Press Releases

Dykema Gossett PLLC, today announced that the Daniel J. Stephenson, Tamara A. Bush, Michael P. Wippler, S. Christopher (“Kit”) Winter and Derek S. Whitefield have been appointed to firm-wide leadership positions.

Dykema Gossett PLLC announced today the addition of Frederick H. Hoops, III as a senior counsel in the firm’s Taxation and Estates Practice Group in the firm’s Grand Rapids, Michigan office. Hoops joins Dykema from Fifth Third Bank in Grand Rapids where he was the Vice President and Senior Wealth Planner in the Innovative Wealth Solutions Group. 

Dykema's seventh annual survey of leading company executives and outside advisors examines how the U.S. economy, financing challenges, and other domestic and global matters will impact the M&A market in the coming year. According to 2011 M&A Outlook Survey results, the coming months represent the continuation of a critical period for U.S. and international businesses in the M&A market.

Dykema is pleased to announce the addition of five new associates in the firm's Bloomfield Hills and Detroit, Michigan offices and its Chicago, Illinois office.

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated (“Cox Smith”) today announced that shareholders Jon Ray (Energy Law) and Marty Truss (Litigation) were named San Antonio’s “Outstanding Lawyers” in their respective specialties by the San Antonio Business Journal.

Dykema is pleased to announce that Mark van der Laan, a member in the firm’s Grand Rapids, Michigan office, was recently elected to the Board of Directors of Legal Aid of Western Michigan.

Dykema and Reznick Group, today hosted their inaugural “Strategies for Making an Affordable Housing Deal Work in Michigan” Seminar. The seminar covered a number of different topics important to the affordable housing community in Michigan including key legislative updates, financing strategies, and the use of federal tax credits in funding projects.

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated (Cox Smith) today announced shareholder Mark Andrews was selected to be a Fellow in the American College of Bankruptcy. Membership in the College is by invitation only and he will become a member of the 22nd class of the College in ceremonies in Washington, D.C., in March 2012. Andrews joins George Tarpley and Deborah Williamson, Cox Smith shareholders who are also Fellows of the American College of Bankruptcy.

Dykema announced today the addition of Alexis J. Schostak as an associate in the firm’s Corporate Finance Practice Group in Bloomfield Hills. Schostak focuses her practice on corporate finance, representing clients from a wide variety of industries including manufacturing, automotive, technology and telecommunications.

Dykema, today announced the addition of Thomas M. Cleary to its Corporate Finance Practice Group as a Member in the firm’s Los Angeles office. His practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, venture capital and private equity financings, and public and private offerings of equity and debt securities.

Said Rex E. Schlaybaugh, Jr., Dykema’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, "Tom is highly regarded as a trusted corporate advisor. He will be an important resource for our clients moving forward, as we continue to deepen our corporate finance capabilities and grow our presence in Los Angeles.”

Dykema announced today, that Christyn M. Scott, an Associate in the firm’s Litigation Practice Group, has been named by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as one of the Up & Coming Lawyers for 2011. Selection is based on noteworthy cases, unique practice areas, and interesting community and/or bar association efforts.

Dykema announced today the addition of William C. Lentine as an Associate in the firm's Taxation and Estates Practice Group in Detroit. Lentine's practice will focus on advising clients on state and local, international, partnership and corporate tax considerations including treaty implications, special allocations, S corporation issues, and executive compensation.

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated (“Cox Smith”) today announced 30 of its practice areas were recognized in the 2011-2012 U.S. News-Best Lawyers® ranking of the nation’s best law firms.

Dykema announced today the addition of Matthew Kelly as an Associate in the firm’s General Litigation practice group in Chicago.  

Dykema today announced that dozens of the firm’s lawyers won high rankings in multiple practice areas and in key regional markets in the 2012 Best Lawyers in America guide—seven of which were recognized as Lawyers of the Year in their respective practice areas and markets.

Dykema announced today the addition of Jason E. Grinnell as Senior Counsel to the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group in Los Angeles His practice will focus on representing both financial institutions and borrowers in connection with commercial real estate loan transactions.

Dykema announced today that David T. Cellitti, leader of the firm's Mergers & Acquisitions practice, was named to the 2011 Law Bulletin Publishing Company list of “40 Illinois Attorneys Under Forty” to watch.

Dykema today announced that its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Rex E. Schlaybaugh, Jr., has been reelected to a three-year term as a member of the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation Board of Directors, and a one-year term as a member of the DEGC Executive Committee.

