In the News

Starting in January 2020, Dykema, a leading national law firm, became involved with The Promise of Justice Initiative’s (PJI) Jim Crow Juries Project aimed at combatting systemic racism. In collaboration with some of the firm’s clients, Dykema is working pro bono with the PJI as co-counsel to address the injustice stemming from Jim Crow laws passed in Louisiana in the 1800s that permitting non-unanimous jury verdicts in criminal matters. According to the PJI, no other law firm has handled more cases for the project than Dykema. 

Michael Bernard, Detroit-based Member in Dykema’s Corporate Finance Practice Group, was quoted in the Mergermarket article, “Strategic buyers increasingly dangle earnouts to win deals.”

Steve Liedel, Office Managing Member of Dykema’s Lansing office and Member of the Firm’s Government Policy and Practice group, was quoted in the Crain’s Detroit Business article, “How gathering limitations could be Michigan’s next COVID lockdown.”

Justice Phylis Speedlin, San Antonio-based Senior Counsel in Dykema’s Litigation Department, and Zack Beaver, Chicago-based attorney in the firm’s Corporate Finance Practice Group, were each quoted in the Law360 article, “From Military To Law: What Attys Took From Their Service.”

David Palsrok, Lansing-based Government Policy Advisor in Dykema’s Government Policy and Practice group and former Michigan State Representative, spoke on the November 9 MIRS Monday podcast about the results of the 2020 federal and state elections.

Charles LeMoine, Chicago-based Member in Dykema’s Litigation Department, was quoted in the Chicago Daily Herald article, “Waivers not a foolproof fix to play basketball.”

Jeff Gifford, San Antonio-based Member and Leader of Dykema’s Corporate Finance practice group, was quoted in The American Lawyer article,“ Dealmakers Are Optimistic About M&A Next Year.”

Dykema attorney Steven Mroczkowski was recently formally inducted as a member of the Society of Illinois Construction Attorneys (SOICA).

Mark Malven, Bloomfield Hills-based Co-Leader of Dykema’s Mobility and Advanced Transportation Team, and Laura Baucus, Bloomfield Hills-based Leader of the firm’s Original Equipment Supplier client team, were quoted in the Automotive World article, “What are the biggest legal concerns linked to mobility megatrends?”

Dykema is proud to announce that Lance Boldrey, Leader of Dykema’s Cannabis Law Practice, was named a 2020 "Trailblazer" for Cannabis Law by The National Law Journal.

Dykema’s Tom Vaughn and Cynde Munzer were quoted in the MiBiz article, “M&A outlook shows ‘surprising level of optimism’ for 2021.”

Dykema attorneys Jimmy Azadian, David Graham, Laura Worsinger and Allison Scott were mentioned in the Law360 article, “Claims Trimmed In Suit Over '100% Natural' Juice Labels,” regarding their role representing Vilore Foods Co. Inc.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, is extremely proud to announce that Dommond Lonnie, Los Angeles-based Director of the firm’s Automotive Industry Group and newly elected Member of the firm's Executive Board Member (term beginning Jan. 1, 2021), and Michael Wippler, former Office Managing Member of Dykema's Los Angeles office and current member of the firm’s Executive Board, were each selected as nominees for the Los Angeles Business Journal’s annual “Leaders in Law” award. Both Lonnie and Wippler will be featured among other nominees in the November 16, 2020, edition of the Los Angeles Business Journal, followed by the November 30, 2020, edition profiling all the finalists and winners. In addition, they are invited to attend the publication’s virtual awards event on Wednesday, November 18, 2020.

Elizabeth Voss, Dallas-based Senior Attorney in Dykema’s Labor and Employment practice, was quoted in the SHRM article, “Here’s What Employers Need to Know About USERRA Leave.”

David Palsrok, Government Policy Advisor in Dykema’s Lansing Office, was listed on the Crain’s Detroit Business guide, “2020 50 Names to Know In Lobbying.” The guide is a selection of professionals representing trade groups, major corporations, law firms, long-established multiclient lobbying firms, sole proprietors and rising stars in the business.

Dan Harkins, San Antonio-based Member and Director of Dykema’s Intellectual Property Department, was quoted in the Bloomberg Law article, “Gorilla Glue Faces Packaging Trial After 11th Cir. Revival.”

Christopher Kratovil, Office Managing Member of Dykema’s Dallas office and a Member of the Firm's Litigation Department and Appellate Practice, was quoted in The Texas Lawbook article, “Rebeca Huddle of Baker Botts Named to SCOTX.”

