Press Releases

Dykema, a leading national law firm, is proud to announce that the firm’s Public Finance Practice Group served as counsel for the underwriters on the Michigan Finance Authority $288.6 million bond sale that was named The Bond Buyer’s Midwest Deal of the Year for 2018. The transaction was recognized at The Bond Buyer’s 17th Annual Deal of the Year Awards gala in New York.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced the addition of James R. Case to its Commercial Litigation Practice Group as a member in the firm’s Detroit office. Case joins Dykema after practicing with Kerr, Russell and Weber, PLC’s Detroit office for more than 38 years.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, and Loss, Judge & Ward, LLP, a Chambers-ranked Washington, D.C., firm, today announced their strategic combination. The combination takes effect on January 1, 2019, and will double each firm’s Washington, D.C., presence. The depth and experience of Loss, Judge & Ward’s nationally-recognized complex commercial insurance practice complements and strengthens Dykema’s existing Insurance Industry Group. Dykema’s expansive practice capabilities and national platform will enhance the range of services available for current Loss, Judge & Ward clients.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, is proud to announce that its National Pro Bono and Diversity Counsel, Heidi A. Naasko, was selected to receive the 2018 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Award by the United Community Housing Coalition (UCHC). She was recognized at the UCHC annual meeting in November.

Dykema is proud to announce that Chicago-based Members Cinthia Granados Motley and Rosa M. Tumialán were recognized on the Crain’s Chicago Business special report, “2018 Chicago’s Notable Minority Lawyers.”

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced that Arlene Switzer Steinfield, Dallas-based Senior Counsel in the firm’s Labor and Employment Practice, was recently elected to serve as the Treasurer of The College of Labor & Employment Lawyers. Her term will commence January 1, 2019. The appointment puts Steinfield in line to become President of the College in 2022.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced that Arlene Switzer Steinfield, Dallas-based Senior Counsel in the firm’s Labor and Employment Practice, was recognized in the D CEO special edition publication The Dallas 500 for the third consecutive year. 

Dykema, a leading national law firm, is proud to announce that Steven C. Liedel, Managing Member of the firm’s Lansing office and Member of its Government Policy & Practice group, will serve as general counsel to Michigan Governor-elect Gretchen Whitmer’s transition team.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced the addition of Rasul M. Raheem to its Financial Services Litigation Practice Group as a Senior Counsel in the firm’s Detroit office. Raheem joins Dykema with nearly 30 years of experience as in-house counsel to banking entities, including serving as Senior Vice President and Assistant General Counsel with Bank of America, as well as time with LaSalle Bank Corp. and Michigan National Bank.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that the firm was nationally ranked in 12 practice areas in the 2019 U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” list, as well as receiving a total of 127 metropolitan rankings representing various areas of law.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced the addition of Kenneth J. Sachs to its Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Practice Group as a Member of the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office. Sachs joins Dykema after practicing in the Troy, Mich., office of Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C., for more than a decade.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that Benchmark Litigation 2019 named the firm as one of only six "Highly Recommended" firms for litigation in the state of Michigan. Benchmark Litigation also named five of Dykema's attorneys “local litigation stars,” as well as listing four of the firm's attorneys as “future stars.”

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that corporate counsel recognized Dykema as one of the top law firms in the area of Product Liability Litigation in BTI’s Litigation Outlook 2019 report. One of the top 200 law firms included in the report’s Product Liability Honor Roll, BTI notes that firms ranked in the report are leading the litigation market.

Respondents to Dykema’s 14th Annual M&A Outlook Survey expressed the highest level of optimism for the M&A market in the 14-year history of the firm’s survey.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced that Jamie A. Zaniewski, Government Policy Advisor in the firm’s Lansing office, was reappointed by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder to serve on the Public Health Advisory Council (PHAC).

