Courtney Kissel Named to Oakland County Executive’s Elite 40 Under 40 Class of 2020

Press Releases

2.05.20

Courtney Kissel, Bloomfield Hills-based member in Dykema’s Government Policy & Practice group, was named to Oakland County Executive’s Elite 40 Under 40 Class of 2020. In its ninth year, the program honors young professionals and thought leaders who live or work in Oakland County, Michigan, and have achieved excellence in their profession.

“We are fortunate to have such passionate and talented leaders who are committed to their professions and improving their communities,” County Executive David Coulter said in a statement. “They truly are bringing Oakland County together for a more prosperous future. They are a wonderful testament to the diversity and talent in our county.”

The class is invited to join Coulter at his inaugural State of the County address on Feb. 12 at the Flagstar Strand Theatre for the Performing Arts in Pontiac where they will be honored at a pre-reception. There were about 250 applications and nominations for the class, which was selected by a panel of independent judges.

Kissel's practice primarily focuses on government policy, including state constitutional law, election law, insurance law, Indian law, public finance, and public utility law. She is also significantly involved in Dykema’s appellate practice.

In her government policy practice, Kissel has represented a number of universities in relation to a variety of constitutional issues, including issues related to university funding, constitutional autonomy, and academic freedom. She has also represented a variety of clients in analyzing issues under the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act, including applicability and compliance issues. Kissel has also been hired to advise state executive officials on a variety of issues.

She has also represented a variety of clients, including insurance companies, energy companies, and nonprofit organizations, before the Michigan Court of Appeals and Michigan Supreme Court on dozens of appeals. In her public finance practice, Kissel has served as bond counsel and underwriter’s counsel to numerous state and local issuers. 

Kissel earned a J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin School of Law and an A.B., with highest distinction, from the University of Michigan.