Governor Gretchen Whitmer previously signed House Bill 5120 (now Public Act 233 of 2023) into law in November 2023. The regulations, which specifically affect municipalities and developers, create a new siting path for utility-scale wind, solar, and energy storage facilities with the Michigan Public Service Commission (“MPSC”) and become effective on November 29, 2024. Once effective, it is critical that clean energy developers and municipalities become familiar with this new […]

Equity Partner and co-founder Ronald G. Acho is celebrating his 50th year of practicing law in 2024. Chaldean News Editor Sarah Kittle and Staff Writer Cal Abbo recently sat down with him to discuss his illustrious career and to share his thoughts about the Chaldean community. Chaldean News: Uncommon Counselor (article) Chaldean News: A Conversation with Ron Acho (podcast- the full interview)

In the last 6 years, CMDA has collected nearly $10 million for retired NFL players on concussion claims. Some of the biggest names in pro football history. Names like Gale Sayers and Pat Summerall. CMDA is proud to handle these at a 25% contingency fee rate, which is 10-15% less than most firms. But CMDA handles a variety of other matters for retired athletes from every pro sport, from pension […]

Joel Ashton, Isa Kasoga, and Gary Klein, all attorneys from the Firm’s Livonia office, had the opportunity to meet an intelligent and motivated group of law students during the Summer On-Campus Interviews (OCI) held June 24, 2024 at Wayne State University Law School. Joel explains, “We realize OCIs can often be a stressful experience for law students, especially those who are going through the process for the first time. We […]

Joel Ashton, a partner in our Livonia office, was the guest speaker at the Michigan Chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors’ (NAIFA) Virtual Event held on June 18, 2024. Mr. Ashton spoke to insurance and financial advisors on the current state of the Michigan No-Fault Act following the substantial amendments of 2019 with a focus on helping the advisors best serve their customers. He provided an […]

Longtime CMDA client Leon Wright of Van Buren Township held his annual outing on Friday, June 14. As always, CMDA was happy to support the worthy cause. CMDA Partners Jim Acho and Shane Nolan and Attorney Isa Kasoga all played, along with Jim’s guest, another longtime client and friend of CMDA, former U of M All American and 6 year NFL vet Mike Martin, who now serves as a financial […]

We are pleased to announce that Carol A. Smith has been elected a partner at CMDA. Chris Schultz, managing partner, explains, “Carol maintains excellent client relations and is an exceptional mentor to our newer associates and law clerks. Further, she has made significant contributions to the overall Firm by participating in On-Campus Interviews and other community events. Lastly, she is dedicated to providing outstanding legal services to our clients. We […]

This year marks Ronald G. Acho’s 50th year as an attorney, a milestone celebrated at the State Bar of Michigan’s 50-Year Golden Celebration on Thursday, May 23, 2024. The celebration recognizes and honors attorneys who have been members of the State Bar of Michigan for 50 years. Joining him at the celebration On May 29, 1974, Mr. Acho was admitted to practice in Michigan after earning his law degree from […]

Attorneys John Gwyn and Joel Ashton, along with Paralegal Bryan Harkins, are at the United Condominium Owners of Michigan (UCOM) 50th Anniversary Conference today at the San Marino Club in Troy, MI. If you are attending the Conference, please stop by CMDA’s booth. We look forward to sharing information on the legal services the Firm’s Community Association and Real Estate Law practice group provides.

CMDA partner Jim Acho has been legal counsel to the NFL Alumni and NFL Players Association Detroit chapters for two decades. This week he spoke at the kickoff luncheon and dinner in Detroit to welcome current and retired players to the NFL draft, which the entire City of Detroit is celebrating this week. CMDA is very pleased to have been a small part in one of the great moments the […]