• Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, P.L.L.C. is pleased to announce that its managing member, Sharon M. Woods, was honored by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as one of twenty Women in the Law for 2010. The honorees will be recognized at the inaugural Women in the Law luncheon on September 16, 2010 at the Detroit Marriott in Troy.

  The women were selected by a Michigan Lawyers Weekly editorial panel based on several factors, including commitment to excellence in the practice of law; service as inspiring and accomplished leaders in the legal profession; service as mentors to other women; and contributions of significant time and effort to volunteerism and pro bono work.

  Ms. Woods concentrates her practice in the area of business litigation (commercial and complex litigation, construction, securities, intellectual property litigation, employment litigation, class action litigation, professional malpractice defense, and alternate dispute resolution). She is a senior member of Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, P.L.L.C. and serves as Chairman of its Management Committee and of its Litigation Department. She is a Fellow and former Chairman of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

• BARRIS, SOTT, DENN & DRIKER, P.L.L.C AND THREE OF ITS MEMBERS RECEIVE TOP TIER RECOGNITION FOR LITIGATION AND REAL ESTATE IN CHAMBERS USA FOR 2010

  Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, P.L.L.C. was once again recognized by Chambers USA as one of America's top law firms in Chambers USA's 2010 publication. This year's annual publication ranked the firm as one of the four tier 1 litigation law firms in Michigan. In its publication, Chambers noted that "[t]his litigation boutique is widely recognized for the depth of its talent." Indeed, Chambers also ranked the firm's real estate practice highly, giving it tier 3 recognition.

  

  The publication also individually honored three of the firm's attorneys: Chambers recognized Eugene Driker and Sharon Woods as tier 1 commercial litigation attorneys in Michigan and recognized William G. Barris as a tier 1 real estate attorney in Michigan.

  Chambers USA is published by Chambers and Partners, a premier guide to the legal profession. Each year, Chambers conducts in-depth research and interviews with clients and attorneys throughout the United States to identify the top lawyers in various practice areas. Law firms and individual lawyers are ranked in bands from 1-6, with 1 being the best.

• DENNIS M. BARNES AND ERIC S. ROSENTHAL ELECTED TO MICHIGAN STATE BAR POSTIONS

  Dennis M. Barnes, a member, was elected to the State Bar of Michigan’s Board of Commissioners for District H (Wayne, Monroe, and Lenawee Counties) and Eric S. Rosenthal, a member, was elected to the State Bar’s Representative Assembly for the 3rd Circuit (Wayne County).

  Denny and Eric both have a sophisticated business litigation practice. They have each lent their skills and energy to many court, bar and community activities in the past, and they both care deeply about the practice of our profession here in Michigan. Their experience and energy will be of significant value to the State Bar of Michigan in the coming term.

  For more information about the 2010 State Bar of Michigan Election Results, please visit the State Bar's website.

• BSDD MEMBER MORLEY WITUS INSTALLED AS PRESIDENT OF THE DETROIT METROPOLITAN BAR ASSOCIATION

  Morley Witus, a member of BSDD, was installed as President of the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association (DMBA) on May 27, 2010. Morley has been active in the DMBA serving on the Board of Directors for several years and on the Executive Committee for the last two years.

• BSDD Mourns the Death of Donald E. Barris -- Founding Partner, Mentor, and Friend

  Donald E. Barris, a founding member of Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, P.L.L.C., died peacefully in Bingham Farms on May 10, 2010 at the age of 91. As the son of an immigrant father who worked at Ford Motor Company on the assembly line and as one who experienced the Great Depression, Don came from a very humble background and his lifetime achievements were truly the result of his remarkable, passionate efforts.

  Don attended Wayne State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree and law degree.  His legal career began in 1939 with Friedman, Meyers & Keys.  In 1968, he co-founded Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, PLLC, and remained with the firm until his death.  During his remarkable seventy-year legal career, Don cultivated a well-earned reputation as a highly-skilled, tenacious and passionate litigator. 

  Don’s loyalty and allegiance to his clients was legendary.  Their legal problems became his personal crusades.  He spared no effort on behalf of his clients.  That many of them continued to seek his counsel right up to his final days is testimony to how much his counsel was valued.

  Throughout his career at Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, he litigated significant zoning, construction, real estate, corporate, partnership and probate matters. Employers and labor unions also turned to Don as an impartial mediator or arbitrator in resolving labor disputes.  Don also represented Motown and owner Berry Gordy during the heydays of Motown in Detroit. 