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that Robert C. Freed and Conrad A. Hansen of the intellectual property law firm Moore & Hansen have joined its Minneapolis office, both as Senior Counsel. The addition further enhances Dykema’s capabilities in the intellectual property (IP) sector in Minneapolis, where Moore & Hansen has been a leading IP firm for more than 130 years.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, is proud to announce that Michael C. Toth, Austin-based senior counsel in the firm’s Commercial Litigation Practice Group, was sworn in as justice on the Texas 3rd Court of Appeals yesterday, September 26, 2018. Toth was appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to replace Justice Bob Pemberton, who retired after 15 years on the Court.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced that Bonnie Mayfield, a Bloomfield Hills-based member in Dykema’s Litigation practice, was recently appointed as Chair of the International Association of Defense Counsel’s (IADC) Employment Law Committee, and was also reappointed as Chair of its Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, is proud to announce that Sherrie Farrell has been named to Savoy Magazine’s 2018 Most Influential Black Lawyers list. The list is comprised of the “best of the best” of Black lawyers that are partners within leading national law firms, corporate and general counsel from Fortune 1000 corporations. This marks the second time Farrell was included in Savoy’s annual listing.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced the addition of Brian R. Balow to its Corporate Finance Practice Group as a Senior Counsel in the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office. Balow joins Dykema after spending the past 17 years practicing at both Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler, PLC, where he served as Chief Privacy and Information Security Officer, and Dickinson Wright PLLC, where he served as Director of the Intellectual Property, Business technology, Telecommunications, and Energy Practice Department.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, is proud to announce that Jane Bockus was selected by the San Antonio Business Journal as one of only 12 attorneys to be named 2018 Outstanding Lawyers Awards recipients. Jane will be honored along with the other co-recipients at an evening event on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018, at The Veranda in San Antonio. Additionally, Jane and the other recipients will be featured in the Friday, Oct. 12 issue of the San Antonio Business Journal.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that 46 of its attorneys from the firm’s five Michigan offices—and from multiple practice areas—were named to the 2018 Super Lawyers list by Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine. Additionally, 19 of the firm’s attorneys were named to the 2018 Michigan Rising Stars list.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that 24 of its attorneys from the firm’s four Texas offices—and from multiple practice areas—were named to the 2018 Texas Super Lawyers list by Texas Super Lawyers Magazine. In March of this year, 16 of the Firm’s attorneys were also included on the 2018 Texas Rising Stars list.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced the addition of Lindsay S. Henry to its Financial Industry Group as a Senior Counsel in the firm’s Chicago office. Ms. Henry joins Dykema after practicing at Chapman and Cutler in Chicago for nearly seven years, where she worked closely with recent Dykema lateral hire Scott R. Fryzel on banking and financial services-related matters.

Robert P. Tiplady and Marie R. Deveney, Ann Arbor-based members of the Dykema’s Estate Planning & Administration practice, were recognized in the 2018 edition of Chambers High Net Worth Guide (Chambers HNW) in the area Private Wealth Law in the State of Michigan. This marks Tiplady’s third-consecutive inclusion in the publication (which first launched in 2016) and Deveney’s first.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced the addition of Scott R. Fryzel to its Financial Industry Group as a Member in the firm’s Chicago office. Fryzel joins Dykema after practicing at Chapman and Cutler in Chicago for more than 13 years.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that 113 of its attorneys, in multiple practice areas and markets, have been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© 2019 guide. Additionally, 13 of the firm’s practitioners have been named Best Lawyers 2019 “Lawyer of the Year,” a special distinction conferred upon a single lawyer within a practice area and metropolitan market.

On behalf of its client, Kia Motors America, Dykema today won a major victory in the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, which granted Dykema's petition for en banc review of the court's three-judge panel decision throwing out a $210 million nationwide class-action settlement for certain vehicle owners. The Ninth Circuit convenes its 11-judge en banc panel to rehear only a small handful of cases each year. Oral arguments are set for the week of September 24.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, is proud to announce that Dan Webster, senior counsel in the firm’s San Antonio office, was selected by the San Antonio Bar Association (SABA) as the 2018 recipient of its highest honor, the Joe Frazier Brown, Sr. Award of Excellence. Dan will receive the award at the San Antonio Bar Foundation’s annual Gala Benefit & Awards on September 15, 2018.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced the addition of Michael C. Toth to its Commercial Litigation practice group as senior counsel in the firm’s Austin office. Toth joins Dykema after serving as Special Counsel to the First Assistant Attorney General in the Texas Office of Attorney General in Austin.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced the addition of Walter J. Dunn to its Corporate Finance practice group as a member in the firm’s growing Dallas office, which has now added 14 attorneys in the past 13 months. The firm’s rate of growth in North Texas has been so rapid in recent months that it has had to arrange for additional space in the Comerica Bank Tower, where the office is located.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that Timothy D. Kelly, from the firm’s Minneapolis office, has been named 2018 Super Lawyers by Minnesota Super Lawyers Magazine. 

