Profiles of all 26 honorees - Kerr Russell

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2018 Michigan Lawyer

Profiles of all 26 honorees

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milawyersweekly.com

Vol. 30, No. 3

November 23, 2015

$8.50 per copy

MICHIGAN

Business courts aim

at efficiency via judge

involvement, lawyer

cooperation and ADR

By Lee Dryden

Michigan’s business court judges say

they are committed to getting cases re-

solved as efficiently as possible — a task

that is made easier when the lawyers

working on the case have that cooperative

spirit as well.

Timely resolution of complex cases has

been the goal of the specialized business

dockets that were launched statewide in

circuit courts in 2013. Early judicial in-

volvement and a variety of alternative dis-

pute resolution practices are at the strate-

gic core of the effort.

Eight of Michigan’s 21 business court

judges gathered recently in Troy for a dis-

cussion with attorneys on “Business Courts

and Early ADR: The Latest from Bench &

Bar.” It was sponsored by the State Bar of

Michigan’s ADR Section and the Business

Law Section’s Small Business Forum and

Commercial Litigation Committee.

Judge panelists included James M. Al-

exander and Wendy L. Potts of Oakland

County, Richard L. Caretti and Kathryn

A. Viviano of Macomb County, Lita Masi-

ni Popke and Brian R. Sullivan of Wayne

County, Archie C. Brown of Washtenaw

County, and Christopher P. Yates of Kent

County.As nearly 99 percent of civil cases in

Michigan do not go to verdict, there’s a de-

mand for resolving cases as efficiently as

possible.“I believe that there are a number of

reasons business courts have been well re-

ceived by counsel,” said Douglas L. Toering,

an attorney who moderated and helped

plan the event.

He mentioned early judicial involve-

ment, early mediation or other ADR, and

discovery issues such as determining what

is needed before mediation and how much

when considering the nature of the case.

Judges stressed the importance of all

parties communicating early and often

— including mediators or facilitators if

needed — so core issues are identified and,

hopefully, resolved.History

Business courts — which were launched

statewide in 2013 — provide a case man-

agement structure that facilitates more

timely, effective and predictable resolution

of complex business cases, according to the

Michigan Courts website.

Public Act 333 of 2012 requires circuit

courts with three or more judges to create

a specialized business court docket. Any

case with a commercial or business dis-

pute must be placed on the business dock-

et, even if it includes nonbusiness claims.

Courts with fewer than three judges may

have a business court but it is not required.

Gov. Rick Snyder said when the bill was

signed, “Establishing business courts helps

solve complex business cases and provides

an important tool for ensuring a strong eco-

nomic climate.”

It was a 12-year effort to establish busi-

ness courts in Michigan as detailed in a

2013 article Toering wrote for Business

Law Today on the American Bar Associa-

tion website.

In 2001, then-Gov. John Engler signed a

bill to create a “cyber court” for business or

commercial disputes over $25,000. It gave

the judge the discretion to broadcast pro-

ceedings online and called for cases to be

conducted by audio, video or Internet con-

ferencing.While the state’s budgetary woes pre-

vented the cyber court from being funded,

it formed the basis for much of the business

court statute, Toering wrote.

Also in 2001, the State Bar of Michigan’s

Business Law Section Council formed a

committee to weigh if the state should set

up a business court. That resulted in an ex-

ecutive committee that drafted a pilot pro-

posal that was presented in 2003 to judges

in Oakland, Wayne and Kent counties.

The committee continued its work and

a bill to create a business court stalled in

2005.In 2010, the State Bar’s Judicial Cross-

roads Task Force adopted the committee’s

recommendations and called for the Michi-

gan Supreme Court to create pilot business

dockets in at least two circuits, Toering

wrote. Macomb County began its Specialized

Business Docket in November 2011, fol-

lowed by Kent County in March 2012 and

Oakland County in July 2012.

Keeping cases moving

Business court judges and their staffs

work to keep a steady caseflow in a us-

er-friendly environment. Some courts are

busier than others and busy criminal and

family dockets can take up much of their

time.In Kent County, Yates is the only judge

for the business court, which now has 1,000

cases. His staff scours the docket for cases

that can be moved along, including “zom-

bie cases which need to be put out of their

misery.”Cases involving low-dollar amounts, col-

lection or one issue are set for settlement

conferences almost immediately, Yates

said. “My goal is simply to get you out of there

and keep you moving,” he said.

Potts said Oakland County hired a case

manager who identifies cases that don’t be-

long in the business court. She noted that

a case that is filed for summary disposition

in her court now will be heard in February.

“We’re really, really backed up,” she said.

Popke, the newest business court judge

in Wayne County, is drawing on her years

of business law experience.

Her goal is to be hands-on and flexible to

help lawyers resolve cases while not wast-

ing their time on practices that are not

working for a given case. Business court

efforts can be “very tailored to individual

cases.”“I want to be the judge I wanted back 20

years ago,” she said.

Viviano mentioned the importance of ap-

propriate scheduling in her Macomb Coun-

ty court and not issuing a trial date until

issues are resolved. She said she is active

in settlement conferences and wants the

decision-makers present.

Many ADR options

Judges have a wealth of ADR strategies

they can employ depending on what is the

best fit for a given case. These include: ar-

bitration, mediation, early neutral eval-

uation by an expert, summary jury trials,

mediation/arbitration, case evaluation,

moderated settlement conference, and

many more detailed on the Michigan Judg-

es Guide to ADR Practice and Procedure on

the Michigan Courts website.

In fact, ADR options are growing so

quickly that judges, lawyers and adminis-

trators are invited to submit their favored

processes for inclusion in updates to the

guide.“I’m a very active settlement conference

judge,” Caretti said. “I’ve never met an ear-

ly resolution I didn’t like.”

Yates has found that getting involved is

effective.“If I participate in the settlement confer-

ence, people tend to take them very seri-

ously. We resolve an awful lot of cases that

way,” he said.

Sullivan added, “I try to meet with the

lawyers as early as I can. The only way to

settle is to get them talking. The best way

to get them talking is to put a neutral per-

son in the room.”

That’s important as 98 percent of cases

settle at all levels — despite lawyers’ com-

mon refrain that they will take cases to tri-

al, Sullivan said.

The Alternative Dispute Resolution Sec-

tion of the State Bar of Michigan states

nearly 70 percent of cases sent to media-

tion result in settlements the same day.

More than 90 percent of mediation partic-

ipants are satisfied even if the case is not

resolved there.

