In the News

Dykema’s 2020 COVID-19 Employer Survey was mentioned in the HR Dive article, “Unemployment compensation, virus exposure discourage workers from returning, employers say.”

Sean Griffin, Washington, D.C.-based member in Dykema’s Commercial Litigation Practice Group, was quoted in the LegalTech News article, “Meet the Hacker Groups Snatching Law Firms’ Client Data.”

Dykema is proud to recognize many of its clients and friends for their dedication to making a positive impact during this unprecedented time. Thank you to these leading organizations choosing to make a difference.

Deborah D. Williamson, San Antonio-based member and leader of Dykema’s Bankruptcy Practice Group, served as a featured presenter in the TAG Alliances Insolvency & Secured Transactions Group webinar, “Navigating the Current Market and What is Ahead.”

Jim Feeney, Bloomfield Hills-based Member in Dykema’s Litigation Department, was prominently featured in the premiere episode of the Netflix series Trial by Media, a true-crime docuseries examining some of the most dramatic trials of all time. The first episode of the series focuses on the notorious Jenny Jones case in which Feeney successfully defends The Jenny Jones Show and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Will Liebmann, San Antonio-based member of Dykema’s Corporate Finance Practice Group, will serve as a panelist in the Association for Corporate Growth’s webinar, “2020 [RE]VISION: Texas M&A,” which takes place on May 19, 2020.

Brian Colao, Director of Dykema’s Dental Service Organizations Industry Group, was quoted in the Dentistry Today article, “Independent Dental Practices to Face Marketing Challenges After the Pandemic.”

The COVID-19 pandemic brings many increased challenges for employers, including questions regarding the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), complications with layoffs and furloughs, variances in state regulations, and uncertainty of return to work. Dykema canvassed employers to gather collective experience to learn from each other how best to address these various issues and embrace new best practices as businesses adapt to the “new normal.”

Marsha Gentner, Washington, D.C.-based senior counsel in Dykema’s Intellectual Property Practice Group, was quoted in the Westlaw Journal Intellectual Property article “Attorneys React to High Court’s Copyright Ban for Annotated State Laws.”

Donna K. McElroy, San Antonio-based member of Dykema’s Labor and Employment Practice Group, will participate as a panelist for the San Antonio Bar Association’s webinar, “Returning to the Office: A Checklist for Law Firms,” which will take place on Friday, May 8, 2020.

Brandon Durrett, San Antonio-based member in Dykema’s Corporate Finance Group and Energy Industry Group, will serve as a featured speaker for the American Association of Professional Landmen webinar, “Fast Closings and Delayed Due Diligence: Doing Oil and Gas Deals With Limited Access to County Records,” on May 13, 2020.

Robert A. Boonin, Detroit and Ann Arbor-based member in Dykema’s Labor and Employment Practice Group, was quoted in the SHRM article, “Fear of Coronavirus Isn’t Covered by FFCRA.”

Mark Silverman, Chicago-based member of Dykema’s Business Litigation Practice Group and Financial Industry Group, is serving as a featured speaker for the Turnaround Management Association’s Town Hall, “Looking Ahead: Stress in Commercial Real Estate” on Wednesday, May 6, 2020.

Jonathan W. Michael, Chicago-based member in Dykema's Tax & Estate Planning Practice, will serve as a featured speaker at the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education's 63rd Annual Estate Planning Short Course.

Thomas Moga, Bloomfield Hills-based Senior Counsel in Dykema’s Intellectual Property Practice Group, was quoted extensively in the Bloomberg Law article, “Virus Leaves Brands to Protect Themselves as Opportunists Pounce.”

Michael Cumming, member in Dykema’s Bloomfield Hills office and Leader of the Firm's Tax Practice Group, was quoted in the Financial Advisor Magazine article, “How Clients Can Take Advantage Of Extended Tax Deadlines.”

