News
Michigan Super Lawyers 2008
Posted on August 13, 2008
Three Berry Moorman attorneys were recognized in Michigan Super Lawyers 2008 as outstanding attorneys in their practice areas. Robert W. Morgan was recognized for his proficiency in employment and labor law. Thomas M. Sullivan and Randolph M. Wright were included for their expertise in business and corporate law.
Trade Mission to Russia a Success
Posted on June 18, 2008
This past month, Berry Moorman PC co-sponsored a trade mission for automotive suppliers and other related industries interested in expanding and developing business opportunities in Russia (see April 2008 entry Automotive Trade Mission to Russia). Attorneys Randy Wright and Simon Edelstein returned from the trade mission optimistic that the efforts of the trade mission delegates will yield business opportunities in both Russia and the USA. Participants included: ArvinMeritor, American Broach and Machine Co., Managed Programs LLC, Android Industries LLC, Guardian Automotive Corp. and Cinetic Automation Corp. For more information on the trade mission, please read the Crain's article To Russia, for growth: Mission gives suppliers line on new work, and the US Commercial Service's Auto Team News press release, republished with permission below.
Automotive Team Supports Trade Mission to Russia, May 11-16, 2008
The US Commercial Service Global Automotive Team, working with the renowned Center for Automotive Research (CAR) in Ann Arbor, MI, organized and recruited a trade mission of US automotive suppliers to Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia from May 11-16, 2008. The mission was funded by grants from the US Department of Labor, and the Mott Foundation, and was supported by Detroit law firm Berry Moorman, with offices in St. Petersburg.
This was the 4th CAR Mission supported by the USCS Global Automotive Team within the past year. A total of 13 companies applied. Following a selection process, 12 individuals participated, representing several companies & organizations, including Tier I and II suppliers.
The companies met key representatives of Russian, American and foreign automakers: AvtoVaz, Gaz, ZIL, Kamaz, IzhAvto, Renault, Toyota, Ford and General Motors, all of which assemble/manufacture vehicles in Russia. The mission participants also participated in market briefings, site visits, and one-on-one meetings with potential business partners via the U.S. Commercial Service premier matchmaking tool - the "Gold Key Service". Finally, a high-level business reception was organized for trade mission participants and business contacts in the Russian automotive sector at the American Consul General's Residence in St. Petersburg. The above described mission activities were planned and implemented by the US Commercial Service Global Automotive Team. CAR Russia Mission
Emilio Brahmst led this project for the Center for Automotive Research. Randolph Wright participated as lead representative of Berry Moorman. Key US Commercial Service Automotive Team members responsible for recruiting, organizing and conducting this mission were: Keith Silver and Alexander Kansky in St. Petersburg, Mark O'Grady and Vladislav Borodulin in Moscow, and Eve Lerman in Pontiac, Michigan.
Randy Wright and Simon Edelstein Speakers at University of Michigan-Flint
Posted on April 30, 2008
On March 9, 2008, Randy Wright and Simon Edelstein spoke to University of Michigan-Flint MBA students. Randy and Simon described their experiences over the past 14 years in negotiating commercial transactions and resolving disputes in Russia. They then led a roundtable discussion about the Russian business climate and answered student questions relating to the the upcoming study abroad program. Both Randy and Simon are members of the Russia practice and International Law practice sections of the law firm.
Automotive Trade Mission to Russia
Posted on April 2, 2008
The Center for Automotive Research will hold a trade mission May 11-16, 2008, for automotive suppliers and communities interested in developing business opportunities in Russia - the fastest growing European automotive market. This mission is offered in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce Automotive Team and sponsored in part by Berry Moorman PC. For more information, view the PDF information sheet, Center for Automotive Research - Automotive Trade Mission: Russia.