Another advantage highlighted by the

State Bar — along with flexibility, time

and money savings — is that while media-

tion does not force parties to settle, it helps

both parties assess risks prior to trial. Me-

diation also can save money on discovery

when used early in the process.

Lawyers can help

During the business court discussion,

judges offered their assistance to lawyers

while describing how lawyers can help

themselves — and their clients — in re-

turn.Knowing the material, sticking to the

court schedule and working cooperatively

with opposing counsel topped the list. The

discovery process was a common topic as

well. “Discovery isn’t a game,” Alexander said.

“Discovery isn’t something where you call

up the other lawyer at 5:01 on Wednesday

and then you check the box that I tried to

make contact.

“This is business court. It’s business.

You’ve got to make business decisions and

your client has got to make business deci-

sions.”Popke said the court’s role is especially

important in discovery in business cases.

She said it’s important to balance broad

discovery and fishing, and avoid parties

delving into an entire corporation.

Parties have been dealing with some cas-

es for years so they don’t need unlimited

discovery, Brown said.

“You know your case,” he said.

Yates lamented the deluge of paper he

receives in his role. He mentioned three

motions with more than 25 pounds of paper

in recent weeks and asked lawyers to con-

sider whether some documents are needed.

Judges praised attorneys’ professional-

ism in business courts and their willing-

ness to embrace the concept.

“It really is as intellectually challenging

as anything I’ve ever done in my career,”

Yates said. “The work you do is astonish-

ingly good.”Unique event

Toering expressed his appreciation for

the judges attending the event to share

insights, especially Yates and Brown from

long distances.

He said it’s significant to have such a

large percentage of the state’s business

court judges in the same room.

He said it’s unusual for two areas of the

State Bar to overlap and plan an event, but

it’s helpful for the ADR and Business Law

sections to learn each other’s area.

Reprinted with permission from Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Inc., 7011 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 106, West Bloomfield, MI 48322. (800) 678-5297 © 2015

Help ushelp youhelp yourclients

Photo by John Meiu

Judges and attorneys gathered recently in Troy for “Business Courts and Early ADR: The Latest from

Bench & Bar.” From left, attorney Bruce W. Haffey, Macomb Judge Richard L. Caretti, Oakland Judge

Wendy L. Potts, Kent Judge Christopher P. Yates, Macomb Judge Kathryn A. Viviano, attorney Douglas

L. Toering, attorney Earlene Baggett-Hayes, Washtenaw Judge Archie C. Brown, Wayne Judge Lita

Masini Popke, Oakland Judge James M. Alexander and attorney Richard L. Hurford. Not pictured:

Wayne Judge Brian R. Sullivan.

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| © Michigan Lawyers Weekly, July 30, 2018 Unsung Heroes 2018

3

Michigan Lawyers Weekly tried something new last year in an effort to shine a light on the

efforts of legal support staff. Judging by the response we received, attorneys were waiting for an opportuni-ty to show appreciation for key staffers. There was even more interest this year. We are proud to present our second class of “Unsung Legal Heroes” to honor law firm employees who have consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty, often behind the scenes. This award is reserved for the state’s most talented and dedicated legal support pro-fessionals.

This year’s class of 26 cov-ers several areas, including a law librarian, paralegals, le-gal secretaries, firm adminis-trators, information technol-ogy, and legal marketing. As you read our honorees’ profiles in this section, you will see how much they en-joy helping attorneys serve clients. Some work in the background while others are on the front lines. All are vital to the success of their firms. Please join us in congratu-lating the “Unsung Legal He-roes” Class of 2018.

— Lee Dryden, Editor, Michigan Lawyers

Weekly

2018 Michigan Lawyer

To Our Readers:

TABLE OF CONTENTSFIRM ADMINISTRATORSBETH LOCKWOOD ......................... 4ANTHONY PALMER-PETERSON ... 5CHRISTY SILVERA ............................ 5

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYJOSEPH BEELER .............................. 6KRISTINE SOWER ............................ 6ALISHA SPENCER ............................ 7DENISE STAFIEJ .............................. 8

LAW LIBRARIANERIC KENNEDY ................................ 8

LEGAL MARKETINGKATIE BRYK ...................................... 9KIMBERLY HAFLEY .......................... 9FREDERICK MORSCHES ..............11

RYAN PASQUALI............................11ROY SEXTON .................................12

LEGAL SECRETARYNICHOLE BAKER ..........................12ANNE MARIE BRATA ...................13DENICE BRODERSON .................13SHARLA CLEMENTS......................14JAMIE ELHART ...............................14ERICA GROH ..................................15STEPHANIE MURRAY ....................16JACQUELINE PALAZZOLO ..........16VIMI SHARMA ................................17SUE STEWART ................................17CHERYL TROJANOWSKI ..............18

PARALEGALBREANNA WEINER .......................18HANNAH ZASKIEWICZ ................19

1905 Abbot Road, Suite 1East Lansing, MI 48823 www.cndefenders.com

Phone: 517.885.3305Fax: 517.885.3363

CONGRATULATIONSAnthony Palmer-

Peterson

Michigan Lawyers Weekly

Unsung Legal HeroesClass of 2018

and all the other honorees

Unsung Heroes 2018 © Michigan Lawyers Weekly, July 30, 2018 |

4Lansing • Southfield • Grand Rapids • Detroit • Holland • St. Joseph • Traverse City

CONGRATULATIONS SHARLA CLEMENTS & KIM HAFLEY

for being honored as Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s2018 Unsung Legal Heroes

Sharla, a legal secretary with the firm’s Lansing office, “is an absolute joy to work with,” according to the attorneys she serves. She is knowledgeable, calm and steady in the face of the intense pressures of deadlines and is a go to person to assist other attorneys when their secretaries are out of the office.

FOSTERSWIFT.COM Call: 517.371.8100

Always on the move, Kim is the firm’s energetic Director of Marketing. Kim excels at both long-term planning and handling last-minute requests. She works hard to please her attorney clientele and enhance the client experience. Her tireless execution of special projects and daily duties is laudable, as is her passion for and commitment to improvement in the ever-changing field of legal marketing.

Thank You for All Your Hard Work!

“Beth is an elite office manager. Hers is a bear of a job yet she does it with poise and grace on a daily basis. Beth’s firm has grown exponentially in the last several years and she has been in the middle of at least three office build-outs and one full blown relocation. She is excellent with attorneys and staff alike and knows how to solve problems quickly and efficiently. She is also proficient in all aspects of human resource management. I don’t think I ever had a question that Beth couldn’t answer from health care to 401(k) to sick leave, etc. She just knew it all and was always a pleasure to work with. If there ever was an Unsung Legal

Hero, Beth Lockwood is that person.”

