NOV. 2014
Ask the
Lawyer
a success
Page 14
A look back at the
Bench Bar Conference
Page 10
Meet the ICBA 2014
Award Recipients
Page 12
ABOUT ICBA
CONTENTS PAGE
INSIDE
BRIEFS
Click image or title to proceed directly to that story.
Founded in 1895, the Ingham County Bar Association continues its 119-year tradition of
service to the legal profession and the greater Lansing community, bringing lawyers together
to join in a strong organization that works to achieve objectives that transcend the individual.
INGHAM COUNTY
BAR ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 66
Grand Ledge, MI 48837
http://www.inghambar.org
ICBA Board of Directors
President: Liisa Speaker
517-482-8933
lspeaker@speakerlaw.com
President-Elect: Jason
Hanselman
517-374-9191
jhanselman@dykema.com
10
Recapping the
successful Bench-Bar
Conference held Oct.
18 in Lansing.
16
Need help? The
Lawyers and Judges
Assistance Program
is available to you.
23
Section News
from Probate &
Estate Planning and
Bankruptcy sections
4.........President’s Message
5.........On the Docket
18........Understanding Possession of
Marihuana-Infused Products
6.........Local Legal Events
20........Plan for Health Insurance Purchases
7.........Raising the Bar
24....... Section News: Probate & Estate Planning
8.........Ingham County Bar Foundation
25........Section News: Bankruptcy
10........Bench-Bar Conference recap
26........Networking ... and Other Matters
12........ICBA Award Winners
28........iPick Technology: Holiday iPicks
14........Ask the Lawyer recap
30........YLS Update
15........BRIEFS Author Guidelines
32........Technology: How ICBA Helps You
16........Attorneys Need Assistance, Too
34........BRIEFS Advertising Rates
2
ICBA BRIEFS
Vice President: Mark
Kellogg
517-482-5800
mkellogg@fraserlawfirm.com
Secretary: Mary Chartier
517-482-2000
mary@alanechartier.com
Treasurer: Jessica S. Fox
517-663-3306
jsf_law@yahoo.com
Past President: Josh Ard
517-655-9782
josh@ardlaw.com
Charles E. Barieri
517-371-8200
cbarbieri@fosterswift.com
Hon. Clinton Canady III
517-483-6524
cc_canady@ingham.org
James Dalton
517-351-6200
dalton@willinghamcote.com
Lindsay Nicole Dangl
517-351-4420
ldangl@mbspclaw.com
Melissa Ann Keener
517-324-8703
mkeener@haneslawfirm.com
Charles Lawler
517-318-3100
clawler@clarkhill.com
Janene McIntyre
517-483-4320
janene.mcintyre@lansingmi.gov
Catherine E. Tucker
517-347-7230
ctucker@whiteschneider.com
Bryan Waldman
517-394-7500
bryanwaldman@
sinasdramis.com
Section Chairs
Bankruptcy Law
Norman Witte
517-485-0187
ncwitte@wittelaw.com
Probate & Trust
Rosemary H. Buhl
517-853-6900
rhbuhl@lawrhb.com
Case Evaluation: Sally
Babbitt
Marlaine Teahan
517-377-0869
Inventory/Archives: Stacia
Buchanan, Chris Wickman,
Liisa Speaker
mteahan@fraserlawfirm.com
Real Estate
Tracey L. Lackman
517-318-9284
tllackman@loomislaw.com
Charles E. Barieri
517-371-8200
cbarbieri@fosterswift.com
Young Lawyers
Lindsay Dangle, President
517-351-2020
ldangl@mbspclaw.com
Catherine Tucker, PresidentElect
517-347-7230
Patricia Scott
517-371-8132
pscott@fosterswift.com
ctucker@white schneider.com
Criminal Law
Mary Chartier
517-482-0222
mary@alanechartier.com
Awards: James Dalton, Deb
Adams
John Dewane
517-483-6108
dewane@ingham.org
Family Law
Brooke VanBuren-Hay
517-230-4165
bybrunner@gmail.com
Cynthia Harmon
517-337-4600
cynthiaharmon@
fosterandharmon.com
Committee
Appointments
Annual Dinner: Jason
Hanselman
Annual Meeting: Jason
Hanselman
Ask A Lawyer: Charles
Lawler
Barristers: Jessica Fox,
Lindsay Dangl
Bench Bar: Jason
Hanselman, Charles Barbieri
Education: Jessica Fox
Lawyer Got Talent: Dan
Moraniec
Meet the Judges: Mary
Chartier, Jennipher
Martinez
Membership: Hon. Clinton
Canady, Mark Kellogg,
Janene McIntyre
Mentoring: Mary Chartier
Nominating Committee:
Josh Ard
Past Presidents: Josh Ard
Shrimp Dinner: Robert
Refior, Elias Kafantaris
Sponsorship: Bryan
Waldman, Charles Lawler,
Melissa Keener
Website: Jason
Hanselman, Chris
Wickman
List Serve: Josh Ard
Social Media: Melissa
Keener
ICBA Executive
Director
Madelyne Lawry
517-627-3938,
mlawry@inghambar.org
BRIEFS: Jessica Fox
RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE
3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
by Liisa Speaker
What can we do better?
Looking back at my first two President’s
Messages, I noticed that they were informative but
extremely boring, perhaps even didactic. Nobody
complained, so that either means everyone loves
what I had to say or everyone is so polite they don’t
want to hurt my feelings by criticizing, or they
didn’t care to read them at all.
The work of the Ingham
Share your
County Bar Association,
thoughts
however, shouldn’t go
with ICBA
unnoticed. While it is easy
President
to disregard emails about
Liisa Speaker:
events and programs amidst
the daily onslaught of
517-482-8933
messages attorneys receive
from all sources, our local
lspeaker@
speakerlaw.com bar association offers so
many enriching activities for
our members that it should
give us pause.
Not only do we have educational programs (the
Bench Bar Conference and section meetings), and
networking events (Meet the Judges and Shrimp
Dinner), we also celebrate our members (the
Annual Dinner and Barrister’s Night) and help
4
our community (Ask a Lawyer). And sometimes
lawyers just like to have fun (Lawyers Got Talent).
Joining ICBA was one of the first things I did
when I moved to Michigan in 2003 – even before
I started working at my first Michigan job with
Pat Gallagher. These past 11 years have been
enriching for me. Through the events sponsored
by the ICBA, I have had an opportunity to engage
with the lawyers and judges in our community. I
certainly have gained more than I have given.
If something really bugs you about the bar
association, feel free to tell me, our Executive
Director or one of our board members. We want to
hear from you and to know if something is keeping
our members away. If you don’t attend a particular
event, why not? If a member does not renew
membership, why not? If you don’t read BRIEFS,
why not? If you don’t like the website, why not?
The bottom line is – what can we do better?
And, if I don’t hear anything – good or bad –
after this President’s Message, I’ll have to go on
wondering; were my messages loved by all or not
read by anyone or are you too nice to complain?
I look forward to your comments, opinions and
ideas.
ICBA BRIEFS
ON THE DOCKET
For all ICBA events and registration links, CLICK HERE. For events with registration fees, avoid higher on-site
costs by registering with advance payment.
When
Description/Location
Cost
RSVP
Friday,
Nov. 7
9:15 a.m.Noon
ICBA Criminal Law Section Meeting
State Bar of Michigan, 306 Townsend, Lansing
Topic: TBA
Lunch is free, bring your own drinks
Free
reception@alanechartier.com
Wednesday,
Nov. 12
Noon-1 p.m.