  Don was a devoted advocate for pro bono legal work even before the term “pro bono” was coined.  Several ecclesiastical institutions and nonprofit organizations benefitted tremendously from his expertise, without charge.   He was also a generous benefactor to his alma mater, Wayne State University Law School.

  Outside his commitment to his legal practice and his clients, Don was a mentor to his fellow attorneys and a loving husband to Miriam, now deceased; father to William G. Barris, Peggy Ellman, and Karen Bragman; and grandfather, otherwise known as “Papa,” to his seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  He was truly the patriarch of the family as well as a legend to the metropolitan Detroit legal community.

• BSDD LEGAL SECRETARIES ELECTED TO EXECUTIVE BOARD OF NALS OF DETROIT

  Three of BSDD's legal secretaries were elected to the Executive Board of NALS of Detroit for the 2010-2011 term. NALS is a national leader in the networking and continuing education of legal professionals. NALS of Detroit serves as its local chapter in the metropolitan Detroit area.

  Mary Tortomose, Secretary to Attorneys Sharon Woods and Melonie L. M. Stothers, will begin her third term as President. Mary joined the firm in 1984 and joined NALS in 1999. In previous terms, she served as the Detroit Chapter's Vice President and Treasurer.

  Lynne M. Bussinger, Secretary to Attorney Michael Reynolds, is the Vice President/Membership Chair of the Detroit Chapter. Lynne Bussinger joined the firm in November of 1994 and joined NALS in 1992. She served as the Detroit Chapter's President in 2002, 2007, and 2008.

  Cindy Taylor, Secretary to Attorneys Erica Fitzgerald and Jeffrey Stefan, is the Treasurer and Corporate Secretary of the Detroit Chapter. Cindy Taylor joined BSDD in 2005 and joined NALS in 2006. In 2006, she passed the NALS Professional Legal Secretary examination to become a certified legal secretary.

• EUGENE DRIKER TO PROVIDE REFLECTIONS ON LIFE AS A TRIAL LAWYER AT DEPOSITION SKILLS WORKSHOP HOSTED BY ICLE

  Eugene Driker will be speaking at a Deposition Skills Workshop hosted by the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) on Tuesday, May 18, 2010. His topic will be "Reflections on Life as a Trial Lawyer."

  Driker, one of the founding members of Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, P.L.L.C., is a WSU alumnus and a member of the University's board of governors. He practices primarily in complex business litigation and provides corporate and business counseling. He has served as lead or co-lead trial counsel in numerous business cases, including the representation of one of the state's largest utilities in a $500 million fraud and breach of contract action brought by a major industrial firm. He has also represented numerous lawyers and law firms, including several of the largest in the state, in professional liability, disciplinary and partnership dissolution matters. Mr. Driker also has significant experience in alternate dispute resolution, both as an advocate and as an arbitrator/mediator.

• JEFFREY STEFAN APPOINTED TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF ABUNDANT CARE TRAINING SERVICES (ACTS)

  Jeffrey Stefan, an associate, was appointed to the Board of Directors of Abundant Care Training Services (ACTS), a non-profit organization in Detroit that provides education services to at-risk kids. ACTS was founded and is guided by faith-based principles, dedicated to helping at-risk youth rise above their environment and make life-affirming choices by engaging them and their families in positive programming.

  Jeffrey's practice covers all aspects of real estate law with an emphasis on both transactional and litigation matters. He also regularly represents clients in connection with commercial real property tax assessment appeals involving retail shopping centers, industrial properties, hospital and medical facilities and other commercial projects.

• MORLEY WITUS PUBLISHES TWO ARTICLES IN LOCAL PUBLICATIONS

  BSDD Member Morley Witus recently published two articles, one in the January/February 2010 issue of Detroit Lawyer titled "The Curious Case of Michigan's Statute of Limitations for Fraud" and the other in the March 18, 2010 issue of the Detroit Legal News, titled "Will the Michigan Supreme Court 'Overrule the Overrulings'?"

  Morley has a busy practice in commercial litigation and has extensive experience in a wide variety of complex business disputes, including contract, real estate, probate, securities, municipal, insurance, legal malpractice, intellectual property and employment matters.

• REBECCA SIMKINS AND ELIZABETH CARRIE PRESENT AT TECHTOWN

  Two BSDD members, Rebecca Simkins and Elizabeth Carrie, presented before entrepreneurs at TechTown in Detroit for the FastTrac New Venture Program on March 30, 2010. The topic of the program was "Legal Structures and Management Teams." Betty discussed the advantages and disadvantages of various legal forms of doing business and key factors influencing the decision of which legal form to do. Rebecca discussed the selection of professional advisors and their legal responsibilities to the company. TechTown is a sophisticated incubator for start-up companies and entrepreneurs in Detroit.