Dykema is extremely proud to announce that five of the Firm’s Chicago-based attorneys, Elizabeth Darke, Cinthia Motley, Cynde Munzer, Diana Tsai and Rosa Tumialán, were recognized on the Crain’s Chicago Business special report, “Chicago’s Notable Women Lawyers 2018.” Dykema’s five attorneys represent 3 percent of the entire list, the maximum amount possible for one firm. The list will be published in the July 30 editions of Crain’s Chicago Business.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that Bonnie Kirkland, San Antonio-based senior attorney in the firm’s Litigation Department, began her term as President of the San Antonio Young Lawyer’s Association (SAYLA) earlier this month. Before taking over as President, Kirkland served SAYLA in a variety of positions in the past, including treasurer and board member.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that Van Lindberg, San Antonio-based member in the firm’s Intellectual Property Group, was recognized as one of the world’s pre-eminent IP practitioners in the 2018 edition of the IAM Strategy 300 – The World’s Leading IP Strategists.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that eight of its Los Angeles-based attorneys have been named 2018 Rising Stars in the Southern California edition of Super Lawyers.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that Nicholas Wittner was inducted as a Life Member of the American Law Institute (ALI). He is Of Counsel to the firm and is located in its Bloomfield Hills office. ALI bestows the honor on members who have devoted 25 years of service, contributing to ALI’s pivotal projects that have shaped the law.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that four of the firm’s Intellectual Property group attorneys were listed as 2018 IP STARS by Managing Intellectual Property (Managing IP). In addition, Dykema’s entire IP practice was named a recommended firm in Michigan all three ranked categories; Patent Contentious, Patent Prosecution and Trade Mark.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that the firm’s Automotive Litigation, Automotive Product Liability Litigation and Immigration practices have been ranked by the Legal 500 United States 2018 (The Legal 500). In addition to the practice rankings, seven total Dykema attorneys received individual recognition, including Terri Reiskin being named a “Leading Lawyer” in the Product Liability, Mass Tort and Class Action: Automotive/Transport category.

Dykema, a national law firm and the leading law firm in dental services, is proud to announce that Basketball Hall of Famer, NBA Champion and Broadcasting Legend Bill Walton has committed to speak at Dykema’s 5th Annual Definitive Conference for Dental Service Organizations, which is set to take place at The Omni Dallas Hotel from July 18-20, 2018.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that 15 attorneys from multiple offices and practice areas received individual rankings and nine practice areas have been recognized in the 2018 edition of Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business guide.

Dykema is proud to announce that Candice Moore, Bloomfield Hills-based attorney in the Firm’s Corporate Finance Practice Group, was recently honored as a Rising Star by the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Detroit at its 2017 M&A All Star Awards at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham, Mich.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that Eric Fingerhut and Jennifer Fraser, each from the firm’s Washington, D.C., office, were named  2018 Super Lawyers in the Washington, D.C., edition of Super Lawyers Magazine. Both Fingerhut and Fraser were recognized in the area of Intellectual Property Law.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, is pleased to announce the addition of Natalie Brouwer Potts to its Labor & Employment Practice Group as a senior counsel in the firm’s growing Chicago office, which has now added 10 attorneys in the past seven months.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that 16 of its Texas-based attorneys have been named 2018 Rising Stars in the Texas edition of Super Lawyers Magazine. Additionally, Alison Ashmore and Zachary Hoard were both recognized on the “Up-and-Coming 100: 2018 Texas Rising Stars” lists. Ashmore also received recognition on the “Up-and-Coming 50: 2018 Women Texas Rising Stars” list.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, is pleased to announce the addition of Jonathan W. Michael to its Tax & Estate Planning Practice as a member in the firm’s Chicago office. Mr. Michael joins Dykema after serving as a shareholder at Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella, P.C.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced that Adam Fishkind, a member of the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group, has been appointed as Managing Member of the firm’s Bloomfield Hills office.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that its Executive Board elected 12 new members to the firm effective January 1, 2018.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced that Jennifer Fraser, a member in the firm’s Intellectual Property & IP Litigation Department, has been appointed as Leader of Dykema’s Trademark Practice Group.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced the addition of James Azadian to its Los Angeles office, where he will be a member of the firm’s nationwide appellate practice. He specializes in complex federal and state court civil appeals raising cutting-edge and core business issues, the First Amendment to the Constitution, Article 1 of the California Constitution, and the application of California's anti-SLAPP statute in federal court. 

