Grand Rapids Lawyer - Newsletter - May-June 2014

Serve. Educate. Promote Justice.M A Y / J U N E 2 0 1 4

The Grand Rapids LawyerA P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E G R A N D R A P I D S B A R A S S O C I AT I O N

Congratulations to the 2014 honorees!…more photos on page 10 & 11

2 The Grand Rapids Lawyer l May/June 2014 l grbar.org

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grbar.org l May/June 2014 l The Grand Rapids Lawyer 3

THE GRAND RAPIDS LAWYERis published by the Grand Rapids Bar Association

Waters Building 161 Ottawa Ave., NW, Suite 203-B Grand Rapids, MI 49503 www.grbar.org 616.454.5550 / 616.454.7707 fax

Editorial Mieke Stoub Anne Marks-Gaertner

Advertising Coordinator Debbie Kurtz

STAFF

Executive Director Kimberly Coleman/ext. 105 [email protected]

Executive Assistant/Membership/ Inns Administrator Debbie Kurtz/ext. 101 [email protected]

Communications Specialist/ grab LAW Administrator Mieke Stoub/ext. 109 [email protected]

Administrative Assistant/ Foundation Administrator Elaine Mohre/ext. 100 [email protected]

Lawyer Referral Administrator Nancy King/ext. 107 [email protected]

OFFICERS & TRUSTEES

President Kristin M. Vanden Berg . . . . . . . . . 616.456.2468

President-Elect Thomas R. Behm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616.235.5500

Vice-President Patrick F. Geary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616.458.5358

Secretary Randall Velzen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .616.233.9160

Treasurer Elizabeth K. Bransdorfer. . . . . . . . 616.632.8000

Immediate Past President T.J. Ackert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616.831.1730

TrusteesDavid E. Bevins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616.235.3500Elizabeth Joy Fossel . . . . . . . . . 616.336.6000Benjamin H. Hammond . . . . . . 616.458.3600Sarah Riley Howard . . . . . . . . . . .616.752.2541Hon. William G. Kelly . . . . . . . . . .616.554.0717Edward P. Perdue . . . . . . . . . . . . .616.458.1300Courtney L. Quist . . . . . . . . . . . . 616.454.9008Brian K. Lawson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 616.235.3500Marcus Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .616.787.5799

ON THE COVER: (Left to Right) Kristin Vanden Berg, Frank Spies, Robert Cooper, Armen Oumedian, Mark Smith, John Muth, John Tully and Barbara Craft.(Inset) Judges Logan and Benson

IN THIS ISSUE: May/June 2014

7 WLAM Softball Game Fifth Third Ballpark 5:00pm

11 Summer Clerkship Reception

University Club 5:00pm

12 SBM/GRBA Cross Sectional Event


19 Side Bar – Bar Mixer Location TBD 5:00pm

24 Legal Assistant Section Meeting

Warner Norcross & Judd 12:00pm

21 Labor & Employment Section Meeting University Club 12:00pm

21 Probate & Estate Planning Section Annual Meeting

SpeakEZ Lounge 5:00pm

26 Memorial Day – Bar Offices Closed

28 Family Law Section Meeting


29 Business & Taxation Section Meeting


4 Independence Day Bar Offices Closed

JULY 2014 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

GRBA Summer Office Hours: Beginning Tuesday, May 27, 2014, the Grand Rapids Bar Association office hours will be modified to the following:

Monday – Thursday: 8:00am – 5:00pmFriday: 8:00am – 1:30pmBar staff will resume our regular hours (8:30-5:00pm M-F) on Tuesday, September 2, 2014.