What have you learned from working in the legal field?

I have learned that no two days are the same, you need to be very flexible and realize that the day you planned may not be the day you experience.

What is the best part of your job? I love working with people and helping them with

their problems. The Human Resources part of my job is my favorite component.

What advice would you give to some-one thinking about entering your pro-fession?

To be a legal administrator, you need patience, compassion, and a sense of humor!

What do you enjoy doing in your time away from work?

I enjoy spending time with family and friends, reading, yoga, watching the Detroit Tigers, and play-ing with my dog.

Beth LockwoodFirm administratorZausmer, August & Caldwell PC


5

“Tony has helped our firm to thrive by ensuring that the litigators can focus on serving our clients and not worry about responsibilities that make business ownership an ordeal for scores of other practitioners. Tony applies business principles in a professional manner that continually enhances our productivity. As such, his value to our firm has only increased as our firm has grown. Tony does not merely keep our lights on; he is the heart of the firm.”


Do not talk to anyone without your attorney present! Seriously though, as someone who works for a law firm that focuses solely on criminal defense, I have learned how important the criminal defense attorney’s role is in our country. It is imperative that we have due process. The defense attorney’s job is to make sure that every person — male, female, black,

brown, white, or other — gets that chance.

What is the best part of your job?Knowing that I am appreciated. Mary and Takura

make sure that all of us at C&N know we are appreci-ated and are an integral part of the process. In many of my past jobs, I was just a body to fill a spot. Not so at C&N! Mary and Takura have created a culture of inclusion, teamwork, and appreciation. They listen to our ideas and consider our suggestions. We are treated in such a way that we constantly want to go above and beyond for them.

What advice would you give to some-one thinking about entering your profes-sion?

For someone becoming a firm administrator, I would tell them that it is their job to make the attor-neys’ lives easier so they have more time to focus on clients. It will be your job to set the tone and help in maintaining the firm’s culture. The partners of your firm are placing a tremendous amount of trust in you and it is a position of honor. Be prepared to be pulled in many directions. As someone who was promoted from within, one of the most important things I was told was that I have no peers. While that may sound cold to some, it is a very important state of mind that I suggest you adopt sooner rather than later. That

doesn’t mean that you should not have friendly rela-tionships with other support staff or attorneys in the firm, but it does mean that you should steer clear of office gossip and politics. Maintaining your neutrality is paramount.


I spend a lot of my free time with my family and

friends. My husband Dale and I love entertaining. We are always coming up with some reason to get people together — whether it’s a grilled cheese party, celebrating National Watermelon Day, or just cooking up Sunday dinner for whoever wants to stop by for a bite. When I am not “mixing up some groceries,” I am spending time with my husband and our dog Bowtie, or crafting. Dale and I always have a backlog of quilts to finish!

Anthony Palmer-PetersonFirm administrator Chartier & Nyamfukudza PLC

“Christy’s experience, attention to detail, and patience with reviewing the minutia of proposed new software configurations make her singularly indispensable in any new software vetting and implementation process. Christy has an amazing commitment to work as well as stamina. She frequently takes on emergency conflict searches submitted at all hours, on occasion pulling near all-night marathons to complete a search needed early the next morning. All of these attributes result in Christy being the go-to person for many conflict and new business related questions and problems.”


It is important to find your “niche” and this may not happen right away. The great thing about the legal field is there are so many areas you can pursue to determine what type of position truly interests you. I have also learned to be prepared for the unex-pected — projects, deadlines and priorities can often change quickly. The ability to adapt and work as a team when needed is vital to getting the job done on time.

What is the best part of your job? It is really hard to decide and limit my answer to

one part. If I have to pick, I would have to say at the top of my list would be working with the wonderful staff and attorneys located in the firm’s offices throughout several states. I am able to work with and assist people in multiple divisions such as IT, admin-istrative assistants, accounting, records, paralegals, marketing as well as the attorneys.


It is very helpful to be detail oriented in this pro-fession. A positive and “can do” attitude is important as experience is often gained on the job. This profes-

sion is great for someone who enjoys a fast-paced work environment.


When not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our daughters ages 4 and 7. While

weekends are often filled with activities for the kids, all of us love to travel and explore new places — a favorite for the family is escaping the cold winters in Michigan and heading to the Caribbean. Recently, I have taken an interest in attending Broadway shows and try to see as many shows as possible — I saw Wicked a few weeks ago and it was fantastic.

Christy SilveraFirm administrator Dykema Gossett PLLC


6

“Joe constantly goes above and beyond the call of duty. Some may say that his work ethic was carved from his former service in the Marines because he usually is in the office by 6 a.m. His patience and ability to work with everyone may not be stereotypical of an ex-Marine, but more with an all-around great guy who just happens to be great in IT. These abilities make Joe the respected and trusted professional he is and one that deserves this recognition even though he would enjoy remaining in the shadows.”


A law firm is a service oriented company. Every-

one within the organization is there to provide a service; to their department, the firm and ultimately to its clients.

What is the best part of your job?The awesome people you get to work with, the

challenges you are faced with every day, the oppor-tunities to continually learn and being able to apply what you have learned to make you and your firm successful.


Things in the legal profession — and even more so in the area of IT — are constantly changing. Don’t be afraid of change. Embrace it. Learn as much as you can and never stop learning. The more you learn, the more self-confident you’ll become and the more you’ll be able to accomplish.


Hunting, fishing, bicycling and woodworking.

Joseph BeelerInformation technology Dykema Gossett PLLC

“Kristine is a unique, remarkable asset to Varnum LLP. She completes a variety of tasks for the firm, including electronic discovery, electronic evidence and basically any computer-related question that can help make attorneys’ lives easier. There is no challenge too great for her, and she is always willing to help with the biggest smile on her face. Her knowledge and skills are beyond compare and she will always stop what she’s doing (no matter how busy) to help someone in need. I do not know how the firm would function without her expertise and she

is as talented as she is kind. I could not think of anyone more deserving of this award.”


Everyone is both a hero and a villain to someone.

What is the best part of your job?People that are kind while under pressure are the

best.


Do everybody else’s job at least once.


I’m an amateur curator of woodland wonder for a forest I grew up looking at through my bedroom window.

