Press Releases

In a black-tie event at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City on Wednesday, December 5, 2012, the Michigan Finance Authority received The Bond Buyer’s 2012 Deal of the Year award. Dykema is honored to have been a part of the financing team for such an important transaction.

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated (“Cox Smith”) today announced that Kathleen Campbell Walker has been selected by Texas Lawyer magazine as its “Go-To Lawyer” for immigration law and Deborah D. Williamson is a finalist in the bankruptcy category. The Go-To Guide, which is compiled by the magazine’s editorial department and published only every five years, will appear in the magazine’s December 10, 2012 issue. Both women were previously selected as finalists in Texas Lawyer’s 2007 Go-To Guide. 

Dykema announces that J. Alexandra Rhim has joined the Firm as a senior counsel in its Bankruptcy practice group. She will be based in the Firm’s Los Angeles office. Rhim will provide legal representation and strategic counsel to financial institutions and other creditors to assist them to maximize recoveries in distressed debt situations.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, has successfully represented Key Safety Systems, Inc., a global leader in the design, development and manufacturing of automotive safety-critical components and systems, in a product liability case. On November 8, a Mobile, AL jury returned the defense verdict in favor of Key Safety Systems, rejecting the product liability claims filed by the plaintiff.

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated (“Cox Smith”) today announced 27 of its practice areas earned Tier 1 rankings in the 2013 U.S. News Media Group-Best Lawyers® ranking of the nation’s best law firms. In addition to its Tier 1 recognition in San Antonio and Dallas, the firm’s award-winning Bankruptcy & Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency & Reorganization Law practice was recognized nationally.

Dykema today announced that Jonathan S. Feld has joined as a member in its Business Litigation practice group. Feld will be resident in the Firm’s Chicago office, but will spend considerable time in Dykema’s Washington, D.C. office. Prior to joining Dykema, Feld was a partner with Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP.

Dykema is pleased to announce that Rex Schlaybaugh, Jr., Chairman Emeritus of Dykema and member of the Firm’s Corporate Finance practice, has been named to the advisory board of the Demmer Center for Business Transformation. The Demmer Center, housed within Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business, provides consulting, advisory and educational services—as offered by university faculty members and students—to help Michigan companies transform into strategic, lean competitors.

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated (“Cox Smith”) today announced that shareholders Kerry T. Benedict (Banking and Finance Law), Ben F. Foster, Jr. (Labor Law – Management), Dan Harkins (Litigation – Intellectual Property), Howard Newton (Litigation – Trusts & Estates), Joshua Sutin (Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, and Harry W. Wolff Jr. (Trusts and Estates Law) were named 2013 San Antonio “Lawyer of the Year” in their respective specialties by The Best Lawyers in America®.

The automotive industry is showing signs of recovery, but automotive executives still see a number of challenges in the year ahead, according to the 2012 Dykema Automotive Institute Survey: Industry Challenges. The survey was unveiled today at Dykema’s Automotive Institute Forum in Detroit.

Dykema is pleased to announce that Jill M. Wheaton, litigation member and leader of Dykema’s Appellate practice team, was recently elected chair-elect of the Appellate Practice Section of the State Bar of Michigan. Wheaton, who just completed a one-year term as treasurer of the Appellate Practice Section, will assume chair responsibilities of this group in September, 2013. Wheaton is based in Dykema’s Ann Arbor office.

Dykema today announces that Scott L. Selinger has joined the firm as a Government Policy Advisor. Selinger’s practice is built on an extensive career in government relations and public service. Prior to joining Dykema, Selinger was the Legislative Director for the Taxpayers’ Federation of Illinois (TFI), serving as key liaison between the organization and the State’s Department of Revenue, General Assembly and Executive Branch on state and local taxation issues, with a focus on corporate taxation matters, state business tax incentives and overall state budget policy.

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated (“Cox Smith”) today announced 28 of its attorneys from its offices in Austin, Dallas, El Paso and San Antonio have been named to the Texas Super Lawyers list as some of the top attorneys in Texas for 2012.

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated (“Cox Smith”) today announced that 53 of its attorneys were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2013 (Copyright 2012 by Woodward/White, Inc., of Aiken, S.C.). 

Dykema today announced the addition of Kimberly L. Kiplin, former General Counsel of the Texas Lottery Commission, as Senior Counsel in the Firm’s Government Policy Practice Group. Kiplin, who retired from the Texas Lottery Commission effective August 31, will be based in Austin.