Ed Weil and Mark Silverman, Chicago-based co-leaders of Dykema's Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities Special Servicer Group, were both quoted in the Law360 article “3 Looming CMBS Trouble Spots As Pandemic Continues.”

Abad Lopez, Chicago-based Member in Dykema’s Labor and Employment group, was quoted in the SHRM article, “What to Include in Policies Regarding Damage to Equipment.”

Amy Christen, Bloomfield Hills-based Member in Dykema’s Employee Benefits practice, was quoted in two recent Business News Daily articles, “What Is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)?,” and “What is a Health Savings Account (HSA)?”.

Ed Weil, Chicago-based co-leader of Dykema's Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities Special Servicer Group, was quoted in the National Real Estate Investor article, “Special Servicer Activity Provides a Window into Assessing the Distressed Cycle.”

Marsha Gentner, Washington, D.C.-based Senior Counsel in Dykema’s Intellectual Property practice group, was quoted in The Hollywood Times article, “Celebs Sued by the Paparazzi: Dykema Intellectual Property Attorney, Marsha Gentner Offers Her Expert Advice.”

Lance Boldrey, Lansing-based Leader of Dykema’s Cannabis Law Practice, is quoted in the Law360 article, “Cannabis Regs: Mich. To Ease Recreational Pot Licensing.”

Mark Silverman and Ed Weil, Chicago-based co-leaders of Dykema’s Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities Special Servicer Group, will both separately moderate sessions in IMN’s Bank Special Assets & Credit Officer’s Virtual Forum on November 10, 2020.

Steven Liedel, Lansing-based member of Dykema’s Government Policy & Practice group, was quoted in the Crain’s Detroit Business article “Whitmer’s COVID executive orders are out. Here are the pandemic restrictions still in.”

Dan Harkins, San Antonio-based Member and Director of Dykema’s Intellectual Property and IP Litigation Department, was quoted in the Law360 article, “Barrett’s Textualist Focus Offers Few Clues On IP Approach.”

Brian Smith, Bloomfield Hills-based member in Dykema’s Litigation Department, was quoted in the Crain’s Detroit Business article “On the Hook for COVID? Following Protocols is Best Defense Against Employee Liabilities.”

Mark Silverman, Chicago-based Member in Dykema’s Financial Industry Group and Co-Team Leader of the Firm’s Commercial Mortgage-Based Securities Special Servicer Group, was quoted in the Crain’s Chicago Business article, “What’s a hotel worth? Good question.”

Dan Stern, San Antonio-based Member in Dykema’s Labor and Employment group, was quoted in the Law360 article, “OSHA’s Wave of Virus Fines Fail To Win Over Skeptics.”

Donna McElroy, San Antonio-based member in Dykema’s Labor & Employment practice group, was quoted in the HR Magazine article “Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Would Require Accommodations.”

Will Liebmann, San Antonio-based Member in Dykema’s Corporate Finance Practice Group, was quoted in the Forbes article, “If LVMH Can’t Get Out Of Tiffany Acquisition, As One Lawyer Believes, It May Live To Regret It.”

Due to a worldwide pandemic, social movements and landmark legal decisions, 2020 has required employers and HR departments to adjust policies, training and monitoring systems on-the-fly. To help businesses navigate this unprecedented business environment, Dykema’s Labor & Employment Practice Group is offering the 2020 Employer Update webinar series, which launches Wednesday, September 30, with its first session “What’s Next? Preparing for Workplace Challenges in the ‘New Normal.’”

Bonnie Mayfield, Bloomfield Hills-based Member in Dykema’s Labor and Employment practice group, was quoted in the SHRM article, “EEOC Must Follow Certain Steps Before Filing a Systemic Bias Suit.”

Dykema members Mark Malven, Cinthia Motley and Jeanne Whalen will each serve as featured presenters in various sessions of the State Bar of Michigan’s “IT Law: Annual IT Law Seminar,” on September 10, 2020.

Robert A. Boonin and James F. Hermon, Michigan-based members in Dykema’s Labor & Employment practice group, will both serve as panelists in separate sessions of the 45th Annual Labor & Employment Law Institute Program. The event will be live-streamed on September 24, 2020, and a recording will be available on September 30, 2020.

Brian Smith, Bloomfield Hills-based Member in Dykema’s Litigation Department, was quoted in the Crain’s Detroit Business article, “Covered in case of COVID? House debates new liability protections for businesses.”

Laura Baucus, Bloomfield Hills-based member and head of Dykema’s Financial Services Litigation Practice Group, and Tom Vaughn, Detroit-based member and co-leader of the firm’s Mergers and Acquisition Group, participated in a SupplyChainBrain video panel discussion, “State of the Automotive Industry: Now and Tomorrow.”