Dykema, a leading national law firm, is pleased to announce that six of its Dallas-based attorneys are listed as “Best Lawyers in Dallas,” in a special editorial feature in the May 2020 issue of D Magazine. 

Richard L. Lieberman, Senior Counsel in Dykema’s Chicago office and member of the firm’s Tax Practice Group, was quoted in the Bloomberg Tax article, “Tax Virus Briefing: Companies, Banks Brace for Far-Away Recovery.”

Mark Andrews, Member in Dykema’s Dallas office and former leader of the firm’s Bankruptcy practice group, was quoted in an article that appears in both Bloomberg and Bloomberg Law entitled, “Oil Lenders Hit Pause on Bankruptcy to Avoid Owning the Dead.”

Richard L. Lieberman, Senior Counsel in Dykema’s Chicago office and member of the firm’s Tax Practice Group, was quoted in the Bloomberg Tax article, “Companies May Have to Pass on Extra Opportunity Zone Benefit.”

Mel Muskovitz, and Jim Hermon, Michigan-based members of Dykema’s Labor and Employment Practice Group, will join Emily Kieliszewski and the Michigan Municipal League for the webinar, “The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) – What Public Employers Need to Know,” on Thursday, April 23, 2020.

Tom Vaughn, Co-Leader of Dykema’s M&A Practice Group, Alexis Schostak, Assistant Leader and of the firm's Corporate Finance Practice Group and Asel Lindsey, from Dykema's Taxation and Estates Practice Group, will join Advertising Specialty Institute’s panel discussion, “Navigating the CARES Act,” on Thursday, April 23, 2020.

Cinthia Motley, Director of Dykema’s Global Data Privacy and Information Security practice group, will serve as a featured presenter on Advisen’s webinar, “Quarterly Cyber Risk Trends: Q1 2020,” which will take place on Wednesday, April 22, 2020.

Deborah Williamson, Member in Dykema’s San Antonio office and Leader of the firm’s Bankruptcy Practice Group, was quoted in the Bloomberg Businessweek article “A New Small Business Bankruptcy Law Takes Effect, Just In Time.”

Mark Silverman, Chicago-based member in Dykema’s Business Litigation Practice and the firm's Financial Industry Group, is serving as a featured presenter in NRC Realty’s webinar, “Key Concepts in Hospitality Workouts,” which is being held on April 20, 2020.

Tom Vaughn, Detroit-based member of Dykema’s Corporate Finance practice group and co-leader of the firm’s M&A practice group, served as a featured panelist on the New Enterprise Forum’s webinar, “COVID-19 Pandemic – Resources for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs,” which took place on April 16, 2020.

Deborah D. Williamson and Melanie Fry, San Antonio-based members at Dykema, were interviewed by Attorney at Law Magazine San Antonio for the article, “Learning from Each Other: An Interview Between Two Generations of Dykema Women Attorneys.”

Edward S. Weil, Chicago-based Member in Dykema’s Financial Industry Group, was quoted in the Asset Securitization Report article, “Containing market fallout in the ABS world.”

Tom Vaughn, Detroit-based member Dykema’s Corporate Finance Practice Group and co-leader of the firm's M&A Practice Group, joined Theresa Hegel of the Advertising Specialty Institute on Facebook Live to discuss how small businesses can take advantage of the CARES Act and its Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), along with Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs).

Deborah D. Williamson, member and leader of Dykema’s Bankruptcy, Insolvency and Creditors’ Rights practice, was quoted in the Forbes article, “Led by Harold Hamm, America’s Oil Frackers Are Slashing Output.”

Richard L. Lieberman, Senior Counsel in Dykema’s Chicago office and member of the Firm’s Tax Practice Group, was quoted in the Bloomberg Tax article, “Opportunity Zone Tax Rule Corrections Add Clarity – and Confusion.”

Lance Boldrey, Lansing-based member and Leader of Dykema’s Cannabis Law Practice, is featured in American Lawyer Magazine’s Higher Law Newsletter article “Cannabis & COVID-19: Dykema Q&A.”