Dykema is pleased to announce that it is a sponsor of the 5th Annual 2011 Michigan Tax Conference being held November 8-10, 2011 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan. The Michigan tax conference is the one of the largest state tax conferences in the United  States.

Jeanne M. Moloney, an Associate in the firm’s Corporate Finance Department and resident in the firm’s Bloomfield Hills, Michigan office, has been elected by unanimous voice vote of members to the Council of the State Bar of Michigan’s Information Technology Law Section.

Dykema is pleased to announce the addition of associate Lindsey Wilson to the Firm’s Business and Commercial Litigation Practice Group in Bloomfield Hills.

Bryan J. Anderson an associate in the firm’s Litigation Department, was recently named to the Board of Directors of Common Threads, a nonprofit organization based in Chicago that is dedicated to educating children about the importance of nutrition and physical well being.

Kimberly A. Ross-Jessup has rejoined Dykema as a Government Policy Advisor in the firm’s Lansing, Michigan office, where she is affiliated with the firm’s Regulated Industries practice and is responsible for developing clients’ legislative and regulatory strategies.

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated (“Cox Smith”) today announced that shareholders Cary Kavy (Banking and Finance Law), Howard Newton (Litigation - Real Estate) and Jon Ray (Natural Resources Law) were named “Lawyer of the Year” in their respective specialties in San Antonio by The Best Lawyers in America® for 2012.

Dykema today announced that Peter Kellett will assume the position of chairman and chief executive officer of the law firm for a three-year term commencing January 1, 2012. Dykema's current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Rex E. Schlaybaugh, Jr. , said about Kellett, "Through the leadership roles Peter has held with the firm, including his most recent service as Director of the Litigation Department, he has become extraordinarily familiar with the strategic opportunities for Dykema in the current environment for business."

Dykema is pleased to announce that Aleksandra A. Miziolek, leader of the firm's Automotive Industry Group, was named Treasurer of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan's (CRC) Board of Directors for the 2012 term.

Mark Malven, member and leader of the Firm’s Technology and Sourcing Transactions practice, is scheduled to speak at the 4th Annual Information Technology Law Seminar on September 21, 2011. Live presentations will be held in Plymouth, Michigan, which will be accompanied by a simultaneous webcast of the day’s presentations. Malven focuses his practice in the negotiation of technology transactions and the representation of technology-based businesses.

Dykema Gossett PLLC announced today the return of associate Michael D. Kim to the firm’s Corporate Finance practice in Chicago. Kim first joined Dykema as an associate in 2008. He concentrates his practice in representing domestic and foreign banks, and other financial institutions, in structuring and documenting financing transactions.

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated ("Cox Smith") today announced that 50 of its attorneys were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2012 (Copyright 2011 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, S.C.). The firm was also top listed in San Antonio in 26 categories based on the number of listed attorneys in a practice area and/or geographic region, which can be viewed at www.bestlawyers.com.

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated ("Cox Smith") today announced that attorneys Catherine Greaves, Karen Neeley and Kathy Poppitt attorneys were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2012 (Copyright 2011 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, S.C.).

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated (“Cox Smith”) today announced that that 50 of its attorneys were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2012 (Copyright 2011 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, S.C.).

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated ("Cox Smith") today announced that Kathleen Campbell Walker, Mark Walker and Edward Rios were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2012 (Copyright 2011 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, S.C.). The firm was top ranked by Best Lawyers in El Paso in Immigration Law and in International Trade and Finance Law. 

Leading practitioners from across the country, in-house counsel from numerous domestic and international automotive manufacturers, and the foremost experts who provide litigation support and testimony, will meet Fred Fresard at the DRI Strictly Automotive Seminar to discuss recent trends and developments in automotive product liability litigation.

Dykema Gossett PLLC announced today the addition of associate Chais L. Sweat to the firm's Business and Commercial practice in Dallas.

Michael Stolarski, Member in Dykema's Intellectual Property and Technology & Sourcing Transactions Practices, is scheduled to speak at Insurance Telematics USA 2011, the leading insurance telematics conference which will be held in Chicago on Sept. 8-9.

Dykema Gossett PLLC announced today the addition of senior counsel Eric C. Tew to the firm's Litigation department in Washington D.C. Tew's practice focuses on a variety of litigation matters both at the trial and appellate levels, with particular emphasis on product liability and class action defense.

