Alumni Class Notes
60's |
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William D. Booth (’62)
Mr. Booth, a senior shareholder and former managing partner of Plunkett Cooney, recently received one of the Oakland County Bar Association’s (OCBA) highest honors – the Professionalism Award. The OCBA Professionalism Award is presented each year to an individual who is a model of civility and respect in the legal profession. Booth, who recently celebrated 50 years of service with the firm, received the award due to his consistent adherence to the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and excellence in the practice of law. |
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Frederick W. Lauck (’69)
Mr. Lauck has penned a memoir, Children of the Greatest Generation: An Emotional History. Born and raised in Detroit, the trial lawyer and author writes in a lyrical story format about the events of his life. The book’s press release reads, “Turn to any chapter, any page and you land in the middle of an entertaining story where you see yourself, someone you know now, or someone you knew when. Jump on the author’s magic carpet ride and be transported through the compelling ‘lives and times’ of that most fortunate generation . . . Children of the Greatest Generation.” |
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Robert H. Martin (’66)
Mr. Martin is now serving as a mediator in the practice of law, with a preference for the areas of construction and employment mediation. He served on the Board of Directors of the UDM Law Alumni Association for 25 years and was instrumental in establishing the criteria for the Alumnus of the Year award. Mr. Martin has received glowing recommendations from Michigan Supreme Court Justice Michael F. Cavanagh (’66) and Former Justice Maura D. Corrigan (’73). When asked to comment, Mr. Martin stated, “Success as a mediator comes in many different forms. In this instance, it’s bringing about the agreement between Justice Cavanagh and Justice Corrigan regarding myself as a mediator.” |
70's |
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Samuel J. Bienenstock (’77)
Mr. Bienenstock and his wife, Lauren, of Bienenstock Court Reporting & Video, were honored at the Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus 27th Anniversary Dinner in Southfield, Michigan. The Bienenstocks, who were recognized at the annual fundraising event for their dedication and commitment to the center, founded Bienenstock Court Reporting & Video in 1995. The business now has eight offices throughout Michigan and provides services to clients in all 50 states. Mr. Bienenstock’s father, Abraham, and his mother, Bajla Lewkowicz, were both Holocaust survivors. |
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Robert R. Cleary (’77) Mr. Cleary has joined the firm of Dean & Fulkerson as a shareholder in Troy, Michigan. He was previously a member of Warner Norcross & Judd in Southfield, Michigan. Mr. Cleary has experience in both the traditional labor setting, representing management in collective bargaining situations, and in the employment litigation setting, where he has managed and defended a variety of discrimination and harassment cases advanced in state and federal courts and state and federal agencies. He represents clients from a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, transportation, property management, construction, retail, public and private education, and the public sector. |
| Hon. Maura Corrigan (’73)
Judge Corrigan, who is the director of the Michigan Department of Human Services after serving on the Michigan Supreme Court since 1999, was honored with the Dennis W. Archer Award from the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association Foundation. The award is made annually to a member of the legal profession in metro-Detroit for outstanding public service. It is named after attorney Dennis Archer, who also served on the Michigan Supreme Court, was mayor of Detroit, and served as president of the American Bar Association.