Kristine SowerInformation technology Varnum LLP


7

“Alisha Spencer has been with our law firm for over 13 years. Her current job title is ‘Systems and Marketing Technologist.’ She oversees all technology issues at our firm. She also plays a critically important role in our law firm marketing operations. Alisha also is the type of employee who — because she is so smart, hard-working, pragmatic and team-orientated — is pulled into just about every important law firm project, event or endeavor. During her tenure at our firm, she has worked her way up through many promotions at our firm. She selflessly goes above and beyond in anything she does. She is an effective leader who helps everyone around her to succeed as much as they possibly can.”


Having no prior legal experience when I started at the firm in 2004, I quickly realized the auto and rent-ers insurance I was carrying deserved more attention and understanding when making a decision on my purchasing options. I’m honored to be part of a firm that provides various resources to the community including a buyer’s guide to auto no-fault insurance coverages, prevents injuries with the Lids for Kids pro-gram and advocates for those that have been injured.

What is the best part of your job? The best part of my job is the diversity. From

the people I work with to the different computers, portable devices, running systems and programs that make a law firm successful. Technology is constantly changing and keeping up with the latest products and teaching the staff how to effectively and effi-ciently use new products is rewarding.


Information Technology is a rapidly changing field that can be overwhelming if you don’t establish a routine of continued education. Most continued education will be done on the job but it is important

to network with outside sources and spend time doing research on products and procedures to assist in keeping your current system relevant.


I love spending time with my son, Aiden and my dog, Pedro. We are lucky to live near to my parents

and siblings as well as much of our extended family. We enjoy spending time with them and organizing events to bring them all together. This year we will host our 3rd Annual Pancake Breakfast, we invite all our family to come enjoy breakfast and spend the day reminiscing and passing on memories to the younger generation. I also enjoy volunteering my time with area non-profits and being involved in fundraisers.

Alisha SpencerInformation technology Sinas Dramis Law Firm

Kerr Russell Unsung Heroes ad 10 x 8.indd 1 6/29/18 10:47 AM


8

“Denise is the Tech Support person to get the job done. Denise responds to any issue without deflection. She addresses it and goes beyond to explain what was done and why. And she follows up to ensure it is still working and the requestor is satisfied. Denise takes responsibility in many instances when it is not hers to take; the person who is responsible may not even know. She is ‘solution-focused.’ I have heard many employees, in the Detroit office in particular, express their preference to work with Denise because of her knowledge and professionalism.”

What have you learned from working

in the legal field? I have learned in my years at Dykema that there

are many people and departments that make this law firm successful. From client intake, to file processing, to administration, to support, and much more. Dykema is a team in which each person helps to make this legal firm the way it is today.

What is the best part of your job? The best part of my job is the sense of accomplish-

ment and knowing that every call I answer helps to keep my clients and Dykema moving along.


For someone thinking about entering my profes-sion, I would like them to know how important it is to know that you are providing a service to those that you support. To come prepared to provide knowl-edge, be understanding, and have patience.


I enjoy spending time with my family in our place away from the busy city.

Denise StafiejInformation technology Dykema Gossett PLLC

“Eric Kennedy is the epitome of a reference librarian. His number one goal is to fulfill the duties as a reference librarian to students, faculty and staff of the law school. Eric does this with the most pleasant demeanor and the highest level of professionalism. His knowledge base is amassed from over 20 years of working both at a major law firm in Michigan, as well as the WMU Cooley Law Library (for the past 16 years). Patrons and fellow librarians alike seek out Eric’s extensive expertise when researching case studies and often consult with him on various projects. Eric tends to each patron until they feel confident in solving their research dilemmas.”


Well, I have learned that you truly never stop learning. Legal research can sometimes lead to other fields of study such as medical, business, science, history, the social sciences, and others.

What is the best part of your job?The best part of my job is working at the reference

desk where I help patrons find the information they are looking for. Also, it helps to have a director and supervisor that let you be you. It’s also great to know that I can rely on Cooley librarians, library staff mem-bers, and other Cooley employees for assistance. And thank goodness for that old relic, the telephone, that I can use to reach out to others who work in libraries throughout Michigan!


I’d say to “do it” because it is a profession that fits so many different personality types and talents and you’d probably fit in just fine.


I enjoy time with family and friends, cooking, eating, bike riding, and walking from my house to QD for some ice cream.

Eric KennedyLaw librarian Western Michigan University Cooley Law School


9

“BSP’s marketing director, Katie Bryk, is a vital part of BSP’s success. She has the winning combination of exceptional marketing talent, work ethic, dedication, and team-first approach. Katie ensures that BSP projects a strong brand and effectively communicates BSP’s capabilities through our website, marketing materials and on social media. She led the recent redesign of our website to rave reviews, and she’s also instrumental in helping attorneys develop and execute marketing plans, obtain prominent speaking and writing engagements across the country, and maximize their leadership efforts in various local, state, and national legal organizations. She’s always ready to give key marketing insights, lend a hand, provide a creative touch, or make a connection that

helps the BSP team put our best foot forward.”


Project management, time management, and multi-tasking skills! As marketing is not the attor-neys’ full-time job (even though most understand that they ARE marketing themselves at ALL times), it can often add time to complete a project because they are focusing on billable work. I generally give myself a cushion from the actual due date to make sure we stay on track. At any given time, I can be starting new projects, have multiple in review, finalizing projects, and then managing/anticipating any unexpected projects or changes that occur. The honing of my project-management skills has been instrumental.

What is the best part of your job?Creating the final product! It still amazes me how

a project can transform throughout the design pro-cess. Whether it is creating a presentation internally or working with our graphic designer, I love seeing the initial idea come to fruition. It is definitely a challenge to take legal subject matter and turn it into an engaging piece. Each attorney that we work with brings something new to the table and challenges us to get the best result. We are constantly brain-storming and finding new, creative ways to present

different subject matters, but it is definitely a process I enjoy.


Be open to stepping out of your comfort zone because each day presents a new challenge. Believe me when I say you will never be bored and you will learn a lot!

Also, be a self-motivator and team player. Strate-gies and ideas change frequently so maintaining the ability to stay fluid is vital.


I enjoy spending time with family, friends, and my chocolate lab! My husband and I enjoy taking our dog (part fish) on the water. Whether it is Lake St. Clair, Higgins Lake, or the pool, it is always a great time.

