Dickinson Wright.pdf - Macomb County
Dickinson Wright.pdf - Macomb County
Dickinson Wright.pdf - Macomb County
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
Proposal Response Tab A<br />
Appendix Tab 8<br />
• Areas of Municipal Law Expertise Tab 8.1<br />
• Municipal Clients Tab 8.2<br />
• Attorney Resumes Tab 8.3<br />
• Firm History. Tab 8.4<br />
• Firm Profile Tab 8.5<br />
Diversity Commitment Tab 8.6<br />
=<br />
c:><br />
c:J<br />
rTl<br />
ro<br />
rn<br />
'::J
<strong>Macomb</strong> <strong>County</strong> Charter Commission<br />
December 18, 2008<br />
Page 3<br />
DlCKINSON WRIGHT PLLC<br />
Our expertise in many other areas invariably comes into play in the context of our<br />
representation of governmental entities, including but not limited to our extensive expertise in<br />
thc areas of Land Usc, Zoning and Variances, Public Real Estate, Private Real Estate, Real<br />
Estate and Construction related Litigation, Real Estate and related Contracting, Construction<br />
Contracting, Bankruptcy, Business Technology, Commercial and Business Litigation, Corporate,<br />
Immigration, Election Law, Intellectual Property, LaborlEmployment Relations, Municipal<br />
Law & Finance, State and Local Taxation, and State Constitutional Law.<br />
///../<br />
III. AREAS OF EXPERIENCE<br />
Set forth below are descriptions of our firm's experience in the substantive areas of law<br />
that we can bring to the Charter Commission:<br />
• State Constitutional Law: Of particular importance in the drafting of a county charter<br />
is Michigan constitutional law. <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> attorneys have a long history of<br />
working with the Michigan Constitution of 1963. Two of our lawyers were delegates<br />
at the constitutional convention (one chaired the committee that drafted the actual<br />
language of the Constitution). Others have advised governors and other public<br />
officials on matters of constitutional law for many years, and another has taught<br />
Michigan constitutional law at the law school level. Most recently, <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong><br />
served successfully as lead litigation counsel on behalf of opponents of a 2008 ballot<br />
proposal that would have rewritten Michigan's Constitution.<br />
• Charter Drafting: <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> lawyers have participated in the development,<br />
drafting and revision of charters, including the nccessary interface with the Michigan<br />
Attorney General's office on permissive and mandatory charter provisions under<br />
Michigan law. We also have reviewed charters on behalf ofthe State.<br />
• State and Local Taxation: <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> has several of the state's leading experts<br />
on state and local taxation. <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> lawyers have been called upon, for<br />
cxample, to assist the Michigan Department of Treasury in the drafting, revision, and<br />
interpretation of state tax laws, and have provided tax free advice to numerous clients,<br />
both public and private.<br />
• Municipal Finance: We have enjoyed a more than a half-century position as one of<br />
the top firms in the State of Michigan in terms of municipal finance. Our bond<br />
counsel opinions arc accepted in all significant bond and securities markets. Our fiml<br />
also is one of only two in the state of Michigan that have two decades of broad<br />
experience acting as bond counsel to tlle State of Michigan and various state<br />
authorities. We presently serve as bond and note counsel to the State of Michigan,<br />
bond counsel to State Housing Development Authority, State Hospital Finance<br />
Authority, Michigan Department of Transportation, Michigan Strategic Fund, State<br />
Counselors Al Law<br />
DETROIT DLOOMFIELO HILLS LANSING GRAND RAPIDS<br />
ANN ARBOR WASHINGTON, D.C. TORONTO
'0<br />
<strong>Macomb</strong> <strong>County</strong> Charter Commission<br />
December 18, 2008<br />
Page 6<br />
DICKINSON WRIGHT PLLC<br />
down the hall, with the resources of one of the state's largest and most diverse law firms at your<br />
beck and call, can be totally fulfilled by our integrated and holistic approach to the servicing of<br />
our clients.<br />
VII. LEGAL SERVICES TEAM<br />
Our firm's size and depth provide us with an unsurpassed ability to craft appropriate legal<br />
teams for each client. We have identified the following firm members as those we anticipate will<br />
likely be involved, along with your primary contacts, in rendering services to the Charter<br />
Commission:<br />
Practice Areas<br />
William T. Burgess (City Attorney for Real Estate, Land Use, Zoning<br />
Grosse Pointe Farms)<br />
Joseph W. DeLave<br />
John G. Cameron, Jr.<br />
Mark F. Makower<br />
Peter H. Webster (former Oakland<br />
<strong>County</strong> Commissioner)<br />
Paul M. Wyzgoski Tax Exempt Bonds; Finance<br />
Thomas V. Yates<br />
Terry M. Donnelly<br />
Kester K. So<br />
Peter H. Ellsworth Charter, Election and Constitutional Issues<br />
Michael A. Holmes<br />
Jeffrey V. Stuckey<br />
Peter S. Sheldon Snte and Local Taxativll<br />
Thomas D. Hammerschmidt, Jr.<br />
Dennis W. Archer Goverrunental Relations<br />
Peter H. Ellsworth<br />
Jeffrey V. Stuckey<br />
Louis Theros (City Councilman, Grosse Labor Relations<br />
Pointe Farms)<br />
Timothy H. Howlett<br />
James B. Perry<br />
Resumes ofthe above attorneys are available under Tab B.3.<br />
COllllselors At Law<br />
DETROIT BLOOMFIELD HILLS LANSING GRAND RAPIDS<br />
ANN A R II 0 R WAS II r N G rON, DC. TOR 0 N T 0
<strong>Macomb</strong> <strong>County</strong> Charter Commission<br />
December 18, 2008<br />
Page 8<br />
DICKINSON WRIGHT PLLC<br />
providing background guidance and information to such members and participating in such<br />
meetings and proceedings as arc necessary.<br />
IX. FEES FOR LEGAL SERVICES<br />
The charges for our services will be a blended rate for work by all attorneys of<br />
$280/hour. The proposed blended rate is a significant reduction of standard billing rates for our<br />
partners (in some instances of more than 40%), as our firm recognizes the historic importance of<br />
<strong>Macomb</strong> <strong>County</strong> drafting its first Charter. At the same time, it recognizes the specialized skill<br />
sets of senior attorneys who will be needed to advise the Charter Commission on the various<br />
topics it will address.<br />
We also have established billing practices which we think you will find unique and<br />
different from many firms with whom you may be familiar or from whom you may receive a<br />
proposal. For example:<br />
• We will not bill to have one of our attorneys attend Charter Commission meetings<br />
when asked to attend.<br />
• We will not bill for routine correspondence or telephone calls which are not<br />
completed (i.e., no minimum billing increments or hidden fixed charges).<br />
• We will not pass on to you our telephone charges unless it is a third-party vendor<br />
charge.<br />
• We will not charge for expedited deliveries that are our fault.<br />
• We will not charge for travel expenses for the attorneys in our Southeast Michigan<br />
offices, and will not bill for lodgings or meals unless approved by you in advance.<br />
X. TIlE DICKINSON WRIGIIT COMMUNITY<br />
We believe our community is rcflective of the community in which we are privileged to<br />
be a )Jart, and this includes diversity and equal employment opportunity. Many of our attomcys<br />
live in <strong>Macomb</strong> <strong>County</strong> and in the neighboring counties. We arc proud of our diversity and our<br />
commitment to it. In fact, according to the Summer 2008 Minority Law Journal Diversity<br />
Scorecard, <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> has the highest score for diversity of any Michigan law firm: 18.0.<br />
XI. REFERENCES<br />
We would encourage you to feel free to contact Mr. Louis Theros if you would like<br />
referenccs from any of our public-sector clients.<br />
Counselors At Law<br />
DETROIT J3LOOMFIELD I-IILLS LANSING GRAND RAPIDS<br />
ANN ARBOR WASHINGTON, D.C. TORONTO
Areas of Municipal Law Expertise<br />
<strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> has been intricately involved in addressing the entire spectrum of legal service<br />
requirements for municipalities since its inception.<br />
Our municipal rcpresentation includes services in all of the following areas, among others:<br />
