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Elder Law of Michigan's
"Call to Justice" Awards
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Join our colleagues at Elder Law of Michigan for their 7th Annual Joe D. Sutton "Call to Justice" Awards, honoring individuals and organizations that share the mission of ELM to advocate for, educate, and assist many different people, with a continued focus on older adults and persons with disabilities. This year's honorees include Oakland County Circuit
Judge James Alexander
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Lynn Alexander
(Vice President of Public Affairs, Presbyterian Villages of Michigan) and the
Area Agency on Aging 1-B
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The event will be held Thursday, August 6 at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit. Cocktail hour begins at 6 PM, with the awards program beginning at 7 PM. Tickets are $99.00 and may be purchased at www.elderlawofmi.org. Proceeds from the event will support ELM's Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors, providing thousands of seniors and vulnerable adults with no-cost legal services.
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| Progress and Change at the DMBA Francis R. Ortiz, DMBA President |
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June ushered in our annual changing of the guard at the DMBA. My predecessor as President, David Winter, completed a very successful but all too brief term. Fortunately, his valuable contributions to the Association will continue, not simply because he has a title - Immediate Past President - but because he is committed to the ongoing success and growth of the organization. We also welcomed Arthur O'Reilly to the Executive Board as our Secretary Treasurer. Art joins Donn Fresard, who will take the reins as President when the cycle repeats again next June. This leadership group is energetic, thoughtful and dedicated to improving the DMBA for its members and the community. Together with the assistance of several other past Presidents, we look forward to continuing the DMBA's slate of programs and events, beginning with our annual Night Out with the Judges, scheduled for October 15th. The Association cherishes its relationship with the bench at every level, but most particularly with the Judges of the Third Judicial Circuit Court, under the stewardship of Chief Judge Robert J. Colombo, who has been a partner with and ally of the DMBA as we work together to better serve the community. The bond between the bench and the Association has never been more robust. Judges of the Court of Appeals, Circuit and District Courts all serve as DMBA Board Members, and their insight and experience are important resources for the Association to carry out its mission. June also brought with it a reminder of the important role played by lawyers and the courts in promoting and vindicating rights and achieving societal change that could not survive the political process. An independent judiciary has long been crucial to maintaining the freedoms that are the bedrock of our society. But the courts cannot function effectively without lawyers advancing causes through finely crafted arguments, which provide courts with opportunity to render often unpopular and emotionally charged decisions. We are so much better off as a people because of lawyers and the courts that they practice in. Please take a moment to appreciate their efforts. In closing, a final word about transition and change at the DMBA. Our Executive Director Mitzy Sharp Futro will soon be moving on to face new challenges. Mitzy has been the glue holding the Association together for more years than I can remember, working tirelessly to develop and promote our events and programs, maintain our finances and generally keep us headed in the right direction. She will be missed. Please join me in thanking Mitzy for her dedicated service and wish her well in life after the DMBA. |
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| Thank You to Our 2015 Sponsors! |
| Our networking, educational and public service opportunities are made possible by the commitment and support of our sponsoring firms and organizations.
PREMIERE SPONSORS
Clark Hill
Dickinson Wright
SUSTAINING SPONSORS
Dykema
SUPPORTING SPONSORS
Bodman
Butzel Long
DTE Energy
Honigman
Kerr Russell
ANNUAL SPONSORS
Foster Swift Collins & Smith
FRIENDS OF THE DMBA
Dalton & Tomich
Litigation Services LLC
Sponsoring organizations receive tickets to our signature events and are recognized throughout the year for their support. Is your firm ready to demonstrate its commitment to excellence by joining our 2016 sponsors? Contact Mitzy Sharp Futro (
[email protected]) for more information.
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| Recent Event: Law Day 2015 |
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Thanks in large part to the vision of Chief Judge Robert Colombo, Jr. over 300 Detroit High School students convened at the Third Circuit Court on May 7 for the 2015 Law Day Program, co-hosted by the Third Circuit Court and the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan graciously agreed to be this year's keynote speaker, addressing students with the hope of further sparking their interest in pursuing a career in the legal field. Mayor Duggan also took questions and comments from the students, providing honest feedback to the concerns they raised.
Following the keynote, students participated in a Mock Oral Argument addressing the timely, controversial question, "
Does a public high school violate the First Amendment if it disciplines student athletes for wearing, "I Can't Breathe" t-shirts during warm-ups?
