On May 30, 2019 Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bill 1 to reform Michigan’s No-Fault Act. After more than 45 years of being a “no-fault state” in which people injured in automobile accidents had medical expenses and other benefits provided under the Michigan No-Fault Act without the need to file a lawsuit against a negligent driver or owner, the Act is undergoing significant changes that will affect Michigan residents and non-residents […]

We are pleased to announce that Jeffrey R. Clark, a partner in our Livonia office, has been named one of America’s Top 100 Civil Defense Litigators® in Michigan for 2019. Selection to America’s Top 100 Civil Defense Litigators® is by invitation only and is reserved to identify the most exceptional Civil Defense Litigators throughout the nation. Candidates are selected based on a broad array of criteria, including professional experience, litigation […]

Katie Stearns, an attorney in our Livonia office, was recently sworn in as the Director of Programming for the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan- Wayne Region (WLAM). She will be responsible for organizing networking events, legal educational seminars, and fundraising opportunities for organizations that serve women and families. The stated purpose of the WLAM- Wayne Region is to secure the rights of women in society and advance the interests of […]

On Saturday, May 4, 2019, CMDA partner Jim Acho had the honor and privilege of attending the Detroit Catholic Central High School dedication of its new baseball stadium and Al Moran Field. The field is named for a longtime CMDA client and dear friend of Acho’s, Al Moran, a 1957 graduate of Catholic Central. Moran is best remembered as the first shortstop in the history of the New York Mets. […]

On March 28, 2019 Jim Acho spoke to over 100 members of the Metro Detroit Association of Health Underwriters (MDAHU) regarding the effects of the legalization of marijuana in Michigan and how it affects employers and employment law at large.  His presentation provided valuable information that gave members a better understanding of the new law and also strategies on how employers can best guide their workplace in this new era […]

Greg Grant, an attorney in our Traverse City office, recently participated in the 26th Annual Judge John R. Brown Admiralty Moot Court Competition as a judge of the written briefs.　Oral rounds of the competition were held in Charleston, South Carolina. The competition was named in memory of Judge John R. Brown. Judge Brown served from 1955 to 1993 on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, where […]

We are pleased to announce that Margaret A. Lourdes (Maggie) has joined our Firm as an Of Counsel attorney in our Livonia office.  Ms. Lourdes focuses her practice on commercial litigation and corporate and business law. She represents corporate clients throughout Michigan and has a detailed knowledge of construction law and commercial and residential real property. She is an adjunct professor at Cleary University where she teaches business law. Further, she […]

  Join us!  CMDA’s Livonia office is hosting complimentary Lunch & Learn Workshops on elder law, estate planning, and probate.  All Workshops will take place in our Livonia office. Lunch will be provided. There is no charge to attend.  Click here for more information. Estate Planning for Older Adults: Wednesday, March 27 – 12:30-1:30 p.m. Why Families Feud in Probate Court and How to Prevent the Mayhem: Wednesday, April 3 […]

We are very pleased to announce that three attorneys have recently joined our Firm. David Kowalski is an attorney in our Clinton Township office where he focuses his practice on insurance defense, municipal law, appeals and litigation, and research. He has extensive litigation and appellate experience and has received favorable outcomes for clients before the Michigan Supreme Court and the Michigan Court of Appeals. He authors briefs for submission to […]

Effective March 29, 2019 the Paid Medical Leave Act (PMLA) will allow eligible part time employees to receive one hour of paid medical leave for every 35 hours worked. To be eligible for the leave the employee must have worked a minimum of 25 hours per week during the preceding calendar year. The leave time must be used for personal or family health needs or purposes related to sexual assault […]