• Real Estate<br />
• Construction<br />
• Environmental Regulation<br />
• Bidding<br />
• Intergovenunental Cooperation<br />
• Institutional Agreements and Contract Law<br />
• Public Sector Legislation and Laws<br />
• Freedom of Infonnation<br />
• The Open Meetings Act<br />
• Roberts Rules of Order<br />
• Corporate and Municipal Bylaws<br />
• Contract Negotiations and Grievance Resolution<br />
• 501(C)(3) and othcrNot for Profit Entities such as Foundations/Trusts<br />
• MERC Proceedings<br />
• Employment Policies<br />
• Civil Rights and Affirmative Action<br />
• Employee Discipline<br />
• Creditor Rights<br />
• Intellectual Property<br />
• Litigation<br />
• Charitable Contributions<br />
• Taxation<br />
• Employee Benefit-c<br />
• Discipline and Suspensions<br />
• Law Enforcement<br />
• Bond Counsel Services<br />
• Government Regulations<br />
• Insurance<br />
• State Capita! Outlay Requirements<br />
• Appl'Opriate Use Policies<br />
• Technology Acquisition and Ownership<br />
• Student Employee Privacy Rights, Civil Service<br />
• Immigration<br />
• Elections<br />
• Fcderal Compliance<br />
• Board Govcrnancc
MUNICIPAL CLIENTS<br />
State of Michigan<br />
Bureau of State Lottery<br />
Michigan Department of Transportation<br />
Michigau Higher Education Facilitics Authority<br />
Michigan Higher Education Student Loan Authority<br />
Michigau Job Commission<br />
Michigan Municipal Bond Authority<br />
Michigau Municipal Electric Association<br />
Michigan Municipal League<br />
Michigan Public Education Facilities Authority<br />
Michigau Public Power Agency<br />
Michigan State Hospital Finance Authority<br />
Michigan State Housing Developmcnt Authority<br />
Michigan Strategic Fund<br />
Michigau Tobacco Settlement Finance Authority<br />
Michigan Underground Storage<br />
Michigan, State Bar of<br />
Michigau, State of<br />
State of Michigan Building Authority<br />
Statewide Services for the Hearing Impaircd<br />
Allegan Connty<br />
Allegan <strong>County</strong> Board of Public Works<br />
Allegan <strong>County</strong> Drain Commissioner<br />
Allegan <strong>County</strong> Road Commission<br />
Units of Loeal Government (By Connty)<br />
Allegan, City of<br />
Holland, City of<br />
City of Holland Building Authority<br />
Holland Area Community Swimming Pool Authority<br />
Antrim <strong>County</strong><br />
Antrim <strong>County</strong> Treasurer<br />
Arenac <strong>County</strong><br />
Arenac, <strong>County</strong> 0 f<br />
Standish Hospital Finance Authority
Baraga <strong>County</strong><br />
Baraga, <strong>County</strong> of<br />
Baraga <strong>County</strong> Treasurer<br />
L'Anse, Village of<br />
Barry <strong>County</strong><br />
Barry, <strong>County</strong> of<br />
Bay <strong>County</strong><br />
Bay <strong>County</strong> Department of Publie Works<br />
Bay <strong>County</strong> Drain Commissioner<br />
Bay <strong>County</strong> Public Schools<br />
Auburn, City of<br />
Essexville, City of<br />
Berrien <strong>County</strong><br />
Galien Township Public Schools<br />
Baroda, Village of<br />
Benton Harbor, City of<br />
Benton, Charter Township of<br />
Berrien Springs, Village of<br />
Berrien, Township of<br />
Buchanan, City of<br />
Buchanan, Township of<br />
Coloma, City of<br />
Coloma Downtown Development Authority<br />
Coloma-Hagar Joint Fire Board<br />
Coloma Public Library<br />
Hagar, Township of<br />
Lake, Charter Township of<br />
Lincoln, Charter Township of<br />
St. Joseph, City of<br />
Three Oaks, Township of<br />
Watervliet, City of<br />
Watervliet, Township of<br />
Weesaw, Township<br />
Calhoun <strong>County</strong><br />
Calhoun <strong>County</strong> EDC<br />
-2
Cheboygan <strong>County</strong><br />
Cheboygan, <strong>County</strong> of<br />
Cheboygan <strong>County</strong> Treasurer<br />
Nunda, Township of<br />
Clinton <strong>County</strong><br />
Clinton <strong>County</strong> Drain Commissioner<br />
DeWitt, City of<br />
DeWitt Building Authority<br />
Eagle, Village of<br />
Elsie, Village of<br />
Crawford <strong>County</strong><br />
Crawford, <strong>County</strong> of<br />
Crawford <strong>County</strong> Treasurer<br />
Frederic, Township of<br />
Lovells, Township of<br />
South Branch, Township of<br />
Delta <strong>County</strong><br />
Delta <strong>County</strong> EDC<br />
Ensign, Township of<br />
<strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>County</strong><br />
City oflron Ri ver Hospital Finance Authority<br />
Eaton <strong>County</strong><br />
Eaton <strong>County</strong> Drain Commissioner<br />
Eaton Rapids. Hospital Finance Authority of the City of<br />
Delta, EDC of the Township of<br />
Dimondale, Village of<br />
Winsor, Township of<br />
Emmet <strong>County</strong><br />
Emmet <strong>County</strong> Treasurer<br />
Harbor Springs Area Sewage Disposal Authority<br />
Petoskey Hospital Finance Authority<br />
-3
Genesee <strong>County</strong><br />
Dendle Public Schools<br />
Birch Run Area Schools<br />
Clio Arca School District<br />
Genesee <strong>County</strong> Drain Commissioner<br />
Genesee COlmty EDC<br />
Genesee <strong>County</strong> Land Dank<br />
Genesee <strong>County</strong> Road Commission<br />
Genesee <strong>County</strong> Treasurer<br />
Genesee Sehool Distriet<br />
Genesee, <strong>County</strong> of<br />
Grand Blanc Community Schools<br />
Kearsley Community Sehools<br />
Montrose Community Schools<br />
School District ofthe City of Flint<br />
Argentine, Township of<br />
Atlas, Township of<br />
Clio, City of<br />
Fenton, Charter Township of<br />
Flint, Charter Township of<br />
EDC of Flint Township<br />
Flint, City of<br />
Bishop International Airport Authority<br />
EDC ofCity of Flint<br />
Flushing, City of<br />
Genesee, Charter Township of<br />
Goodrich, Village of<br />
Linden, City of<br />
Montrose, Charter Township of<br />
Richfield, Township of<br />
Swartz Creek, City of<br />
Vienna, Charter Township of<br />
Gladwin <strong>County</strong><br />
Gladwin, <strong>County</strong> of<br />
Gladwin <strong>County</strong> Drain Commissioncr<br />
Gladwin <strong>County</strong> Treasurer<br />
Gogebic <strong>County</strong><br />
Gogebic, <strong>County</strong> of<br />
Gogebie <strong>County</strong> Treasurer<br />
Grand Traverse <strong>County</strong><br />
Orand Traverse <strong>County</strong> EDC<br />
-4
Gratiot <strong>County</strong><br />
<strong>County</strong> of Gratiot Hospital Finance Authority<br />
Gratiot <strong>County</strong> Board of Public Works<br />
Gratiot <strong>County</strong> Building Authority<br />
Gratiot COllnty EDC<br />
Gratiot, <strong>County</strong> of<br />
Alma, City of<br />
Alma Rural Urban Fire Board<br />
Ithaca, City of<br />
Hillsdale <strong>County</strong><br />
Hillsdale, <strong>County</strong> of<br />
Hi11sdale <strong>County</strong> Treasurer<br />
City of Hillsdale Building Authority<br />
City of Hillsdale Hospital Finance Authority<br />
Waldron, Village of<br />
<strong>Wright</strong>, Township of<br />
Houghton <strong>County</strong><br />
Houghton <strong>County</strong> Treasurer<br />
City of Hancock Hospital Finance Authority<br />
Laird, Township of<br />
Huron <strong>County</strong><br />
Harbor Bcach Community School District<br />
Huron <strong>County</strong> Department of Public Works<br />
Huron <strong>County</strong> Drain Commissioner<br />
Huron Rcgional Water Authority<br />
Bad Axe, City of<br />
Harbor Beach, City of<br />
Pigeon, Village of<br />
Ubly, Village of<br />
Ingham <strong>County</strong><br />
Ingham <strong>County</strong> Board of Public Works<br />
Ingham <strong>County</strong> Drain Commissioner<br />
Ingham <strong>County</strong> EDC<br />
Ingham <strong>County</strong> Land Bank Authority<br />
Ingham <strong>County</strong> of<br />
Ingham <strong>County</strong> Road Commission<br />
-5
Lansing, City of<br />
Lansing Brownfield Redevelopment Authority<br />
Lansing Tax Increment Finance Authority<br />
EDC of the City of Lansing<br />
Board of Water and Light<br />
Capital Region Airport Authority<br />
Lansing, EDC of the Charter Township of<br />
Leslie, City of<br />
Meridian, EDC of Chartcr Township of<br />
Stockbridge, Village of<br />
Webberville, Township<br />
Williamston, City of<br />
EDC of the City of Williamston<br />
Ionia <strong>County</strong><br />
Ionia <strong>County</strong> Drain Commissioncr<br />
Portland, City of<br />
Portland Downtown Development Authority<br />