" More than 40 attorney and law student volunteers were on hand to help the students refine their arguments, and 10 judges volunteered their time and their courtrooms for the exercise and the lunch that followed.
Law Day 2015 was an unmitigated success, with volunteers, students and high school staff all agreeing that it was a great program. Special thanks to all the Judges, court staff and volunteers who made it possible, including the DMBA's own
Antoinette Porter,
Tiffany Ellis,
Sarah Gale-Barbantini and
Michelle Thomas. Planning for the 2016 program will begin this fall, and new volunteers are welcome! Contact Antoinette Porter at [email protected] if you would like to be part of next year's event.
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| Spotlight Feature: Mentors and Lessons Learned, by Hon. Robert J. Colombo, Jr. |
|  When asked what inspired his dedication to the students in Detroit and his commitment to ensuring Law Day 2015 was a resounding success, Chief Judge Colombo shared, "I wouldn't be the lawyer, judge, or person I am today without the relationships and good advice I received from mentors over the years."
Interest piqued, the DMBA invited Chief Judge Colombo to tell us more, and he graciously accepted. Mentors and Lessons Learned
By: Hon. Robert J. Colombo, Jr.
Chief Judge, Third Judicial Circuit Court After formal education is completed and a professional career begins, we all have our education to provide a starting point. However, we have more than that. We have the values, ideals, and virtues that our mother, father, grandparents, siblings, teachers, friends, and other persons who played a significant impact role in our lives taught us as we traveled through life's thinking journey. Many of these same people played an important role in our professional development. They served as mentors along our career path. One of my first mentors was Court of Appeals Judge George N. Bashara, Jr. I was his law clerk from June, 1975 through December, 1976. Although, I thought I was a fairly decent writer, Judge Bashara really honed those skills. I still remember sitting next to him at his desk as we went through the first opinion I wrote and he laid out the rules of good opinion writing. If you are interested in the finished product, that first opinion is Browning v Spiech, 63 Mich App 271 (1975) dealing with the excited utterance exception to the hearsay rule. I still hear Judge Bashara's voice in the back of my mind as I approach any writing project, whether it is a brief or an opinion. To read more, including how Judge William J. Giovan, Judge James J. Rashid, Justice Mary Beth Kelly, and others influenced Chief Judge Robert J. Colombo, Jr., click here for "Mentors and Lessons Learned". Return to top |
| Save the Date: Night Out with the Judges; 2015 Dennis W. Archer Award for Public Service |
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October 15 - Night Out with the Judges
 Looking for an opportunity to connect with your fellow lawyers and jurists outside of the courtroom? Join the DMBA as we welcome members of the Bench and Bar for what has become one of the premiere post-work happy hours of the year. No program, no briefs, no arguments (except for the occasional friendly debate!) - this purely social evening will allow everyone a chance to connect with members of the judiciary, friends and colleagues in a relaxed setting.
Mark your calendars now - location and registration information is coming soon!
November 19 - 2015 Dennis W. Archer Award, Honoring Judge Gerald Rosen and Judge Steven Rhodes (ret.)
The DMBA and its Foundation share a longstanding commitment to the City of Detroit and its surrounding communities, and this year's Archer Award gala promises to celebrate the revitalization of Detroit while honoring two of the individuals who played a significant role in its renaissance.  Join us at the Detroit Institute of Arts for this can't miss event, the proceeds of which will benefit the Foundation's Access to Justice efforts and the work of our foster children's charity, For The Seventh Generation.
Registration will be available August 3rd.
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| Welcome Your New DMBA Board Members! |
| As we move into the 2015-16 bar year, the DMBA welcomes three new members to the Board of Directors. Each of these new leaders has made a commitment to help the Association advance the interests of our members and our profession - be sure to say "hello" when you see them at an upcoming event!
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Hon. Edward Ewell
Third Circuit Court |
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Jenice Mitchell Ford
Clark Hill |
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Joanne Geha Swanson
Kerr Russell |
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| Featured Member: Hassan Hamade |
|  I guess it's time to put myself out in the public eye. As a new attorney, this does not come easy to me. I had many unanswered questions after the bar exam and starting out was harder than expected. Years ago, graduating law school with good grades seemed to automatically mean the fancy job with the mahogany desk and big paycheck. Those days are no more.