Katie BrykLegal marketing Bush Seyferth & Paige PLLC

“Kim didn’t train us to become lawyers, but her leadership, vision, persistence, civic-mindedness, and creativity have fueled the success of Foster Swift and of countless attorneys within our firm. Through her role as Director of Marketing & Recruitment (a position she’s held since joining the firm in 2009), Kim has earned the respect of so many inside and outside of the firm. I especially admire her because even though her responsibilities are absolutely huge, and she handles them so well, she’s a leader within our firm in the area of diversity. Kim initiated programs and changes within the firm that have made a difference in how we communicate with prospective and actual clients. She implemented a new CRM system [Customer Relationship

Management] that has streamlined our client contacts and interactions. She revamped our website to make it the dynamic website that it is, and she never ceases to bring forth new ideas to improve it. She has significantly expanded the firm’s social media presence. She created an ‘emergency response team’ in the marketing department to fulfill last-minute requests as they arise (which is fairly constant with lawyer marketing).”


I’ve been involved in legal marketing for 20 years and have had the chance to work with so many talented people, so I’ve learned a lot. That said, my go-to line when the going gets tough is “rethink to outthink.”

What is the best part of your job?

Because marketing is such a broad discipline, my job is very diverse and I get to do a wide range of different projects with many amazing individuals. It’s great — I am always acquiring new skills.


Constantly be looking forward on new marketing

trends and technologies. To be successful in legal marketing, you have to love technology and be able to communicate well with attorneys, staff, clients and vendors.


I recharge spending time with my family which includes my dog and horses.

Kimberly HafleyLegal marketingFoster Swift Collins & Smith PC

PLEASE JOIN US At the 2018

Women in the Law awards luncheon.

Learn the stories of the amazing attorneys and help us honor the 2018 honorees

and the 2018 Woman of the Year.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

11:30 is the pre-reception networking, lunch will start at noon.Detroit Marriott Troy is located at200 West Big Beaver Rd, Troy, MI.

For more infomation contact Charlene [email protected] | 248.865.3112


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“As Honigman’s Chief Community Officer, Fritz leads the firm’s commitment to better our community. He inspires our attorneys and staff to get involved — and stay involved — in more than 100 local nonprofit and educational organizations, community groups, and professional organizations. He has been instrumental in creating and leading new Honigman initiatives that enhance the workplace and benefit the community.”


Having worked in the legal field for more than 25 years with law firms big and small, I have developed a great respect and love for the workings of the American legal system.

What is the best part of your job? My position allows me to become familiar with

many wonderful nonprofit organizations that make significant contributions in their various fields: the

arts, economic development, education, the envi-ronment, health care, and social justice. Helping our attorneys and staff members connect with and make lasting contributions to these organizations and the people they touch is extremely fulfilling. Recently, our work with TutorMate, a national nonprofit focusing on improving the literacy skills of first- and second-graders, has been a delight. This past school year, our attorneys and staff mentors worked with more than 70 students in the Chicago, Detroit, and Grand Rapids Public Schools. Everyone involved — the mentors, mentees, and classroom teachers — were thrilled with this program.


Read and memorize every page in “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” the marvelous book written by Dale Carnegie, which has been on the best-seller list since 1936. It provides readers with fundamental techniques for handling people and making (and keeping) friends. In our field — with so many chefs involved with every project — it’s es-sential to develop great diplomacy and tact — and to understand how to work effectively with many different personalities. It’s been my Bible since my mother insisted that I read it at the age of 8.


My passions outside of work include my family and friends. I enjoy cultural activities of all types, including listening to, and playing, classical music. In fact, I recently began playing the piano again after being away from it for 30 years.

I’m very involved with several cultural and com-munity organizations, serving as a trustee of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and on the board of the

Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival. Through the years, I have served in many different roles at the De-troit Institute of Arts. I also support the CARE House of Oakland County, where I’ve served on its board for more than 10 years.

I like to read and spend time tending to my home and garden. I have a green thumb, and believe it or not, I find true peace pulling weeds! Furthermore, I love entertaining, cooking and dining. I also relish traveling and exploring new and familiar environs.

Frederick MorschesLegal marketingHonigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP

“Ryan has been with BK for the last 6 years and in such a short time has handled everything for the firm from marketing, recruiting, etc. Ryan is an invaluable asset to the firm. He has grown out the firm to over an 80-attorney law firm. He manages multiple offices, practices, and events. He manages his team effectively and efficiently.”


It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Attorneys are incred-ibly busy and marketing is not always top-of-mind. Be prepared to capitalize on opportunities to engage.

What is the best part of your job?The people. I have the luxury of working with

so many great people that have made this career enjoyable. Legal marketing is twofold — you are marketing individual attorneys and the firm in general, so working with great people can make

this field rewarding and enjoyable. As a marketing professional in a law firm, you play an integral role in building/promoting their personal brand.


Be prepared to wear a lot of hats. Marketing pro-fessionals are pulled in a lot of different directions. Absorb it — you are working with brilliant people that are inviting you into their practice. Also, be patient. Attorneys are very busy and put their clients’ needs first. When they decide to take the step to marketing themselves, be conscious that they still have a full plate. Be sure to find creative ways to engage with them. Lastly, be a leader within your firm and speak up. Show others your passions. You possess the answers that they are seeking.


I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I have a beautiful wife and daughter and I try to make as much time for them as I can. I seek out new chal-lenges by spending a lot of time on home improve-ments. I also enjoy anything outdoors.

Ryan PasqualiLegal marketing Brooks Kushman


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“Roy Sexton is a leader in his field — from exceptional legal marketing talent to his mastery at building a powerful and broad professional and personal network, he epitomizes marketing prowess. Roy is a creative and positive force in SE MI yielding great influence as a contributor and a mentor within the legal marketing industry and deserves this recognition.”


Law firms can be unfairly labeled as “risk averse” and “slow to make decisions.” Cautious? Yes. Thoughtful? Of course. I have found my attorney colleagues to be conscientious, measured, inquisitive, and collaborative. Yes, big decisions sometimes take longer … and maybe they should. I’ve found attor-neys eager to learn about marketing strategy and to engage in the process fully, but they want context and a solid argument for why they are doing this stuff. Patience is a virtue, and face-to-face conversa-tion will more often than not resolve any confusion

that email often generates.

What is the best part of your job?When some piece of advice I’ve offered takes hold:

say, attorneys embracing the power of social media or developing an authentic network of business con-tacts. I’m a theatre guy by training and avocation; the greatest directors helped me bring out my best self without forcing me to change (too much) physically, emotionally, mentally. I love when I can return that favor in this professional setting and help attorneys shine “onstage” and discover their best marketing voices and business development formulae.