Saranac Housing Development Corporation<br />
Jackson <strong>County</strong><br />
Jackson <strong>County</strong> Treasurer<br />
Jackson EDC<br />
Klllamazoo <strong>County</strong><br />
Kalamazoo <strong>County</strong> Mental Health Authority<br />
Portage, City of<br />
Kalkaska <strong>County</strong><br />
Kalkaska, <strong>County</strong> of<br />
Kalkaska <strong>County</strong> Treasurer<br />
Kcnt <strong>County</strong><br />
Davenport College<br />
Grand Valley Regional BiosoIids Authority<br />
Kent <strong>County</strong> Building Authority<br />
Kent <strong>County</strong> Dcpt. of Public Works<br />
Kent <strong>County</strong> Drain Commissioner<br />
Kcnt, <strong>County</strong> of<br />
Kent <strong>County</strong> Road Commission<br />
Kent <strong>County</strong> Treasurer<br />
Kent Hospital Finance Authority<br />
North Kent Sewer Authority<br />
-6
Lake <strong>County</strong><br />
Ada, Township of<br />
Cascade, Township of<br />
Cascade Township Iluilding Authority<br />
East Grand Rapids, City of<br />
Grand Rapids, City of<br />
Grand Rapids Ilrownfield Redevelopment Authority<br />
Grand Rapids Building Authority<br />
Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority<br />
Grand Rapids, EDC ofthe City of<br />
Grand Rapids Kent <strong>County</strong> Joint Iluilding Authority<br />
Grand Rapids-Kent Convention Arena Authority<br />
Momoe North Tax Increment Finance AutllOrity<br />
Lowell, Charter Township of<br />
Lowell, City of<br />
Lowell Board of Light Authority<br />
Lowell Building Authority<br />
Rockford, City of<br />
Weesaw, Township of<br />
Lapeer <strong>County</strong><br />
Lapeer <strong>County</strong> Drain Commissioner<br />
Lapeer <strong>County</strong> Intermediate School District<br />
Lapeer <strong>County</strong> Treasurer<br />
Lapeer, <strong>County</strong> of<br />
Almont, Township of<br />
Almont, Village of<br />
Brown City, City of<br />
Imlay City, City of<br />
Marathon, Township of<br />
North flraneh, Village of<br />
Leelanau <strong>County</strong><br />
Leelanau, <strong>County</strong> of<br />
Leelanau <strong>County</strong> Treasurer<br />
-7
Lenawee <strong>County</strong><br />
Lenawee <strong>County</strong> Drain Commissioner<br />
Lenawee <strong>County</strong> Treasurer<br />
Cambridge, Township of<br />
Deerfield, Village of<br />
Fairfield, Township of<br />
Palmyra, Township of<br />
Livingston <strong>County</strong><br />
Livingston <strong>County</strong> Drain Commissioner<br />
Pinckney Community Schools<br />
Brighton, City of<br />
Howell, City of<br />
Luce <strong>County</strong><br />
Helen Newberry Joy Hospital<br />
Luce, <strong>County</strong> of<br />
Luce <strong>County</strong> Treasurer<br />
Newberry, Village of<br />
<strong>Macomb</strong> <strong>County</strong><br />
Clinton, EDC ofthe Township of<br />
Grosse Pointe Shores, Village of<br />
Manistee <strong>County</strong><br />
Manistee, <strong>County</strong> of<br />
Manistee Calmty Treasurer<br />
Marquellc <strong>County</strong><br />
Marquette, Charter Township of<br />
Marquette, City of<br />
City of Marquette Board of Power and Light<br />
City of Marquette Hospital Finance Authority<br />
Mason <strong>County</strong><br />
Mason <strong>County</strong> Department of Puhlic Works<br />
Hamlin, Township of<br />
Ludington, City of<br />
-8
Mecosta <strong>County</strong><br />
Green, Township of<br />
Midland <strong>County</strong><br />
Midland, <strong>County</strong> of<br />
Midland <strong>County</strong> Drain Commissioner<br />
Midland <strong>County</strong> Treasurer<br />
Homer, Township of<br />
Mills, Township of<br />
Monroe <strong>County</strong><br />
Berlin, Township 0 f<br />
LaSalle, Township of<br />
Monroe, City of<br />
Montcalm <strong>County</strong><br />
Montcalm <strong>County</strong> Drain Commissioner<br />
Montcalm <strong>County</strong> Treasurer<br />
Village 0 f Lakeview Hospital Finance Authority<br />
Montmorency <strong>County</strong><br />
Montmorency <strong>County</strong> EDC<br />
Muskegon <strong>County</strong><br />
Muskegon Connty EDC<br />
Fruitport, Charter Township of<br />
Laketon, Township of<br />
Newaygo <strong>County</strong><br />
Newaygo, <strong>County</strong> of<br />
Newaygo <strong>County</strong> Treasurer<br />
Hesperia, Village of<br />
Newaygo, City of<br />
City ofNewaygo Local Development Tax Authority<br />
Oakland Couuty<br />
Bloomfield I!ills School District<br />
Clarkston Community Schools<br />
Cranbrook Educational Community<br />
Grand Blanc Community Schools<br />
Madison District Public Schools<br />
-9
Oakland <strong>County</strong> Community Mental Health<br />
Oakland <strong>County</strong> Drain Commissioner<br />
Oakland <strong>County</strong> of<br />
Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital<br />
Pontiac Schools<br />
School District of the City of Birmingham<br />
Troy School District<br />
Waterford School District<br />
Addison, Township of<br />
Auburn Hills, City of<br />
EDC ofthe City of Auburn Hills<br />
Bloomfield Hills, City of<br />
Bloomfield, Charter Township of<br />
Charter Township of West Bloomfield Building Authority<br />
Berkley, City of<br />
Brandon, Charter Township of<br />
Farmington Hills, City of<br />
EDC of the City of Farmington Hills<br />
Farmington Hills Hospital Finance Authority<br />
Franklin, Village of<br />
Highland, Charter Township of<br />
Independence, Chatter Township of<br />
EDC of the Charter Township ofIndependenee<br />
Lyon, Charter Township of<br />
Milford, Village of<br />
Oakland, Charter Township of<br />
Oxford, Charter Township of<br />
Rochester lIills, City of<br />
Southfield, City of<br />
Springfield, Charter Township of<br />
Troy, City of<br />
Walled Lake, City of<br />
Waterford, Charter Township of<br />
EDC ofthe Charter Township of Waterford<br />
White Lake, Charter Township of<br />
Oceana <strong>County</strong><br />
Oceana, <strong>County</strong> of<br />
Oeeana <strong>County</strong> Treasurer<br />
Hart, City of<br />
Hesperia, Vilbgc of<br />
Ogemaw <strong>County</strong><br />
Ogemaw <strong>County</strong> Road Commission<br />
-10
Ogemaw <strong>County</strong> Treasurer<br />
Klacking, Township of<br />
Mills, Township of<br />
Ogemaw, Township of<br />
Prescott, Village of<br />
Oscoda <strong>County</strong><br />
Oscoda, <strong>County</strong> of<br />
Comins, Township of<br />
Grecnwood, Township of<br />
Oscoda, Charter Township<br />
Otsego <strong>County</strong><br />
City ofGaylord Hospital Finance Authority<br />
Ottawa <strong>County</strong><br />
Ottawa <strong>County</strong> Drain Commissioncr<br />
Ottawa <strong>County</strong> Road Commission<br />
Allendale, Charter Township of<br />
Coopersville, City of<br />
Ferrysburg, City of<br />
Grand Haven, Charter Township of<br />
Grand Haven, City of; Board of Power and Light<br />
Holland, City of<br />
City of Holland Building Authority<br />
Holland Area Community Swimming Pool Authority<br />
Hudsonville, City of<br />
City of Hudsonville Building Authority<br />
Jamestown, Chartcr Township of<br />
Spring Lake, Township of<br />
<strong>Wright</strong>, Township of<br />
Presque Isle <strong>County</strong><br />
Posen Consolidated School District<br />
Presque Isle, <strong>County</strong> of<br />
Prcsque Isle Counly Trcasurcr<br />
Rogers City, City of<br />
Roscommon <strong>County</strong><br />
Roscommon <strong>County</strong> EDC<br />
-11
St. .Joseph <strong>County</strong><br />
City of St. Joseph Hospital Finance Authority<br />
Sturgis, City of<br />
Tuscola <strong>County</strong><br />
Tuscola <strong>County</strong> Drain Commissioner<br />
Vassar, City of<br />
Van Buren Connty<br />
Van Buren, <strong>County</strong> of<br />
Van Buren <strong>County</strong> Drain Commissioner<br />
Hartford, City of<br />
Washtenaw Connty<br />
Washtenaw <strong>County</strong> Treasurer<br />
Chelsea Area Fire Authority<br />
Chesaning, Township of<br />
Manchester, Village of<br />
Wayne <strong>County</strong><br />
Allen Park Public Schools<br />
Detroit Bureau of School Studies<br />
Detroit Public Schools<br />
School District of the City of Dearborn<br />
Wayne <strong>County</strong> Department of Public Works<br />
Wayne, <strong>County</strong> of<br />
Western Townships Utilities Authority<br />
Canton, Chmier Township of<br />
Detroit, City of<br />
Downtown Development Authority of the City of Detroit<br />
EDC of the City of Detroit<br />
Dearborn EDC<br />
Grosse Pointe Farms, City of<br />
Grosse Pointe Shores, Village of<br />