Dykema recently co-authored an amicus curiae brief on behalf of the American Bar Association (ABA) in the U.S. Supreme Court cases Lafler v. Cooper and Missouri v. Frye. In its brief, the ABA urges the Supreme Court to uphold the lower courts' rulings that ineffective assistance of counsel at the plea stage violates a criminal defendant’s constitutional rights.

Dykema today announced the additions of John M. Thomas and Terri S. Reiskin as members in the firm's Litigation Department. Thomas will be located in the Firm's Ann Arbor office, and Reiskin will be located in the Firm's Washington, D.C. office. 

Dykema Gossett PLLC announced today that Office Managing Member of the firm's Grand Rapids office, James S. Brady, has been elected to serve as Vice President of Opera Grand Rapids for the company’s 2011-2012 fiscal year. Brady is also listed in Who's Who in America, is recognized by Law & Politics as a Michigan Super Lawyer, and by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Lawyer.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced the addition of Debra Clark to its Corporate Finance Practice as a member in the firm's Chicago office. "With more than 30 years of experience serving clients in the corporate arena, Debra has built up an impressive history of serving her clients in complex financial transactions," said J. Michael Bernard, Leader of Dykema's Corporate Finance Practice.

Towers Watson, a leading global professional services company and Women in Automotive Group will host the 2nd annual industry networking event, "Cocktails, Classic Cars and Charity" on Friday, August 19. The event will feature a special presentation by Focus: HOPE, a nationally recognized civil and human rights organization based in Detroit dedicated to intelligent and practical solutions to the problems of hunger, economic disparity, inadequate education, and racial divisiveness.

Dykema today announced the appointment of Mark K. Sales and Eric T. Carver as Co-Chairs of its Probate, Trust, and Fiduciary Litigation Practice Area. Dykema’s Probate, Trust, and Fiduciary Litigation Practice is formed by a cross-disciplinary team of attorneys from the firm's offices across the country who represent a variety of clients including, individual and corporate fiduciaries, public and private charities and foundations, executors, administrators, trustees, beneficiaries, guardians, conservators, family partnerships, and other closely held family businesses involved in litigation.

Dykema is pleased to announce that it has been named the number one real estate law firm by Midwest Real Estate News. This year's award marks the second time since 2009 that Dykema has earned the top spot; and the third time in as many years that the firm has been named one of the region's top three. "Having again earned the top ranking reaffirms Dykema's position as one of strength and stability in today's real estate market," said Cameron H. Piggott, Director of the firm's Real Estate and Environmental Services department.

Summerville was sworn in as President on June 23, 2011 at the annual Presidents' Reception, which took place at the Roostertail in Detroit. Established in 1934, the WBA coordinates the talents of the increasing number of African-Americans attorneys in Michigan and combats the ills of segregation within the profession and more generally in the Detroit community. The WBF is the WBA's charitable arm.

Fickel joins the firm's Financial Services Litigation practice in Los Angeles. He is experienced with handling cases from inception to trial, and has served as a counselor to clients regarding issues of legal strategy and liability. At Dykema, Fickel’s practice will focus on the representation of financial institutions in the defense of suits, including class actions, arising under various federal and state laws.

Kratovil focuses his practice on appellate matters, representing clients in complex commercial disputes before tribunals ranging from small town Texas trial courts to the U.S. Supreme Court, with a particular concentration on matters in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and in the Texas courts of appeals. "Chris is a clever litigator with a unique and deep niche as a 'post-arbitration' lawyer. He is widely recognized for his established and proven capabilities confirming, modifying, vacating and enforcing arbitration awards in both state and federal court," said Rex E. Schlaybaugh, Jr.

The Foundation for the National Archives was proud to join its partners at the National Archives last Monday in presenting an exciting day of July 4th activities that drew thousands of visitors to the home of the original, official Declaration of Independence on its 235th anniversary. "Dykema is proud to have partnered with the Foundation for the National Archives and John Hancock Financial," said Paul Laurenza.

Orlandoni, who joins Dykema's Financial Services Litigation practice, has successfully represented a diverse range of client business entities in several commercial and real estate litigation matters and in bankruptcy. At Dykema, he will continue to practice in the areas of commercial and real estate litigation with a focus on representing financial service providers. 