It's not a secret that I am currently the "green attorney," as my colleague and mentor Kassem Dakhlallah calls it. Being a newer attorney means continuously learning through practice. It is ironic that it's called practice, because you're actually in the game. Missing a game winning shot is getting knocked out on a motion for SD.
I do a lot of pro-bono work. Well let's not confuse things; there are times when I help clients who cannot afford a lawyer (true pro bono work) and there are times when my price quoting needs a little tweaking. For example, they don't really teach you how long a contract dispute may take in law school, which resulted in underquoting my first flat fee arrangement. I learned quickly that there are just some cases that should not be done under a flat fee agreement. They don't teach that in Law School, either.
Many times during the first few months of practice I wanted to give up. But, relying on my former experience as a business owner, I learned quickly that the only way to survive is to keep moving forward. I began networking. I introduced myself to everyone I could. I joined the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association and spent time talking to lawyers, judges, potential clients. I discovered the priceless gift of having more seasoned mentors and friends throughout various organizations that I can call on when I am faced with a new legal situation and have a question. I let the world know I was here with time to spend on their important legal matters.
Currently, I am with AT Law Group PLLC, a mid-size firm focusing on building successful attorneys. The environment is very relaxing and the goal is teamwork. The team has taught me to love what I do and make sure I have fun doing it. Today, I am a lot more confident and skilled as an attorney. I work hard and take pride in the service I provide to my clients. One day I will ripen and not be so "green." Hopefully, I won't overdo it and be rotten... but, I won't complain if my boss buys me that mahogany desk.
Hassan Hamade is an attorney with AT Law Group, PLLC Return to top |
| Low-Profit Limited Liability Companies, by Tifani Sadek |
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The "low-profit limited liability company" (L3C) is a relatively new, hybrid business form that combines the for profit governance of a traditional limited liability company (LLC) with the social mission of a nonprofit organization. While twelve states have passed L3C legislation, it has proven to be most popular in the Midwest region; indeed, Michigan has more registered L3Cs than any other state.
L3Cs are formed much like LLCs, by filing articles of organization with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. However, unlike with a traditional LLC, the articles for an L3C must state that the company is specifically organized to further one or more charitable or educational purposes within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). An L3C can earn income and see its property appreciate in value, but the production of income or the appreciation of property cannot be a significant purpose of the company. In addition, L3Cs are prohibited from pursuing political or legislative purposes within the meaning of the IRC. Contrary to what the name may imply, there is no limit on how much profit an L3C may make.
To learn more about L3C's, read "Low Profit Limited Liability Companies".
After practicing law in Houston and Chicago, Tifani moved to Detroit, attracted to its entrepreneurial climate and urban revival. She became involved in the business community and soon recognized a need for a law firm that focuses on businesses and applies Detroit's innovative culture to its practice. So in 2013, she left her corporate career and established Sadek Bonahoom, which provides innovative legal solutions for established businesses, nonprofits, and emerging companies. In 2014, she was named one of the "14 People Changing the Face of Detroit" by Business Insider.
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| Recent Event: 2015 "Raising the Bar" Annual Meeting and Awards Celebration |
| 2015 Raising the Bar, the DMBA's annual meeting and awards ceremony, was an evening of celebration, recognition and vision. Attorneys, judges and students came together on June 2 to honor the accomplishments of the past 12 months and look forward to the coming year.
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As the marquee event on the DMBA calendar each year, Raising the Bar brings together luminaries from both the bench and bar. Joining incoming DMBA President Francis Ortiz (left, Dickinson Wright) and Immediate Past-President David Winter (right) were Michigan Supreme Court Justices Mary Beth Kelly and David Viviano. |
| The DMBA President's Award is given in recognition of outstanding service to the Bar, to the profession, and to the public. David Winter was pleased to present the award to Chief Judge Robert Colombo of the Third Circuit Court for his vision and leadership in bringing together lawyers and judges to serve our common goals. |
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Along with networking and practice development, community service is one of the three areas the DMBA emphasizes in its programming. The law firm of Butzel Long exemplified commitment to service in the 2014-15 bar year, steadily supporting the Detroit Legal Services Clinic. Accepting the 2015 Pro Bono Service Award on behalf of the firm were DMBA Board member James Rosenfeld, Neil Patel, Jennifer Consiglio, Alexander DeWitt, Ivonne Soler and Bernard Fuhs.