Tom Dew Appointed to the Family Learning Institute Board of Directors
Posted on April 2, 2008
Thomas E. Dew has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Family Learning Institute, a non-profit corporation in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Institute provides support and tutoring for "at risk" students in Washtenaw County. Mr. Dew continues as partner in charge of the Ann Arbor office of Berry Moorman, P.C.
Leland Prince Joins Berry Moorman PC
Posted on March 25, 2008
Berry Moorman P.C. announces that Leland Prince has joined the Firm as Senior Counsel in its Birmingham office. Mr. Prince has provided legal services to a broad range of clients in the Greater Detroit area since the 1980's and will continue to do so at his new office. Services include representing employers and private companies in wrongful discharge matters, commercial transactions, construction litigation, plaintiff personal injury law, labor and employment law, commercial litigation, estate planning, probate and real estate law. Mr. Prince is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, National Bar Association, Augustus D. Straker Bar Association, Wolverine Bar Association, Michigan Trial Lawyers Association and the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association.
Professional H-1B Visa Applications and Allocation Cap
Posted on February 20, 2008
Are you an employer looking to hire a foreign national in a professional (H-1B) position? For employment commencing in October, 2008 you may begin filing H-1B applications on April 1, 2008. However, based on last year's events, the entire allocation of visas (also known as "the cap") is expected to be exhausted within a day of that date.
Given the tremendous popularity of the H-1B visa, it is imperative that employers get their applications filed no later than April 1, 2008. In order to do so and to prepare a detailed application, you should contact us as soon as possible if you intend to file with our help.
There are 65,000 H-1B visas available for employment commencing in October, 2008. There are also 20,000 additional H-1B visas for individuals holding master's degrees or higher degrees from U.S. colleges or universities, but these are expected to be exhausted by early April as well. Some employers are exempt from the cap, including colleges, non-profit or governmental research organizations, most universities, and entities "affiliated with or related to" colleges or universities.
Should you require our firm's assistance with an H-1B application or any other employment based petition [green card applications, intra-company transfers (L visas), TN visas, etc.], please contact the immigration practice group at Berry Moorman at (313) 496-1200 or the attorney of your choice.
Albert Taylor Nelson, Jr. To Be Installed as Fellow of The College of Workers' Compensation Lawyers
Posted on February 20, 2008
The College of Workers' Compensation Attorneys has nominated Albert Taylor Nelson, Jr. as a fellow of the national organization. Mr. Nelson will receive the honor at the annual Induction Dinner to be held in Chicago, Illinois, on March 28, 2008.
The College of Workers' Compensation Lawyers has been established by the American Bar Association to honor those attorneys who have distinguished themselves in their practice of workers' compensation law. Mr. Nelson's election as a Fellow by his colleagues signifies that he has distinguished himself as an outstanding professional who has made a lasting contribution to the practice of workers' compensation law by meeting the standards of integrity, professionalism and character.
Randolph T. Barker to Present to Real Estate Investment Group
Posted on February 14, 2008
Randolph T. Barker has been invited to be the keynote speaker at the Real Estate Investors Association of Oakland's membership meeting on February 14, 2008. The presentation, entitled "Your Game Plan: Covering the Angles" will highlight key considerations for investments in real estate, including identifying the target market, property selection, financing, management, and disposition.
In his real estate practice, Mr. Barker represents owners, landlords, developers, contractors, architects, investors, and lenders in matters involving the acquisition, sale, and leasing of real estate, real estate litigation, and foreclosures. Additionally, he counsels clients regarding development, construction, land use approvals and financing of various projects, including condominiums, retail centers, residential subdivisions, and industrial parks. Mr. Barker regularly speaks before business and professional groups regarding business, real estate, and employment matters, and serves on the State Bar of Michigan Real Property Law Section's Special Committee on Commercial Leasing. He is also a licensed real estate broker and is admitted to practice in Michigan and Ohio, the United States District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan.
Our clients are welcome to attend the presentation, which will begin at 7:15 p.m. at the Michigan State University Management Education Center, 811 W. Square Lake Road, Troy, MI 48098.