5 President’s Perspective By: Kristin M. Vanden Berg

6 Criminal Notes By: Timothy K. McMorrow

7 A New Trap for the Unwary No-Fault Lawyer By: Thomas G. Sinas

8 CLE Event Recap By: Patrick F. Geary

9 Ethical Guidelines for Using Social Media By: Victoria A. Vuletich

10 Photos

12 Senior Lawyer Section Update By: Michael F. Kelly

Upcoming Events

13 Pro Bono Reinvented for Intellectual Property By: Matthew D. Kendall

14 WLAM v. Judges Charity Softball Game Poems

15 Welcome New Officer & Trustees By: Kimberly Coleman

16 Member Notes

17 YLS Update By: Callista A. Gloss

19 GRBA Golf Outing

MAY 2014 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

JUNE 20141 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30


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It seems like yesterday that I began my year as President of the Grand

Rapids Bar Association. As the leadership year draws to a close, I reflect again on how fortunate I have been to have been elected to the role. I have truly enjoyed the opportunity, and I am proud of the many initiatives undertaken and continued by this organization, through its dedicated volunteers and extraordinary staff, in service to our mission “[t]o promote justice, professional excellence and respect for the law, foster dignity and integrity of the profession, provide law-related services to the community, and serve the needs of our members.”

This year has been a memorable one. Once again, the GRBA has offered more than 70 programs to our members, from educational opportunities through sections and committees, to service opportunities in the schools and the community, to fundraisers for the Justice Foundation, to opportunities to socialize with one another. Our volunteers and staff have worked hard, and I would like to give a shout-out to all of them, with a special nod to some of our newest efforts.

• First, we have completed our second full year of the Managing Partners Diversity Collaborative (MPDC) Action Plan, and we are well ahead of schedule. At the end of 2013, we launched the grabLAW marketing program, which I hope all of you have had a chance to check out, either by way of our website, or at

grablaw.org, or on Facebook

and Twitter. Our third video has been posted to

the website, and two more will be completed this year.

• Second, working closely with the Grand Rapids Public Schools, volunteers from the GRBA and the MPDC are halfway through the inaugural year of the 3Rs (Rights, Responsibilities, & Realities) Program, which is being presented to all Ottawa Hills High School freshman. The program provides students an opportunity to work with lawyers in small groups, once each month, to improve students’ understanding of the law and the Constitution, to receive practical career counseling to look beyond high school, and to improve the pipeline of minority students into legal careers in the region. We hope to learn from this year’s challenges and to build on the year’s successes, in order to fully integrate and possibly expand the program into other schools in the GRPS.

• Third, the Social Interaction Committee has created new, bi-monthly opportunities for our members to socialize. First billed as “Meet the Titans” and now known as “Sidebar,” we are hosting our third happy-hour mixer on June 19, 2014, this time recognizing Judges Janet Neff and Janet Haynes. Prior

honorees have been Bruce Neckers, Dennis

Kolenda, Hon. Joseph Scoville, and Hon. Donald Johnston.

These gatherings have been a welcome addition to our regularly scheduled social events. If you have not yet attended, please join us in June.

• Fourth, on April 17, 2014, we held our second Bench-Bar Conference in what is now a biannual event. Attorneys and judges gathered to learn from one another and to share constructive criticism. The event offered yet another reminder of the good fortune we share in being able to practice in this legal community.

By naming these programs, I do not want to minimize the countless other initiatives of our bar association. In so many other ways, GRBA members continue to help one another and the community in the sections, on committees, on community boards and through their generous donations to Legal Aid, the Legal Assistance Center, and the Justice Foundation. Although I cannot mention you all by name, I want to thank each of you for your contributions. I also want to thank GRBA staff and my fellow officers and trustees in making my job so easy. I am proud to be a member of this organization and proud to have been charged with its leadership. Thank you.

president’s perspective

BY: KRISTIN M. VANDEN BERG


C R I M I N A L N O T E S

In my December 13, 2013 column, I addressed the problem lawyers face

when we repeat legal principles and lose sight of the underlying legal basis for those principles. Two recent cases from the Michigan Supreme Court, one on substantive law and one on procedural law, illustrate the point very well. The cases seem to be unrelated, but there is a common theme in both decisions.