No one is alone. Truly. Build a network of people who do what you do ASAP. Marketers are more often than not rather isolated in their respective firms. There are firms with marketing teams, but there are just as many where you alone are wearing every hat (strategy, communications, PR/media, business development, research, digital, advertising, sponsorships, events). Attorneys might not always understand how many requests and expectations you are juggling. You need to be able to pick up the phone or email to commiserate with someone who

has had similar experiences.


I’m just a boy who can’t say no. I’m on several boards: Ronald McDonald House Charities Ann Arbor, Mosaic Youth Theatre Detroit, Royal Starr Film Fes-tival, Legal Marketing Association, Encore Michigan. I am active in the local theatre community; conse-

quently, I have forced countless friends and family members to suffer through a LOT of musical theatre. I read comic books, write movie reviews for my blog www.reelroyreviews.com, collect action figures, and sleep in too long on Saturdays. I’m an only child with doting parents who are far too kind and far too sup-portive of my every indulgence, and I’m fortunate to have a loving husband who is infinitely patient with my chronic lack of focus.

Roy SextonLegal marketing Kerr Russell PLC

“Without a doubt, Nikki is one of the finest legal secretaries in the metro area. She has all the right stuff: she writes well, is good with clients, troubleshoots, solves problems, works well with others, and so forth and so on. She was my secretary for many years and I depended on her to keep my practice moving. Good secretaries are becoming more and more difficult to find. For some reason, it seems to be a dying skill set. But not with Nikki. She was and is fantastic and deserves to be recognized as an unsung hero. I cannot fathom a better choice for this honor than Nikki Baker, my friend and colleague.”


I have worked in the legal field for 22 years and it is a fast-paced and constantly changing field and I have learned that you have to be willing to change, especially with new technology.

What is the best part of your job?We work as a team at Zausmer, August &

Caldwell. When a case settles or the firm obtains a positive outcome at trial, we all feel like we have won. I have had the opportunity to work with and learn from some wonderful lawyers and assistants over the years.


Work hard and the job can be very rewarding.


Working with rescue animals and spending time with my family.

Nichole Baker Legal secretary Zausmer, August & Caldwell PC


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“Annie is the definition of team player. Annie has a passion that is second to none. She is always the first to volunteer to help other assistants and attorneys. She makes sure that her attorney and the clients are up to date and prepared for each day. Although she is no longer my assistant, she still is available to help me with less than a moment’s notice. We are sooo lucky to have her at Secrest Wardle.”


I have learned a great deal about people and

about character. Basic principles come to mind; work hard, mean what you say, commit to what you are doing and care about it.

What is the best part of your job?Being part of a hard-working, conscientious team

that delivers quality work product.


Promptly respond to your client’s inquiries. If you don’t know the answer, get the answer. You are a reflection of your attorney. Always be polite and professional, even when dealing with people who are not. Proofread everything.


Multiple outdoor activities.

Anne Marie Brata Legal secretary Secrest Wardle

“Denice is a workhorse in the administrative assistant field. She is an aggressive learner across all practice groups and this had made her invaluable in the Detroit office. I would venture to say that Denice has worked with at least 90 percent of the attorneys in Detroit, both in Litigation and Corporate practices, in some capacity. Denice readily shares knowledge that empowers other assistants and attorneys as well. Often, I discover that Denice has helped an attorney or an assistant long after the help has been offered. I have never received a ‘no’ from Denice when asked to take on some task. Two words describe Denice’s approach to her job — ‘All in.’”


That every client is unique in its own way. You have to be willing to learn different areas of law and what is required to achieve the best results for your client.

What is the best part of your job? Working with the attorneys and staff at Dykema.

Every day is a challenge as I don’t do the same thing daily.


You have to be willing to learn different areas of law and be a team player.


I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I like to play cards, travel, bowl, read and watch sports.

Denice Broderson Legal secretary Dykema Gossett PLLC


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“Sharla is a champion community steward. While it may have started as providing administrative support to one of her assigned attorneys, John Nicolucci, who serves as president of the Ingham County Sobriety Court Foundation, Sharla donates an enormous amount of her personal time to provide administrative and event planning support to the organization’s president and executive director, Jerre Cory. Her involvement is much more than typing up minutes. It’s helping with fundraising, keeping budgets, serving as the hostess for fundraisers, suggesting how to

make processes and events run more smoothly, and the list goes on.”


I have learned how our judicial system works and to respect the expertise of the attorneys I work with.

What is the best part of your job? I have been with Foster Swift since 1976 and I

consider the firm part of my family. I enjoy being able to do my part to assist the attorneys and their clients.


Good work ethic and professional appearance are a must. Communication, multi-tasking and organi-zational skills are essential as a legal secretary is the attorney’s “right hand man.” You are an extension of the attorney and the law firm. You will often be the client’s first contact with the firm and a good first

impression is vital.


When I am away from the office, I enjoy reading, spending time with family and friends, and quiet evenings at home with my husband and energetic puppy.

Sharla ClementsLegal secretary Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC

“Jamie goes above and beyond to offer excellent support for our Ann Arbor office. During times of transition, she has come to our office from Grand Rapids on a weekly basis to help us stay organized and running smoothly. She constantly looks for things to be done and comes up with creative and thoughtful ideas to improve internal processes and create efficiencies. She has a fun, positive attitude and is always up for a new challenge. The Ann Arbor office is grateful for her assistance!”


The legal field is a multifaceted profession in

which we have the opportunity to become experts in a variety of subjects such as client services, client preferences, particular practice areas, technology, evolving case law, and project management. There is an inherent requirement for and opportunity to develop one’s attention to detail, time management, and intellectual growth.

What is the best part of your job?The best part about my job is the people I have

met so far, and the people I currently work with. My mentors are leaders that I respect as representatives of the elite in their respective fields. My co-workers are friends that are exceptionally dedicated, intel-ligent, and fun people who make working hard a pleasant experience.


The most important thing to consider in the legal profession is who you work with and for. Any other specifics will fall into place if you have a supportive team and the right resources.


My husband and I have two boys who keep us

pretty busy outside of work. We like being involved with our church, going fishing, going to the beach, taking nature walks, and seeing new places. My per-sonal favorite activity is skydiving.

Jamie ElhartLegal secretary Varnum LLP


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“Erica has been Keith Kecskes’ assistant for almost 20 years, and my assistant for 15 years. She is our proverbial right hand. As a small firm, we often work crazy hours. Erica never hesitates to come in early, stay late and works weekends when needed — all with a smile on her face. We do commercial litigation, family law, personal injury and also some criminal work. Our clients routinely praise us yet don’t realize all the behind the scenes work that goes into what we do. Erica juggles a lot of work and clients and never loses her cool. She keeps us calm when we are stressed out preparing for a hearing or a trial and has a magical knack of putting her fingers on just the document

we need, as well as organizing some seriously HUGE files in a meticulous manner.”