Dykema today announced the addition of John C. Dickey to its Corporate Finance Practice Group as a member in the firm’s Dallas office.

Dykema announced today that nearly one hundred of the Firm’s lawyers, in multiple practice areas and in key regional markets, have been named in the 2013 Best Lawyers in America guide.

Dykema Gossett PLLC announces that Julia Zhu has joined the Firm as a senior counsel in its Corporate Finance practice. She will be based in the Firm’s Los Angeles office and will lend her talents to Dykema’s China Team, providing legal representation and strategic counsel to firms who look to do business either with or in China.

Dykema announced today that T.L. Summerville, a member of the Firm’s Litigation Practice Group, is the newest addition to the 20-member Board of Directors of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Detroit. Summerville’s election was recently announced at the Big Brothers Big Sisters Annual Meeting.

Dykema announced today the addition of Janet L. Conigliaro as an associate in the Firm’s Automotive and Products Liability Litigation practice. Conigliaro will reside in Dykema’s Ann Arbor office.

Judge Michael J. Davis of the U.S. District Court of Minnesota issued a final order on Tuesday July 31 that denied the plaintiffs’ request for class certification in Daigle et al. v. Ford Motor Co. (Case No. 09-cv-03214). John M. Thomas of law firm Dykema in Ann Arbor successfully represented Ford Motor Co. in this matter.

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated (“Cox Smith”) today announced the addition of two experienced attorneys in its Dallas office. Eduardo “Eddy” Espinosa and Michael Napoli, who were previously partners in K&L Gates’ Dallas office, have joined Cox Smith’s corporate and litigation practices as shareholders.

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated (“Cox Smith”) today announced that Chief Bankruptcy Judge Ronald King of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas has entered a $15.9 million judgment for Cox Smith client Reorganized TXCO Resources, Inc. (“RTXCO”), in one of the earliest complex litigation matters arising out of the Eagle Ford development in South Texas.

Dykema has been named to MultiCultural Law magazine’s 2012 list of Top 100 Law Firms for Diversity. This marks the sixth consecutive year that the firm has earned this honor. Dykema has also been recognized for the first time in a specialized category: Top 25 Law Firms for African-Americans.

Dykema will host a panel discussion, “Maintaining Momentum on Diversity and Inclusion: Perspectives from the General Counsel’s Office,” on Tuesday, July 31, 2012. The two-hour event will take place in the GM Learning Center in Detroit’s Renaissance Center, and will start at 3 pm. The discussion will focus on how corporations and law firms are addressing matters of diversity and inclusion, and whether sufficient progress is being made against these initiatives.

Dykema Gossett PLLC announces that it has been named one of the top three real estate law firms in the Midwest, and the number-one law firm based in Michigan, by Midwest Real Estate News. This year's award, revealed in the publication’s “Best of the Best 2012” special issue, marks the fourth consecutive year that Dykema’s Real Estate practice has earned a top three ranking.

Dykema Gossett PLLC and Practising Law Institute announce the release of the Consumer Financial Services Answer Book 2012-2013. This revised and updated edition, published by PLI and authored by the lawyers at Dykema, explores the core federal laws that govern consumer credit, and includes a detailed description of the increasingly powerful Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (or CFPB).

The Foundation for the National Archives proudly joined its partners, including Dykema, at the National Archives to present an exciting day of July 4th activities, welcoming thousands of visitors to the home of the original, official Declaration of Independence.

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated (“Cox Smith”) today announced it was named one of the “Best Places to Work” in San Antonio for the sixth consecutive year by The San Antonio Business Journal. In their confidential response, employees cited cool perks such as a rodeo cowboy breakfast and costume contest, Thanksgiving bake-off, softball team, professional training and wellness education that make the firm a great place to work. 

Dykema today announced the addition of Bill Finkelstein to its Corporate Finance Practice Group as a member in the firm’s Dallas office. Finkelstein focuses his practice on providing clients general business advice, as well as counseling clients on commercial transactions, acquisitions and minimizing insolvency risks in structuring business transactions, representing clients in acquisitions of businesses and assets from troubled companies, and representing official committees in bankruptcy cases.

Dykema announced today that it has once again been named Detroit’s top corporate law firm by Corporate Board Member magazine. This is the second consecutive year—and third time since 2009—that Dykema has earned this honor. The first place ranking emerges from Corporate Board Member’s 12th annual Legal Industry Research Study, a comprehensive ranking of corporate law firms in 25 major U.S. markets by corporate directors and general counsel at the largest publicly traded companies.