In People v Harris, Docket No. 146212, decided April 3, 2014, the Supreme Court for the first time in many years addressed the parameters of the crime of extortion, MCL 750.213. The case involved a victim who agreed to fix the defendant’s truck. When it started to rain, the victim stopped his repairs – until the defendant came out of his house with a firearm and threatened to kill the victim if he did not proceed with the repairs.

The crime of extortion includes forcing a person to do an act against the person’s will. Many cases, most notably People v Fobb, 145 Mich App 786 (1985), had read into the extortion statute a requirement that the act or omission compelled by the defendant be of serious consequence to the victim. The defendant in Harris argued that since the victim was going to repair the truck anyway, the effort to compel the victim to continue in the rain was not extortion (though of course it could still be felonious assault). The Supreme Court disagreed. The Court accepted that extortion would apply only to malicious threats made without justification or excuse and with the intent to commit a wrongful act. But the Court overruled Fobb, finding that

Fobb had read into the extortion statute an element of the crime that simply wasn’t there.

In People v Chenault, Docket No. 146523, decided April 4, 2014, the Court addressed when the suppression of material that is favorable to the defense (usually referred to as Brady material, after the United States Supreme Court case of Brady v Maryland, that first addressed the issue), would justify a new trial. The prosecution has an obligation to turn over to the defense all exculpatory material, which has been held to include material that would be helpful to impeach prosecution witnesses. Failure to do so, even when inadvertent on the part of the prosecution (for example, where the police never gave the material to the prosecution), may require the grant of a new trial.

The defendant in Chenault had been convicted of a murder that occurred in the course of a drug deal. The evidence in question involved recorded statements of a witness to the murder. The witness had not said in those recorded statements that the person who set up the drug deal was also present at the murder, but did say so in later statements. The defense theory was that the person who set up the drug deal was the real murderer, and her failure to mention this in her first recorded interview, which the police had not given to the prosecution and which the defense did not have at trial, was exculpatory material, and that the failure to turn over these statements deprived the defendant of a fair trial.

The United States Supreme Court has established a three-factor test under Brady: (1) that the evidence at issue be favorable to the accused, either because it is exculpatory or impeaching, (2) that the prosecution must have suppressed the evidence, either willfully or inadvertently, and (3) prejudice must have ensued, that is, the evidence must be material. Many Court of Appeals cases, such as People v Lester, 232 Mich App 262 (1988), had added a fourth requirement: that the evidence could not have been discovered even if the defense had used due diligence to discover the evidence. That factor may be relevant to whether newly discovered evidence not suppressed by the prosecution would justify a new trial, but the Court said that it simply was not part of the Brady calculus. The defendant eventually lost because, based on the specific facts of the case, the evidence in question was not material. But the key lesson for future cases is that there is no “due diligence” requirement in any Brady issue.

So what do these cases have in common? Simple: they show the problem in relying on cases that interpret legal principles, rather than the legal principles themselves. Cases which had added an element to the crime of extortion were wrong, because that element is not in the statute. Cases which had added a factor to Brady were wrong, because Brady itself and United States Supreme Court cases addressing Brady never included that factor. Relying on subsequent case law is fine, but you should always go back to the source.

THE DANGER OF CONSTANT REPETITION OF LEGAL PRINCIPLES REDUX

BY: TIMOTHY K. McMORROW • KENT COUNTY PROSECUTORS OFFICE


Our auto no-fault system is complex. Whether it is priority of insurers, the one-year back rule,

or coordination of coverage, nearly every case has some issue that keeps the practitioner up at night. Unfortunately, the Michigan Court of Appeals issued a recent decision that adds to the complexity. Although unpublished, Graham v. State Farm has potential implications for the settlement of first-party no-fault (PIP) cases.

Graham concerned whether the doctrine of res judicata barred a claim for uninsured motorist benefits that was brought after a case for PIP benefits had been dismissed with prejudice. Graham was injured in a car accident involving an uninsured motorist. Graham sued his own no-fault insurer, State Farm, for unpaid PIP benefits. Graham settled the PIP case and dismissed the claims with prejudice. One year later, Graham sued State Farm again, this time for uninsured motorist benefits involving the same accident. State Farm moved for summary disposition, arguing that res judicata barred Graham’s uninsured motorist claim.