ICBA Family Law Section Meeting
WMU Cooley Law School, Room 911
Topic: How to File Paternity Actions
Speaker: Guy Sweet
Bring your own bag lunch
Free
Cynthia Harmon
cynthiaharmon@
fosterandharmon.com
Tuesday,
Nov. 18
Noon-1 p.m.
ICBA Probate and Trust Section Meeting
WMU Cooley Law School, Room 911
Topic: TBA
Free
Marlaine Teahan
mteahan@fraserlawfirm.com
or Rosemary Buhl
rhbuhl@lawrhb.com
Thursday,
Nov. 20
Noon-1 p.m.
ICBA Bankruptcy Section Meeting
WMU Cooley Law School, Room 835
Speaker: Bob McCarthy
Lunch sponsored by speaker
Free
Patricia Scott
pscott@fosterswift.com
or 517-371-8132
Thursday,
Nov. 20
Noon-1 p.m.
ICBA Real Estate Section Meeting
WMU Cooley Law School
Bring your own bag lunch
Free
Tracey L. Lackman
tllackman@loomislaw.com
Thursday,
Jan. 8, 2015
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Save the Date!
ICBA 4th annual Meet the Judges Reception
WMU Cooley Law School
Thursday,
Feb. 12, 2015
6-9 p.m.
Save the Date!
ICBA 4th bi-annual Lawyers Got Talent
Crowne Plaza Lansing West, 925 South Creyts Road
Show off your skills and discover the talents of your
peers.
RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE
5
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
LOCAL LEGAL EVENTS
NALS of Lansing
Board of Directors Meeting
WLAM Stell Reception Honors
Judge Janice Cunningham
What: The NALS of Lansing Board of Directors meeting.
When: Noon on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
Where: Foster Swift Collins & Swift, P.C., 313 S.
Washington Square, Lansing. Free parking is available in
the rear, off Grand Avenue. Board members may also
participate by phone.
Registration/information: Contact Vicki Ballinger at 517371-8232 or vballinger@fosterswift.com by Nov. 10.
What: The Mid-Michigan Chapter of Women Lawyers
Association of Michigan will honor Eaton County Circuit
Court Judge Janice Cunningham at its Stell Reception.
WLAM will also award a scholarship to a female law
student. The event is open to non-members, including
gentlemen.
When: 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18.
Where: Crowne Plaza-Lansing, 925 S Creyts Road,
Lansing.
Cost: $40.
Registration/information: RSVP to Torree J. Breen at
tbreen@willinghamcote.com.
American Red Cross Blood Drive
What: Willingham & Cote, P.C., is pleased to once again
support the 21st annual Penn State vs. Michigan State
American Red Cross blood drive. This friendly collegiate
rivalry has brought in more than 72,000 blood donations
since 1994.
When: 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
Where: Campus Room of the East Lansing Marriott, 300
Albert Avenue, East Lansing.
More information: Free parking is available to all donors. Free T-shirts will be available to all donors during the
three-week challenge while supplies last.
6
NALS of Lansing
Legal Education Seminar
What: The topic of the latest NALS of Lansing’s Legal
Education Seminar is “Criminal Defense Law,” and will be
presented by Frank Harrison Reynolds of Foster Swift. An
authentic New Mexico-style enchilada dinner with sides
and dessert will be offered.
When: 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
Where: Foster Swift Collins & Swift, P.C., 313 S.
Washington Square, Lansing.
Cost: $10.
Registration/information: RSVP to Vicki Ballinger at 517371-8232 or vballinger@fosterswift.com by Nov. 14 and
indicate if you will join the group for the meal. r
ICBA BRIEFS
RAISING THE BAR
RAISING THE BAR
Celebrating the achievements of ICBA members
Christine Savage named
shareholder at Lowe Law Firms
J.J. Burchman receives Highest
Martindale-Hubbell rating
The Lowe Law Firm, P.C., of Okemos announced that Christine M. Savage has become
a shareholder of the firm.
Savage received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Michigan State University in 1993, a
Juris Doctorate degree from Michigan State University College of Law in 1999 and a LLM degree
in taxation from Wayne State University in 2005.
She has substantial experience in various aspects
of estate planning, probate and trust administration, income, estate, gift and generation skipping
transfer taxation, and corporate business matters.
Savage regularly advises clients on both simple
and complex estate and business planning matters. She has developed a leading reputation in
her specialized practice areas and complements
and strengthens Lowe Law Firm, P.C.’s practice
areas.
Savage has been recognized by the Michigan
business community for her knowledge and accomplishments. She is listed in the Best Lawyers
in America in the area of trusts and estates and
is editor and co-author of “Michigan Revocable
Granter Trust,” an ICLE publication. Savage’s expertise, experience, contributions and credentials
enhance the firm’s practice areas and provide the
firm’s clients with exceptional service and excellent results.
Fraser Trebilcock attorney J.J. Burchman
recently achieved an AV Preeminent peer review
rating by Martindale-Hubbell, an honor indicative
of a lawyer’s high ethical
standards and professional
ability. The overall peer
rating includes the fields of
business law, litigation and
banking law.
One peer review stated,
“(Burchman) has an amazing grasp of the law and
unique ability to relate to
J.J. Burchman
his clients”.
In addition to his AV Preeminent peer review
rating, Burchman has served as the Associate
Editor for the Michigan Telecommunications and
Technology Law Review, has been published in
various publications and has presented to the
NAIA Mid-Michigan Vlahakis team regarding
seller-financed mortgages. He has represented
various clients, including a New York Stock Exchange publically traded company.
RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE
> continued on page 9
7
INGHAM COUNTY BAR FOUNDATION
8 accept Ingham County
Bar Foundation fellowships
Though membership in the Ingham County
Bar Foundation is open to anyone or any entity
willing to make a $25 contribution, an Ingham
County Bar Foundation fellowship is limited to
individuals nominated by the Board of Directors
of the foundation.
Nominated individuABOUT THE
als are those who are
AUTHOR
viewed as leaders in
their profession, have
attained a high degree
of skill in the practice of
law, have demonstrated
ethics and civility, as
well as a commitment
to the Bar, and to their
community.
The total number of
George Zulakis
fellows cannot exceed
517-349-5011
5-percent of attorneys
Zulakis is a criminal
licensed in the midtrial attorney at Baird
Michigan area.
and Zulakis,P.C. The
There are currently
Okemos-based pracapproximately 57 ICBF
tice was established
fellows.
in 1980 and serves
Similar to fellowthe Tri-County area in
ship with the State Bar
all aspects of criminal
of Michigan Fellows
and juvenile law.
Program, those willing
8
to accept the board's nomination as a fellow are
required to make a financial commitment to the
Ingham County Bar Foundation in the amount of
$1,000, payable over the course of 10 years.
Fellowship is a tribute to the individual so
nominated and serves to provide the Ingham
County Bar Foundation with continuity, economic stability and an infusion of commitment
from those willing to sustain the mission of the
Ingham County Bar Foundation.
Each year, newly nominated and committed
fellows, along with existing fellows, are invited
to attend a reception immediately preceding the
Ingham County Bar Association's annual dinner.
The Board of Directors of the Ingham County
Bar Foundation extends its congratulations and
appreciation to the following individuals who
have recently accepted their nomination as Fellows of the Ingham County Bar Foundation:
• Mary Chartier
• Bernard Finn
• Richard Krause
• Michael Larkin
• Gary McRay
• Maurice Schoenberger
• Liisa Speaker
• Raymond Buffmyer
ICBA BRIEFS
INGHAM COUNTY BAR FOUNDATION
In Memoriam
Contributions
In memoriam contributions have been made to the
Ingham County Bar Foundation in the name of the
following individuals:
2011: William N. Kritselis
2012: Donald E. Martin
2012: Edgar L. Church Jr.