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2015 saw the return of a long-dormant DMBA tradition - the Bench Bar Seminar. Held in February, the 2015 Seminar brought leading attorneys and judges together to discuss the in's and out's of voir dire. The re-launch of the program was a great success, and the Bench Bar Planning Committee received the 2015 Committee of the Year Award for their efforts. Joanne Geha Swanson (Kerr Russell) accepted the award on behalf of the Committee.
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As one of the oldest bar associations in the country, the DMBA has a rich tradition of exemplary leaders who give tirelessly to the profession throughout their career. Past-President George Roumell and outgoing Board member Hon. William Giovan (ret.) are outstanding examples of this life-long dedication. |
Raising the Bar also marks the conclusion of the Barristers Section's School Partnership Program (SPP), a key initiative bringing attorney volunteers together with high-potential students in Detroit schools. This year, Universal Academy student Maryam Jayyousi (right center) received the SPP Scholarship to help pay for her first year of college. SPP Co-chairs Sarah Gale-Barbantini (left, Zausmer August & Caldwell) and Tiffany Ellis (right) joined Antoinette Porter (second from left) and Maryam's teacher, Asil Yassine (second from right) in congratulating Maryam and her mother on the Scholarship Award.
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Of course, the opportunity to enjoy conversation and good company is one of the highlights of the night, as Hon. Kirsten Frank Kelly (MI Court of Appeals) and Alisa Shannon (Third Circuit Court) know. |
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| Recent Event: 2015 Barristers Summer Breeze |
| One of the best networking events of the year, the Barristers Summer Breeze is a night of fun and networking for Detroit's law clerks, attorneys and judges. This year's event was held on the rooftop deck of Bookie's Bar & Grill, allowing everyone to soak in the sun while they enjoyed the company of colleagues. More than just a party, the Summer Breeze is also an opportunity to recognize some of the best and brightest young attorneys for both their accomplishments and their potential.
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Ryan Plecha (center, Lippitt O'Keefe Gornbein) not only reached the level of partner quickly - he wasted no time in making indelible mark on the lives of many Detroiters. Ryan represented thousands of retirees in the City of Detroit's bankruptcy proceedings, saving most or all pension benefits for thousands of retired police, firefighter and general employees. In doing so, he demonstrated the legal acumen, professionalism and work ethic that helped earn him the President's Award. Outgoing Barristers President Michelle Thomas (Ally Financial) joined the firm's Norman Lippitt in presenting the award to Ryan.
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The Detroit Land Bank Authority's Jelani Karamoko's love for the city runs deep. A native of Detroit, Jelani returned after attending Harvard University Law School to tackle issues of blight and habitability, while encouraging local youth to believe in themselves through his volunteer mentorship. The Detroit Land Bank's Melissa Vela (left) and Michelle Thomas presented him with the Community Impact Award.
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After just nine years in practice, American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan's Daniel Korobkin (center) has already been appointed deputy legal director of the organization - a testament to his combination of legal talent, unparalleled work ethic, and commitment to improving our society; ACLU Michigan Legal Director Michael Steinberg joined incoming President-Elect Kimberly Yourchock (Jackson Lewis) in presenting Daniel with his "One to Watch" Award.
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Incoming Barristers President Paul Mersino (Butzel Long) performed his first presidential duty in presenting the Pro Bono Service Award to Sydney Booth Rushing (Rushing Law). Sydney's commitment to pro bono work is evident, as she having already provided more than 500 hours of pro bono service in less than a year of practice.
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Tiffany Ellis (left) served as both Co-Chair of the 2015 School Partnership Program and the Spring Bash Committee, bringing boundless energy and dedication to both roles; Michelle Thomas presented Ellis with the 2015 Barrister of Year Award.
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While all outstanding young professionals owe their success to hard work, talent, and determination, they can no doubt benefit from guidance, support and encouragement from seasoned professionals who have been in their shoes. As the 2015 recipient of the "Firm Foundation" Award, Elizabeth Jolliffe (Your Benchmark Coach) is just the type of mentor that many young attorneys rely on to help them reach their potential. DMBA Board member and former Barristers President Antoinette Porter (DTE Energy) was pleased to recognize Elizabeth for her efforts.
