Introduction
Thank you for considering me as a mediator. My 40 years of experience in resolving complex cases in commercial law as an advocate, mediator and arbitrator have taught me important lessons in reaching a settlement. They include the need for preparation, the use of advocacy when appropriate, patience while pushing forward, and availability. However, a critical element is establishing the trust, respect, and confidence of the parties and counsel. My demeanor and recognition within the industry and legal community help me achieve those goals. My role in the actual mediation is determined in part in discussion with counsel, particularly as to how active I am to be in assessing the position of the parties. However, the dynamics of mediation often require adjustments to those plans. I am a diplomatic counselor initially, but able to take a leadership role when necessary to keep discussions on track to conclusion. The wide range of my domestic and international corporate and commercial practice enables me to be a quick study on the most complex of issues and the cultural characteristics that the parties bring with them. I am patient and determined in reaching a solution. Timeliness is also often a critical component. My continuing active practice keeps me up to date on substantive issues. My broad experience in many commercial areas including the worldwide automotive industry enables me to assist anywhere in North America. My time is flexible and evening and weekend sessions are always available. Please review the biographical information that follows. I look forward to discussing your matter with you. Please listen to my audio by clicking the play button above.
Current Position
I am a shareholder practicing in Butzel Long’s Detroit office and have served on the firm’s Board of Directors. My education includes degrees from Georgetown University (BSBA), The University of Michigan Law School (JD), and The University of Michigan Graduate School of Business (MBA in Finance).
My primary substantive practice areas include corporations and limited liability companies; the Uniform Commercial Code; sales representatives and distributorships; automotive and other industry supplier relations; international business law and foreign employment; closely held business; mergers and acquisitions; and joint ventures. This includes counseling, negotiations, drafting, and dispute resolution. My clients include large and small entities, including foreign-owned start-ups. I have been active in the firm’s foreign practice, including oversight of the firm’s Mexican alliance office.
I serve as an advocate, arbitrator and mediator and have been certified as a mediator by the Florida Supreme Court.
I am a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the American Bar Association. I have served as Chair of the State Bar of Michigan’s Business Law Section, Co-Chair of the Corporate Laws Committee, Council Member of the International Law Section, Co-Chair of the International Business Law Committee, and Member of the Advisory Committee for the Michigan Bar Journal.
I was an initial recipient of the Michigan State Bar’s prestigious Stephen H. Schulman Outstanding Business Lawyer Award. My awards include being named Lawyer of the Year in International Trade in Detroit. I have been listed in The Best Lawyers in America, The Best Lawyers in America Consumer Guide for my work with closely held business entities, DBusiness Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit, and Michigan Super Lawyers. I have an “AV” rating, the highest available, from Martindale Hubbell.
I have written numerous articles and been a speaker and moderator at a variety of programs on international, corporate, immigration and business topics affecting automotive and other industries. I was the editor of the Business Problems and Planning column of The Michigan Bar Journal for many years. My articles have been cited in legal briefs and court decisions and I am asked to serve as an expert witness on business law matters.
My legislative work has included assisting in the drafting of the Michigan Business Corporation Act, Michigan Professional Corporation Act, and Michigan Limited Liability Company Act.
I served as the firm’s initial representative to the automotive trade association, the Original Equipment Manufacturers Association, and as Counsel General in Detroit for El Salvador.