2012: James R. Robinson
2013: Douglas L. Sweet
2013: Hon. Robert Danhof
2013: Robert H. Warner
2013: Roger T. Ederer
2013: Joe C. Foster
2013: George H. Krause
2013: James R. Robinson
2013: Thomas H. Skehan
2014: William N. Kritselis
BRIEFS Correction
Please note that Michael
Scott Hill (left), the featured
lawyer in last month’s Young
Lawyers Section of BRIEFS,
is now with Legal Services of
South Central Michigan, not
the Hill Law Office.
RAISING THE BAR
RASING THE BAR
continued
15 Fraser Trebilcock lawyers
named Super Lawyers, Rising Stars;
Teahan collects multiple accolades
Thirteen Fraser Trebilcock attorneys were
selected for inclusion on the 2014 list of Super
Lawyers, with two additional attorneys named
“2013 Rising Stars in Michigan.”
In addition, the firm announced that attorney
Marlaine C. Teahan has been included as one
of the Top 50 Female Attorneys in Michigan’ one
of the Top 50 Consumer Law Attorneys in Michigan and as one of the Top 25 Female Consumer
Law Attorneys in Michigan.
Here is the complete list of Fraser Trebilcock
attorneys selected as Super Lawyers: Michael E.
Cavanaugh, Graham K. Crabtree, Michael
P. Donnelly, Anita G. Fox, Max R. Hoffman
Jr., Peter D. Houk, Darrell A. Lindman,
David E.S. Marvin, Thaddeus E. Morgan,
Michael H. Perry, Gary C. Rogers, Thomas
L. Sparks and Teahan. Attorneys named Rising Stars are Brian T. Gallagher and Melisa
M.W. Mysliwiec.
Plunkett Cooney attorneys among
Michigan ‘Super Lawyers’
Michigan Super Lawyers magazine recently
named 29 attorneys from Plunkett Cooney, one of
the Midwest’s oldest and largest law firms, to its
2014 list of “Super Lawyers.”
Anita B. Folino, who practices in Plunkett
Cooney’s East Lansing office, received the 2014
Michigan Super Lawyer designation. r
RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE
9
ICBA President Liisa Speaker opens the 2014 Bench Bar Conference.
2014 Bench Bar Conference a success
By ROBERTA M. GUBBINS
Ingham County lawyers, judges and support
personnel did not spend the morning of Saturday,
Oct. 18th at a tailgate party before their favorite
football team took the field.
Instead, they streamed into Veterans Memorial
Courthouse in downtown Lansing at 8 a.m. to attend the Ingham County Bar Association (ICBA)
Bench/Bar Conference.
10
Held every two years, this year’s speakers and
topics included:
Criminal Law: Speakers Hon. Hugh Clarke,
Hon. James Jamo and Mike Nichols spoke on the
latest issues and developments in criminal law.
Court of Claims: Speaker Hon. Amy
Ronayne Krause who explained how the new
Court is docketing and handling cases.
Business Court: Speaker Hon. Joyce Dra-
ICBA BRIEFS
ganchuk discussed the progress of the new Business Court.
Family Law: Speakers Hon. Janelle Lawless,
Bob Hotchkiss and Nan Casey.
Following a “Coffee Break with Your Favorite
Judge,” Michael Swayze, Jim Ewing and Michael
Nolen demonstrated the latest court technology.
The session
wrapped up with
the Ask the Judges
panel, moderated
by Charles Barbieri
and composed of
Hon. James Jamo,
Hon. Andrea Larkin, Ted Stroud
and Frank Reynolds.
Chairman Jason
Hanselmanand the
members of the
Hon. Amy Ronayne Kraus explains Bench Bar Committee put the conthe new Court of Claims.
ference together.
Sponsors for the this year’s event included premium and event sponsors Alane & Chartier, PLC;
Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC; Fraser Trebilcock Davis & Dunlap, PC; Sinas, Dramis, Brake,
Boughton & McIntyre, PC; Speaker Law Firm,
PLLC and Willingham Cote, PC and Loomis Ewert Parsley Davis & Gotting, PC. r
The Criminal Law panel of Hon. James Jamo, Mike Nichols
and Hon. Hugh Clarke.
Hon. Andrea Larkin, left, and Hon. Hugh Clarke network
during the event.
SAVE THE DATES
More great ICBA events are coming up soon. Watch for more details in future
editions of BRIEFS. In the meantime, save the dates for the following:
Meet the Judges Reception: Thursday, Jan. 8 at WMU Cooley Law School
Lawyers Got Talent: Thursday, Feb. 12 at Crowne Plaza Lansing West
RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE
11
2014 ICBA
Award Winners
Celebrate their achievements at the
120th annual Awards Dinner on Nov. 20
Four members of the ICBA will be recognized for their contributions to the legal community and
the community at large at the 120th annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Crowne
Plaza-Lansing.
The reception and dinner begins at 6 p.m. at the hotel, located at 925 South Creyts Road in
Lansing. Register at the ICBA website.
The award winners are:
Kenneth Beall
Beall will be awarded
the Camille S. Abood
Distinguished Volunteer Award presented to
an ICBA member who has
distinguished himself or
herself by making voluntary
contributions of time and
talent for the benefit of others.
Jack C. Davis
Davis will be recognized for his service as winner of the Leo A. Farhat Outstanding Attorney Award presented to an ICBA member who
has distinguished himself or herself by manifesting exemplary character, integrity, judgment and
12
In addition, the award seeks to recognize a
person who exhibits qualities of openness, humility and a concern for the interests of others,
including the development of newer practitioners.
and traditions of the legal profession. It recognizes skill and success in practicing one’s profession
while exhibiting that civility and collegiality may
co-exist and contribute to long-term success.
Alecia M. Ruswinckel
Gordon VanWieren
Ruswinckel will be awarded the Theodore W. Swift
Civility Award. This
award is presented to the
ICBA member who has distinguished himself or herself
by manifesting civility in relations with the Bench, Bar,
clients and the public, while
adhering to and advancing the highest principals
VanWieren will receive
the Ingham County Bar
Association & Legal
Services of South Central Michigan Pro Bono
Award, which is bestowed
annually to a lawyer that
made significant contributions through Legal Services
of South Central Michigan’s pro bono program. r
legal scholarship while adhering to and advancing the
highest principles and traditions of the legal profession.
Special consideration is
given to those members who
have made an extraordinary
commitment to bench and/
or bar activities at the local,
state, or national levels. The
award seeks to recognize an attorney who has
provided outstanding service to the public and
possesses an exemplary reputation in the legal
community, the highest of ethical standards, and
who revels in maintaining a life that balances a
passion for professional excellence with the joy of
family and friends.
ICBA BRIEFS
RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE
13
Ask the Lawyer
serves the public
By ROBERTA M. GUBBINS
October was Pro Bono month and the
Ingham County lawyers did their part. At
the Ask the Lawyer event held on Oct. 9 at
WMU Cooley Law School, 23 lawyers assisted 62 members of the public with their
legal issues.
While the most frequent questions were
in the areas of family law, landlord/tenant
issues and consumer/contract problems;
bankruptcy, probate, Social Security/disability and criminal law were also popular questions. Each person received a free
30-minute consultation with an attorney.
Event chairperson Helen “Lizzie” Mills
declared the event a “great success,” and
acknowledged the hard work of her assistant, Theresa Benoit, Madelyne Lawry
and Valerie Soulowski of the ICBA, and
Charles Lawler of Clark Hill. r
PHOTOS: Top, the WMU Cooley Law School lobby at the Ask the Lawyer event on Oct. 9. Middle, Chris Wickman answers
questions. Bottom, Valerie Soulowski and Madelyne Lawry of the ICBA. On the cover, Nicole Hughes listens to an issue.