Materials from the presentation are now available: Your Game Plan: Covering the Angles (PDF).
Presentation: Developing a Successful Dental Practice
Posted on November 28, 2007
David Foy, George Runstadler and Scott Relf were invited to do a presentation for a group of young dentists at Edison's in Birmingham, Michigan, on October 23, 2007. David, George and Scott highlighted key issues and concerns for the development of successful practices, including what to look for in employment contracts and competition restrictions, office and equipment leases, and the key elements of partnership agreements. They also provided the dentists with sample provisions, due diligence checklists, and insight from their prior experiences representing dental and medical professionals.
The seminar materials are now available for download: Dentist Presentation (Powerpoint Document).
Attorney Update
Posted on October 18, 2007
On October 9, 2007, Louise L. Labadie gave a presentation on Estate Planning at the Pre-Retirement Seminar for the State of Michigan Department of Civil Service Employees. Topics included general estate planning, powers of attorney, Michigan medical powers of attorney (sometimes referred to as "living wills"), and post-death administration of estates and trusts. Mrs. Labadie is part of Berry Moorman's Estate Planning Group.
The seminar materials are now available for download: Estate Planning Overview (Word Document); and Estate Planning Presentation (PowerPoint Document).
Collins & Aikman Bankruptcy Update
Posted on August 1, 2007
With the recent two year anniversary of the Collins & Aikman bankruptcy filing, the case has reached the point where hundreds of preference claims have been filed. C&A suppliers from all over North America have been sued for recovery of any payments the suppliers received in the 90 day period before the filing. Preference claims are particularly insulting because many suppliers suffered losses and wrote off amounts owed on the Chapter 11 filing date. Our firm is counsel to several suppliers and is defending multiple preference claims. Our attorneys have developed proven strategies for successfully defending preference claims and, when necessary, obtaining favorable compromises. Our Detroit office is one block from the Eastern District of Michigan Courthouse. We have an efficient staff, first rate technology and our hourly rates are reasonable. If we can be of assistance to former Collins & Aikman suppliers, please call J.P. Murphy in our Detroit office at 313-496-1200.
Doing Business in Russia
Posted on July 15, 2007
On June 28th, 2007, the firm's Business Practice Group presented a seminar "Doing Business in Russia: Opportunities and Challenges" at Automation Alley. The presentation was well received by the attendees, and offered participants a view on the modern Russian business climate. Featured speakers included representatives from the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, CSM Worldwide, Sun Microsystems (Moscow), Alternative M Consulting (Moscow), Baker Tilley Russaudit (Moscow), Global Financial Solutions, and Randolph Wright of the firm's International Practice Group. The speakers identified business opportunities within Russia, described the automotive and OEM structure within Russia, explained the various choices of entity structure available, discussed franchising, taxation and security issues, and highlighted the banking and regulatory environment for foreign investors. The seminar also provided valuable, first-hand accounts of the various speakers' challenges, obstacles and success stories as experienced within the Russian marketplace. Berry Moorman would like to take this opportunity to thank all those that participated and attended the event.
The seminar materials are now available (PowerPoint 1.3mb).
Attorney Update
Posted on May 1, 2007
Dennis M. Mitzel appeared on the Ann Arbor Community Television Program "Senior Moments." Dennis discussed the new charitable IRA rollover provisions on behalf of Leave a Legacy.
Dennis will also be speaking at the Leave a Legacy Annual Development Day Seminar at the Fairlane Club in Dearborn on May 10, 2007. Dennis will be speaking on "Charitable Giving Techniques." Leave a Legacy is an organization sponsored by the Planned Giving Roundtable of Southeast Michigan to encourage charitable giving through estate plans. Dennis is a past chairman of the Roundtable and a member of the Leave a Legacy steering committee.