The Court of Appeals upheld the trial court’s granting of summary disposition in favor of State Farm. Citing Estes v. Titus, the court noted that res judicata applies when three circumstances are met: (1) a prior action was decided on the merits; (2) two actions have the same parties; and (3) the matter in the second case was, or could have been, resolved in the first. As to the first element, the court found that a dismissal with prejudice was an adjudication on the merits. There was no dispute that both cases involved the same parties. Regarding the third element, the court found that the uninsured motorist claim could have been brought with the

PIP claim because the claims met the so-called “transactional test” of similarity in “time, space, origin, or motivation.” Accordingly, res judicata barred Graham from pursuing the uninsured motorist claim.

Despite the troublesome holding, there is some good news. First, Graham does not mean that claims for PIP and uninsured motorist benefits must be brought in the same complaint. The holding centered on the fact that the plaintiff’s initial case against State Farm was dismissed with prejudice before the uninsured motorist case was brought. Second, any practitioner familiar with Graham can avoid its implications by adding a slight modification to the stipulated order that closes the case. One suggestion is to have the order be without prejudice. Another suggestion is to have the order be with prejudice as to only the PIP claims. Finally, the order could reference the settlement release, which should state that it does not release uninsured (or underinsured) motorist claims.

In sum, the problem presented in Graham is like planning a road trip. Not thinking about where you are going will likely get you lost. But a little knowledge and some extra preparation goes a long way to keeping you on course.

A NEW TRAP FOR THE UNWARY NO-FAULT LAWYERBY: TOM G. SINASSINAS, DRAMIS, BRAKE, BOUGHTON & MCINTYRE


The Continuing Legal Education Committee of the Grand Rapids Bar Association presented a program entitled Marketing Your Practice Through Social Media on March 28, 2014, at

the University Club. Attendees received multiple and highly practical tips on the use of social media platform LinkedIn from John Reed, of Rain BMD, a specialist in legal marketing, as well as timely advice on potential ethical pitfalls presented by the use of social media for marketing from Professor Victoria Vuletich, of Cooley Law School.

Marketing Your Practice Through Social Media

BY: PATRICK F. GEARY • CO-CHAIR OF THE CLE COMMITTEE


CONFIDENTIALITY

Lawyers cannot reveal confidential client information unless the information falls into an exception in the ethics rules. Though “public” information may be revealed, it is not a wise business move as an attorney in Virginia found out. The attorney wrote a blog about a criminal client’s case. Though the information was “public,” the Virginia State Bar filed disciplinary charges. Though cleared of the confidentiality charge, he was found to have violated the advertising rules and was disciplined. He now lives in perpetuity on the internet, branded a “disciplined lawyer.” So much for bolstering his practice.

The ability to connect with potential clients and others in social network groups has a hidden downside. We need to be careful of inadvertent disclosures and conflicts of interest – i.e. “friending” and “connecting” with new clients when their potential adversaries are in our networks – it is wise to avoid proclaiming someone is your “new client” when an opponent may be reading it on your site.

CONTENT

All content we post that is arguably a communication about our services must not be false, fraudulent, misleading or deceptive. We should also avoid any statement that would create an unjustified expectation or make a statement comparing our services with the services of other lawyers that cannot be proven, i.e. “The Best Family Law Attorney in Whoville.”

Once we “claim” our profiles on any social media site, we are responsible for the content. We have a duty to regularly review and delete information if necessary.

“TEMPLATES”

We must be mindful about listing ourselves and our colleagues, as “experts” or “specialists” on a site or endorsing other lawyers. In Michigan, all such assertions contained under a template heading must pass the “false, fraudulent, misleading or deceptive test.”

CLIENT SOLICITATION

Social media is pushing the boundaries of solicitation rules. We want to avoid all “real time” or “telephone” contact. But what is “real time”? Opinions generally find texting to be real time but email not, a distinction lost on many of us. Be mindful of chat rooms and instant messaging.