14
ICBA BRIEFS
BRIEFS AUTHOR GUIDELINES, POLICIES AND ICBA PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE
Publication Schedule
BRIEFS is published by the Ingham
County Bar Association nine times
from September to June, with
a combined December/January
issue.
Copy Deadline
Submissions are due the 15th
of the month for the following
month’s issue, e.g. April 15 for the
May issue. Exception: the deadline
for the December/January issue Is
November 30. Late submissions
are accepted at the discretion of
the editor.
BRIEFS Committee Meetings
Normally held the 2nd Monday
at Speaker Law Firm. Sometimes
meetings are delayed until the
3rd Monday of the month. To get
on the mailing list for meeting
notices, contact the editor at
ICBABriefs@inghambar.org
Author and Article Pictures
Preferred format is full-color .jpg.
For head shots, resolution should
be high enough to be viewed
clearly when approximating a
2”x3” online. (Please do not send
tiny thumbnail shots.)
Article Length
Note: The length of BRIEFS articles
vary widely, so these are only
rough guidelines. Articles may be
edited to fit a specific space.
Raising the Bar notices: 100 to
200 words.
Local Legal Events notices: 100
to 150 words.
Columns: 300 to 500 words.
Articles: 700-1,000 words.
Author Specifics:
Writing for BRIEFS is an excellent
way to publicize your expertise,
and we encourage your
submissions! Please send ideas for
articles or completed articles to
the editor, Roberta M. Gubbins, at
ICBABriefs@inghambar.org.
If you do not receive email
confirmation within 24 hours that
your article has been received,
please call Roberta at 734-2559119.
Publications Committee
Byline
Include your byline, your email
address, URLs for your social
media accounts such as Twitter,
Facebook, LinkedIn, or your
website and a 2-to 3-sentence
biography. Please also send a
photo of yourself in .jpg format, in
color if possible.
Editor
Roberta M. Gubbins, JD
734-255-9119
Member Announcements
Raising the Bar
News of changes, honors,
recognition, etc., for our members
and law firms is published in
Raising the Bar. We will accept
announcements from members of
ICBA only.
BRIEFS will accept announcements
for Super Lawyers designation
(along with other similar awards,
like Michigan Lawyers Weekly
Leaders in the Law, etc), with the
following conditions:
1. BRIEFS will only publish
announcements for members of
the ICBA.
2. The announcement will appear
in the Raising the Bar section
of BRIEFS along with other
announcements.
3. The submission for the
announcement must comply
with the applicable copyright/
trademark requirements of the
Super Lawyer or other publication
and ICBA takes no responsibility
for the announcements.
Advertising
See last page for details on display
and classified advertising.
Help Wanted
Content will be published at no
charge.
Chair
Jessica Fox
517-663-3306
jsf_law@yahoo.com
Briefs@inghambar.com
Nathaniel E. Aquino
naquino@lsscm.org
Josh Ard
josh@ardlaw.com
Tara Bachner
tbachner@willinghamcote.com
Hon. Laura L. Baird
lbaird@ingham.org
Frederick M. Baker Jr.
fbaker@willinghamcote.com
Scott A. Breen
sbreen@willinghamcote.com
Christine Caswell
christine@caswellpllc.com
Mary Chartier
mary@alanechartier.com
Sam Cimino
ciminos@cooley.edu
Meghan K. Connolly
mconnolly@secrestwardle.com
Lindsay Dangl
ldangl@mbspclaw.com
Brett DeGroff
brettdegroff@gmail.com
Hon. Frank J. DeLuca
fdeluca@lansingmi.gov
Lauren K. Dutcher
ldutcher@fsbrlaw.com
H. Derrick Etheridge
derrick@derricketheridge.com
Deborah B. Frederick
deb.fred456@gmail.com
Holly Glazier
glazierh@cooley.edu
Jason Hanselman
jhanselman@dykema.com
Susan A. Howard
profsah@aol.com
RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE
Carrie E. Huff
chuff@borpc.com
Elizabeth Husa Briggs
erbriggs@loomislaw.com
Gabrielle C. Johnson
gabrielle.johnson@sadplaw.com
Richard C. Kraus
rkraus@fosterswift.com
Charles Allen Lawler
clawler@clarkhill.com
Weston J. MacIntosh
weston@themacinthoshlawfirm.com
Megan Mertens
mmertens@mclpc.com
David Wayne Meyers
davidmeyers@mcgintylaw.com
Helen Elizabeth Mills
hmills@fsbrlaw.com
Daniel E. Maraniec
danmoraniec@sinasdramis.com
Michael J. Nichols
mnichols@nicholslaw.net
Takura Nyamfukudza
takura@alanechartier.com
Charles Parker II
charlesparkerii@yahoo.com
William R. Ralls
williamralls@aol.com
Ronald D. Richards
rrichards@fosterswift.com
Alexander S. Rusek
alexrusek@whitelawpllc.com
Theodore W. Seitz
tseitz@dykema.com
Matthew T. Smith
msmith@clarkhill.com
Liisa R. Speaker
lspeaker@speakerlaw.com
Heather Spielmaker
spielmanh@cooley.edu
Charles R. Toy
toyc@cooley.edu
Jessica A. Walker
jwalker@thrunlaw.com
Lisa C. Ward
lisacward@aol.com
15
ABOUT THE
AUTHOR
Attorneys need
assistance, too ...
and the State Bar of Michigan offers its services
For most people, a busy life is a happy life. For others, staying busy has
become the rule rather than the exception. Many balance a hectic schedule,
but there may be times when circumstances and situations become a little
Sam T. Cimino
too much.
Juris Doctor Candidate
Simply put, life can be overwhelming and exhausting, physically as well
2016
as mentally. As individuals, how we intertwine coping mechanisms to keep
Sam Cimino is a 2L at
the balance of the demands in our lives can be easily dismissed, leading to a
WMU Cooley Law School potential decline in quality of life, or even something more.
with expected graduation
The State Bar of Michigan offers The Lawyers and Judges Assistance
in May 2016. Sam is a volProgram (LJAP) to assist individuals who are faced with myriad issues
unteer at The Resolution
Services Center of Central in the balance of life. LJAP is not a member service limited to just those
who may be facing potential legal trouble or formal consequences, but for
Michigan in Lansing and
preventive and general well-being.
a student member of the
“Anyone coping with stress of life and feels they are losing their grasp can
Ingham County Bar Association. He can be reached come in,” states LJAP program administrator Tish Vincent.
at ciminos@cooley.edu.
LJAP assists individuals not only with substance abuse or grievance issues, but those who may be facing issues of depression, gambling, marital
and family matters, life changes, career change, stress or any other general
issues that affect quality of life.
Anybody can pick up the phone to call LJAP with potential concerns.
Calls are not limited to those in the legal community. Many times a family
member will call with questions or concerns, or even an attorney inquiring
whether they may have a substance problem. What is unique about LJAP is
the State Bar of Michigan employs highly skilled and trained therapists full
time to offer services for its members in the legal profession.
LJAP is strictly confidential and is working to ensure support and guidance to address potential issues. LJAP offers free consultations for members
of the legal profession and their families/colleagues, clinical assessments,
counseling, and referrals to professionally trained providers.
16
ICBA BRIEFS
Trouble typically does not start out big and noticeable. It
usually starts small, such as minor deviations in one’s daily
life. A few common signs include missing deadlines, trouble
sleeping, worrying about things at work after the workday has
ended, irritability, and isolation to name a few.