I have learned that you most definitely have to be a problem solver, compassionate and be able to multi-task. Every situation that you deal with is different, whether it be a simple amicable divorce to a complex custody case. Nonetheless, no matter the type of case, the client needs you! The situation they are in is new to them and they need guidance, the legal world can be scary. As a legal assistant, I have learned to just listen to concerns, pass the informa-tion along to the attorney and support them in any way I can.

What is the best part of your job?What comes to mind instantly is the people I work

with. I am lucky to say that I view everyone I work with as family, it certainly makes a hard day a little easier.

I also really enjoy dealing with the clients and talking to them, everyone has an interesting story.


Love what you do; if you don’t, this can be a hard profession. You hear and see things that a lot of people may not, however, at the same time it is very rewarding!


Spending time with my family and friends. I have

two boys who have a passion for baseball, so I spend

a lot of time on baseball fields cheering on my two

favorite players, it is one of my favorite things to do!

Erica GrohLegal secretary Kecskes, Gadd & Parker PC

Congratulations to Varnum’s Unsung Legal Heroes

www.varnumlaw.com

Ann Arbor | Detroit | Grand Haven | Grand Rapids | Hastings | Kalamazoo | Lansing | Novi

Honored by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as 2018 Unsung Legal Heroes

ADVERTISING RATES

Full Page w/ Full Color $1,850

Junior Page w/ Full Color $1,500

Half Page w/ Full Color $1,250

Quarter Page w/ Full Color $850

Publishes: Monday, July 30, 2018 Advertising Space Deadline: Friday, July 13, 2018

Advertising Material Deadline: Friday, July 18, 2018We offer the service of designing the ad at no charge.

The Unsung Legal heroes honors the law firm employees who have consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty, often behind the scenes. This award is reserved

for the state’s most talented and dedicated legal support professionals.

The special section will publish on Monday, July 30 with all the chosen honorees. Each honoree will be given an award to be delivered to their office!

LAWIT’S MORE THAN AN ATTORNEY

For more information or to participate in this package, please contact:

2018 MICHIGAN LAWYER

Charlene A. Boccaccio248.865.3112

[email protected]

Stephanie Murray, Legal Secretary; Vimi Sharma, Legal Secretary; Jamie Elhart, Legal Secretary; Kristine Sower, Litigation Support


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“Jackie keeps the practice running. She does everything in the office except practice law. Aside from maintaining all aspects of the business of the practice of law, she is excellent with the clients. Some of my clients present challenging situations on the phone and in person, especially when they appear in the office without an appointment. She is always kind and courteous regardless of how difficult things may be. When I was out for an extended illness, Jackie kept things going and handled issues to reduce my worry and stress. She started with my practice as a co-op student and has been with me for over 35 years.”


I have learned that one never stops learning; espe-cially in the legal field. I have been a legal secretary for the same firm for 35 years and the field has changed so

much from when I first started due to the increased use of technology. I believe technology is a huge benefit in this field. Using email to communicate quickly with attorneys and clients makes our service more efficient. I believe client issues can be resolved more effectively due to using technology and in turn our clients are able to move forward from an unpleasant situation more quickly. With or without technology, I have learned that I must be organized, self-sufficient, detail-orient-ed, and professional to be consistently good at what I do and continue to enjoy it daily.

What is the best part of your job?I can honestly say there are several great parts to

my job. One of the benefits of working with the same attorneys for the past 35 years is that I can anticipate their needs and in turn make their job easier. That makes me happy. My boss trusts me to generate high-quality work product daily. I enjoy working hard to maintain that level of trust, which keeps me engaged and excited about my job. I enjoy talking with clients and having the ability to ease their nerves either on the telephone or in person. I have the utmost re-spect for everyone I work with, have learned a lot from them, and for that I am incredibly grateful.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about entering your profession?

It may sound cliché, but just do it! You will not be sorry! It is a fast-paced field that can be challenging, frustrating and rewarding all in the same day. But in the end, that is what pushes me to be the best I can be every day. It is those times that are the most frustrating and chaotic, and everything ends up coming together in the end, that are the most rewarding for me. It gives me an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment.


I enjoy cooking, and baking and decorating cakes. I discovered a passion for decorating cakes about eight years ago and continue to improve my self-taught skills by watching how-to videos and practicing new tech-niques. My co-workers are usually the test market for my creations. My husband and I also enjoy watching football, hockey, and NASCAR.

Jacqueline PalazzoloLegal secretary Smith and Schultz PLC

“Stephanie’s work ethic, quality of work, and volume of work are truly remarkable. She handles complex issues on a daily basis and always ensures that the attorneys for which she works get their work on a timely basis. She does not always get the praise she deserves because she is working behind the scenes. However, that never deters her from doing a great job day-in and day-out.”


I knew nothing about civil litigation when I began, so that is the first thing I learned working in the legal field! I have learned that we must always be willing to learn new things, as court procedures often change, computer software often changes, and the

type of cases on which we work varies widely.

What is the best part of your job?The best part is working with my co-workers. We

are professionals, we all work hard, but we work well together. This job can be stressful, but we find reasons to laugh together. They deserve recognition as much as or more than I do. I am happy when I can help achieve a great result for a client. I also enjoy that I have a variety of work in different areas of litigation, and have been fortunate to have good working relationships with attorneys over the years.


When I graduated from college, I did not plan to be working in the legal field (and specifically litiga-tion), though the legal field always held an interest for me. My advice would be to keep an open mind; find what area of the law interests you and fits your skills. Be prepared for a sometimes fast-paced, al-ways detail-oriented job, and be prepared to always be learning. But the work is interesting and reward-

ing when you have some hand in obtaining a good outcome for your clients.


I enjoy spending time with my husband and chil-dren, attempting (fairly successfully) to grow flowers and vegetables in my small gardens, reading, and traveling when I have the opportunity. I also enjoy watching baseball and basketball.

Stephanie MurrayLegal secretary Varnum LLP


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“Anyone who knows Sue can tell you how amazing this lady really is. She is absolutely amazing in all aspects. She has been a legal secretary for over 30 years and she takes her job and duties very seriously. There has never been a time where she has let someone down regardless of how tired or overworked she is. Amazing lady!”


I have learned some days are more challenging than others, but the work I do makes it worthwhile. I’ve also learned that the legal system can often feel overwhelming to people unfamiliar with it and that, sometimes, hearing a friendly voice can change their outlook.