Northville, Chmier Township of<br />
Taylor, City of<br />
Wyandotte, City of<br />
-13
J DETROIT<br />
Wexford <strong>County</strong><br />
Wexford, <strong>County</strong> of<br />
Wexford <strong>County</strong> Department of Publie Works<br />
Wexford <strong>County</strong> Road Commission<br />
Wexford <strong>County</strong> Treasurer<br />
Cherry Grove, Township of<br />
1raring, Charter Township of<br />
Mesick, Village of<br />
City of Anderson. Indiana<br />
City of Des Moines, Iowa<br />
999901·100 1069&75<br />
Out of State<br />
-14
Prominent Assignments<br />
Areas of Practice<br />
Emphasis<br />
• Commercial & Business<br />
Litigation<br />
• Appellate Litigation<br />
• Alternative Dispute<br />
Resoiution<br />
• Labor & Employment<br />
Relations<br />
• Employee Benefits<br />
• Corporate<br />
Chairman, <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> PLLC, 2002-present<br />
Member, Board of Directors of Johnson Controls<br />
Inc., Compuware, and MASCO Corporation<br />
Chairman, Board of Directors, Detroit Regional<br />
Chamber, 2006-2007<br />
President, American Bar Association, 2003-2004<br />
Mayor of Detroit, 1994-2001<br />
- President, National League of Cities<br />
Associate Justice, Michigan Supreme Court, 1986-1990<br />
Education<br />
J.D., Detroit College of Law, 1970<br />
B.S. in Education, Western Michigan University, 1965<br />
Admitted to Practice<br />
Michigan, 1970<br />
District of Columbia, 1972<br />
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan,<br />
1970<br />
U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan,<br />
2007<br />
U.S Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, 1970<br />
U.S. Supreme Court, 1974<br />
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, 2004<br />
Professional and Community Involvement<br />
American Bar Association:<br />
- President, 2003-2004<br />
- Member, Board of Governors, 1999-2002<br />
National Bar Association:<br />
- President, 1983-1984<br />
- Life Member<br />
Former President, Wolverine Bar Association<br />
1979-1980 '<br />
Detroit Bar Association:<br />
- Member, Board of Directors, 1973-1975<br />
- Chairman, Young Lawyers Section, 1973-1975<br />
State Bar of Michigan: President, 1984-1985<br />
Associate Professor, Detroit College of Law, 1972<br />
1978<br />
Adjunct Professor, Wayne State University Law<br />
School,1984-1985<br />
Life Member, Sixth Circuit Judicial Conference<br />
Life Member of Fellows, American Bar Foundation<br />
and Life Member of Fellows, Michigan State Bar<br />
Foundation<br />
Fellow, International Society of Barristers<br />
Selected Honors<br />
Named among "100 Most Influential Black<br />
Americans," Ebony magazine, May 1984<br />
Named one of the "25 Most Dynamic Mayors in<br />
America" by Newsweek magazine, November 1996<br />
Named "Most Respected JUdge in Michigan:<br />
Michigan Lawyers Weekly, April 1990<br />
Named among "100 Most Powerful Attorneys in the<br />
United States," National Law Journal, April 1985<br />
Named "Public Official of the Year," Governing<br />
magazine, November 2000
wburgess@dickinsonwright.com<br />
PROMINENT ASSIGNMENTS<br />
For more than 20 years, served as counsel to secured lenders (including<br />
banks, insurance companies, lending syndicates, administrative<br />
agents, collateral agents and loan servicers) in all aspects of workouts,<br />
restructurings, loan modifications and enforcement of remedies.<br />
Represented automotive manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers in all<br />
aspects of reorganization, turnaround, workout and liquidation cases.<br />
Trial counsel in state and federal court proceedings, including<br />
bankruptcy cases and appellate matters, concerning creditor rights and<br />
enforcement or remedies.<br />
Extensive experience in purchase and sale of assets INith court<br />
supelVision in bankruptcy or receivership proceedings.<br />
Trial and appellate counsel in matters establishing important precedents<br />
on issues of "adequate protection" to secured lenders and enforcement<br />
of assignment of rents.<br />
Counsel to governmental economic growth and development agencies<br />
in revitalization and turnaround of distressed projects.<br />
Counsel to governmental and quasi-governmental agencies in<br />
acquisition of significant properties to be devoted to public use and<br />
economic development<br />
Represented numerous public and private corporations in mergers,<br />
acquisitions or reorganizations in the real estate, automotive,<br />
foodselVice and public utility industries.<br />
Represented commercial mortgage lenders in undelWriting, negotiation<br />
and documentation for office, hotel, retail and multi-family residential<br />
projects.<br />
Counsel to municipal government on issues of zoning, eminent domain<br />
and public contract administration.<br />
REPRESENTATIVE CLIENTS<br />
Chrysler, LLC<br />
City of Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan<br />
DSLT Inc.<br />
Fifth Third Bank<br />
John Hancock Life Insurance Company<br />
Johnson Controls, Inc.<br />
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.<br />
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company<br />
AREAS OF PRACTICE EMPHASIS<br />
Bankruptcy and Insolvency<br />
Commercial and Business Liligation<br />
Corporate Finance<br />
Corporate Restructuring<br />
Mergers and Acquisitions<br />
Municipal Law<br />
Real Estate<br />
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS<br />
Best Lawyers in America, Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights<br />
Law<br />
Michigan Super Lawyers, Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights<br />
Law, Business Litigalion, Banking<br />
PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT<br />
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, Adjunct Professor of<br />
Law 1986-present (Commercial Law, Uniform Commercial Code,<br />
Payment Systems)<br />
City of Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, City Attorney 1990-present<br />
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT<br />
Leadership DetroitXlt, Member<br />
Rose Hill Center, Inc., Counsel<br />
PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS<br />
Co-Author, Strategies for Secured Creditors in Workouts and<br />
Foreclosures, All-ABA, 2004<br />
Contributing Author, Private Equity (History, Governance and<br />
Operations), Wiley. 2008
EXPERIENCE<br />
Law Clerk to Han. Charles L. Levin, Michigan Supreme Court,<br />
1984·85<br />
EDUCATION<br />
University of Michigan, A.B., 1981<br />
High Honors, High Distinction<br />
Phi Beta Kappa<br />
Yale Law School, J.D., 19M
jcameron@dickinsonwrlght.com<br />
PROMINENT ASSIGNMENTS<br />
Successfully represented a mortgage lender in the United States Court<br />
of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in connection with a property forfeiture<br />
sought by the federal government.<br />
Serves as general counsel to a major mixed-use, community<br />
transforming real estate development, which faces challenges involving<br />
all aspects of law.<br />
Negotiated a sophisticated subcontract for the installation of material<br />
handling equipment for what was anticipated to be a $500 million<br />
naUonwide project<br />
Developed standard construction conlracts for a well-known institution of<br />
higher learning and a major international corporation.<br />
Successfully argued a pro bono case in the United States Court of<br />
Appeals for the Sixth Circuit involving the doctrine of constructive notice<br />
and a bankruptcy trustee's status as a hypothetical bona fide purchaser.<br />
Secured a significant inverse condemnation award when a city refused<br />
a rezoning request<br />
Negotiated nationwide commercial leases for a major industrial<br />
corporation and a major retailer.<br />
Authored what is known as the "Bible" of Michigan real property law.<br />
REPRESENTATIVE CLIENTS<br />
Andrie Inc.<br />
Chicago Title Insurance Company<br />
Grand Hotel Company<br />
Gynecologic Oncology of West Michigan<br />
Ha.rbor Shores Community Redevelopment Inc.<br />
Mary Free Bed Hospital & Rehabilitation Center<br />
Sara Lee Corporation<br />
Ticor Title Insurance Company<br />
University of Michigan<br />
V\lhirlpool Corporation<br />
Workstage, LLC<br />
AREAS OF PRACTICE EMPHASIS<br />
Real Estate<br />
Construction<br />
Commercial Contracts<br />
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS<br />