Attorney Update
Posted on April 2, 2007
Albert Taylor Nelson, Jr. has been appointed a Board Member of City Year Detroit. City Year Detroit is a part of the National Service movement which brings together young adults, up to age 24, to serve the community full time for 10 months. Corps members serve schools through mentoring, tutoring, and after school programs. They strengthen neighborhoods through physical service projects such as park clean-ups, playground builds, and work in food pantries. Corps members are compensated with a weekly stipend, health insurance, federal loan forbearance, and an education award to use towards tuition or student loan repayment.
Attorney Update
Posted on March 5, 2007
Randolph T. Barker participated in the Washtenaw County Bar Association's "Lawyers' Road Show" on February 27, 2007, as a volunteer attorney. Randy offered free consultations to area residents in different areas of law, including real estate, business, and construction law. Randy regularly participates in these events in Washtenaw and Monroe counties as a service to the community.
Randy will also serve as faculty to the State Bar of Michigan Real Property Law Section's Breakfast Roundtable program on April 19, 2007 regarding commercial lease agreements. Randy's presentation addresses lease financing issues, including the use of personal guaranties and letters of credit to secure tenant lease obligations. The program is offered in cooperation with the International Council of Shopping Centers.
Attorney Update
Posted on February 19, 2007
Patrice M. Ticknor was recognized for her 15 years of service as a literacy tutor at the Dominican Literacy Center's annual Tutor Appreciation Dinner on February 15, 2007. The Dominican Literacy Center is an adult learning center on Detroit's eastside which provides free one-to-one tutoring to help adults improve their reading, writing, speaking, listening, mathematics, and basic computer skills.
Attorney Update
Posted on December 4, 2006
Dennis M. Mitzel and Harvey B. Wallace II have both been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2007, published by Woodward/White, Inc., in recognition of their expertise in the trusts and estates area of law.
Attorney Update
Posted on November 13, 2006
Donald F. Carney, Jr. was elected 2007 mayor pro-tem for the city of Birmingham. Don has been an elected commissioner for the city since 2001 and previously served as mayor pro-tem in 2003 and as mayor in 2004.
Attorney Update
Posted on November 1, 2006
Bruce G. Davis presented a webinar on October 24 entitled "Managing the Complexities of the Overlapping Web of FMLA, ADA and Workers' Comp Laws" for the Council on Education in Management.
Attorney Update
Posted on October 16, 2006
Dennis M. Mitzel was elected President of the Washtenaw Estate Planning Council at its October 5, 2006 meeting. Dennis will serve for the Council's 2006-2007 fiscal year.
Attorney Update
Posted on October 16, 2006
Harvey B. Wallace II has been appointed as a member of the Joint Committee on Employee Benefits of the American Bar Association. The committee is composed of representatives from the American Bar Association's sections of Business Law, Health Law, Labor and Employment Law, Real Property Probate & Trust Law, Taxation, and the Tort, Trial and Insurance Practice. The committee provides continuing legal education in the employee benefits area and meets with government agencies to clarify the law and to streamline employee benefits administration.
Attorney Update
Posted on September 25, 2006
Thomas E. Dew, Louise L. Labadie, and Patrice M. Ticknor attended the thirty-second Annual Notre Dame Tax and Estate Planning Institute on October 5-6 in South Bend, Indiana. The Institute provides comprehensive continuing legal education presented by nationally recognized experts in the fields of tax and estate planning.
Attorney Update
Posted on August 1, 2006
Randolph M. Wright will serve as an ex officio Council Member (formerly Chairman) of the International Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan for the fiscal year 2006-2007. The International Law Section provides education, information, and analysis about issues of concern to attorneys through meetings, seminars, a website, public service programs and publication of a journal.
Randy will also serve as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Birmingham Education Foundation for the 2006-2007 school year. The foundation is a 501(C)(3) not for profit organization. Its mission is to identify projects, together with the Birmingham Public School District, that will enhance learning for all students and which cannot be funded without private support.