Dykema today announced the addition of David J. Schenck, former Deputy Attorney General for Legal Counsel to the Texas Attorney General, as a member of the firm’s Litigation Department in its Dallas office.

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated (“Cox Smith”) today announced that ten of its attorneys and five of its practice areas were recognized in the 2012 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 2012 edition of Chambers USA Guide: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, which includes final tiered rankings and editorial content, will be available in June 2012.

Dykema, a national law firm, today announced that Chicago attorneys Michael B. Raines and Timothy K. Sendek have each been selected by the U.S. District Court and the Chicago Chapter of the Federal Bar Association to receive an Award for Excellence in Pro Bono Service, which recognizes their outstanding work in an international kidnapping case. Both attorneys will be honored at the Thirteenth Annual Excellence in Pro Bono and Public Interest Service Award Ceremony in Chicago on May 18.

Dykema announced today that its Chairman and CEO, Peter M. Kellett, has been named to the board of trustees of New Detroit, a coalition of leaders from Detroit’s business, civic, grassroots and religious communities, united to promote improved race relations through economic, educational and social initiatives.

Dykema announced today the addition of Vivian S. Lee as an associate in the Firm’s Business Litigation Practice Group. Lee will be resident in Dykema’s Los Angeles office.

Dykema and Sino Ambassadors, a Michigan-based consultancy focused on China, today announced a formal alliance to develop business opportunities in China, one of the world’s largest markets. The alliance advances the capabilities of both organizations in serving Chinese businesses interested in investing and establishing operations or activities in the United States and in assisting United States companies seeking capital from China and access to the Chinese markets.

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated (Cox Smith) today announced the addition of three experienced and well-known Austin attorneys in its Austin office. Keith Shuley, Phil Slinkard and Mary Schaerdal Dietz were previously partners in K&L/Gates’ Austin office.

Dykema announces that Brian Page, a member in the Firm’s Grand Rapids, Michigan office, has been named a Fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL). Fellowship in ACREL is by invitation only, and is limited to nationally known practitioners recognized for their legal acumen and demonstrated leadership. Page is one of only 950 real estate lawyers nationwide to achieve this designation.

U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) and the Center for Disability & Elder Law (CDEL), along with other national, state and community organizations, are leading a massive effort to highlight the importance of advanced healthcare decision-making. As part of this national effort, at the Portage Park Satellite Senior Center on April 17, 2012, attorneys from Dykema’s Chicago office will provide representation to a group of more than 25 seniors who wish to execute advanced directives.

Dykema Gossett PLLC announced today the addition of Pamela M. MacDougal as an associate in the Firm’s Tax Practice Group.

Former Dykema Gossett PLLC partner Robert M. Horwitz has rejoined the Firm as a senior counsel, the Firm announced today. He will rejoin the Financial Services Litigation Practice Group, resident in Dykema’s Detroit, Michigan office.

In December 2011, Dykema finalized its 7th Annual Mergers & Acquisitions Outlook Survey Report, reflecting the perspectives of leading company executives and outside advisors on the direction of the M&A market in 2012. The survey yielded a number of interesting conclusions, many of which have been corroborated by market data obtained since the release of the survey.

Dykema today announced the addition of Ross Altman as leader of its Construction Law practice and member of the firm’s Real Estate practice in its Chicago office.

The law firm of Dykema announces that Paul M. Laurenza, Office Managing Member of the Firm’s Washington, D.C. office and a member of the Firm’s Automotive Industry Group, has been named Vice Chairman of the Connected Vehicle Trade Association (CVTA). Laurenza, who joined Dykema in 2002, has served on the CVTA’s  board of directors since 2007.

Dykema successfully represented Saab Barracuda LLC (Saab). Saab, a defense subsidiary of Saab AB, is located in Lillington, North Carolina and is a manufacturer of radar-scattering camouflage units. In an action filed by Saab’s competitor, GMA Cover Corp., alleging tortious interference and attempted monopolization, on February 8, a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Eastern District of Michigan issued a report and recommendation to dismiss all claims. GMA Cover Corp. v. Saab Barracuda LLC, (E.D. Mich. No. 10-12060, February 8, 2012).