“The practice of law creates an idiosyncratic form of arrogance amongst those who believe they can argue their way
out as a main tool (for terms of treatment services),” Vincent
points out.
LJAP ASSISTS INDIVIDUALS NOT ONLY WITH
SUBSTANCE ABUSE OR GRIEVANCE ISSUES,
BUT THOSE WHO MAY BE FACING ISSUES
OF DEPRESSION, GAMBLING, MARITAL AND
FAMILY MATTERS, LIFE CHANGES, CAREER
CHANGE, STRESS OR ANY OTHER GENERAL
ISSUES THAT AFFECT QULITY OF LIFE.
One common concern is what Vincent calls “compassion
fatigue” that often develops among those in the practice of law.
Attorneys are faced with other people’s problems every day
and work to help solve those problems, often attempting to
meet client expectations, which can be unrealistic at times.
Many see this as part of the job of an attorney, but often
do not even recognize that they themselves begin to develop
compassion fatigue. Compassion fatigue can often lead to
dangerous coping mechanisms if not properly identified and
addressed.
LJAP is an invaluable resource to those who may just be
curious to inquire whether they may need assistance with general wellness issues, may have concern for a loved one, or may
be facing other obstacles in their life.
Other resources are also available, such as a local Alcoholic
Anonymous meeting – open only to lawyers, judges and law
students – that meets once a week at 7 p.m. Thursdays at Central Methodist Church in downtown Lansing. r
RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE
Lawyers & Judges
Assistance Committee
Contact Information
Office number:
800-996-5522
Website:
www.michbar.org/generalinfo/ljap/
Tish Vincent, program administrator
517-346-6337
tvincent@mail.michbar.org
Molly Dean, case monitor
517-346-6306
mdean@mail.michbar.org
Molly Ranns, case monitor
517-346-6336
mranns@mail.michbar.org
Jennifer Clark,
Clinical/administrative assistant
517-346-6348
jclark@mail.michbar.org
17
ABOUT THE
AUTHOR
Brandon Gardner
bgsmallbusinesslegal@
gmail.com
Brandon Gardner heads
the litigation department
of the Cannabis Attorneys
of Michigan. He specializes in criminal defense
and civil litigation.
18
Understanding possession of
marihuana-infused products
Many patients know the benefits of marihuana-infused products, from
food to topical treatments. These delivery systems offer patients a non-evasive and non-carcinogenic alternative to inhalation with increased potency.
When the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act (MMMA) was passed in
2008, it described three types of marihuana: marihuana plants, usable
marihuana, and marihuana (in general).
Usable marihuana and marihuana plants are addressed in MCL
333.26424 (Section 4), while marihuana is addressed in MCL 333.26428
(Section 8). In People v Carruthers, 301 Mich App 590; 837 NW2d 16
(2013), the Michigan Court of Appeals discussed the differences between
these types of marihuana and how the MMMA treats them.
In Carruthers, a dispensary owner by the name of Earl Cantrell Carruthers was involved in a traffic stop and his vehicle was subsequently
searched. Inside the vehicle, the police discovered and seized, among other
things, individually labeled brownies and oatmeal cookies. The labels on the
brownies and cookies indicated that each contained 2 grams and 3.75 grams
of marihuana respectively.
At the time of the stop, Mr. Carruthers possessed a medical marihuana
card for himself, caregiver applications for four patients, and a caregiver
certificate. Nevertheless, he was charged with possession of marihuana with
intent to deliver and driving with a suspended license.
At the trial court, Mr. Carruthers filed a motion to dismiss under Section
4 arguing that he was immune from prosecution because he possessed less
than 12.5 ounces of useable marihuana (up to 2.5 ounces per patient, plus
2.5 ounces for himself).
He argued that only the actual amount of marihuana used in the brownies and cookies should be counted in determining whether he was in possession of less than 12.5 ounces. Id. at 599. In other words, only 2 grams
of marihuana per brownie and 3.74 grams of marihuana per cookie. The
prosecution argued that the aggregate weight of the brownies and cookies
should be considered. Id. at 600.
The Court of Appeals disagreed with both sides. It noted that the MMMA
ICBA BRIEFS
uses the terms “usable marihuana” in Section 4 and “marihuana” in Section
8 to distinguish what both sections protect. The Court held that in order to
constitute usable marihuana under the MMMA, any mixture or preparation
must be of the dried leaves or flowers of the marihuana plant. Id. at 601.
This does not include an edible product made with THC extracted from
resin. Therefore, marihuana infused products are not immune from prosCARRUTHERS
ecution under Section 4. As a result, none of the brownies or cookies that
AFFIRMED THAT
Mr. Carruthers possessed were counted as usable marihuana under Section
MARIHUANA4. Id. at 608.
INFUSED
Carruthers did not end its analysis at Section 4. The Court examined the
PRODUCTS ARE
use of the word “marihuana” in Section 8 and noted that this section does
LEGAL TO
not refer to usable marihuana, but instead states that a patient or primary
POSSESS AND
caregiver, or both, may assert the medical purpose for using marihuana as a
USE, TO THE
defense to any prosecution involving marihuana.
EXTENT THAT IT
Section 4 and Section 8 require different elements in order to be asserted.
IS PERMISSIBLE
Whereas Section 4 is available only to individuals with a registry identification card, Section 8 provides a defense to any individual whose physician
UNDER SECTION 8.
has stated that he/she can benefit from the use of medicinal cannabis. MoreTHAT IS, A
over, Section 8 does not specify any particular amount that an individual
DEFENDANT MAY
may possess or use to assert a defense.
ASSERT AS AN
Carruthers held that these distinctions permit a Section 8 defense reAFFIRMATIVE
gardless of whether the marihuana possessed was usable and regardless of
DEFENSE THAT HE
the quantity. Id. at 616.
IS IN POSSESSION
Furthermore, Carruthers affirmed that marihuana-infused products are
OF NO MORE
legal to possess and use, to the extent that it is permissible under Section 8.
MARIHUANA THAN
That is, a defendant may assert as an affirmative defense that he is in posIS REASONBLY
session of no more marihuana than is reasonably necessary to ensure uninNECESSARY
terrupted use. Id. at 617.
TO ENSURE
The Court recognized that although the defense is available, the bar to
UNINTERRUPTED
establishing the defense is a high one and would become increasingly higher
as the amount or potency of the marihuana possessed increases. Id. It is an
USE.
all or nothing defense.
If, following an evidentiary hearing, a trial court decides that no reasonable juror could conclude that a defendant has satisfied the elements of a
Section 8 defense, then the individual is precluded from asserting the defense at trial. Id. So, although possession of a marihuana-infused product is
legal, it is the defendant’s burden to show that he is in possession of no more
product than is reasonably necessary for his personal or his patient’s use. r
RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE
19
ABOUT THE
AUTHOR
Michael P. James
mjames@fraserlawfirm.com
517-377-0823
Michael P. James, a senior
attorney at Fraser Trebilcock, provides representation and counseling related to all facets of business
enterprise and health care
matters. Contact him to
find out more about the
Health Insurance Marketplace, Small Business
Health Care Affordability
Tax Credits or the impact
that the Affordable Care
Act has on health care
and Michigan businesses.
20
Plan ahead for
your 2015 health
insurance purchases
It is never too soon to begin planning for 2015. This is especially true for
Michiganders planning to purchase health insurance for 2015 through the
federally-facilitated Health Insurance Marketplace (“Marketplace”).
Starting on November 15, 2014, individuals and small businesses will
have the opportunity to purchase health insurance through the Marketplace.
However, the open enrollment period is only three months this year, half of
what it was last year.