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Scott L. Gorland (’77)
Mr. Gorland was a litigation partner at Pepper Hamilton LLP’s Detroit office for 27 years. When he retired recently, the partners and employees of Pepper Hamilton contributed $10,000 to establish the Scott L. Gorland Scholarship Fund in support of Boys Hope Girls Hope (BHGH), a non-profit organization in metropolitan Detroit. The gift will be used to support BHGH’s residential scholarship program designed for at-risk youth with strong academic capabilities. The program provides youth the structure and home stability they need to successfully matriculate through a college-preparatory environment while developing leadership skills. |
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Carl L. Gromek (’73)
Mr. Gromek, Michigan State Court Administrator since 2004, has retired from public service. In addition to his role as State Court Administrator, he also served as Supreme Court Chief of Staff. From 1998 to 2001, he was chief clerk and research director for the Court of Appeals. Prior to that, Mr. Gromek was managing partner of the Detroit law firm of Gromek, Bendure & Thomas. At Florida State University he was an Academic All-American baseball player, following in the footsteps of his father, Steve Gromek, who was an All-Star American League pitcher for the Cleveland Indians and the Detroit Tigers. |
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Robert T. King (’73)
Mr. King, UAW president, delivered the keynote speech at the opening reception of the 64th annual Labor and Employment Law Conference at St. John’s in Manhattan, cosponsored by NYU Law School, Cornell ILR, and the American Arbitration Association. The theme of this year’s conference was The Impact of the Global Economic Crisis on the Workplace. |
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Daniel P. Malone (’78)
Mr. Malone has returned to Butzel Long law firm and is based in the firm’s Bloomfield Hills, Michigan office. He is of counsel and is the firm’s Director of Korean Client Relations and Vice Chair of the Asia Practice. Previously, Mr. Malone was Director of Asian Client Initiatives at Dykema in Detroit. He has traveled widely in Asia and represents companies from Korea and other Asian nations in international business matters. He assists foreign companies with doing business in the United States. Mr. Malone has extensive automotive and product safety litigation experience, and he counsels foreign and domestic automotive suppliers on federal compliance matters. |
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Alan Tilchen (’72) After practicing law, Alan Tilchen decided he could help people even more by combining his legal expertise with his undergraduate degree in business to assist them with their personal financial goals. He established The Tilchen Corporation in Birmingham, Mich., an independent insurance and financial services business, to do just this. “Becoming financially independent, and remaining financially independent, means people can reach their career goals, support their families and give back to their communities,” says Tilchen. Understanding wills, trusts, accounting and tax planning can be daunting for any person. Acting as a facilitator, Tilchen works with his clients’ attorneys, CPAs, and other advisors. Tilchen combines his knowledge of these areas with his expertise in financial tools, such as life and disability insurance, long-term care options and mutual fund investments.
“When I was a UDM student, so many students had to pay their own way. I worked in many different jobs and as a substitute teacher, while studying for my law degree. Today, I help families identify their goals so they can set aside funds for their children’s college education and their retirement,” Tilchen says. “Having a plan means a better standard of living, less stress and more peace of mind as we cycle through life’s challenges.” Tilchen also provides guidance on how individuals can give back to their schools, religious organizations, churches or social services as part of their estate planning. “Leaving a legacy is very important for many people. Yes, they want to leave their children an inheritance, but they also want to build a better world,” says Tilchen. Tilchen believes in the UDM philosophy to serve and is very active in the community working behind the scenes to improve lives. A key component of his legacy will include his daughter, Lindsay. She joined his company in 2001. “Lindsay grew up discussing economics at the dinner table,” says Tilchen. “She also believes that we are here to serve and help others find success.”
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80's |
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Kelly L. Bidelman (’89)
Ms. Bidelman, managing attorney of the Oakland and Macomb county offices of the Legal Aid Defender Association (LADA), was a speaker at a November LADA presentation. The Advancing Justice Initiatives breakfast was the second in a series intended to introduce LADA to federal, state, and county government officials. Ms. Bidelman told the audience that LADA’s work in Oakland county includes the Free Legal Information Help Desk at the Oakland County Courthouse, a Mentor Program for new attorneys, and a Lawyer of the Day program at the 43rd District Court in Ferndale.
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Michael S. Bogren (’82)
Mr. Bogren was re-elected Secretary/Treasurer of the Board of Directors of Plunkett Cooney. He has held that position for eight consecutive years. In addition to his Board duties, Mr. Bogren manages Plunkett Cooney’s Kalamazoo office and serves as the firm’s Regional Office Department and Governmental Law Practice Group Leader. He was recently selected as co-chair of the Newsletter and Public Relations Committee for the newly created Civil Rights Section of the Federal Bar Association. |
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Timothy J. Cassady (’88)
Mr. Cassady is a full time associate professor and adviser at Ferris State College, a transition he made after over 20 years as an assistant prosecutor in Genesee County. His journey from law clerk and court officer at the Waterford District Court, to working in a firm, to private practice, to prosecutor, to college professor is chronicled in an article in the Detroit Legal News. Mr. Cassady teaches several criminal law classes at Ferris, as well as advising students.