Parmenter, a former registered nurse and hospital administrator, has 25 years of experience in health care law, working primarily with nonprofit organizations and governmental entities, including hospitals, county community mental health authorities, federally qualified health centers and physician organizations. “With Roz’s addition, Dykema now has the most extensive and largest managed care practice in the state,” said Rex E. Schlaybaugh, Jr., Dykema’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated ("Cox Smith") today announced that firm co-founder J. Burleson "Burley" Smith was presented with the 2011 Distinguished Counselor Award by the State Bar of Texas' Antitrust and Business Litigation Section during the State Bar's annual meeting in San Antonio.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced the addition of Carl Rashid, Jr. to its Real Estate Practice Group as a member in the firm's Detroit office. "Dykema's national platform will provide a significant opportunity for Carl to expand his practice throughout the country, while Carl will be integral to strengthening the firm's property tax appeals, real estate and condemnation practices both regionally and nationally," said Rex Schlaybaugh Jr.

Bonner joins Dykema’s Real Estate practice group as an associate in Chicago. She has experience representing clients in a variety of real estate matters including such transactional matters as complex loan originations, modifications, workouts, foreclosures and sales. At Dykema, Bonner’s practice will continue to focus on real estate matters which will be focused in the areas of commercial real estate with an emphasis on real estate finance, restructuring, workouts and foreclosures, and leasing.

Dykema is pleased to announce the release of The Legal Guide to Affordable Housing Development, 2nd Edition. Co-edited by Dykema's Rochelle Lento, Of Counsel with the firm in the Detroit, Michigan office, and Tim Iglesias, a professor at the University of San Francisco School of Law.

Leading law firm, Dykema Gossett PLLC and its attorneys have garnered high rankings in multiple practice areas and in key regional markets in the 2011 Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business guide. The firm was ranked in four distinct practice areas and 13 attorneys, representing multiple offices and practice areas, were ranked individually.

Kyle R. Dufrane, a member resident in the firm's Detroit office, has been appointed to Michigan's Military Appeals Tribunal by Governor Rick Snyder. Says Governor Snyder, "These three individuals have tremendous legal minds and bring the skills and experience necessary to service the Military Appeals Tribunal well."

Dykema Gossett PLLC congratulates attorney Daniel J. Stephenson on being selected to serve as a Fellow for the Litigation Counsel of America, a trial lawyer honorary society composed of less than one-half of one percent of American lawyers. Fellowship in the LCA is highly selective and by invitation only. Stephenson was inducted at LCA's Spring Conference and Induction of Fellows in Laguna Beach, California on May 5, 2011.

As the health care sector continues to wrestle with new developments in 2011, Dykema attorneys have been frequent speakers on topics of interest to the industry. In May, three Dykema members, presented at the Aging Services of Michigan 43rd Annual Conference & Trade Show in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated ("Cox Smith") today announced attorney Jesus "Jesse" Barba Jr. has joined the firm's real estate department in its McAllen office.

Leading law firm Dykema Gossett PLLC announced today that Harvey H. Rosen joined its Los Angeles office as Of Counsel in the firm's Corporate Finance Practice Group. A highly successful transactional attorney, Rosen brings to the firm more than 40 years of experience as a business and legal advisor to enterprises ranging from advanced and emerging technologies to banking and finance.

Dykema has been ranked a 2011 "Top 100 Law Firm for Diversity" by MultiCultural Law Magazine, a distinction Dykema has earned every year since the inception of the publication. "We believe that as corporate citizens, it is our responsibility to lead and educate our peers in matters of diversity," said Rex E. Schlaybaugh, Jr.

Dykema is pleased to announce the release of the Consumer Financial Services Answer Book 2011. The book provides a basic primer on consumer credit, a discussion of the bureau and the changes to the consumer credit laws mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act, the core federal laws governing all consumer credit, as well as the numerous federal laws that specifically address mortgage lending.

Dykema is pleased to announce that Eric T. Fingerhut, Member and Trademark Practice Group Leader, was recently ranked in World Trademark Review (WTR) magazine’s WTR 1000. Fingerhut received a band one ranking in the publication’s inaugural listing of “non-contentious” (without court proceedings) trademark attorneys in Washington D.C.

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated ("Cox Smith") today announced that twelve of its attorneys and four of its practice areas were recognized in the 2011 edition of Chambers USA, an annual legal guide that compiles rankings of the nation's best lawyers through research, client interviews and testimony. The complete 2011 edition of Chambers USA Guide: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, which includes final tiered rankings and editorial content, will be available in June 2011.