Best Lawyers in America for both real estate law and construction<br />
law (since 1996)<br />
Top Super Lawyer, Michigan Super Lawyers, 2006, 2007, 2008<br />
V\lho's V\lho in American Law<br />
Outstanding Young Men in America (1981)<br />
Member, Wayne Law Review, 1972-1973<br />
American Jurisprudence Book Award: Creditors' Rights<br />
Member, Omicron Delta Epsilon National Economics Honorary<br />
PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT<br />
Elected Member, the American Law Institute (Service to date on the<br />
following Members Consultative Groups: Restatement of Property;<br />
Revision of UCC Article 2; Restatement of Agency; Restatement of<br />
Restitution; Project on the Law of Nonprofit Organizations)<br />
Elected Member, American College of Real Estate Lawyers<br />
Member, Stale Bar of Michigan Professional Ethics Committee and<br />
Land Title Standards Committee<br />
Member, National Board of Editors of The Practical Real Estate<br />
Lawyer (1998-2004)<br />
Member, National Real Estate Law Advisory Board, ALI-ABA<br />
(2007-present)<br />
Member of Commercial and Construction Law Arbitration Panels,<br />
American Arbitration Association<br />
Fellow, the Michigan Bar Foundation<br />
Life Member, Grand Rapids Bar Foundation<br />
Special Master, Oakland <strong>County</strong> Circuit Court - 1993<br />
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT<br />
Trustee, Mary Free Bed Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, 1997<br />
2007; Board Chair 2005-2007<br />
Blue and Gold Informa.tion Officer, United States Naval Academy<br />
Member, Mary Free Bed Orthotics and Prosthetics Board
EDUCATION<br />
United Slates Naval Academy<br />
Albion, B.A., 1971<br />
Wayne State University Law School, J.D. 1974 (cum laude)
Representative Clients<br />
AT&T Inc.<br />
Borders Group, Inc.<br />
Carhartt, Inc.<br />
Central Transport<br />
Ford Motor Company<br />
Lawrence Technological University<br />
Magna International Inc.<br />
Northwest Airlines, Inc.<br />
University of Michigan<br />
Prominent Assignments<br />
Areas of Practice<br />
Emphasis<br />
• Labor & Employment<br />
Relations<br />
• Alternative Dispute<br />
Resolution<br />
Represented clients in high profile employment<br />
litigation covered by the media including The New<br />
York Times and 20/20<br />
Tried jury cases defending wrongful termination,<br />
race discrimination, disability discrimination, sex<br />
discrimination, and religious discrimination claims<br />
Education<br />
J.D. (cum laude), University of Michigan School of<br />
Law, 1973<br />
B.A., Kalamazoo College, 1970<br />
Admitted to Practice<br />
Michigan, 1973<br />
U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, 1981<br />
U.S. Supreme Court, 1981<br />
Professional and Community Involvement<br />
Member, State Bar of Michigan, Labor and<br />
Employment Law Section Council<br />
Arbitrator, American Arbitration Association, Panel<br />
of Employment Arbitrators<br />
Member, American Employment Law Council<br />
Member, ICLE Labor and Employment Law<br />
Advisory Board<br />
Member, EEOC Mediation Program Advisory Board<br />
CPR Institute for Dispute Resolution, Employment<br />
Committee<br />
Case Evaluator, Wayne <strong>County</strong> Mediation Tribunal,<br />
Employment Panel<br />
American Bar Association (Member, Sedion of<br />
Labor and Employment Law, Equal Employment<br />
Opportunity Committee)<br />
Grosse Pointe Board of Education, 1990-1998,<br />
President, 1993-1994, 1996-1998<br />
Member, Diversity Committee, <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong><br />
PLLC<br />
Publications and Presentations<br />
Lindemann and Grossman, Employment<br />
Discrimination Law, 4th Ed., Chapter Chair<br />
Lindemann and Grossman, Employment<br />
Discrimination Law, 2002 Cumulative Supplement,<br />
Contributing Author<br />
Employment Litigatioll in Michigan, Second Edition<br />
(ICLE), "Discrimination Claims," Chapter Author<br />
Michigan Bar Journal, "The Constructive Discharge<br />
Doctrine in Michigarl:-A Need for Clarification," Coauthor<br />
Labor and Employment Lawnotes, "Garg:<br />
Abolishment of the Continuing Violations Doctrine<br />
Under Michigan Law" (Summer 2005), Co-author<br />
Labor and Employment Lawnotes. "Debtor's<br />
Failure to Disclose Potential Employment Claim<br />
May Bar Later Pursuit of that Claim" (Fall 2006),<br />
Co-Author
mmakower@dickinsonwright.com<br />
PROMINENT ASSIGNMENTS<br />
Experienced in the following areas;<br />
Condominiums and community associations<br />
Senior Housing development, design and documentation, including<br />
equity, rental, mixed use and continuum of care<br />
Real estate and real estate development<br />
Land use<br />
Construction litigation<br />
Represents over 600 condominium and community associations and<br />
various developers, contractors, and subcontractors.<br />
Consultation, documentation and representation concerning specialty<br />
and mixed use developments such as the lakeview Hotel Condominium<br />
on Mackinac Island, Michaywe in Gaylord, Oak Pointe, Golf Community,<br />
Medical Office, Retail Centers, Airspace condos over a fee.<br />
REPRESENTATIVE CLIENTS<br />
Presbyterian Villages of Michigan<br />
The Roxbury Groop<br />
The Morningside Group<br />
Cliffs at Bay Harbor Association<br />
Painia Development Company<br />
Fairview Builders<br />
Custom Homes by Derocher<br />
Cenrex Homes<br />
AREAS OF PRACTICE EMPHASIS<br />
Condominium and Mixed Use Development<br />
Senior Housing Development<br />
Construction<br />
Real Estate<br />
ACKNOWElDGEMENTS<br />
Michigan Super lawyers<br />
PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT<br />
State Bar of Michigan, Real Property law Section, Ex-Officio<br />
member of Council; Past Chairperson of Committee on<br />
Condominiums, PUDs, and Cooperalives<br />
American College of Real Estate Lawyers (ACREL)<br />
College of Community Association lawyers (CCAl)<br />
Community Associations Institute: Board of Directors, Michigan<br />
chapter; immediate past president for two terms; member of<br />
legislative action committee<br />
CommunityAssociations Institute (National): Attorney's commiltee,<br />
amicus curiae brief team<br />
PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS<br />
Author of articles for Real Property Review, CAl's Common<br />
Ground, and the Michigan Bar Journal<br />
Frequent lecturer on condominium law for the Institute of<br />
Continuing legal Education, the Real Property law Seclion of the<br />
Slate Bar of Michigan, Lorman, and the Community Association<br />
Institute<br />
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE<br />
Michigan Builder's license since 1986<br />
Coordinated the drafting and handled the legislative process<br />
resulting in the 2001 and 2002 comprehensive amendments to the<br />
Michigan Condominium Act<br />
EDUCATION<br />
University of Michigan, B.G.S. 1976<br />
Washington University, J.D. 1979
kso@dickinsonwright.com<br />
PROMINENT ASSIGNMENTS<br />
Served as bond counsel for several large long-term financings for<br />
Michigan Public PowerAgency, a joint action agency.<br />
Bond counsel to the Slate Building Authority; developed the Commercial<br />
Paper Program as an interim financing mechanism.<br />
Bond counsel to the Michigan Tobacco Settlement Finance Authority.<br />
Counsel to the Michigan Public Power Agency, Michigan Municipal<br />
ElectricAssocialion, and various municipal electric utilities.<br />
Argued before the Supreme Court in favor of the constitutionality of new<br />
TIFA legislation.<br />
Amicus curaie briefs in appellale courts on financing issues.<br />
Counsel 10 cogeneration clients in one of the largest consolidated cases<br />
before the Michigan Public Service Commission.<br />
REPRESENTATIVE CLIENTS<br />
City of Lansing (EDC, TIFA, Brownfield, utilily)<br />
Michigan Municipal ElectricAssociation<br />
Michigan Public Power Agency (and members)<br />
Michigan Slate Hospital Finance Authority<br />
Michigan Tobacco Settlement Finance Agency<br />
State of Michigan<br />
State Building Aulhority<br />
Goldman Sachs & Co.<br />
JP Morgan Securities<br />
Merrill Lynch & Co.<br />
AREAS OF PRACTICE EMPHASIS<br />
Municipal Law & Finance<br />
Energy & Suslainability<br />
Regulatory &Adminislrative Law<br />
PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT<br />
State Bar of Michigan (Public Corporation Law, Real Property Law,<br />
and Health Care Law Sections; Former Chairperson of the Public<br />