Danielle N. Rushing, San Antonio-based attorney in Dykema’s Bankruptcy Practice, was interviewed in the Texas Bar Journal article, “ATJ Pro Bono Champion.” Because of her pro bono work, Rushing was chosen by the Texas Access to Justice Commission to highlight in its quarterly feature.

Robert Boonin, Ann Arbor-based member of Dykema’s Labor & Employment practice group, served as a featured presenter for the LeadingAge Michigan webinar, “COVID-19 Updates: Labor & Employment Issues,” which was held on April 1, 2020. 

Bonnie Mayfield, Bloomfield Hills-based member of Dykema’s Litigation and Labor & Employment practices, is set to serve as a featured presenter for the International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) webinar, “A Pointed Labor and Employment Discussion Regarding COVID-19 and Groundbreaking Laws.” The webinar takes place on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at 12 p.m. Eastern Time.

Bob Linton and Mark Silverman, members based in Dykema’s Chicago office, were quoted in the REJournals article, “COVID-19 and the industrial sector: Predicting changes at the micro and macro scales.”

Richard L. Lieberman, Senior Counsel in Dykema’s Chicago office and member of the Firm’s Tax Practice Group, was quoted in a Bloomberg Tax article, “Delayed Tax Filing Could Mean Larger Stimulus Check for Some.”

The Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA) highlighted Dykema’s COVID-19 Resource Center on its Coronavirus Updates and Resources page, which features the material being provided by various government and health agencies, as well as other affiliates during this pandemic.

Dykema’s upcoming webinar on March 25, 2020, “Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) – What Employers Need to Know,” was highlighted in the DBusiness Magazine article “COVID-19 Update: Stocks Rise in Early Trading, Summer Olympics on Hold, New COVID-19 Test, Marelli Suspends Operations, and More.”

Brian A. Colao, Dallas-based member and Director of Dykema’s Dental Service Organizations (DSO) Industry Group, was featured in the TUSK Partners Podcast episode titled, “COVID-19-related HR & Labor Law Considerations.” Colao was the first non-Tusk guest to appear on the program and was introduced as having “experience unrivaled in the industry.”

Bonnie Mayfield, Bloomfield Hills-based member of Dykema’s Litigation and Labor & Employment practices, addresses the impact of COVID-19 on the American workforce in a Michigan Lawyers Weekly article titled “Firms create COVID-19 task forces, resource centers.”

Dykema's webinar, "Managing Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the Workplace," was highlighted in the Bloomberg Law article "Wake Up Call: House Lead Impeachment Counsel Tests Positive for Covid-19," which discusses the many ways law firms responding to and helping clients handle the COVID-19 pandemic.

We, like other businesses, are monitoring and reacting to the rapidly evolving reality surrounding the COVID-19 global pandemic. With the health, safety and well-being of our clients and staff of the utmost importance, Dykema is taking additional preventative steps to help protect our business family and the community by following the guidance and recommendations of public health offices and local governments. Beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Dykema will begin operating with attorneys, policy advisors and staff working remotely.

Steve Liedel, the Managing Member of Dykema’s Lansing office, was quoted in the Crain’s Detroit Business article, “A week we’ve not seen before: Businesses in uncharted territory as caution brings many halts.”

Daniel R. Stern, San Antonio-based member of Dykema’s Labor and Employment practice group, was quoted in the CNN Business article, “One of your employees is diagnosed with coronavirus. What now?”.

In response to the uncertainty domestically and globally regarding the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and with the health, safety and well-being of our clients, staff, and communities being of paramount importance, Dykema is taking precautionary measures to help protect our extended business family and continue to deliver excellent client service.

Deborah D. Williamson, San Antonio-based member and Leader of Dykema’s Bankruptcy Practice Group, was quoted in the San Antonio Business Journal story, “There will be bankruptcies: Oil and gas faces test in South Texas.”