Dykema is pleased to announce that Morgan L. Smith, has been honored as co-recipient of the National Association for Law Placement's (NALP) 2011 President's Award. The award is bestowed at the discretion of NALP's president to individuals who exemplify extraordinary contribution to the organization and its mission of, "providing vision, expertise, research, and education; cultivating fair and ethical practices; and advocating for diversity and inclusion in the legal profession."

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated ("Cox Smith") today announced that the firm has added two veteran practitioners to its highly regarded banking and financial institutions practice. Long-time Texas Capitol insider and attorney Mary Amanda "Mandy" Balch has joined its Austin office, while former FDIC senior regional attorney Jerry Sanchez will join the firm's Dallas office.

Leading law firm Dykema Gossett PLLC announced today that for the second time since 2009. "Being named Detroit's top corporate law firm by Corporate Board Member magazine is an honor that recognizes Dykema's reputation as a superior corporate and securities law firm, but importantly, because it is decided by those we serve in various corporate capacities," said Rex E. Schlaybaugh, Jr.

Dykema today announced the addition of Steven E. Peden to its Corporate Finance Practice Group as a member in the firm's Los Angeles office. With over 30 years of corporate experience, Steven has a well-established reputation for his representation of clients involved in high-level business transactions," said Rex E. Schlaybaugh, Jr.

Dykema Gossett PLLC is pleased to announce that Mark van der Laan, a Member in the firm’s Litigation Department, has been appointed to Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes, Inc.'s Board of Directors.

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated ("Cox Smith") today announced Jane Bockus, J. Patrick "Pat" Ryan and Sandra Zamora have joined the firm as shareholders.

Dykema is pleased to announce that Brittany M. Schultz, a Member in the firm's Litigation Department and Automotive Industry Group, has been selected as the 2011 recipient of the Michigan Defense Trial Counsel's (MDTC) seventh annual Young Lawyers Section Golden Gavel award. Brittany will be presented the award at MDTC's Awards Banquet in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan on May 20, 2011.

Dykema announced today that Andrew H. Doerr joined its Lansing office as Government Policy Advisor in the firm's Government Policy Practice Group. Doerr brings more than 15 years of lobbying, legislative and political experience.

Dykema is pleased to announce that Rick Smith has joined its Financial Industry Group as a Senior Attorney in Los Angeles, CA. Mr. Smith has a rich and diverse background working with clients in the entertainment, publishing and new media industries on such matters as talent employment, trademark licensing, copyright infringement and state and federal wage-and-hour compliance.

Dykema is pleased to announce that Nicholas J. Winters has joined its Real Estate Group as an associate in Bloomfield Hills, MI. Mr. Winters is an accomplished attorney, whose experience has focused on transactional real estate matters, including negotiation and documentation of agreements for the purchase and sale of commercial real estate, the acquisition and disposal of property, leasing arrangements for both commercial and retail space and development of shopping centers.

The Georgia Supreme Court recently granted a new sentencing to death row inmate David Aaron Perkins based on ineffective counsel in his 1997 trial. Led by Patrick Hickey and Claire Harrison, a pro bono team of defense lawyers at national law firm Dykema has been representing Perkins in his appeals for more than a decade.

Dykema, one of the top 150 national law firms as named by American Lawyer, is pleased to announce that Matthew S. Raczkowski has joined its Chicago real estate team as an Associate. Mr. Raczkowski will focus on commercial leasing, sales and dispositions of properties and real estate lending and workouts.

Dykema today announced the addition of Fred J. Fresard to its Automotive Industry Group as a member in the firm's Bloomfield Hills office. Prior to joining Dykema, Fresard was a partner with Bowman & Brooke LLP. Fresard focuses his practice on product liability and other high-stakes litigation involving significant damages and complex technical issues.

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated ("Cox Smith") today announced that Arlene Switzer Steinfield and Cody L. Towns have joined the firm's Dallas office as shareholders. Steinfield brings extensive labor and employment law experience to the firm's distinguished employment and employer rights practice, while Towns joins the firm's litigation team. 

Dykema announces the addition of Christopher R. Mikula to its Detroit legal team. Mr. Mikula is an accomplished attorney, specializing in employment and labor law. Mikula was chief in-house counsel for the officers, directors, executive board and staff of Service Employees International Union

Dykema today announced that the firm has been selected to receive the American Bar Association Business Law Section's 2011 National Public Service Award, which recognizes the firm's sustained commitment to transactional pro bono work and its leadership role in the Michigan and greater Detroit legal communities.