Corporation Law Section Council)<br />
Ingham <strong>County</strong> Bar Association<br />
Member of the Hall of Justice Committee of the State Bar, by<br />
appointment of the State Bar President<br />
National Association of Bond Lawyers<br />
Lansing Chamber of Commerce<br />
Appointed by (he Governor 10 the Council on Labor and Economic<br />
Growth<br />
EDUCATION<br />
University of Michigan A.B. 1977 (high distinction)<br />
University of California, Hastings College of the Law J.D. 19aO
Representative Clients<br />
Compuware Corporation<br />
E.!. duPont de Nemours & Co.<br />
Enterprise Rent-A-Car<br />
Ford Motor Company<br />
MGM Grand Detroit, LLC<br />
Pitney Bowes<br />
Unisource Worldwide<br />
Prominent Assignments<br />
Areas of Practice<br />
Emphasis<br />
• Labor and Employment<br />
• Gaming<br />
First chair trial and appellate responsibility for<br />
employment discrimination and harassment<br />
matters throughout Michigan and Midwest,<br />
including large class actions<br />
Counsel to several mid-sized entrepreneurial and<br />
institutional clients on day-to-day human resource<br />
and employment-related issues<br />
Counsel on various union issues, including<br />
organizing campaigns and collective bargaining<br />
agreement negotiation and interpretation<br />
First chair responsibility for arbitrations arising<br />
from collective bargaining disputes and unfair labor<br />
practice complaints<br />
Employment dispute resolution, including<br />
resolution of claims filed with state or federal<br />
Departments of Labor and Civil Rights<br />
Education<br />
J.D., Vanderbilt University School of Law, 1989<br />
BA, University of Michigan, 1985<br />
Admitted to Practice<br />
Michigan, 1989<br />
Illinois, 1990<br />
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, 1989<br />
U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, 1993<br />
U.S. District Court, Wisconsin<br />
U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, 1993<br />
U.S. Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit, 1994<br />
U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan, 1994<br />
Professional and Community Involvement<br />
<strong>Macomb</strong> <strong>County</strong> Bar Association, Member<br />
Grosse Pointe Farms<br />
- Mayor Pro Tem (2005-2007)<br />
- City Council (2001-present)<br />
Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association, President<br />
(2005-2006)<br />
Detroit Metropolitan Bar Foundation, Trustee<br />
(2006-present)<br />
Member, Diversity Committee, <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong><br />
PLLC (2005-2007)<br />
Chair, Recruitment Committee, <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong><br />
PLLC (2004-2006)<br />
Member responsible for Attorney Training,<br />
<strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> PLLC (2002-2003)<br />
Pro bono coordinator, <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> PLLC<br />
(2000-2001 )<br />
U of M Club of Greater Detroit, Board of Governors<br />
(1999-2003)<br />
Grosse Pointe Hockey Association, Board of<br />
Directors (2007-present)<br />
American Hellenic Educational Progressive<br />
Association (AHEPA), treasurer, senior citizen<br />
housing development committee<br />
Publications and Presentations<br />
Frequent Speaker on FMLA and ADA at Council on<br />
Education in Management Seminars, 2005-present<br />
Orgpro Conference of Michigan Society of<br />
Association Executives, Employment issues facing<br />
association executives, 2001
Risk Management Magazine, co-author, "The<br />
Arbitration Alternative," June 1998<br />
<strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> Viewpoint, author and co-author<br />
of articles on Illinois Employment Law, the ADA,<br />
and OSHA<br />
Acknowledgements<br />
Best Lawyers in America, 2007 and 2008<br />
Michigan Super Lawyers, 2007 and 2008<br />
Martindale-Hubbell AV Rated
EDUCATION<br />
United Slate Merchant Marine Academy, B.S. 1987<br />
Wayne State University law School, J.D. 1993 (cum laude)<br />
Wayne Law Review, Managing Editor
Representative Clients<br />
Areas of Practice<br />
Emphasis<br />
• Municipal Law & Finance<br />
• Taxation<br />
State of Michigan<br />
Michigan Higher Education Facilities Authority<br />
Michigan State Hospital Finance Authority<br />
Michigan State Housing Development Authority<br />
Michigan Municipal Bond Authority<br />
Michigan Public Power Agency<br />
Michigan Strategic Fund<br />
Michigan State Building Authority<br />
City of Flint Hospital Building Authority<br />
Western Townships Utilities Authority<br />
Prominent Assignments<br />
Provided tax analysis for numerous tax-exempt bond<br />
issues (governmental bonds and private activity<br />
bonds) in the State of Michigan<br />
Obtain IRS private letter ruling, opening the way for<br />
tax-exempt bonding by resolving significant private<br />
activity issues<br />
Resolved significant tax compliance problems by<br />
outstanding bond issues through the IRS voluntary<br />
closing agreement program<br />
Arbitrage rebate calculation service for tax-exempt<br />
bond issuers<br />
Chair of 2005 National Association of Bond Lawyers<br />
Bond Attorneys Workshop<br />
Bond counsel to the City of Flint Hospital Finance<br />
Authority for multiple bond issues since 1985<br />
Education<br />
J.D., University of Michigan Law School, 1978<br />
Dr.phil., Albert-Ludwigs-Universitat, Freiburg i. Br..<br />
Germany, 1975<br />
B.A., Harvard University, 1968<br />
Admitted to Practice<br />
Michigan, 1986<br />
New York, 1979<br />
U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, 1979<br />
Professional and Community Involvement<br />
Fellow, American College of Bond Counsel<br />
Member, State Bar of Michigan<br />
Member of the National Association of Bond Lawyers<br />
Member of the Board of Directors, Jefferson Avenue<br />
Housing Development Corporation<br />
Performing member of the Birmingham-Bloomfield<br />
Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1878. the main office of the law firm known<br />
today as <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> PLLC has always been<br />
located within a three-block radius of its original location<br />
in the heart of Detroit. Its founders were Henry Munroe<br />
Campbell and Henry Russel. both native Detroiters and<br />
graduates of the University of Michigan Law School.<br />
"H.M .... as Campbell was affectionately called. was the<br />
son of a long-serving justice of the Michigan Supreme<br />
Court and was admitted to the bar in 1877. Russel was<br />
an assistant attorney for the Michigan Central Railroad<br />
Company. The young men began their partnership in<br />
the general practice of law from an office in the Campau<br />
Building. which once stood on Griswold.<br />
In the early days. Russel devoted much of his time to<br />
his railroad caseload, while H.M. was responsible for the<br />
development and operation of the fledgling organization.<br />
Before long, the pair was joined in the Firm by Charles<br />
H. Campbell, H.M.'s brother and a fellow alumnus of the<br />
University of Michigan. who took over most of the clerical<br />
work and the legal matters involved with the conveyancing<br />
of real estate.<br />
The Firm flourished from its earliest days. One of its first<br />
significant transactions was the acquisition, drainage and<br />
sale of marshlands along the Detroit and Rouge rivers on<br />
behalf of the Michigan Central Railroad Company. These<br />
lands were later sold at great profit to numerous large<br />
corporations and launched the Firm's very successful<br />
trust business.<br />
It is no coincidence that the success of the Firm closely<br />
paralleled the growth of the city of Detroit, especially<br />
in the years from 1900-1930. It was during this period<br />
that the city experienced explosive growth due to the<br />
evolution and popularity of the automobile as a viable<br />
means of transportation as well as the proliferation of<br />
manufacturers of ancillary products and services. Growth<br />
in other business sectors. such as general manufacturing.<br />
mercantile business, real estate development, banking<br />
and trust business, further contributed to the Firm's<br />
growth.<br />
Internally. the Firm was evolving rapidly as well. By 1900,<br />
the three partners were supported by four associates. a<br />
real estate manager, a bookkeeper. and a stenographer<br />