Dykema attorney Steve Mroczkowski is speaking at the Illinois State Bar Association’s CLE seminar Construction Law Primer for Young Attorneys and General Practitioners, which will take place on March 13 in Chicago. Mroczkowski will present two segments of the seminar, “Understanding Design Obligations and Liabilities,” and “Understanding the Closing Out of a Construction Project.”

Donna K. McElroy, San Antonio-based member of Dykema’s Labor and Employment Practice Group, was mentioned in the Texas Lawyer article, “Coronavirus Quarantine Litigation Heats Up as San Antonio Taps Outside Counsel,” regarding her representation of the City of San Antonio. Subscribers to Texas Lawyer may view the article here.

Joanne L. Zimolzak and Sean C. Griffin, Washington, D.C.-based Members of Dykema’s Business & Commercial Litigation Practice, will each contribute to Georgetown Law’s 24th Annual Corporate Counsel Institute: An Insider’s Guide to Washington. The event, also sponsored by Dykema, is set to take place March 10-12 at the Georgetown University Law Center on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is affecting companies across the nation and around the world in a variety of ways. Dykema is closely monitoring the legal ramifications of the crisis and evaluating the potential impact to businesses in a wide variety of industries. Dykema's COVID-19 Resource Center is intended to help our clients and other organizations better understand and be prepared to handle any impending legal complications in order to weather the storm and better position themselves for success. Visit this page for updates and legal insights relating to COVID-19.

Ed Weil, Chicago-based Member in Dykema’s Financial Industry Group, served as a moderator at the Information Management Network’s (IMN) 10th Annual Bank Special Assets & Credit Officer’s Forum (East), which took place in Miami, Florida. February 24-25.

Lance Boldrey, Leader of Dykema’s Cannabis Law Practice and Co-Leader of the Firm’s Gaming & Indian Law group, was named one of Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2020 “Leaders in the Law.” A luncheon celebrating the honorees will be held on April 9, 2020, at the Detroit Marriott in Troy, where the 2020 “Lawyer of the Year” will be announced.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, is proud to announce that the firm handled two of the “Top Verdicts of 2019” in California as recognized by the Daily Journal in its annual feature highlighting the largest and most significant verdicts and appellate reversals in California in 2019. Dykema’s two cases are included among only 44 total verdicts from the state of California to receive such recognition.

Robert A. Boonin, Detroit- and Ann Arbor-based member in Dykema’s Labor & Employment Practice Group and former chair of the Wage and Hour Defense Institute, was quoted in the HR Magazine article “Keep Clear of These Common Overtime Errors.”

Ashley R. Fickel, Los Angeles-based member in Dykema’s Financial Services Litigation Practice Group, will serve as a featured speaker for the California Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Legal Issues Webinar on Feb. 25.

Dykema’s Automotive Industry Group was profiled by Law360 as part of its recognition as a “Practice Group of the Year” in Transportation Law for 2019.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, is extremely proud to announce that it was selected by firm client DXC Technology to receive its 2020 Strategic Partner Award for Empowerment. The Strategic Partner Awards are the highest form of recognition DXC confers on its outside counsel and are modeled after the values of its Legal Department; Trust, Ownership and Empowerment. The Empowerment Award was presented to Dykema for helping DXC achieve its objectives at the company’s Strategic Partner Summit held at its headquarters in Tysons, Virginia.

Cory Webster, Los Angeles-based senior counsel in Dykema’s litigation and appellate groups, was quoted in the Daily Journal article “State high court will hear another Dynamex case.”

Jonathan Aberman, Chicago-based member in Dykema’s Bankruptcy, Insolvency & Creditors’ Rights Group, is set to serve as a featured speaker for the Financial Poise webinar series “Ethical Issues in Real Estate-Based Bankruptcies 2020.” Aberman will co-present the premier webinar in the series, “Valuing Real Estate Assets,” which will take place Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020 at 11 a.m. Central.