Dykema, a leading national law firm, successfully represented Ford Motor Company (Ford) in a product liability jury trial in Jackson County, Missouri. After a six-week trial, a Jackson County jury returned a verdict in favor of Ford after two days of deliberations. The case involved a post-collision fire involving a 2003 Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (CVPI). The case is Michael Nolte and Barbie Nolte v. Ford Motor Company, (Circuit Court, Jackson County, Missouri, No. 03 CV 215677, March 5, 2012). 

Dykema Gossett LLP announced today the addition of  Walead Esmail as an associate in the firm’s Financial Services Litigation practice in Los Angeles.

Dykema Gossett PLLC today announced the launch of the new Discovery Readiness Assessment Program (DRAP) designed to control discovery costs before a summons, subpoena or investigation strikes. By carefully assessing the generation, life cycle management, storage and location of data, a DRAP facilitates quick and effective production of paper and electronic documents.

Dykema Gossett PLLC is pleased to announce that Cameron H. Piggott, a member of the firm and the immediate past Director of the Real Estate and Environmental Department, has been named to Midwest Real Estate News’ 2011 Hall of Fame. Midwest Real Estate News is the most authoritative publication in its sector, serving as the 'go to resource' for all matters of commercial real estate matters in 11 of the Heartland states.

Dykema today announced the release, of the firm’s CFPB Law Blog, its new regulatory scorecard on activities of the new Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB). The scorecard is a tool that may be used to monitor the proceedings and developments of the new agency.

Dykema Gossett PLLC announced today the addition of Carrie S. Bryant as a staff attorney in the firm’s Labor and Employment Litigation Group. Bryant will be resident in Dykema’s Bloomfield Hills, Michigan office.

Dykema is pleased to announce that its Antitrust and Trade Regulation Practice Group was named to the Law360 Competition 100, a list of the 100 largest Competition practices in the U.S., as identified in Law360’s annual survey. The survey is conducted among law firms with 100 or more lawyers as well as select boutique firms.

Leading national law firm Dykema today announced that Allan Gabriel, Daniel J. Stephenson, Derek S. Whitefield and Ronald M. Greenberg, each resident in the Los Angeles office, have been named to the 2012 edition of Southern California Super Lawyers.

Dykema Gossett PLLC is pleased to announce that Brett J. Natarelli, an associate in the firm’s Financial Industry Group, has been appointed to a two-year term on the board of directors for the Illinois Mortgage Bankers Association (IMBA).

Dykema served as developer’s counsel for West Construction Services on its $20 million redevelopment of  a historic building in downtown Pontiac, former home of the Sears, Roebuck & Co. department store. 

Dykema today announced the appointment of Jin-Kyu Koh as Leader and Hoon Noh as Assistant Leader of the Korean Business Team.

Dykema Gossett PLLC, a leading national law firm, announced today the addition of Edward C. Wolfe as a Senior Counsel in the Litigation Department, resident in Dykema’s Bloomfield Hills, Michigan office.

Sherrie L. Farrell has been named Managing Member of the Dykema's Detroit office. In her new role, Farrell will oversee the general management and growth of Dykema’s Detroit office.

Dykema Gossett PLLC, a leading national law firm, today announced that Arthur B. Axelson participated as a speaker at the Knowledge Congress’ webcast entitled, "Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Impact Explored LIVE Webcast." 

Dykema Gossett PLLC announced today the addition of David Palsrok as a Government Policy Advisor in the firm’s Government Policy and Practice group, resident in Dykema’s Lansing, Michigan office.

Dykema Gossett PLLC announced today the addition of Samantha L. Walls as an Associate in the firm’s Financial Industry Group. Ms. Walls will be resident in Dykema’s Bloomfield Hills, Michigan office. 

Dykema Gossett LLP announced today the addition of Hoon Noh as the Assistant Leader of the Korean Business Team and Senior Counsel in the firm’s Corporate Finance Practice Group, resident in Dykema’s Los Angeles, California office. Mr. Noh’s practice focused on domestic and international business transactions including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), distributorships, foreign investments, franchises, joint ventures, licensing, partnerships and technology transfers.

Cox Smith Matthews Incorporated (“Cox Smith”) today announced Mark Barrera and Paul Santoyo have been named shareholders of the firm.

Dykema today announced that Gov. Rick Snyder has appointed Rex E. Schlaybaugh, Jr., the firm’s former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission for a four-year term expiring December 31, 2015.

Dykema Gossett PLLC today announced that Mark G. Malven, a Member of the firm and leader of the Technology and Sourcing Transactions practice, will be moderating and speaking from at Ann Arbor SPARK Central on Monday, January 16, 2012.