Open enrollment ends on February 15, 2015. Once open enrollment ends,
individuals will only be permitted to purchase a Marketplace insurance plan
if they qualify for a special enrollment period due to a qualifying life event.
New to the Marketplace
If you are shopping for health insurance on the Marketplace for the first
time, there are some key things that you should consider.
First, in order to have health insurance coverage in place for January 1,
2015, you will need to enroll in a health plan by December 15, 2014.
Second, you may be eligible for tax credits and subsidies when purchasing
insurance through the Marketplace. Your eligibility for tax credits and subsidies will depend on your household size and income. As such, you should
have this information available when purchasing a plan through the Marketplace.
Third, if you elect not to purchase health insurance for 2015, whether
through the Marketplace, from an independent insurance agent or through
an insurance carrier directly, you will be required to pay a penalty. For 2015,
the penalty for not having minimal essential coverage is $325 per adult and
$162.50 per child (up to $975 for a family) or 2% of family income, whichever
is greater. These penalties will increase for 2016.
Individuals who are shopping for insurance on the Marketplace for the
first time should explore the options that are available. All plans sold through
ICBA BRIEFS
The HealthCare.gov
website is touting
open enrollment that
begins on Nov. 15
and ends on Feb. 15,
2015. The threemonth window is
half as long as last
year’s open enrollment period.
the Marketplace will provide coverage for a number of important essential
health benefits. Some plans may offer more coverage. Health plans will be
categorized by “metal levels”.
The metal levels represent the percentage of the total average costs that
the insurance plan will pay for the plan’s covered benefits.
For example, a bronze insurance plan will provide coverage for 58% to
62% of the costs associated with plan’s covered benefits. A platinum plan will
provide coverage for 88% to 92% of applicable costs.
If you have questions about what coverage is best for your family, there
are a number of resources available to you, including independent insurance
agents/brokers and federal navigators.
Currently Enrolled in Marketplace Insurance
If you currently have a Marketplace insurance plan, coverage is scheduled
to end on December 31, 2014. However, you may be automatically enrolled
for 2015 with coverage beginning on January 1, 2015.
You should receive two notices related to your 2015 health insurance coverage, one from your insurance carrier and one from the Marketplace. These
notices will explain your enrollment options.
> continued on page 22
RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE
21
HEALTH INSURANCE PURCHASES
continued
There are a few important things to keep in mind. First, while you may be
eligible for automatic enrollment for 2015, the enrollment may be in a different health plan. If your insurance carrier no longer offers the plan that you
were previously enrolled in, the carrier is permitted to enroll you in a similar
IF YOUR BUSINESS plan. As such, you may want to carefully examine your coverage and evaluate
any changes.
HAS FEWER THAN
Second, if you are going to be automatically enrolled, you are still required
50 FULL-TIME
to report changes in the information you provided on your 2014 Marketplace
EQUIVALENT
application. These changes must be reported directly to the Marketplace so
EMPLOYEES,
that the Marketplace can reevaluate your eligibility for tax credits and/or
YOU ARE NOT
subsidies. The ideal time to report any changes is at the begging of the open
REQUIRED TO
enrollment period.
OFFER HEALTH
Third, if you receive notice that you will not be automatically enrolled for
INSURANCE TO
2015, the notice should explain your coverage options, deadlines and the
YOUR EMPLOYEES. next steps that you should take. Regardless of whether you are going to be
HOWEVER,
automatically enrolled in coverage for 2015, you should take the opportunity
MANY SMALL
during open enrollment to explore your coverage options. It is possible that
BUSINESSES
new plans may be offered or that existing plans may have been modified for
OFFER COVERAGE 2015. As such, there may be a coverage option that better suits your family’s
evolving health care needs.
... TO ATTRACT
AND RETAIN THE
BEST HUMAN
CAPITAL, REMAIN
COMPETITIVE
WITH OTHER
EMPLOYERS AND
ACHIEVE TAX
SAVINGS
22
Small Business Health Insurance
If your business has fewer than 50 full-time equivalent employees, you are
not required to offer health insurance to your employees. However, many
small businesses offer coverage to their employees in order to attract and
retain the best human capital, remain competitive with other employers and
achieve tax savings.
If you are interested in exploring insurance options for your small business, you may want to evaluate the plans offered through the Small Business
Health Option Program (“SHOP”). Starting on November 15, 2014, small
businesses will be able to apply, compare plans and enroll in a SHOP plan
online.
However, unlike the individual insurance market, there is no cutoff deadline for small employers to purchase plans through the SHOP; SHOP plans
can be purchased at any time.
One of the most compelling reasons for a small business to consider purICBA BRIEFS
chasing a SHOP plan is
the possibility of receiving a Small Business
Health Care Tax Credit.
This tax credit has been
around since 2010.
However, starting
in 2014, the credit is
only available for plans
purchased through the
SHOP.
If an employer meets
the applicable requirements, the tax credit
could be worth up to
50% of the employer’s
contribution to its employees’ health insurance premiums.
According to the
United States Department of Health and Human Services, the Small
Business Health Care
Tax Credit has provided
more than $1 Billion
in tax credits to small
employers since 2010.
If you are a small
business contemplating offering coverage
to your employees, you
should explore whether
your business is eligible
for the tax credit and
whether the credit fits
within your company’s
overall tax strategy. r
SECTION
NEWS
Highlights from recent
ICBA Section meetings
PROBATE & ESTATE
PLANNING SECTION
WMU Colley Law School professor shares
some time-management tips. – Page 24
BANKRUPTCY SECTION
Kevin Schumacher discusses domestic
support obligations. – Page 25
Submit details from section meetings
to BRIEFS editor Roberta M. Gubbins by
emailing ICBABriefs@inghambar.com.
Submissions are due the 15th of the
month for the following month’s issue.
Photos are encouraged.
RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE
23
PROBATE AND ESTATE PLANNING SECTION
BANKRUPTCY SECTION
Schumacher
discusses
domestic
support
obligations
Gary Bauer discusses his application, Planner Plus, with the ICBA Probate and Estate Planning Section.
Time management tips from Gary Bauer
By CHRISTINE CASWELL
Gary Bauer, a professor at the WMU Cooley
Law School, talked to the Probate and Estate Planning Section about time management and software options at the section’s October 21 meeting.
Bauer showed attendees his new application,
Planner Plus, which allows the user to have multiple calendars while synching with all other devices.
Bauer suggested five “golden rules” for time
management:
1. Get a device: paper or electronic.
2. Customize it so that you will use it.
24
3. Carry it with you always so you make notations or appointments and then forget about them.
4. Keep only one calendar.
5. Check your planner every day.
Bauer also suggested starting the day without turning on the computer but instead closing
the door and ignoring the phone until you have
planned your day. As for email, he said to either
discard it right away, archive it, or deal with it, but
not to open it twice.
“You need to assert control and authority over
your time,” he stated. “Determine what your values
are and what is important in your life.” r
ICBA BRIEFS
By PATRICIA J. SCOTT
The Ingham County Bar Association’s Bankruptcy Section Meeting was held on September 25,
2014, and the speaker and lunch sponsor was Kevin Schumacher of Glassen, Rhead, McLean, Campbell & Schumacher, PLC. Schumacher discussed
the differences between 11 U.S.C. §§ 523(a)(5) and
523(a)(15), and domestic support obligations and
property settlement in a bankruptcy case and
when each is dischargeable in bankruptcy.
Schumacher focused on the terms of a divorce
settlement/judgment and how the terms used are
instrumental in determining whether assets are
domestic support obligations (11 U.S.C. § 523(a)
(5)) or property settlement (11 U.S.C. §523(a)(15))
under the Bankruptcy Code.