Bob Leavitt, Chicago-based Senior Counsel in Dykema’s Financial Industry Group and Business Services Department, served as a featured speaker at a Wisconsin Association for Financial Professionals (WIAFP) luncheon. Leavitt’s presentation, “Deposit Account Control Agreements: A General Introduction,” provided a solid understanding of the uses for and issues surrounding DACAs from the viewpoint of the three interested parties; the lender, the borrower and the depository institution.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, is proud to announce that its Automotive Industry Group was recognized as a “Practice Group of the Year” in Transportation Law for 2019 by Law360. Dykema was one of only five firms selected nationwide. Now in the program’s 10th year, the Law360 Practice Group of the Year awards honor the law firms behind the litigation wins and major deals that resonated throughout the legal industry in the past year.

Dykema Automotive Industry Group members Brian Smith, Laura Baucus and Mark Malven each contributed to the Chambers Associate article “The rise of self-driving cars: the expert view from Dykema.”

For the third consecutive year, Alison Ashmore, Dallas-based member in Dykema's Litigation Department, was named among D Magazine’s “Best Lawyers Under 40.” 

Andrew P. Scott, Chicago-based member in Dykema’s Real Estate and Cannabis Practice Groups, participated in a Q&A with Law.com's cannabis newsletter Higher Law.

Michael Dorfman, Chicago-based member in Dykema’s Intellectual Property Practice Group, was quoted extensively in the Law360 article “Patent Litigation Trends to Watch in 2020.”

Tania Shapiro-Barr, M.D., Minneapolis-based Senior Attorney in Dykema’s Intellectual Property Practice Group, was quoted in the Law360 article, “Patent Legislation To Watch In 2020,” which examined possible new limits on pharmaceutical patents, an overhaul on patent eligibility law, and Congressional response to the Federal Circuit’s October 31 decision saying the structure of the Patent Trial and Appeal Board is unconstitutional.

Dante A. Stella, Detroit-based member in Dykema’s Business Litigation Group and Leader of the firm's Discovery Management and E-Discovery Group, was quoted in the recent Legaltech News article, "Legal Tech’s Predictions for E-Discovery in 2020."

Thomas Moga, Bloomfield Hills-based Senior Counsel in Dykema’s Intellectual Property practice, was quoted in the CapitalWatch article, “Chinese Auto Stocks Rise on Phase One Deal on Trade.”

Robert A. Boonin, Detroit- and Ann Arbor–based member in Dykema’s Labor & Employment Practice Group and former chair of the Wage and Hour Defense Institute, was quoted in the Bloomberg Law article, “New Rule Boosts Worker Perks Without Impacting Overtime (1).” The new rule is scheduled to take effect January 15, 2020.

Flex Ltd. and its collaborative work with Dykema was “Commended” by Financial Times for its North America Innovative Lawyers 2019 Awards and for its corresponding annual special report, “North America Innovative Lawyers.” Flex and Dykema’s work was part of one of only eight entries recognized by Financial Times in the “Talent, Strategy and Changing Behaviours (in-house)” category.

Flex Ltd. and its collaborative work with Dykema has has been shortlisted by Financial Times for its North America Innovative Lawyers 2019 Awards and for its corresponding annual special report, “North America Innovative Lawyers.” Flex and Dykema’s work is being considered as part of a broader entry for the legal team’s work on talent, strategy and changing behaviors.

In light of national cases threatening transgender rights and confusion around legal protections in Michigan, attorneys from Dykema and Ford Motor Company teamed up with the Fair Michigan Foundation and Ruth Ellis Center to host a pro bono clinic for transgender individuals wishing to formally change their names to match their identity. Fox 2 Detroit (WJBK) covered the clinic with its story “Ruth Ellis Center offering name change help for Transgender community: Attorneys are helping a population often victimized by discrimination.”