MSU Law Grads Making News Around Michigan
MSU College of Law graduates are making news and moving up the ladder. Below are highlights of successes by some of the graduates of MSU Law:
MSU Law Grad Myles J. Baker (’17) was featured in the October 16 Crain’s Detroit Business discussing the impact of “Croptober” to the cannabis market. Word is Associate Attorney Baker is on track to become partner in the Detroit firm Dickinson Wright PLLC, an achievement not usually bestowed to young lawyers according to the article.
Crain’s Grand Rapids Business, October 16 edition, recognized Daniel J. Hatch (’14), MSU Law alumnus and Butzel attorney and shareholder. Mr. Hatch was named to the 2023 Class of 40 under 40, which recognizes West Michigan business leaders for their professional successes and contributions to their community. His practice includes construction law, business law, insurance recovery and advisory, and commercial litigation.
Michigan Auto Law counts among their legal team two MSU Law graduates who have been named to the list of “The Best Lawyers in America for 2024.” Richard A. Moore (’12) and Thomas W. James (’05) were selected by their peers for inclusion in this list. The recognition is limited to the top five percent of all attorneys in America. Mr. James also was selected as a Michigan Super Lawyer and Up and Coming Lawyer by Michigan Lawyers Weekly, and received the “Pacesetter” award from the Michigan Association of Justice.
Plunkett Cooney Partner and MSU Law graduate Michael D. Weaver (’90) was named to the 2023 Go To Lawyers for Negligence Law by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. According to the publication, the “Go To Lawyer” recognition is a nomination-based program focused on experience, expertise, and track record of success.
Marissa Kruetzfeld (’17) has joined Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s team as Deputy Legal Counsel. Previously, she was Staff Attorney for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. She has clerked for Michigan Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Welch and Court of Appeals Judge Anica Letica.
The newest appointee to the Ninth Judicial Circuity Court of Florida is Brian Sandor (’11). Previously, Judge Sandor practiced law as both a Civil Trial and Criminal Trial Attorney. Earlier, he was an Assistant State Attorney in the 5th Judicial District of Florida.
MSU Law graduate Lawrence Elassal (’07) was appointed Circuit Court Judge for the 3rd Circuit in Wayne County, Michigan, by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. In announcing the appointment, Governor Whitmer said she was confident Mr. Elassal, “will serve with distinction and uphold the rule of law.” Mr. Elassal will fill a partial term following the resignation of Judge Gregory Bill.
Plunkett Cooney attorneys and MSU Law alumni named to DBusiness magazine’s 2024 list of “Top Lawyers.” The attorneys and graduates of MSU College of Law who were recognized by DBusiness include Michael P. Ashcraft, Jr. (’92), Partner, for Legal Malpractice Law; and Douglas C. Bernstein (’82), Partner, for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law.