AVVO & COUPONS

If we are answering potential client questions on Avvo, we should be mindful about inadvertently creating an attorney client relationship. Answering general questions is likely acceptable, but be careful of giving specific advice tailored to the prospective client.

The State Bar of Michigan has recently issued an ethics opinion on the use of Groupon type coupons. Generally, if the vendor retains a portion of the purchase price paid by consumers purchasing a coupon for discounted legal services, then the situation constitutes impermissible fee sharing. (Ethics Opinion RI-366.)

Ethical Guidelines for Using Social Media

BY: VICTORIA VULETICH • THOMAS M. COOLEY LAW SCHOOL

Social media platforms provide great opportunities to market our practices. A poll conducted at the 2012 ABA Tech Show confirms how the legal profession has embraced social media:

• 88% OF LAWYERS AND LAW FIRMS HAVE A LINKEDIN SITE

• 58% HAVE A PROFESSIONAL FACEBOOK PAGE

• 22% HAVE, OR CONTRIBUTE TO, A BLOG

• 13% ARE ACTIVE ON TWITTER

While leveraging the benefits of social media, we need to remember that statements made on social media are considered “advertising” and must comply with the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct. Here are a few points to keep in mind while tweeting, friending, blogging or connecting:


Foundation Fellows &

Life Members Reception

BARMIXER

Bench Bar


Foundation Fellows &

Life Members Reception

Law Day

Annual Meeting

UPCOMING EVENTS


Do you want to meet and socialize with fellow

members of the Bar, many of whom you probably haven’t seen for some time?

Join the Senior Bar Section of the Grand Rapids Bar or attend any of its social events. While the Section exists for social purposes, it also gives you

the opportunity to interact with your colleagues regarding the status of your respective practices, or retirement activities. The dues are only $15.00 per year.

Two luncheons are held each year, oftentimes with a speaker. The last luncheon, held in March, featured Greg Meyer, who won the Boston Marathon in 1983. Greg competed again in 2013, and spoke extensively about the events following the bombing. It was interesting to find out firsthand what it was like to be locked down after the bombing from someone who went through the experience. He also enlightened us regarding the rules and regulations governing those who run in the marathon races.

A social event is held in the spring or fall with spouses and significant others. The event features a social hour followed by dinner and is usually held at one of the local country clubs. The last event was held in the fall of 2012 at Cascade Hills Country Club. We are due for another this spring.

Most of us never know when we are considered a Senior Lawyer. The State Bar’s criteria is fifty years or older, or those who have completed twenty years of membership in the State Bar. That makes most eligible at age 45. The Grand Rapids Bar does not have such criteria. You are a Senior and eligible when you think you are a Senior, but you don’t have to be retired to join. A little gray hair does help, however.

So if you are looking to network with your colleagues, renew acquaintances and promote the sense of camaraderie and fellowship, please join our Section and/or attend our next event.

Senior Lawyer Section Looking for New MembersBY: MICHAEL F. KELLY, CHAIR SENIOR SECTION

Grand Rapids Bar Association

Golf OutingAugust 21, 2014 @ 12:00pm Thornapple Point Golf Club

LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED

Email Linda Jo Carron for tickets: [email protected]

Summer Clerkship ReceptionHosted by Warner Norcross & Judd

June 11, 2014 @ 5:00pmUniversity Club


BY: MATTHEW D. KENDALLGARDNER LINN BURKHART & FLORY

Pro Bono Reinvented for Intellectual Property

”IP attorneys

who fear the

unknown can

generally be

counted on

to fear IP pro

bono work.”

Most attorneys who practice exclusively in the field of intellectual property

(“IP”) are well accustomed to fielding calls from people trying to learn about securing or enforcing their IP rights. Such inquiries rarely come from people who fit the traditional pro bono mold. They are often college graduates, artists, persons working in skilled trades, hopeful entrepreneurs, or people who have simply had a brilliant idea and are unsure of where to start. Not infrequently, the inquiry originates from someone who is big on ideas, but short on resources. Often, the funding of an IP project for an individual or an attorney under a conventional pro bono approach is just not very feasible.