Although it seems counter-intuitive, when parties are entering a divorce settlement/judgment,
consideration should be given to potential future
bankruptcy filings in relation to the terms, captions, and conditions that are used.
Kevin Schumacher of Glassen, Rhead, McLean,
Campbell & Schumacher, PLC. speaks to ICBA
Bankruptcy Section.
Notably, Schumacher stated that creating a
“bankruptcy section” within the divorce settlement/judgment generally does not address the
issues that a bankruptcy court may have with a
divorce settlement/judgment.
Finally, a few housekeeping matters were discussed at the meeting as well as a schedule for
next year where several members signed up as
speakers for 2015.
The speakers, and sponsors for lunch, next
month will be Scott Chernich and Patricia Scott of
Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P.C., and the topic
discussed will be a debtor’s “interest in LLCs, corporations, and inheritances” and “undervalued assets” – from a Chapter 7 Trustee’s perspective. r
RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE
25
ABOUT THE
AUTHOR
networking ... and other matters
Should you encourage
client reviews?
Roberta M. Gubbins
www.robertamgubbins.com
rmgubbins@hotmail.com
734-255-9119
Roberta M. Gubbins is a
lawyer who writes, ghostwrites and edits marketing materials for lawyers
and law firms. She is also
the Editor of Briefs. Her
blog is www.draftthree.
blogspot.com.
26
(The answer appears to be ‘Yes’)
People find products and services, including lawyers, online. Where once
they would turn to the yellow pages to find a restaurant, a doctor or a lawyer,
now they turn to the Internet for help. And, when it comes to making a decision whether to go to restaurant A or B or to call Lawyer A or B, clients look
to user reviews to help make their decision.
While potential clients still consider a personal referral the most trusted
source for information, second place goes to client reviews posted online. The
first step most people make when seeking a lawyer is to go to the Internet
and, according to a recent survey by Software Advice, the most trusted site
they search is Yelp.
Sixty-one percent of the respondents relied on Yelp’s reviews, 20% on
Martindale-Hubbell, 10% AVVO and 9% Super Lawyers. And these sites
make it easy for a client to write a review of your services.
Assuming this is a trend that can’t be ignored, how do lawyers manage
their online reviews? First, we know the law is an uncertain business. Second, clients can have unrealistic expectations. This means that in the midst
of a series of good reviews can come a negative one that widely varies from
all the others. This will happen.
The time-tested method used by business owners to protect from the negative review is to have a lot of positive feedback from their customers. They
use methods such offering rewards for answering a survey with instructions
at the bottom of a receipt or make a request in a post-purchase email.
Lawyers, too, can ask clients to write a review on a site after their case has
been settled to their satisfaction. Happy clients are more likely to leave feedback. You can ask them to comment on:
ICBA BRIEFS
• How well you explained their options,
• Your professionalism,
• Your listening skills, and
• How quickly the matter was resolved.
When potential clients see a long list of reviews, they trust that the attorney can handle their problem. The attorney with no reviews is less likely to
be considered. Consider how you decide when researching products or services on Amazon, Angie’s list, TripAdvisor or Yelp.
The only precaution is to be sure that your approach to seeking reviews
complies with Michigan’s advertising rules.
Concerned about the negative review? It can be a wonderful marketing opportunity. A response to a negative review shows that the lawyer cares what
a client thinks, gives feedback and shows strength of character. The right
response doesn’t attack the writer, but looks, instead, to the reader or potential client.
You can show you care about feedback, want to make things right and care
about their problems. Take time to write your response--a poorly written response is worse than no response at all. And let it age; like a good wine, time
and repositioning/revising will make it better. r
RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE
THE ATTORNEY
WITH NO REVIEWS
IS LESS LIKELY TO
BE CONSIDERED.
CONSIDER
HOW YOU
DECIDE WHEN
RESEARCHING
PRODUCTS OR
SERVICES ...
27
iPICK TECHNOLOGY
ABOUT THE
AUTHOR
H. Derrick Etheridge
www.derricketheridge.com
derrick@derricketheridge.com
H. Derrick Etheridge, J.D.,
LL.M., of the Law Offices of Derrick Etheridge,
PLLC, is a solo practitioner
whose law practice focuses on criminal defense.
Visit my blog, the Michigan Criminal Law Blog, at
micrimlawblog.com.
28
iPICK TECHNOLOGY
Holiday iPicks
This month iPick my Holiday Picks for the geek in your life. This is my
fourth annual iPick for the Holidays.
First up, iPick Legos! Lego sets are just plain fun. I love to put them
together and to collect them. The geek in your life will too. Some of my
favorite sets include sets from Star Wars, Lord of the Rings and Minecraft
Micro-Worlds. (Prices for these sets vary depending on the set).
Speaking of Minecraft and Lego, full size sets have been announced, or
at least leaked, and should be available this November. Sets include: Cave,
Dragon Edge, Farm, First Night, The Mine, and Workbench. Although
prices have not been announced for the United States, these new sets are
sure to be a hit.
For a sneak peak of one of the new Minecraft sets check out iJustine’s
YouTube Channel. iJustine, a very popular YouTube personality, released a
time lapse video of her putting together The Mine set in October.
One of my iPicks last holiday season was a new video gaming console.
Last holiday season, Microsoft released the XBOX One and Sony released
the Playstation 4. So if you bought your geek one of the new video gaming
consoles last holiday season, whether it was the new XBOX One or the
Playstation 4, they need video games to play on it.
By the way, if you did not purchase them one last holiday season, this
holiday season would be a great time to purchase them one because there
will be a lot of holiday bundles available, including the XBOX One Limited
Edition Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Bundle, the XBOX One Special
Edition Sunset Overdrive Bundle, the XBOX One Assassin’s Creed Unity
Bundle, and the Playstation 4 Destiny Bundle. Also, Microsoft is now
offering the XBOX One Without Kinect for $399, which is $100 cheaper
than last holiday season.
On to video games: Sure to be a hit on either console is a new intellectual
property from the creators of Halo - Destiny. Destiny is an online firstperson shooter in a science fiction open world setting. It is available on
XBOX One, XBOX 360, Playstation 4, and Playstation 3 starting at $59.99.
Game modes include single-player, cooperative, and multiplayer. Click here
ICBA BRIEFS
for additional information about the game.
Other video games that make the short list for your geek include: Halo:
The Master Chief Collection (XBOX One - $59.99), The Evil Within (All
Platforms - $59.99), and Sunset Overdrive (XBOX One - $59.99).
Finally, iPick the Kindle Paperwhite, as well as a few things that will
go well with it. The Kindle Paperwhite is an e-book reader for ebooks
purchased from Amazon. The Paperwhite starts at $119.99 with special
offers.
For me, it is the sweet spot nestled right in between the original Kindle
(starting at $79 with special offers) and the new Kindle Voyage (available for
pre-order starting at $199 with special offers and currently shipping on or
around Nov. 23). For a comparison of each model, click here.
Here are some of my favorite features: The Paperwhite is great for reading
in bright sunlight – there is no glare. Is is very light and super small, so you
can hold it for longer periods of times comfortably. The battery life is superb,
lasting several weeks without the need to recharge.
When reading non-fiction books, footnotes are available in-line, so you
do not lose your place in the book when viewing the footnotes. It can hold
thousands of books.
E-book prices are very competitive, usually ranging from $4.99 to $9.99.
Of course, there always great sales going on – I have purchased books for as
little as $1.99.
I love Kindle Matchbook. When a qualifying print-edition book is
included in the Kindle Matchbook program, you can buy the Kindle edition
for $2.99 or less. This can include past, present, and future purchases.