Robert Boonin, Detroit and Ann Arbor-based Member in Dykema’s Labor and Employment group, was quoted in the SHRM article, “Presidential Election: A Labor Relations Overview.”

Robert A. Boonin, Ann Arbor-based member in Dykema’s Labor and Employment practice group, was appointed Employer/Defense Co-Chair of the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Federal Labor Standards Legislation Committee. His two-year term began on September 1, 2020.

Grant Gilezan, Detroit-based member and leader of Dykema’s Environmental Practice Group, was quoted in the E&E News article “EPA’s provocative enforcement chief finds ‘few friends.’”

Harold D. Pope, Detroit-based member in Dykema’s Litigation Department, was selected to serve as a member on the Concordia College Board of Regents for a term beginning October 8, 2020.

Dykema, a national law firm, is one of only 13 law firms selected by Honeywell International Inc. to serve on its strategic panels of law firms, as featured in the Bloomberg Law article, “Honeywell Legal Boss Went Beyond Big Law to Cut 100 Firms to 13,” which highlights Honeywell’s calculated decision to trim the number of legal service providers in favor of firms that offer lower costs and closer business relationships.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, is proud to announce that Lance Boldrey, Lansing-based Member in Dykema’s Government Policy & Practice group and Leader of the firm’s Cannabis Law practice, was selected for inclusion in the “Top 200 Cannabis Lawyers” in Cannabis Law Report.

Bonnie Mayfield, Bloomfield Hills-based member in Dykema’s Labor & Employment practice group, was named one of only 30 “Women in the Law” for 2020 by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. A virtual event celebrating the honorees will be held October 8, 2020.

Lori McAllister, Lansing-based member in Dykema’s Financial Services Litigation practice group and member of the firm’s executive board, was quoted in the Lansing State Journal article “This No-Fault Insurance Lawsuit Could Affect Michigan Residents.”

Craig Woods, Dallas-based Member in Dykema’s Dental Service Organizations (DSO) Industry Group, was quoted in the Dental Products Report article, “DSO deal-making in the pandemic.”

The results of Dykema’s recent COVID-19 Automotive Outlook Flash Survey was featured in the Automotive World article, “How has COVID reshaped the US industry outlook?”.

Allison Ashmore, Dallas-based Member in Dykema’s Litigation Department, was quoted in The Texas Lawbook article, “GC Leanne Oliver’s Long and Winding Road to Law and Corporate America.”

Arlene Switzer Steinfeld, Dallas-based Senior Counsel in Dykema’s Labor and Employment practice, was quoted in the Business Insurance article, “Have plan for contact tracing, testing before workers return.”

Laura C. Baucus, Joseph H. Hickey and Samantha L. Walls, Michigan-based members of Dykema’s Financial Services Litigation practice group, will serve as featured speakers for the Mortgage Bankers Association webinar, “Preparing for Residential Mortgage Litigation Post-CARES Act,” set for Wednesday, August 26, 2020.

Chicago-based attorneys Ed Weil and Mark Silverman, both co-leaders of Dykema’s Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities Special Servicer Group, were each quoted in the National Mortgage News article “Assessing the Trouble Ahead for Commercial Mortgages.”

The automotive industry is a critical component of the U.S. economy connecting a wide range of industries, from part and raw material suppliers to providers needed for the day-to-day sale and operation of vehicles. In July 2020, Dykema, MICHauto and The Right Place canvassed automotive executives, professionals and service providers to gauge their perspectives on the U.S. economy and the automotive industry and, particularly, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Deborah Williamson, San Antonio-based Member and leader of Dykema’s Bankruptcy Practice Group, was featured in the San Antonio Woman Women in Law feature, “Making a Case for Leadership, Community, and Balance.”

Dykema, a leading national law firm, is proud to announce that Michael R. Carey, a Member in Dykema’s Minneapolis office and Co-Leader of the Firm’s Mobility and Advanced Transportation Team, was selected for Benchmark Litigation’s “40 & Under Hot List.” This is the fifth consecutive year that Carey was included in the annual listing.

Thomas Moga, Bloomfield Hills-based senior counsel in the Dykema’s Intellectual Property practice group, was quoted in the China Business Review article “Design Patents vs. Trade Dress: Protecting IP in China.”

Dommond Lonnie, Los Angeles-based member in Dykema’s Litigation Department and Director of the firm’s Automotive Industry Group, will serve as a featured presenter for the Los Angeles Business Journal webinar, “Black Business Matters: From Awareness to Action,” on July 29, 2020.