Securing IP rights is a completely voluntary endeavor, and while the U.S. Constitution supports those rights, helping someone to protect their artwork, trademark, or invention is normally commercially driven, and therefore different from helping someone to stay in their home or secure the custody of their children. A significant challenge for the IP attorney is determining how to engage a pro bono client, appropriately address their needs, cover fees that must be paid on the client’s behalf, and define the eventual termination of the pro bono relationship. The IP attorney-client relationship can last for many years and would normally cost many thousands of dollars, a portion of which is attributable to fees that must be paid to government agencies and cannot be waived. IP attorneys who fear the unknown can generally be counted on to fear IP pro bono work.

One of the lesser-known provisions in the Leahy–Smith America Invents Act of 2011 is a mandate that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) help to expand the availability of IP pro bono services in the U.S. To that end, the USPTO has supported the launch of IP pro bono programs of states such as Minnesota, Colorado, and California, and is actively working to develop programs in other states including Michigan. These programs provide initial screening of potential pro bono clients, establish appropriate expectations for prospective pro bono clients and attorneys alike, help define the scope of work, and facilitate matching a pro bono client with an appropriate attorney. This service alone can remove much of the “unknown” that we as IP attorneys fear when speaking with that potential client for the first time.

The Grand Rapids IP Section was recently honored to welcome Mr. John Calvert and Ms. Sue Purvis from the USPTO Office of Innovation Development in Alexandria, Virginia. Their presentation in Grand Rapids, which was also webcast live to a group of IP attorneys in metro Detroit, discussed efforts that are now underway to support the development of Michigan’s own IP pro bono program, explained the mechanics and scope envisioned for typical IP pro bono work under this program, and dispelled common misconceptions about pro bono in IP.

We hope that this type of organized effort will open more IP attorneys’ eyes to the possibility of IP pro bono, so that they can support such programs and efficiently assist people who can benefit from such expertise while developing our state’s knowledge-based economy.

The Judges Response:Women’s Lawyers Annual Challenge Poem:

WLAM vs. Judges Annual Charity Softball Game

Saturday June 7 • 5:00pm

FiFth third BallparkWhitecaps game follows at 7:00pm

Stay late for the post-game fireworks!

Tickets are $15 for Adults & $10 for Kids (ages 3-12)

To order tickets, contact Linda Jo Carron at [email protected]

Proceeds benefit YWCA of West Central Michigan

“A Pitch Across the Bow”

With flames, Fifth Third Stadium became two-thirds,

but the Whitecaps’ support of us is beyond words

We’ve been beaten more than Becker has eaten,

but we suspect the Judges have been cheatin

In this election year,

we assume the whole bench will be here,

regardless the Women Lawyers will appear

(not without our beer)

After 41 years Servaas is retiring,

and soon the Judges’ winning streak will be expiring

Scoville too will be setting down his gavel,

but we hope he’ll still entertain us with his game-time babble

The times they are changing,

but our Ingrid is still not aging.....

When her pitches fly by,

the Judges will cry,

but we’ll remind them, it’s all for the Y (the YW, that is...

Let’s Play Ball !!!)

Cheerfully challenged by the Women Lawyers......

Let’s Play Ball!Fifth Third Ballpark “Up in Flames!”Oh, dear me, “What a shame!”But now the building is practically new,Ready for Game Day and we need You!

Women Lawyers and Judges go to bat,For the YWCA, and all the kids at that.Oh, so much fun and good cheer for all,And good weather and sunshine, so we can “Play Ball!”

The Judges usually win this game each year,While the Women Lawyers just play in fear.The money that is raised goes to help some fine “folks,”And, believe me, watching some of us Judges is a real joke!

