrophic injury claims. Dykema is increasingly noted for its specialized work in the electric and autonomous vehicle space, offering clients a strategic advantage in navigating emerging liability frameworks. The team also excels in B2B disputes, including supply chain breakdowns and dealer-franchise litigation, positioning it as a versatile partner for the transportation industry. The practice is co-led by Bloomfield Hills-based Brian Smith, who focuses on catastrophic injury and national class action defense, and Dallas-based Deron Wade, who is highly regarded for representing automotive manufacturers in complex MDLs. Michael Cooney, the firm’s litigation director, is a highly experienced trial attorney noted for his industry knowledge and success in high-exposure jury trials and intellectual property disputes nationwide.
Hall of Fame (Only 7 Lawyers Nationally)
- John Thomas
Leading Partners
- Deron Wade
Testimonials
“The team is thoughtful, accommodating, and generates top-tier work product.”
“Krista Lenart is a standout lawyer to me. She is professional, courteous, thoughtful, and a very good class action lawyer.”
Rail And Road - Litigation And Regulation
Band 2 – Top 10 Firm Nationally
Dykema Gossett PLLC’s Automotive, Mobility & Transportation department handles the full gamut of litigation and regulatory matters, particularly excelling in product liability and high-profile litigation involving catastrophic accidents. Beyond this, the group is also growing its electric and autonomous vehicles offering, with a dedicated team. In Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Laura Baucus leads the team, where she is highly regarded for her work in warranty and litigation involving troubled suppliers. In Los Angeles, Dommond Lonnie is well-placed to handle a range of class-action defense mandates. Detroit’s Lisa Brown is a key contact for matters related to recall cost recovery. For autonomous vehicle systems and data mining matters, Mark Malven in Bloomfield Hills is a notable name. Split between Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Los Angeles - John Thomas is a seasoned litigator with experience in front of state and federal courts, as well as the Supreme Court. Rounding out the team are John Black in Bloomfield Hills and Daniela Gonzales Aldape in San Antonio.
Hall of Fame (Only 4 Lawyers Nationally)
- Dommond Lonnie
Leading Partners (Top 12 Lawyers Nationally)
- Lisa Brown
Next Generation Partner
- Daniela Gonzales Aldape
- John Black
Testimonial
“Mark Malven is one of the leading practitioners in the country in the area of AI-driven automotive autonomy.”
Native American Law
Band 2 – Top 7 Firm Nationally
With particular strength in gaming and commerce, the Gaming and Native American Law team at Dykema Gossett PLLC is regularly engaged by tribes and related development and management partners. The group is also regarded for its work in petitioning for federal acknowledgment, negotiation of financing agreements, and land-to-trust agreements. Lance Boldrey specializes in negotiating tribal-state gaming compacts; additionally, he has experience acting before federal and state courts for gaming matters at the tribal and appellate level. Boldrey heads the team alongside Jason Hanselman, who is a key contact for tribes and businesses establishing gaming facilities. In Bloomfield Hills, Courtney Kissel routinely advises on tribal trust and reservation land issues. For legislative matters, Steven Liedel is a key contact. Rounding out the team is Hannah Buzolits, who is well-versed in energy matters. All lawyers mentioned are based in Lansing, Michigan unless otherwise stated.
Leading Partner (Top 6 Lawyer Nationally)
- Lance Boldrey
Testimonials
“Lance Boldrey and Courtney Kissel were ideal thought partners for us and brought both substantive and strategic guidance. Their comments on all the written pleading drafts were excellent.”
“Extremely responsive and collaborative. Their flexibility and willingness to play different roles in the case as it evolved were greatly appreciated. Overall, very in-depth knowledge of IGRA and gaming law issues and the intersection of the two. Also really appreciated the updates on other relevant developments outside of our case as they happened.”
Cannabis
Band 3 – Top 10 Firm Nationally
Dykema Gossett PLLC covers the full range of cannabis matters, including transactional, regulatory, litigation, IP, and contractual issues. Its client base spans licensed cannabis businesses and service providers, including financial institutions and commercial landlords. Primarily based in Michigan, the team is jointly led by Lance Boldrey and John Fraser. Boldrey handles the full spectrum of licensing and regulatory matters and is actively involved in shaping Michigan’s cannabis regulatory landscape. Supported by Cheyenne Benyi-Boruta, Fraser regularly advises early-stage cannabis businesses and market entrants, guiding them through the licensing process and maintaining regulatory compliance. Samuel Kilberg focuses on real estate-related matters.