What is the best part of your job?Without a doubt, the best part of my job is the

people I work for and the relationships I have made with all the people I am in contact with on a frequent basis. It’s truly important to me to know that I am part of a team helping others. I am very blessed that the attorneys in my office are great people and treat me with respect.


Enjoy each day and the opportunities to learn new skills. Take notes, never be afraid to ask questions, be a good listener, observe, and smile.


When not at work, I love spending time with my family, enjoying festivals, and discovering new plac-es throughout Michigan.

Sue StewartLegal secretary Baker & Elowsky PLLC

“Without Vimi, I am certain we would not be where we needed to be in a very complex case, all while she still works on dozens of other matters with different attorneys. I have never worked with anyone, in the legal career or otherwise, where I found it so important to constantly remind that person how much she is appreciated, mostly because I do not know what we would do without her. Vimi has become a necessary asset to our litigation team and our firm, and her ability to make the impossible possible is certainly heroic. I do not know of anyone more deserving of an award recognizing talent and dedication than her.”


I have learned that at the end of the day it will all get done. It might be a bit crazy getting there, but it will eventually all get done.

What is the best part of your job? The best part of my job is the people I work with.

It’s nice to work with people that care about the firm they work for and doing a great job.


Being organized and knowing how to prioritize can definitely be helpful in this profession.


Being with my kids and family. The kids are at fun ages and it is great to explore Michigan with them. Anything outside, especially in the summer. I also love to cook and travel.

Vimi SharmaLegal secretary Varnum LLP


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“Starting off as a part-time receptionist and working in the file room, Breanna Weiner through education, persistence, dedication and commitment has risen to become the legal secretary and paralegal at my law firm, one of Michigan’s leading criminal defense law firms. Breanna worked full-time as a staff member at my suitemate’s law firm, Moss & Colella, all the while putting herself through school. She earned her paralegal degree and then became an assistant with my firm working as a receptionist and working with another legal secretary in our firm. When our other assistant left to raise her family, Breanna assumed the lead role of paralegal/legal

secretary at my firm.”


Working solely in criminal defense has taught me how to be a more assertive and quick-witted individual in all aspects of daily life. I have learned how essential it is to be knowledgeable of whom exactly you retain to defend you when seeking a criminal defense attorney. A good legal team takes on each and every case with the same vigilance and attention to detail. I have learned that when your rights are in question, it is crucial to hire a criminal defense attorney that takes your case as seriously and as personally as you do.

What is the best part of your job? There is never a dull moment. Personally, one

of the most rewarding aspects of being a paralegal is having the ability to assist others when they are dealing with one of the toughest things they will ever face.


Find a specialty you are passionate about. There are so many different types of law. I was intrigued by crime shows while growing up, and that even-tually led me to identify my passion and interest for criminal defense. Being a paralegal takes a lot of hard work and dedication, sometimes you must put in long hours. If you are truly passionate about your

work, it will not feel like a task.


I find that exercising clears my head, and I really enjoy nature. I like to exercise or walk in the nature preserves by my house at least four times per week.

Breanna WeinerParalegal Rockind Law

“Cheryl has been a reliable and go-to mainstay. She is organized, a perfectionist, thorough, professional, particular, opinionated, and with a great sense of humor; and when it comes to caring, loyalty and dedication, no other can compare. Cheryl believes the firm, the client, and those in contact with her, deserve her very best, every day. Cheryl is an integral part of the excellent reputation afforded the Charfoos & Christensen law firm.”


I have been a legal assistant for over 45 years and during that time I learned that achieving success for yourself and your clients requires hard work and dedication in all that you do. Having worked in personal injury law my entire career, I learned much about the fields of medicine, insurance and probate and how these areas can play a part in the makeup of a personal injury case. Each file presents a unique sit-

uation and a different set of challenges and you must be eager to learn any aspect of the law that assists in achieving a successful resolution for your clients.

Most importantly, however, I have learned how to be a good listener. It is absolutely necessary for clients to feel comfortable in telling their stories and to feel confident that they will be treated with un-derstanding and respect.

I also learned the importance of working as a team. The combined efforts of attorneys and support staff are necessary to achieve the best outcome for the clients.

Of course, I learned all of these things by example. Over the years, I have watched David W. Christensen and Mary Pat Rosen treat each of their clients with the utmost respect as they work diligently to bring about successful resolutions to their cases.

What is the best part of your job?Not only do I enjoy working with the people at our

firm, I have the personal satisfaction of knowing that I am a part of a legal “family” that works hard to help clients when they need it most. If I can put a client at ease just by listening to a story or answering a ques-tion, the day is successful in my opinion.

What advice would you give someone thinking about entering your profession?

I would suggest to anyone thinking of entering the legal field that they find an area of law that in-

terests them, research that particular area, then look for firms specializing in that area. Always be ready to work hard, don’t be afraid to offer suggestions and be a team player. It’s important to remember that you are there to assist in getting results for your clients.


I enjoy gardening and traveling with my husband,

especially when it involves seeing the Rolling Stones. Being avid fans, we have traveled across the country and attended over 30 of their concerts, while manag-ing to do some sightseeing as well. My real passion, however, is helping animal rescue organizations. I actively participate in fundraisers for the Michigan Humane Society and various other organizations be-cause the need is so great and they all do such great work. I have three rescue dogs that are a special part of my life and definitely keep me busy.

Cheryl TrojanowskiLegal secretary Charfoos & Christensen PC


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“Hannah started with Dykema as a temp to assist during a very difficult time for the firm in Ann Arbor. Hannah filled in for an administrative assistant who was extremely ill and ended up passing away. When Hannah started, the position was in dire need of attention because the ill employee couldn’t keep up with the pace — the filing alone was astronomical. Hannah cheerfully organized everything, including the massive amount of filing, and quickly learned the responsibilities required to fill the position.”

What have you learned from working

in the legal field? Working in the legal field has taught me the

importance of some critical attributes of successful legal professionals, including adaptability, resource-fulness, organization and attention to detail.

What is the best part of your job? The best part of my job is working with excep-

tional people in a positive, team environment at Dykema.


The paralegal field is fast-growing and very re-warding, but be prepared to have a flexible schedule and to work hard if you want to excel.


Outside of work, I enjoy running, golfing, travel-ing and spending time with my husband Jack and my family and friends.

Hannah ZaskiewiczParalegal Dykema Gossett PLLC

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Profiles of all 26 honorees - Kerr Russell

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