and had relocated their office to the old Union Trust<br />
Building. One of those associates. Harry C. Bulkley.<br />
became a partner of the Firm in 1901, and in 1906. the<br />
Firm name was changed to Russel, Campbell & BUlkley.<br />
Over the years. the name changed numerous times to<br />
reflect both the contributions of new partners and the<br />
departure of the old. The Firm adopted its current name.<br />
<strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> PLLC. when it established itself as a<br />
professional limited liability company in January 1998.<br />
Since its inception, the Firm has been instrumental in<br />
a number of events of historical significance. Members<br />
of the Firm were involved in the drafting of the state of<br />
Michigan's two constitutions in the twentieth century:<br />
first in 1908. when Henry Campbell served as a delegate<br />
from Wayne <strong>County</strong> to the constitutional convention; and<br />
again in 1963, when William B. Cudlip and Richard C.<br />
VanDusen were elected as delegates. Mr. Cudlip served<br />
as chairman of the same committee on which Campbell<br />
served at the 1908 convention. Mr. VanDusen served on<br />
the 1963 convention's committee on rules.<br />
The Firm's Chairman. Dennis W. Archer. was elected<br />
Mayor of the City of Detroit in 1993. and was the first<br />
African American to serve as the President of the<br />
American Bar Association.<br />
The Firm has been prominent in financial matters as<br />
well. including the effort to organize a new national bank<br />
in Detroit after President Franklin D. Roosevelt closed<br />
all banks nationwide in 1933. During World War It. the<br />
organization assisted the National Bank of Detroit in<br />
developing loans to war industries that were guaranteed<br />
in whole or in part by the United States.<br />
On the legislative front. the Firm has drafted several<br />
significant statutes. inclUding the Michigan Financial<br />
Institutions Act of 1937. which was the predecessor of<br />
the 1969 banking code; and the Intangibles Tax Act.<br />
which established a uniform taxation plan. The Industrial<br />
Facilities Tax Act of 1974. which allowed tax abatements<br />
for corporations. was initially prepared by the Firm. as<br />
was the Community Property Tax Act of 1948, which
permitted federal joint income tax returns for married<br />
people in non-community property states like Michigan.<br />
The Firm has enjoyed numerous long-term relationships<br />
with nationally known companies. The law Firm has been<br />
associated with Chrysler Corporation since its organization<br />
in the 1920s, and lent its expertise in the process leading<br />
to the loan guarantee authorized by the United States<br />
Congress that permitted financial restructuring of the<br />
carmaker in the 1980s. Its association with both Ford<br />
Motor Company and Kmart Corporation spans recent<br />
decades. But perhaps the strongest testimony to the<br />
Firm's commitment to its clients is its association with<br />
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, which dates back<br />
to the turn of the last century.<br />
Another noteworthy association was with the once<br />
prosperous McLouth Steel Corporation, for whom the<br />
Firm handled a number of important pieces of litigation.<br />
One such case involved an alleged patent infringement<br />
suit brought when McLouth installed a system in its<br />
plant that allowed the conversion of pig iron into steel,<br />
producing a much better grade of steel at a much lower<br />
cost. A patent on the process held by another developer<br />
was pending, and the developer sued. The U.S. Court<br />
of Appeals eventually ruled in favor of McLouth, thus<br />
making a valuable process for the production of better<br />
and more inexpensive steel available to the entire U. S.<br />
steel industry.<br />
Today, <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> employs morethan 240 attorneys,<br />
25 legal assistants, and 200 support staff members in<br />
offices located in Detroit, Bloomfield Hills, Lansing,<br />
Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Washington, D.C. It has<br />
expertise in more than 40 areas of legal practice and has<br />
a worldwide presence due to its virtual office concept and<br />
innovative technology systems.<br />
<strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong>'s founders would no doubt marvel at<br />
this practice diversity as well as at the diversity of its<br />
workforce and the technology the Firm now uses as it<br />
moves beyond its 125th anniversary.
<strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> was founded in Detroit in 1878 by two<br />
young lawyers, Henry M. Campbell and Henry Russel, and<br />
has since grown to be one of the most respected law firms<br />
in its region. With more than 225 attorneys and offices<br />
in Detroit, Bloomfield Hills, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Ann<br />
Arbor, Washington, D.C. and Toronto, the firm provides<br />
comprehensive legal services to a broad range of clients,<br />
from very large corporations to small businesses, new<br />
ventures, individuals and governmental units.<br />
The breadth of the firm's capabilities is reflected in the<br />
list of more than 40 practice areas in which its attorneys<br />
specialize. This exceplionallevel of expertise is matched<br />
by the firm's nearly 130 years of commitment to the<br />
service of each c1ien!. <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> attorneys have<br />
represented many companies on the firm's client list<br />
for more than three-quarters of a century and, in a few<br />
instances, even longer.<br />
Forty-five <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> attorneys are listed in The Best<br />
Lawyers in America 2009, a publication that is compiled<br />
by professional research company Woodward/White<br />
Inc. Best Lawyers is widely regarded as the preeminent<br />
referral guide to the legal profession in the United States.<br />
The list, which represents 80 specialties in all 50 states<br />
and Washington D.C., is compiled through a peer-review<br />
survey in which thousands of the top lawyers in the U.S.<br />
confidentially evaluate their professional peers.<br />
Fifty-four <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> attorneys are listed in 2008<br />
Michigan Super Lawyers, which names the state's<br />
top lawyers as chosen by their peers and through the<br />
independent research of Law & Politics. Six <strong>Dickinson</strong><br />
<strong>Wright</strong> attorneys were named to Super Lawyers "Rising<br />
Stars" list, which names the state's top young attorneys.<br />
In 2008, Chambers USA, publisher of the world's leading<br />
gUides to the legal profession, named <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong>'s<br />
Banking & Finance, Real Estate, General Commercial<br />
Litigation, Labor & Employment, and Corporate/M&A<br />
practices "Top Ranked" practices in Michigan. Twelve<br />
attorneys practicing in these areas also were named<br />
"Leaders in their Fields." London-based publisher<br />
Chambers & Partners conducts research into the<br />
strengths and reputations of U.S. law firms by state,<br />
through in-depth interviews with peer and competing-firm<br />
attorneys, in-house counsel and significant purchasers of<br />
legal services.<br />
Additionally, <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> was selected for inclusion<br />
on a list of "Go-To Law Firms" in a 2008 survey of Leading<br />
Financial Services Companies. As a "Go-To Law Firm,"<br />
<strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> is recognized as one of the law firms that<br />
Leading Financial Services Companies rely upon. ALM,<br />
the leading integrated media company serving legal, real<br />
estate, financial and business professionals, gathered<br />
data on Leading Financial Services companies' primary<br />
law firms first by surveys sent to General Counsel and<br />
through research in various resources, including public<br />
records, key publications and well-respected commercial<br />
databases.<br />
<strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong>'s Chairman, Mr. Dennis W. Archer,<br />
was named to Lawdragon Magazine's "100 Managing<br />
Partners You Need to Know" list, and he was named one<br />
of the nation's 50 Most Influential Minority Attorneys by<br />
The National Law Journal.