  Rebecca is an employment lawyer who represents businesses in civil litigation and drafts employment policies and contracts. She grew up in Livonia and is very active in the Northville community. Rebecca served on the Board of the Northville Chamber of Commerce from 2004 to 2008. She is a 1988 graduate of Michigan State University College of Law.

  Betty practices in the areas of taxation, corporate, partnership and limited liability company law, estate planning and administration. She has been involved in tax and non-tax related planning for business relationships of all types, with a particular emphasis on partnership and limited liability company issues. She is a 1992 graduate of the University of Florida Levin College of Law, where she also received an L.L.M. in taxation in 1993.

• BSSD recently published an important newsletter for its friends and clients with regard to unanticipated consequences of Federal estate tax repeal in 2010 and other related law changes. If you have questions with regard to how these changes may affect your own estate plan, please call us at 313-965-9725.
   

• DANIEL M SHARE PRESENTS AT THE COLORADO BAR ASSOCIATION'S NATIONAL LEGAL EDUCATION CONFERENCE ABOUT DISPUTE RESOLUTION

   
  Daniel M. Share, a member, presented at the Colorado Bar Association's National Continuing Legal Education Conference in Vail, Colorado on January 9, 2010.  His topic was "A Neglected Minefield: What Transactional Lawyers Need to Know about Dispute Resolution." 
  
  Dan's practice includes a broad and busy commercial practice, with an emphasis in business dispute resolution, real estate and general corporate affairs. He has been active on behalf of financial institutions and real estate developers in matters involving real estate finance, complex zoning, land planning and assembly, leasing, foreclosures and work-outs.  He has also assisted clients with asset and stock sales and purchases, anti-trust, structuring, restructuring and on-going advice to corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies and non-profit corporations.
  
  Dan is a neutral commercial arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association.

• 12 BSDD ATTORNEYS RECOGNIZED IN SUPER LAWYERS 2010 CORPORATE COUNSEL EDITION

  Law & Politics Media, Inc. recently recognized twelve members of Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker in the 2010 Corporate Counsel Edition of Super Lawyers magazine. Eight members were recognized as among the nation's leading Business Litigation attorneys: Dennis M. Barnes, Eugene Driker, Stephen E. Glazek, Todd R. Mendel, Josh J. Moss, Eric S. Rosenthal, Morley Witus, and Sharon M. Woods. In addition, four members were recognized as among the nation's leading Real Estate attorneys: C. David Bargamian, William G. Barris, James S. Fontichiaro, and Daniel M. Share.

  Pictured Clockwise: Dennis M. Barnes, Eugene Driker, Stephen E. Glazek, Todd R. Mendel, Josh J. Moss, Eric S. Rosenthal, Morley Witus, Sharon M. Woods, C. David Bargamian, William G. Barris, James S. Fontichiaro, and Daniel M. Share.

  In Super Lawyers, Law & Politics Media, Inc. compiles annual lists of leading attorneys by area of practice based upon a rigorous selection process that includes a statewide survey of practicing attorneys, independent research by the publisher's attorney-led research staff and a peer review of candidates. Only 5% of lawyers in any state are chosen. The Corporate Counsel edition is separate from the state and regional Super Lawyers publications because it targets over 12,000 U.S. companies and is circulated to in-house counsel, CEOs, and attorneys nationwide.

    

• ROBERT E. KASS NAMED AS "VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR" AT NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY EVENT

  
  BSDD member Robert E. Kass was recently honored as "Volunteer of the Year" at the annual National Philanthropy Day event sponsored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. He was recognized for his work as Chairman of the Speakers Bureau of LEAVE A LEGACY® Southeast Michigan, a program of the Planned Giving Round Table of Southeast Michigan.

• KEVIN KALCZYNSKI NAMED AS "FUTURE STAR" IN BENCHMARK LITIGATION FOR 2010

  
  BSDD member Kevin Kalczynski was named as a "Future Star" in the 2010 edition of Benchmark Litigation, an annual leading guide to America's top litigation firms and attorneys. Benchmark Litigation is the only publication that focuses exclusively on the U.S. litigation market. Benchmark Litigation's researchers look for attorneys and firms nationwide who can handle the most complex, high-stakes litigation cases and poll the leading litigation professionals, in-house counsel and business owners in each of these practice areas in determining the nation's top firms and top partners in each category. Recognition as a "Future Star" is reflective of those individuals who were recommended consistently as reputable and effective litigations by peers, competitors and clients.