So come one and come all,June 7th is the date,Fifth Third Ballpark is the place,So don’t be late!

Respectfully submitted,Coach Sara Smo



BY KIMBERLY A. COLEMAN • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

E.D.Torial

Bradley K. Glazier Trustee

Angel C. Dotson Trustee

Joseph J. Gavin Trustee

Hon. Christopher P. Yates Vice President

O

n behalf of the staff and the Trustees of the Grand Rapids Bar Association, I am pleased to welcome our new officer and trustees, whose terms will begin on July 1, 2014.

Congratulations to Vice-President, the Honorable Christopher P. Yates, and Trustees Angle Dotson, Joe Gavin and Brad Glazier. We are looking forward to working with you in the years ahead. Many thanks to all the exceptional candidates who agreed to stand for election this year and to the Nominating Committee for its work on the 2014 Election.

Lastly, we want to recognize the hard work and dedication of our out-going officer and trustees. Heartfelt thanks to the out-going President, Kristin Vanden Berg, and Trustees Edward Perdue, David Bevins and the Honorable William Kelly. The support and leadership you provided to the Association has been greatly appreciated. Best wishes to you now and always.

Welcome New

Officer and Trustees!

Amanda BannikovMichael BrownKristen ButerAnnalies ButhLaura DanielsonAndrea DomorskyConor DuganTimothy EricksonMary Gergely

Eric GriggsLaura JoyceAndrew KortesojaStacy KramerJake LombardoVictoria MarksElizabeth MitchellAyda Rezaian-NojaniJamie Ryke

Steven SimkinsGeorge SinasStephen SinasDavid SzostekJason VanElderenSarah WhitneyJohn WorsfoldRegina Wright

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS


MEMBER NOTES

Visit our website for more news from your fellow Bar members • www.grbar.org

• The Honorable Robert A. Benson and The Honorable Benjamin H. Logan II were the inaugural recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Awards.

• Jon R. Muth was awarded the Donald R. Worsfold Distinguished Service Award.

• Mark R. Smith was awarded the President’s Award.

• James Booth Burr, Jr., Robert P. Cooper, Richard G. Leonard, Frank S. Spies, and John D. Tully were all recognized for 50 Years in Practice.

• Barbara A. Craft was awarded the Marion Hilligan Public Service Award.

• Robert A. Hendricks has joined the law firm Wrigley & Hoffman, P.C.

• Michael C. Haines and William A. Horn of Mika Meyers Beckett & Jones, PLC were named Co-Chairs of the Legal and Legislative Committee of the Michigan Oil and Gas Association.

• Nicholas B. Missad of Law Weathers was elected to the position of shareholder.

• Suanne Watt-Stay has joined the law firm Rhoades McKee


BY: CALLISTA GLOSSGRAND RAPIDS LEGAL ADVOCATES

ebruary 20th, 2014 was a great night. It was my second Just Lips performance since becoming a lawyer, and there were many memorable

moments. But what surprised me the most at this year’s Just Lips was how many attorneys weren’t familiar with the pop singer Kesha (formerly Ke$ha). After all, since the release of her first album in 2009, she has had three number one hits (the most recent being “Timber,” a collaboration with Pitbull), as well as five songs in the top 10. She gets so much play time on the radio that it’s hard to go a week without hearing at least one of her catchy songs.

I realize that sometimes the demands of being a lawyer require us to work long, stressful hours and we just don’t have time to listen to the radio. We forget to keep up with current events and miss out on our hobbies. But we all have to remember that being a lawyer is just one part of who we are. Don’t forget about the other parts that make up you – whether it’s a husband, wife, sports fan, concert goer, theater lover, book reader, music enthusiast, world traveler, etc.

Think about this for a minute. When was the last time you went to a movie theater or read a book for fun? When was the last weekend you forced yourself to stop thinking about work and relaxed for two days? Hopefully it hasn’t been too long, but if it has, allow some time for you. Listen to the radio and discover a new singer. Try out that new restaurant you’ve been meaning to go to. Take your family or some friends to see your favorite sports team play. It is so important to your mental well-being to let yourself have fun once in a while. When you do, you’ll be happier as a person, which in turn can make you more productive as a lawyer.