At <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong>, diversity is an initiative as well<br />
as an achievement. In support of diversity, the firm<br />
has adopted a Diversity Mission Statement, and its<br />
commitment to a diverse workplace is a reflection of the<br />
value it places on offering clients a variety of perspectives<br />
and differing mind sets in approaching complex legal<br />
issues. <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> is, and has been for decades,<br />
a pioneer in all aspects of diversity both within the firm<br />
and in the communities in which it does business. The<br />
firm is dedicated to the active recruitment, retention,<br />
development and promotion of minority attorneys who<br />
refiect the clients and communities that it serves.<br />
<strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> prides itself on the significant number<br />
of minority and women attorneys at all levels within the<br />
firm, as well as a diverse staff. Women and minority<br />
lawyers hold significant leadership roles in the firm's<br />
management. For example, Bernadette M. Dennehy is on<br />
the Management Team and is responsible for Marketing<br />
and Finance. Kathleen A. Lang is one of five Practice<br />
Area Managers. W. Anthony Jenkins is a member of<br />
the Benefits Committee. Kester K. So is on the Opinion<br />
Committee and, aiong with W. Anthony Jenkins, Co<br />
Chairs the firm's Diversity Committee. Ms. Lang, Mr.<br />
Jenkins and Mr. So have each been elected by the firm's<br />
members to the Governing Board.<br />
In addition to participating in the executive management of<br />
the firm, many minority and women members are actively<br />
involved in prominent leadership roles in the legal and<br />
civic communities. Dennis W. Archer is the immediate<br />
past President of the American Bar Association, past<br />
president of the National Bar Association and serves on<br />
a number of corporate boards. W. Anthony Jenkins is a<br />
member of the American Bar Association Presidential<br />
Appointments Committee, current Treasurer of the State<br />
Bar of Michigan, a member of the State Bar of Michigan<br />
Board of Commissioners, and past President of the<br />
Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association. Kathieen A. Lang is<br />
a Litigation Advisory Board Member and frequent faculty<br />
member for the Michigan Institute for Continuing Legal<br />
Education. Maurice G. Jenkins was Chief Labor Counsel,<br />
General Motors Corporation, and is a Member of the<br />
Labor and Employment Sections of the State Bar of<br />
Michigan and American Bar Association. Kester K. So is<br />
a member and past Chairperson of the Public Corporation<br />
Law Section Councii of the State Bar of Michigan and<br />
was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Council<br />
on Labor and Economic Growth. Patrick J. Miles, Jr. is<br />
Chairman of the Aquinas College Board of Trustees and<br />
is a member of the boards of Spectrum Health Hospitals,<br />
Metropolitan Grand Rapids YMCA, DeVos Children's<br />
Hospital Foundation and Hope Network.<br />
<strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong>'s leadership in diversity has received<br />
national recognition. The firm was named one of the<br />
Top 100 Law Firms for Diversity in the 2007 edition of<br />
Multicultural Law magazine. The Spring 2004 issue of<br />
Minority Law Journal ranked <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> among<br />
the top five firms in the country based on percentage of<br />
African-American attorneys. In 2002, <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong><br />
was named by its long-time client, DuPont, as one<br />
of a select number of firms to receive DuPont's 2001<br />
Challenge Award, which was based on a stringent set of<br />
criteria, including "outstanding commitment to diversity<br />
in the legal profession, cost-effectiveness in the delivery<br />
of legal services and savings to DuPont, contributions in<br />
the area of technology, sustained support of the DuPont<br />
Legal Model and leadership in organizing the DuPont<br />
Minority Counsel Conference in Detroit." DuPont also<br />
recognized the firm with this distinction in 1999.<br />
Diversity and the variety of perspectives it fosters are<br />
highly valued in every aspect of <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong>'s<br />
environment and culture.<br />
Promoting and Supporting Diversity<br />
<strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> supports and promotes diversity through<br />
a number of proactive initiatives.<br />
Strategic Plan<br />
The top item on the strategic agenda of the firm's<br />
Chairman, Dennis W.Archer, is to inculcate the importance<br />
of a diverse workplace within the firm and to promote the<br />
advantages of having a variety of perspectives available<br />
to provide unique points of view on client matters. Mr.<br />
Archer's mandate is to significantly increase the number<br />
of minorities and women at the firm by seeking to hire
aggressively qualified candidates and to expand our<br />
recruiting efforts to encompass traditionally minorityoriented<br />
colleges and law firms.<br />
Diversity Mission Statement<br />
The firm has adopted a Diversity Mission Statement,<br />
which states as follows:<br />
Diversity and varying perspectives are highly valued in<br />
every aspect of <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong>'s work environment and<br />
culture. <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> strives to be an organization<br />
that includes people of diverse backgrounds in all facets<br />
of the Firm and fully utilizes their talents to provide legal<br />
services of the highest quality. The Firm is dedicated<br />
to the active recruitment, retention, development and<br />
promotion of minority attorneys who reflect the clients<br />
and communities they serve. Through its Diversity<br />
Committee, the Firm's leadership recommends and<br />
implements strategies and practices consistent with its<br />
commitment to diversity.<br />
The Firm resolves to achieve its mission by:<br />
Recruiting law students of the highest caliber;<br />
Aggressively seeking to increase the number of<br />
minority attorneys at the Firm through recruitment,<br />
retention and promotion;<br />
Providing a discussion forum for topics that present unique<br />
challenges to minority attorneys in the practice of law;<br />
Facilitating the support and mentoring of minority attomeys;<br />
Arranging social, professional development and<br />
networking opportunities for minority attorneys on a<br />
frequent basis;<br />
Managing and monitoring the allocation and quality<br />
of work assignments provided to minority attorneys<br />
to maximize access/exposure to a wide variety of the<br />
Firm's clients and to the partners and the leadership<br />
of the Firm; and<br />
Ensuring that minority attorneys are represented in<br />
leadership positions and other significant decisionmaking<br />
roles within the Firm.<br />
Interviewing and Recruiting<br />
Consistent with the firm's Strategic Plan and Diversity<br />
Mission Statement, <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> conducts oncampus<br />
interviews and recruits at law schools with high<br />
percentages of minority students. <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong><br />
attorneys participate in minority law student job fairs (e.g.,<br />
BLSA Midwest Job Fair and Cook <strong>County</strong> Minority Job<br />
Fair) and career panels. The firm reaches out to minority<br />
student organization leadership at various law schools<br />
with a letter from its chairman, Dennis W. Archer, asking<br />
their members to consider <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong>.<br />
Wolverine BarAssociation and Floyd Skinner<br />
Bar Association Summer Clerkship<br />
<strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> has long participated in the Summer<br />
Clerkship program sponsored by the Wolverine Bar<br />
Association (the minority bar association serving<br />
Michigan). Each year, the firm recruits one outstanding<br />
person of color from the WBA, in addition to the minority<br />
recruits from other law schools, to work at the firm<br />
as a Summer Associate. This experience provides a<br />
practical educational experience for first-year minority<br />
law students, links majority firms with the untapped pool<br />
of qualified minority law students, and increases racial,<br />
ethnic and cultural diversity in the iegal profession. In<br />
Grand Rapids, <strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> participates in the Floyd<br />
Skinner Bar Association summer program, which is the<br />
functional equivalent of the Wolverine Bar Program on<br />
the west side of the State.<br />
Federal Bar Summer Clerkship<br />
<strong>Dickinson</strong> <strong>Wright</strong> is a sponsor of the Summer Federal<br />
Judicial Extern Program for Minority Law Students<br />
sponsored by the WBA and the Judges of the District<br />
Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. The program<br />
is designed to expand jUdiciai clerking opportunities for<br />
minority law students. Students work directly with federal<br />
judges and their clerks in preparing bench memoranda<br />
on pending cases, and view first-hand pre-trial and<br />
settlement conferences, motion hearings and trials. The<br />
Extern Program provides extraordinary experiences<br />
for law school participants and serves as a conduit for<br />
enhancing minority representation in the judiciary.
Summer High School Internship Program<br />
The firm participates in the Detroit Summer High School<br />
Internship Program sponsored by the City of Detroit Finance<br />
Department. The Internship Program allows 30 minority high<br />
schooi students to gain workplace experience at participating<br />
law firms, accounting firms and investment banking firms,<br />
and to participate in weekly education classes focused on<br />
finance and accounting. Each student is assigned to one firm<br />
where the student receives supervised assignments four (4)<br />
days of the week, and all students attend a lecture/workshop<br />
one day of the week conducted by volunteer professionals.<br />
The wor1