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Vernon (“Ven”) R. Johnson (’86)
Mr. Johnson has opened a new firm, Johnson Law PLC.
Initially located in Southfield, Michigan, the firm moved to Detroit’s historic Buhl Building due to rapid growth. Over the years, Mr. Johnson has built a renowned reputation as a trial attorney by securing and winning several multi-million dollar verdicts for his clients during his years as the leading partner at the Fieger Law Firm. Johnson Law specializes in the areas of personal injury, including product liability, medical malpractice, automobile negligence, and police misconduct. |
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Rochelle E. Lento (’87)
Ms. Lento was interviewed by the Detroit Legal News for her work helping to bring affordable housing to Detroit. She is senior counsel for Dykema and leads the firm’s Affordable Housing Project in the Real Estate Department. Ms. Lento chose to be a lawyer to help achieve social and community change. Among the many projects she has worked on in the course of her career is the NSO Bell Building, which is being converted into apartments for adults transitioning out of homelessness.
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Steven D. Sallen (’84)
Mr. Sallen, President and CEO of Hauser, Wartell, Roth
& Heller, PC, was among the featured panelists at the International Council of Shopping Center (ISCS) Michigan Idea Exchange at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan. He participated in a discussion titled, “My Loan Went to the Special Servicer. Now What?” Mr. Sallen concentrates his practice in the areas of real estate law, environmental law, and corporate law. |
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Richard A. Sundquist (’80)
Mr. Sundquist was re-elected as a Director-at-Large of the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. He has chaired the Girl Scouts’ Property Committee since 2009 and has acted as legal counsel and held many other positions since 2002. As a member of Clark Hill, PLC, he also acted as legal counsel for the merger of four Michigan Girl Scout Councils and was influential in the passage of new legislation involving tax exemptions for the Girl Scouts. |
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90's |
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Brian M. Akkashian (’96)
Mr. Akkashian joined Anthony R. Paesano at Paesano, PLC to form Paesano Akkashian, PC in downtown Birmingham, MI. Paesano Akkashian, PC specializes in corporate and business litigation and transactional work as well as estate and trust planning.
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Terese L. Farhat (’91)
Ms. Farhat joined the Birmingham, Michigan office of Clark
Hill, PLC as Senior Counsel in the firm’s Health Care Practice Group. Her expertise involves numerous aspects of health care law, including litigation, transactional matters, regulatory compliance, labor and employment, risk managementand patient safety, and medical investigational research involving human participants. In addition to providing health care legal services to various clients, she is the director of the firm’s Health Care Compliance Program. |
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Maryanne B. Foster (’94)
Ms. Foster rejoined Plunkett Cooney as an insurance coverage attorney. She spent four years honing her skills as corporate coverage counsel for a property and casualty insurance company. She represents and counsels insurance companies in insurance coverage matters. She also has underwriting experience and has defended clients in general civil litigation matters. |
| Amy Johnston (’94)
Ms. Johnston moderated and presented at a seminar on the hydraulic fracturing—or “fracking”—method of energy extraction. The seminar, titled “Natural Gas Exploration in Michigan: What You Need Know and Why,” was hosted by her firm, Miller Canfield. The seminar featured three experts who deal with the scientific, business, and legal aspects of fracking.
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Mark C. Knoth (’92)
Mr. Knoth joined Kerr, Russell & Weber, PLC in Detroit. As an employment law attorney, he brings a wealth of experience in all areas of employment and labor law, including civil rights and anti-discrimination laws; wage and benefit issues; reductions in force; collective bargaining agreements; employee benefit claims; affirmative action; employee misconduct; and employee handbooks, contracts, and policies. |
| Edwin J. Lukas (’92)
Mr. Lukas was elected chair of the Business Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. Prior to beginning this new role, he was secretary, treasurer, and vice chair for the Business Law Section, all within the past 6 years.