So, what goes well with the Kindle Paperwhite? An Amazon gift card. It
is a great gift for the reader who already has a Paperwhite and allows the
reader to purchase that next e-book on his or her wishlist! Amazon gift
cards are available at almost every store that you are currently shop at. Just
visit their gift card center.
Well, that’s it. My tech holiday picks for 2014. Hope they help with your
holiday shopping! And to you and yours, have a Happy Holiday season! r
RETURN TO CONTENTS PAGE
29
YOUNG LAWYERS SECTION
Ingham County
Bar Association
Young Lawyers Section
Board of Directors
PRESIDENT
Lindsay Dangl
ldangl@mbspclaw.com
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Catherine Tucker
ctucker@whiteschneider.com
SECRETARY
Takura Nyamfukudza
takura@alanechartier.com
TREASURER
Michael Hill
mhill@mshlawoffice.com
DIRECTORS
Tara Bachner
tbachner@willinghamcote.com
William Camp
wcamp@whiteschneider.com
Steve Sinas
stevesinas@sinasdramis.com
Warren Krueger
whkrueger@loomis.com
Dan Moraniec
danmoraniec@sinasdramis.com
PAST PRESIDENT
Christopher Wickman
chriswickman@gmail.com
30
YLS Updates
Expand Your Practice
ICBA-YLS’s next Expand Your Practice event will be on Estate
Planning and Elder Law. It will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m.
on Thursday, Nov. 13 at WMU Cooley Law School. Our speaker
will be Rosemary Buhl, one of the preeminent elder law attorneys
in Michigan. A solo practitioner based out of East Lansing, Buhl
is a graduate of Michigan State University College of Law and a
Rising Star Super Lawyer for the last five years. She will provide an
overview of estate planning and other elder law issues. Email Chris
Wickman at chris@equalfootinglaw.com to RSVP. Space is limited.
Horn of Plenty
It’s that time of year, again! As the colder weather settles in
and the holiday season approaches, please consider participating
in ICBA-YLS’ 2014 Horn of Plenty Campaign by collecting and
donating the items to needy members of our mid-Michigan
community.
We are collecting non-perishable food items, clothing (especially
winter wear), and personal needs items (e.g., diapers, shampoo, and
soap). Monetary donations are also welcome.
Please make checks payable to “Volunteers of America.”
Donations will be distributed to and shared between Volunteers of
America and the Cristo Rey Community Center in Lansing.
Volunteers from ICBA-YLS will pick up your donations on Friday,
Nov. 21 at Speaker Law Firm, 230 N. Sycamore Street, in Lansing.
To allow volunteers to make appropriate arrangements, however,
please bring any items or funds that you would like to donate to that
location on or before Thursday, Nov. 20.
If your firm would like to participate in this year’s Horn of Plenty
drive, please contact Committee Chair Takura Nyamfukudza at
takura@alanechartier.com.
ICBA BRIEFS
Meetings for This Year
ICBA-YLS Board meetings for 2015 year have been scheduled for
the following dates:
• January 14, 2015
• March 11, 2015
• May 13, 2015
All meetings are scheduled to take place at 6 p.m. at Kelly’s
Downtown in Lansing, unless otherwise designated. All are
welcome to attend.
If you are interested in participating in a committee or getting
involved, please contact Lindsay Dangl at ldangl@mbspclaw.com.
Committees
If you are an ICBA-YLS member and are interested in serving on
a committee, please contact Lindsay Dangl at ldangl@mbspclaw.
com. We welcome your input, participation, and support.
ICBA-YLS has numerous committees including: Admissions,
Ceremonies, Communications, Community Outreach, Educational
Programs, Finance, Membership, Mentoring and Social Events.
You can read more about our committees on our Google Drive.
Resources
Also remember, ICBA-YLS has numerous resources for young
attorneys. All of the information can be found on our Google Drive.
We are continually working to add more resources for new and
young attorneys. If you have any ideas or suggestions for new
resources or corrections to existing resources, please feel free to
contact Chris Wickman at chrisbwickman@gmail.com.
If you would like to join the ICBA-YLS Educational Committee
and help to build or give feedback on online resources or
programming, it would be extremely appreciated! r
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ABOUT THE
AUTHOR
How ICBA
helps you
Christopher Wickman
Wickman is the
Educational Programs
Committee Chairperson
for the ICBA-Young
Lawyers Section and a
former Board of Directors
member for the ICBA
in his role as former
President of the Young
Lawyers Section. He also
serves on the Technology
and Website Committee
for the ICBA. He is a solo
practitioner practicing
primarily in criminal and
civil litigation.
Note: This is the second in a series of stories presented on behalf of the
Ingham County Bar Association Technology and Website Committee highlighting the association’s technological offerings.
How can ICBA help you? You can learn about our judges. For instance,
did you know:
• Parties proceeding before Judge Canady are expected to agree and submit joint proposed jury instructions prior to the commencement of trial?
• Judge Draganchuk’s favorite legal movie is, “My Cousin Vinny”?
• Judge Cherry will assist in settlement negotiations if asked?
• Judge Alderson doesn’t personally adjudge discovery motions in front
of her?
• Judge Clarke’s favorite movies include the Bourne movies?
• Judge Draganchuk typically has a trial schedule from 8:30 a.m. until
1 p.m. with a 20-minute break at approximately 10:30 a.m.?
• You are required to remain at the lectern during opening and closing
arguments in front of Judge Boyd – because of the recording equipment.?
All this information, and more, is found in the Judicial Profiles section of
the Ingham County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section Google Drive.
Bookmark it and check back often while we add even more judicial
profiles, event videos and more. Email Chris Wickman at chris@equalfootinglaw.com if you have any suggestions on what to add.
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ICBA BRIEFS
Membership Profiles
Do you enjoy receiving referrals from your fellow bar members? Who doesn’t?
Make sure to take five minutes to update your profile on the Ingham County Bar Association
website. Navigate to www.inghambar.org and click on “Member Login” in the top right corner. Log
in with your email and password and click on “My Profile” on the left. Click “Edit” and update
your firm information, your practice areas, your biography, and even upload a picture.
Anyone may search for who practices a given area and view your profile. A comprehensive
profile that shows you as both a competent attorney and a person may lead to a call to you rather
than another attorney.
Update today! r
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33
BRIEFS ADVERTISING RATES
CLASSIFIED ADS
Contact Madelyne Lawry
mlawry@inghambar.org, 517-627-3938
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
Classified, law firm & business links
$25/1 ad $85/4 ads $140/9 issues
DISPLAY ADVERTISING
Business card (2”H x 3.5”W)
$50/1 ad $170/4 ads $280/9 issues
Help wanted
Help wanted ads will be published at no charge.
Publication months are September to June, with
a combined December/January issue. Deadline for
advertising is the 15th of the month for the following month. Acceptance of late submissions is at the
discretion of the editor.
1/4 page (4.5”H x 4”W)
$100/1 ad $340/4 ads $560/9 issues
1/2 page (9.33”H x 4”W or 4.5”H x 8.5”W)
$200/1 ad $780/4 ads $1,120/9 issues
Full page (9.33”H x 8.5”W)
$375/1 ad $1,275/4 ads $2,100/9 issues
(Because BRIEFS is designed for optimal online
viewing, we suggest at least 11-point text be
used on advertising. Ads should be submitted in
JPG format.)
ICBA reserves the right to refuse advertising it deems
inappropriate or does not meet graphical standards.
Payment must be received in advance of ad insertion.
Mail your advertising contract with payment to:
ICBA
P.O. Box 66
Grand Ledge, MI 48837
For non-billing questions regarding ad placement,
contact the BRIEFS editor at icbabriefs@gmail.com.
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ICBA BRIEFS