Victor C. Johnson, Dallas-based Member in Dykema’s Intellectual Property practice group, was quoted in the Law360 article, “4 Things To Know About New WDTX Patent Procedures.”

Dykema is extremely proud to announce that two of its Michigan-based employees were recognized as 2020 Unsung Legal Heroes in the July 27 issue of Michigan Lawyers Weekly. The unsung heroes program honors the state’s most talented and dedicated legal support professionals who have consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty, often behind the scenes.

Aaron Kaufman, Dallas-based Member in Dykema’s Bankruptcy group, was quoted in the Bloomberg Law article, “Bankrupt Retailers’ IP Assets Draw More Demand in Online Shift.”

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that Minneapolis-based member Kristina Kaluza has each been recognized as a 2020 "Rising Star" in the Minnesota edition of Super Lawyers. 

Sheryl Toby, Metro Detroit-based member of Dykema’s Business Services Department and Automotive Industry Group, will join the Turnaround Management Association's Town Hall, “Automotive Manufacturing Distress,” on July 22, 2020.

Given the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, in June 2020, Dykema and the Association for Corporate Growth chapters in Detroit, San Antonio/Austin and Columbus canvassed senior executives and M&A professionals to gauge the effects of the pandemic on the U.S. economy and M&A. The results were compared to Dykema’s 15th Annual M&A Outlook survey completed in the autumn of 2019.

Michael A. Dorfman, Chicago-based Member in Dykema’s Intellectual Property Department, was quoted in the Law360 article, “These 10 Decisions Remade the Patent Landscape.”

Dykema attorneys Brian Forbes, Steve Mroczkowski and Michael Vogt, were quoted in the Connected Real Estate Magazine article, “Where are the Government relief programs for Landlords?”.

Bonnie Mayfield, Bloomfield Hills-based member of Dykema’s Litigation and Labor & Employment practices, will join  Baylor Law’s roundtable discussion, “Diversity, Inclusion and Litigation Management,” on July 22, 2020.

Jonathan E. Aberman, Chicago-based member of Dykema's Bankruptcy, Insolvency and Creditors’ Rights practice and Financial Industry Group, will join the American Bar Association panel discussion, “Out of Court Workouts in the COVID Era,” on August 11, 2020.

Thomas Moga, Bloomfield Hills-based Senior Counsel in Dykema’s Intellectual Property Practice Group, will serve as a featured presenter in the United States Patent and Trademark Office’s webinar, “Using overlapping IP rights to protect your products in China,” on July 23, 2020.

Los Angeles-based litigators and members of Dykema’s Appellate Practice Group, Jimmy Azadian and Cory Webster, were both mentioned in the Law360 article, “9th Circ. Keeps Harley-Davidson False Ad Suit Federal.” Azadian and Webster were each mentioned in the article regarding their role representing Harley-Davidson.

Texas-based Dykema attorneys Aaron Kaufman, J. Patrick Ryan, Danielle Rushing, Ariel Snyder and Ryan Yergensen, all from the firm’s Business Services Department, were mentioned in the Law360 article, “Dentons, Dykema Steer Gold's Gym $100M Bankruptcy Sale.” Each lawyer was mentioned in the article regarding their involvement representing Gold’s Gym in its sale out of pandemic-induced bankruptcy to European fitness company RSG Group.

Dykema, a leading national law firm, is proud to announce that Jimmy Azadian, Member in the Dykema’s Litigation Department and Appellate Practice Group, was selected for the Los Angeles Business Journal’s annual Leaders Of Influence: Top Litigators & Trial Lawyers listing. Azadian was featured among other nominees in a special section of the July 13, 2020, issue of the Los Angeles Daily Business Journal.

Marsha Gentner, Washington, D.C.-based Senior Counsel in Dykema’s Intellectual Property Group, was quoted in the Bloomberg Law article “Red Wolves, RedTails Trademarks Grabbed as Team Changes Name.”

Eric T. Fingerhut, Office Managing Member of Dykema's Washington, D.C., office and former leader of Dykema’s Trademark & Copyright Practice, was quoted in the Westlaw Journal Computer & Internet article “Booking.com high court win marks 'victory' for trademark, domain owners.”

Heidi Naasko, Dykema's Pro Bono and Diversity Counsel, was profiled in the Michigan Lawyers Weekley article, “State’s First Full-Time Pro Bono Counsel Wins Cummiskey Award.”

Donna McElroy, San Antonio-based Member in Dykema’s Labor and Employment Practice Group, was quoted in the San Antonio Business Journal article, “Changing spaces: How coronavirus may transform the workplace forever.”