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Anthony R. Paesano (’99)
Mr. Paesano began Paesano, PLC in downtown Birmingham, MI. Brian M. Akkashian (’96) joined Paesano to form Paesano Akkashian, PC. Paesano Akkashian, PC specializes in corporate and business litigation and transactional work as well as estate and trust planning.
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Gregory T. Stremers (’93)
Mr. Stremers is the recipient of the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys (MAMA) Distinguished Municipal Attorney Award. The award was presented at the MAMA Annual Meeting in Grand Rapids, Michigan. |
00's |
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Abed A. Ayoub (’05)
Mr. Ayoub is now the Legal Director for the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) in Washington, D.C. He served as moderator for a two-hour panel on civil rights that was televised on C-Span2. The ADC hosted a briefing on Capitol Hill to highlight the positive relationship between Arab-American communities and law enforcement. |
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Ryann O’Boyle Bunch (’04)
Ms. Bunch is an associate with the Port Huron law firm of Kelly, Whipple, Zick & Keyes, PLLC. She was previously a senior associate with the law firm of Bodman and Associates in Troy, Michigan for seven years specializing in business, real estate, and finance law. She also has represented lenders in structuring, documenting, and negotiating land development, construction, and mortgage loans. |
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Kathleen S. Corpus (’00)
Ms. Corpus joined Whiteford Taylor & Preston’s Products Liability & Environmental Litigation group as a partner in the firm’s new office in Dearborn, Michigan. Ms. Corpus, who was previously at LeClair Ryan, focuses on product liability and commercial litigation. In particular, she has handled asbestos discovery matters nationwide on behalf of one of the “Big Three” auto companies based in Michigan. |
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John A. Cullis (’00)
Mr. Cullis, a partner at Chicago-based Neal Gerber Eisenberg, has been identified by the Law Bulletin Publishing Company as among the “most talented young attorneys working in Illinois” in its annual “40 Under Forty” publication. Mr. Cullis co-chairs the firm’s Cross-Border Practice Group and is a member of its Intellectual Property Practice Group. |
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Kathryn Cushman-Tillman (’02)
Mrs. Cushman-Tillman was inducted into the Madonna University Athletics Hall of Fame. The all-time women’s basketball scoring leader at MU, she scored 1,752 points in her four-year career to hold the top spot in the Madonna annals by almost 200 points. A two-time NAIA Scholar-Athlete and Academic All-WHAC selection (1998 and 1999), she also garnered NAIA All-America honorable mention honors (1996 and 1997), leading MU to the 1997 NAIA National Tournament for the first time in program history. Cushman-Tillman double majored at MU in sign language studies and criminal justice before coming to UDM Law. She is currently practicing law at Hickey, Cianciolo, Fishman and Finn, PC, in Troy, MI.