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| Pro Bono Opportunity: Detroit Legal Services Clinic |
| Looking for a rewarding pro bono opportunity? There is still room for a firm or a few individual members to join us this month for a satisfying and impactful way to make a difference!  The Detroit Legal Services Clinic (DLSC) involves lawyers, legal assistants, paralegals, and support staff in providing information and advice to walk-in attendees. Volunteers assess the legal issues presented, giving advice and direction as appropriate. Attendees pay nothing for these services, and volunteers have no further obligation after the Clinic.
At a typical Clinic, volunteers may provide brief advice, review documents, assist with drafting motions and documents for filing with Wayne County Friend of the Court, and direct clients to the Wayne County Self-Help Center for further assistance and information in areas covered by the Michigan Legal Help website (check out www.michiganlegalhelp.org). When appropriate, clients may also be referred to a local legal services provider.
Volunteers aren't serving alone; an experienced attorney is always on-hand to assist when necessary. And lunch is provided! To volunteer - or if you have questions - contact Dennis Donahue at [email protected]. Can't make it this month? The DLSC happens the fourth Thursday of every month. Make plans to join us next time! (Special thanks to our volunteers for our most recent clinics, including Alex DeWitt, Eric Frankie, Tim Guerriero, Jeffrey Koegel, Sean Kowalski, Sarah Luke, Jeffrey Rogg and J. VandeWyngearde!) The DLSC is being presented in coordination with the Wayne County Legal Resources Consortium, a collaborative effort of the DMBA, the DMBA Foundation, the 3rd Circuit Court, the Wayne County Friend of the Court, local legal service providers, and the Wayne County Self-Help Center.
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New Member Names!
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We welcome the following new members who have joined the DMBA in recent months:
Ebonie Adams
Siliva Mansoor, Brooks Kushman
Elizabeth Allen, Honigman Miller Schwartz & Cohn
Donovan Asmar, Bodman
Don Blevins
DeWayne Boyd
Brian Boyer, Syndicated Law
Brandon Brown, Liddle & Dubin
Joel Bryant, Miller Canfield Paddock & Stone
Alexandria Casperson
Alicia Champine, Annette Benson Law
Margaret Cotant, Ratery Janeczek & Hoelscher
Alexander DeWitt, Butzel Long
Hayssam El Kodssi, El Kodssi Law Firm
Michael El-Zein, US Department of Justice
Michael Ezell, M & T Legal Services
Amanda Frank, Bodman
Andrew Fromm, Foley & Lardner
Michelle Geisler
Adam Graham, Miller Cohen
Hon. Tina Green, 34th District Court
Sasha Griffin
Ian Gross, Joelson Rosenberg
Jennifer Grove, Warren Distribution
Kyra Harris
Maro Houhanisin, Wayne County Prosecutor's Office
Daryle Houston, Wayne County Prosecutor's Office
Mark Hynes, St. John Providence Health System
Fallon Jenkins, Wayne County Prosecutor's Office
Mylika Johnson, The Law Offices of Mylika Johnson
RuShondra Jones, Allstate & Encompass Insurance
Patricia Klavon
Jessica Kosteva, Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI
Hon. Qiana Lillard, Third Circuit Court
Maria Martinez, Bodman
Sylvester McIntosh, Global Property Investment Group
Amelia Mifsud, AAA
Angela Montgomery
Emory Moore, Foster Swift Collins & Smith
Kimberly Moore, Deloitte Tax
Hon. Brian Oakley, 34th District Court
Odetalla Odetalla
Hon. David Parrott, 34th District Court
Isheeta Patel, Brooks Kushman
Veronica Perera, Lakeshore Legal Aid
Razvan Radulescu
Sandra Reizen, Convertino & Associates
A. Nina Rosenbach, Litchfield Cavo
Ramy Shabana
Mark Snitchler, Hubbard Snitchler & Parzianello
Robert Spada
Adam Stone
Barbara Stone
Randall Tatem, Dickinson Wright
Apollo Upshaw, Bodman
Marrena Van Horn
Melissa Vela, Detroit Land Bank Authority
Lauren Verbiscus, Miller Canfield Paddock & Stone
Patrick Walbridge
Kyle Warwick, Tanoury Nauts McKinney & Garbarino
Ryan Watkins, Foley & Lardner
Bert Whitehead, Access Legal Care
Daniel Williams, Fausone Bohn
Miyone Williams
Farrah Zeer
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