Let your clients get to know the person behind that nice suit. Find out what interests you have in common, and see how excited your clients get when they discover your similarities. In my short time as a practicing attorney, I have learned that clients who get to know you as a person, not just a lawyer, are more likely to pay their bill and respect your legal advice. You might even be surprised at what clients appreciate about you. For example, I was singing karaoke recently in downtown Grand Rapids and a group of people sitting at the next table started up a conversation with me. Eventually they asked what I did for a living, and I just nonchalantly replied, “I’m a lawyer.” One of them was so impressed that he said, “You must be a great lawyer because it takes courage to stand up there and sing.”

When we see each other at the next GRBA event, be prepared for some heavy cross-examination on what you’ve done for fun lately.

“LET YOUR CLIENTS

GET TO KNOW THE

PERSON BEHIND THAT

NICE SUIT. FIND OUT

WHAT INTERESTS YOU

HAVE IN COMMON,

AND SEE HOW EXCITED

YOUR CLIENTS GET

WHEN THEY DISCOVER

YOUR SIMILARITIES.”


George T. SinasA Year of Awards

A Career of Achievement

Grand Rapids

15 Ionia Ave. SW, Ste. 300Grand Rapids, MI 49503

o: (616) 301-3333f: (616) 301-3344

Lansing

3380 Pine Tree Rd.Lansing, MI 48911

o: (517) 394-7500f: (517) 394-7510

Grand Rapids Office Now Open

AutoNoFaultLaw.com

Auto and Personal Injury Law

Champion Of Justice2014 Michigan Association of Justice

Lawyer of the Year2013 Michigan Lawyers Weekly

Protection & Preservation Award2013 Coalition Protecting Auto No-Fault

Andres Humanitarian Award2013 ACS Foundation

Congratulations!

Reservation Form — GRBA Golf OutingPlease register the four people listed below for the Grand Rapids Bar Association’s 2014 Golf Outing.

The person listed as “Golfer #1” will serve as the team contact.

Golfer #1 Name: ______________________________________________

Firm: _______________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________

City: ____________________________ State: ________ Zip: _________

Phone: ______________________________________________________

Email: _______________________________________________________

Golfer #2 Name: _____________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________Firm: ______________________

Golfer #3 Name: _____________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________Firm: ______________________

Golfer #4 Name: _____________________________________________

Phone: ___________________________Firm: ______________________

Please enter us in the following division: q Single q Team

Return this reservation form and check(s) totaling $400 (payable to GRBA) to:

Grand Rapids Bar Association161 Ottawa Ave NW, Ste 203B Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Reservations must be received by August 14, 2014

Questions? Call 616-454-5550

GRAND RAPIDS BAR ASSOCIATION Golf Outing

Sponsored by the Justice Foundation of West Michigan & The GRBA Young Lawyers Section

August 21, 2014 • Thornapple Pointe Golf ClubJoin us for this 18 Hole, 4 golfer scramble with a shotgun start.

Teams compete in the Firm (4 golfers from same firm) or Mixed (any combination of firms) division. A travelling trophy goes to the winning firm. Many other awards and prizes are presented.

REGISTER EARLY TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!Cost is $100 per person (includes 18 holes of golf with cart, prizes, boxed lunch and dinner. )

Registration begins at 12:00pm with lunch available. Shotgun start at 1:00pm.

Dinner and awards presentation to follow (must be present to win)Cash Bar at the 19th Hole!


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CONTACT:Leslie N. Prangley III, CPA CVA

11th Floor, Bridgewater Place

333 Bridge Street NW

Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Ph: 616-774-9004

Fx: 616-774-9081

www.pmcpa.com

161 Ottawa Ave. NWSuite 203-BGrand Rapids, MI 49503

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Grand Rapids Lawyer - Newsletter - May-June 2014

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