Sean C. Griffin, Washington, D.C.-based Member in Dykema’s Commercial Litigation Group, served as the featured presenter for the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel’s (FDCC), “Data Security Challenges for Our New Era,” webinar taking place July 8.

Cinthia Motley, Director of Dykema’s Global Data Privacy and Information Security practice group, was quoted in the Law360 article, “US Courts Open To Demands For EU Data, But Risks Loom.”

Jim Feeney, Bloomfield Hills-based member in Dykema’s Litigation Department, was featured in the national video interview series, “Sidebar Conference with Lawyers Weekly.”

Joanne L. Zimolzak, Washington, D.C.-based Member in Dykema’s Commercial Litigation Group, was quoted in the Law360 article, “What You Need To Know As NAFTA 2.0 Takes Effect.”

Eric T. Fingerhut, Managing Member of Dykema’s Washington, D.C., office and former leader of the firm’s Trademark and Copyright practice, was quoted in the IPWatchdog article, “The Consumer is King: High Court Sides with Booking.com, Rejecting Per Se Test for Generic.Com Trademarks.”

Dykema, a leading national law firm, today announced that Peter Grace, Bloomfield Hills-based associate in Dykema’s Business Litigation Group, was elected to the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly, representing Oakland County.

Dykema is proud to announce that its Business Development & Marketing Department won a Gold Horizon Interactive Award for its 2019 holiday ecard. Dykema partnered with GCC Portfolio, an industry leader in customized client x solutions, to produce the winning holiday ecard.

Robert A. Boonin, Detroit- and Ann Arbor-based member in Dykema’s Labor and Employment practice group, was quoted in the SHRM article, “Child Care Complicates Return to Work.”

Texas-based Dykema members Thomas Alleman, Donna McElroy and Deborah Williamson, were quoted in the San Antonio Business Journal article, “COVID v. The Status Quo.”

Lance Boldrey, Leader of Dykema’s Cannabis Law Practice, was quoted in the Law360 article “Mich. Pot Industry Expects A Boost From Regulatory Overhaul.”

Jim Feeney, Bloomfield Hills-based Member in Dykema’s Litigation Department, was selected to join the Michigan lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame. As a member of the Hall of Fame’s class of 2020, Feeney will be honored on October 9, 2020, at the publication’s 2nd annual Hall of Fame luncheon and awards ceremony at the Detroit Marriott Troy.

Donna McElroy, San Antonio-based member in Dykema’s Labor and Employment Practice Group, was quoted in the San Antonio Business Journal article, “Legal? Likely. Enforceable? Tricky. What businesses need to know about latest mask mandate.”

Brandon E. Durrett, San Antonio-based member in Dykema’s Corporate Finance Group and Energy Industry Group, served as a speaker in American Association of Professional Landmen’s 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting session, “Fast Closings and Delayed Due Diligence,” which was held on June 18, 2020.

Melvin J. Muskovitz, Ann Arbor-based member of Dykema’s Labor and Employment Practice Group, will serve as a featured presenter in MichBio U’s webinar, “COVID-19 Employment Related Issues,” on June 17, 2020.

Brandon E. Durrett, San Antonio-based member in Dykema’s Corporate Finance Group and Energy Industry Group, will present a session, “Retained Acreage Clauses,” in TexasBarCLE’s “Oil, Gas & Mineral Title Examination” webcast on Thursday, June 18, 2020.

Arlene Switzer Steinfield, Dallas-based senior counsel in Dykema’s Labor & Employment Practice Group, was quoted in the HR Magazine article “Recall Furloughed Workers Lawfully.”

HR Daily Advisor mentioned Dykema’s 2020 COVID-19 Employer Survey in its article, “61% of Employers Have Applied for Federal COVID-19 Relief, Finds Survey.”

As leaders of metropolitan Detroit’s largest law firms, we are strongly committed to doing our part to encourage and ensure equal voice, opportunity and legal representation for African American people and other people of color. Taking this stand, together, means valuing and insisting on diversity, inclusion and racial equity at our firms and in our communities.

Mark Andrews, Dallas-based Senior Counsel in Dykema’s Bankruptcy Practice Group, was quoted in Bloomberg’s article, “Bankruptcy Is a Jackpot for CEOs Helming Failed Oil Companies.”

Richard Lieberman, Chicago-based senior counsel in Dykema’s Tax Practice Group, was quoted in the Bloomberg article “Treasury Offers Broad Opportunity Zone Investor Relief (1).”