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Nicole L. DiNardo (’02)
Ms. DiNardo, an associate in Dykema’s Automotive Industry Group and Litigation Department, was named Chair of the Michigan Defense Trial Counsel’s (MDTC) Southeast Region. Ms. DiNardo focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation, catastrophic product liability defense, automotive supplier contract disputes, premises liability, and consumer lending litigation. |
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Zenna Faraj Elhasan (’04)
Ms. Elhasan was appointed by Wayne County Executive Robert A. Ficano (’77) to lead the Wayne County Corporation Counsel’s office. She was previously a partner in Allen Brothers, Attorneys & Counselors, PLLC, and also served as a magistrate and probation director of the 20th District Court in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. Ms. Elhasan is an active member of the Arab American community and serves on the advisory board of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and as secretary for the Arab American Political Action Committee. |
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Roxana Gale (’09)
Ms. Gale joined the Bloomfield Hills office of Butzel Long. While attending UDM Law, she was a member of the School’s Law Review (2007-2009), the Board of Directors for Moot Court (2007-2008), the Dean’s Honor Society (2007-2009), and the Frank Murphy Honor Society. Prior to joining Butzel Long, Ms. Gale worked as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Oakland County, where she prosecuted criminal cases in district court and tried jury and bench trials. Prior to that, she was an intern at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. |
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Ziyad I. Hermiz (’08)
Mr. Hermiz, an attorney in Butzel Long’s Detroit office, was elected Vice President of the Chaldean American Bar Association (CABA). He previously served on the Board of Directors of the CABA. |
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Storm T. Kirschenbaum (’03)
Mr. Kirschenbaum was honored by Detroit’s business journal, dbusiness, with the Thirty in their Thirties Award. The award is given to regional business professionals in their 30s who are advancing their companies, industries, and communities. He is the President of Metis Sports Management, LLC, a leading baseball and football representation firm in Michigan. He is a Certified MLBPA Player Agent and NFLPA Contract Advisor. He has represented over 140 professional athletes in Major League Baseball and the National Football League. |
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Miles T. Macik (’01)
Mr. Macik joined Howard & Howard Attorneys, PLLC in its Royal Oak, Michigan office. He focuses his practice on a wide range of litigation matters and disputes. Prior to joining Howard & Howard, Mr. Macik represented clients in litigation matters in the state and federal courts of Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Oklahoma, California, Maryland, Florida, and Massachusetts. He is a former professional football player with the Detroit Lions and was a small business owner. |
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Nannette E. Meyette (‘04)
Ms. Meyette recently partnered with attorney Kelly Riegel- Green to form their own law firm, Meyette, Green and Associates, PLLC in Clinton Township, Michigan. Their practice concentrates in criminal, family law, special education, and immigration. |
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Robert M. Nemzin (’06)
Mr. Nemzin, of Butzel Long, was appointed to two leadership positions by the American Bar Association’s Section of Real Property, Trust & Estate Law. He serves as co-vice chair of the Estate Planning and Administration for Business Owners, Farmers and Ranchers Committee in the Business Planning Group. In addition, he serves as vice chair of the Young Lawyers Network. |
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Brandon M. Podolski (’01)
Mr. Podolski is an entity member for Southfield based Plante Moran CRESA. He provides industrial sector leadership in real estate transaction management for the firm, which delivers integrated real estate advisory and consulting services. Mr. Podolski is a member of the Michigan Manufacturers Association and is a European and North American committee member of the Detroit Regional Economic Partnership. Crain’s Detroit Business honored him as one of its “40 under 40." The award honors the best and brightest in Southeast Michigan who have made their marks in business before age 40. |
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Curtis A. Robertson (’06)
Mr. Robertson was elected president of the Michigan Creditors Bar Association. He is an associate with Weber & Olcese, PLC in Troy, Michigan. He also serves as a committee member for the National Association of Retail Collection Attorneys. |
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Elizabeth A. (Horbach) Solomon (’07)
Ms. Solomon joined the Ann Arbor, Michigan law firm of Nichols, Sacks, Slank, Sendelbach & Buiteweg, PC. The firm focuses on mediation and other non-adversarial methods to help divorcing couples settle their disputes without going to court. |
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Dawn T. Yeaton (’09)
Ms. Yeaton became an associate attorney for Maddin, Hauser, Wartell, Roth & Heller, PC, a Southfield, Michigan-based law firm. She specializes her practice in title and mortgage litigation, as well as quasi-litigation. Prior to joining Maddin Hauser, Ms. Yeaton served as an associate at Dykema in Bloomfield Hills, MI, where she was also a summer associate in 2008. While there, she served as a litigator on real estate issues. A member of the State Bar of Michigan, Real Property Law Section, Oakland County Bar Association and American Inns of Court, Yeaton has been published in the University of Detroit Mercy Law Review and Michigan Appellate Practice Journal. While at UDM Law, she served as an intern for Hon. Michael J. Talbot (’71) of the Michigan Court of Appeals.
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