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced that it has named Thomas M. Schehr Director of the firm’s Financial Industry Group, a multi-disciplinary group bringing together Dykema lawyers from all regions of the country in the areas of litigation (commercial as well as consumer financial services), lending and corporate finance, regulatory/compliance, and restructuring/insolvency. Schehr succeeds Ed Weil, who was recently appointed to Dykema’s Executive Board.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced the addition of Richard Y. Cheng and Rick A. Daniel to the firm’s growing Dallas office, which has now added 11 attorneys in the past eight months. The firm’s rate of growth in North Texas has been so rapid in recent months that it has had to arrange for additional space in the Comerica Bank Tower, where the office is located.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, is pleased to announce the addition of Cinthia Granados Motley as a member in the firm’s Chicago office where she will serve as Director of Dykema’s Global Data Privacy and Information Security practice group. Ms. Motley joins Dykema after serving as Co-Chair of Sedgewick, LLP’s Cybersecurity and Privacy practice.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that Eric T. Fingerhut and Jennifer Fraser, Washington, D.C.-based members in Dykema’s Intellectual Property Practice Group, were each ranked in World Trademark Review 1000 (WTR 1000 2018). Both Fingerhut and Fraser, as well as Dykema, received recognition in the United States: DC Metro Area category. This marks the seventh consecutive year that both Fingerhut and Fraser have been recognized as top practitioners.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that William J. Kohler, a senior counsel in the firm’s Detroit office, has been reappointed to the East Michigan District Export Council by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. Kohler was appointed to a four-year term that will expire on December 31, 2021.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that Allan Gabriel, Jeff Huron and Derek Whitefield, each from the firm’s Los Angeles office, were named to the 2018 Super Lawyers list by Southern California Super Lawyers Magazine.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that John A. Ferroli has been appointed as the Office Managing Member of the firm’s Grand Rapids office. Ferroli, who also serves on the firm’s Recruiting Committee, succeeds longtime Grand Rapids Office Managing Member James Brady.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that Robert Nelson has been appointed to serve the firm as Co-Practice Group Leader for its Taxation group, which is focused on counseling clients in all aspects of federal, state, and local tax laws. Nelson will co-lead with Michael Cumming, who is based in the firm’s Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, office.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that a total of 21 attorneys from the firm’s Chicago office, and from multiple practice areas, were named to the 2018 Super Lawyers list by Illinois Super Lawyers Magazine. Additionally, three of the firm’s Illinois-based attorneys were named to the 2018 Illinois Rising Stars list as well.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that Jeff Gifford has been appointed to lead the firm’s Corporate Finance Practice Group, a team focused on counseling clients in all aspects of corporate finance matters. Gifford takes over for Will Liebmann, who was selected to serve on the firm’s Executive Board.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced the addition of Michael P. Adams to its Intellectual Property & Intellectual Property Litigation Group as a member in the firm’s Austin office. Adams joins Dykema after practicing in Jackson Walker L.L.P.’s Austin office.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced the addition of Butch Hulse to its Commercial Litigation Practice Group as a member in the firm’s San Antonio office. Hulse, who joins Dykema after nearly a decade serving as in-house counsel and later Chief Compliance Officer with Acelity (formerly Kinetic Concepts, Inc.), is a former Shareholder with Cox Smith Matthews, which combined with Dykema in May 2015.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that Eric T. Fingerhut has been appointed as the Office Managing Member of the firm’s Washington, D.C., office. He succeeds Paul Laurenza, who served in the role for eight years.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced that Dan Harkins has been appointed to serve the firm as Director of its Intellectual Property (IP) Department, a team focused on counselling clients in all aspects of the procurement, management, and enforcement of Intellectual Property rights.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that Jeffrey G. Huron has been appointed as the Office Managing Member of the firm’s Los Angeles Office. He succeeds Mike Wippler, who now serves on the firm’s Executive Board.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that James M. (Marty) Truss has been appointed as the Office Managing Member of the firm’s San Antonio office. Truss also serves as Co-Leader of the Firm’s Energy Industry Team. He succeeds Dan Harkins, who serves now as the firm’s Intellectual Property and IP Litigation Department Director.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced that Dommond Lonnie, member of Dykema’s Litigation practice, was recently appointed to serve the firm as Director of its Automotive Industry Group, a multidisciplinary group focused on providing high quality legal service to automotive and mobility clients.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced that Reed R Heimbecher has been appointed as Office Managing Member of its Minneapolis office. Heimbecher also serves as Leader of the firm’s Intellectual Property Transactional Group.

Dykema attorneys Alison Ashmore and Gemma Galeoto, both based in the firm’s Dallas office, were recently named among D Magazine’s “Best Lawyers Under 40” for 2018. Ashmore is a firm member, while Galeoto is a senior attorney.