The Information Technology Law Section of the Michigan State Bar Association will sponsor a presentation of the net neutrality regulations that were issued by the FCC in December, 2010 on Thursday evening, March 10, 2011, at the Wayne State University Law School. Essentially every electronic function will be affected by the FCC's new net neutrality guidelines," said Spencer Partrich.

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated ("Cox Smith") today announced attorney Susan W. Ramos has joined the firm's Immigration and International Trade Law practice in its El Paso office.

Dykema announced today the addition of Jeffrey R. Fine to its Bankruptcy and Restructuring Practice Group as a member in the firm's Dallas office. He has particular experience working with clients in the financial, investment banking, manufacturing, aviation, and environment-related industries. "Jeff's diverse client base and extraordinary reputation in the business bankruptcy and creditors' rights areas broadens our reach and opportunities, not only in Texas, but nationally as well," said Rex E. Schlaybaugh, Jr.

Dykema announced that Joy L. Ganes has joined the firm's Los Angeles office as an associate in the Business and Commercial practice. She represented multinational businesses in antitrust litigation matters with respect to the Department of Justice while at Meagher and Flom, LLP.

Dykema announces that four attorneys from its Chicago office were named Illinois Rising Stars 2011 by Law & Politics and the publishers of Chicago magazine. Law & Politics performs the polling, research, and selection of Super Lawyers and Rising Stars in a process designed to identify Illinois lawyers within 60 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

Dykema today announced the return of Steven C. Liedel, former Legal Counsel to Governor Jennifer Granholm (D-MI), to the firm's Regulated Industries Department. "It's no coincidence that we have been able to attract the state of Michigan's top public lawyers from both the Republican and Democratic sides of the political aisle which recognizes the strength and bi-partisan credentials of our Government practice," said Rex Schlaybaugh

Dykema announces that 16 attorneys from its two Chicago-area offices were named Illinois Super Lawyers 2011 by Law & Politics and the publishers of Chicago magazine. Law & Politics performs the polling, research and selection of Super Lawyers in a process designed to identify Illinois lawyers within 60 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

Dykema has announced that Vivian Kim has joined the firm as an associate in the Los Angeles office. Her practice will focus on Financial Services Litigation. Ms. Kim received the Juris Doctor from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law, and a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from the University of California at Berkeley.

Dykema's James P. Feeney has been selected by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a 2011 Leader in the Law, the publication announced today. The award will be presented at a March 15 luncheon at which the publication will announce the 2011 Lawyer of the Year. Feeney is the third Dykema attorney in as many years to be named a Leader in the Law.

Four Dykema attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the Southern California Super Lawyers 2011 list. Named to the list are Allan Gabriel, Ronald M. Greenberg, Daniel J. Stephenson, and Derek S. Whitefield of Dykema's Los Angeles office. He is the author of numerous articles, many published by the World Jurist Association, which also has recognized him through the World Lawyer Award.

Dykema has announced that James G. Aldrich, Jr. has joined the firm's Employment Practice Group in the Bloomfield Hills office. "Jim Aldrich brings significant international business and immigration experience," said Dykema Chairman Rex E. Schlaybaugh, Jr.

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated ("Cox Smith") today announced Rodrigo Figueroa, Erin Fonté, and Jonathan Schlueter have been named shareholders of the firm. Rodrigo and Jonathan are based in the firm's headquarters in San Antonio, and Erin is based in the firm's Austin office.

Dykema today announced that members of the firm's Automotive Industry Group were speakers at national industry conferences in January. Aleksandra Miziolek, the Director of Dykema's Automotive Industry Group was part of a panel discussing "Acquisition Waves in the Automotive Industry" at KPMG's Automotive Legal & Compliance Share Forum.

Dykema announced the election of four attorneys to membership. Dykema has offices in California, Illinois, Michigan, Texas and Washington, D.C. The four will prove to become an invaluable asset to Dykema.

Dykema today announced the addition of Mark J. Magyar to the firm's Business and Commercial Litigation practice group as an Associate in the Grand Rapids office. Magyar received a B.A. from Western Michigan University, magna cum laude, where he was a member of the Carl and Winifred Lee Honors College and was awarded the Political Science Department Undergraduate Research Award.