• ERICA L. FITZGERALD RECOGNIZED AMONG 20 "UP & COMING LAWYERS" IN MICHIGAN LAWYERS WEEKLY
  
  

  BSDD member Erica L. Fitzgerald was selected as one of 20 "Up & Coming Lawyers" by Michigan Lawyers Weekly for the year 2009. This annual selection recognizes the best and brightest young attorneys in the state. Ms. Fitzgerald was honored at an awards luncheon and profiled in the November 2 issue of the Michigan Lawyers Weekly.

• TODD R. MENDEL RECOGNIZED FOR PRO-BONO EFFORTS

  The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan has recognized BSDD member Todd Mendel for his outstanding pro bono legal work. As detailed in the November 11, 2009 issue of the Detroit Legal News, Mr. Mendel spent hundreds of hours over three separate years diligently pursuing a prisoner civil rights case, including conducting a jury trial, before the Honorable Avern Cohn.

• EUGENE DRIKER ELECTED AS CHAIRMAN OF WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
  
  

  Eugene Driker was elected as second chairman of the Wayne State University Foundation board. Driker, one of the founding members of Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, is a WSU alumnus and a member of the University's board of governors. He is currently working to help the law school raise $5.7 million to fund the Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights building. To date, they have raised approximately $4 million.

• ROBERT E. KASS PRESENTS BEFORE HENRY FORD HEALTH SYSTEM
  
  

  Robert E. Kass recently gave a presentation to Major Gift Officers of Henry Ford Health System (HFHS), on planned giving in the current economic climate and in view of likely changes in the estate tax, hosted by Jeanne Katz Maxbauer, Senior Director, Principal Gifts and Planned Giving of HFHS.

  Kass' practice is concentrated in the areas of estate planning, wealth preservation, and planned giving. He is a member of the Professional Advisory Committee of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit and the Board of Directors of LEAVE A LEGACY® Southeast Michigan, and pro bono advisor to numerous local and international charities.

• SIX BARRIS, SOTT, DENN & DRIKER ATTORNEYS HAVE BEEN NAMED TO THE 2010 EDITION OF BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA

  
  William G. Barris, Sharon M. Woods, Eugene Driker, Daniel M. Share, Robert E. Kass, and James S. Fontichiaro have been named as Best Lawyers In America for the 2010 edition of the publication.  Barris and Driker have been recognized for over twenty years.  Barris was also recently named by Best Lawyers in America as the “Detroit Best Lawyers Real Estate Lawyer of the Year” for the year 2009.  Both Driker and Woods were honored for their practice as commercial litigators as well as being called to take on “Bet-the-Company” litigation.  Woods was also named as a Best Lawyer in the field of professional liability defense litigation.  Kass was named a Best Lawyer in the field of Trusts and Estates.  Barris, Share, and Fontichiaro were named Best Lawyers for their real estate expertise.
  
  

  Pictured Clockwise: William G. Barris, Eugene Driker, Sharon M. Woods, Daniel M. Share, Robert E. Kass, and James S. Fontichiaro.

• GUIDING LEGACIES: ATTORNEY BOB KASS HELPS HIS CLIENTS MAKE LASTING IMPRESSIONS
  
  

  Detroit estate planning attorney Bob Kass encourages clients to “Make A Difference in the Lives That Follow.”It’s a path he’s followed for more than 25 years, helping clients with estate planning, wealth preservation, and charitable giving through their estate plans. In addition to the traditional drafting of wills and trusts, Kass – an attorney with Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker in Detroit – specializes in wealth preservation techniques, succession planning, probate and trust administration, post-mortem planning, estate tax return preparation, gift and estate tax audits and appeals, and estate related claims and litigation.  Read More.

  
  

• BARRIS, SOTT, DENN & DRIKER LAWYERS RECEIVE RECOGNITION: DRIKER RECOGNIZED AS AMONG "TOP TEN" LAWYERS IN MICHIGAN AND 13 RECOGNIZED AS MICHIGAN "SUPER LAWYERS" FOR 2009

  
  Law & Politics Media, Inc. recently named 13 members of Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker as "Super Lawyers" in the State of Michigan. They are: Eugene Driker, William G. Barris, Todd R. Mendel, Dennis M. Barnes, Stephen E. Glazek, Josh J. Moss, Daniel M. Share, Morley Witus, C. David Bargamian, James S. Fontichiaro, Robert E. Kass, Eric S. Rosenthal, and Sharon M. Woods.

  Eugene Driker was named as one of the top 10 attorneys in the state. He and Sharon Woods were also named as two of top 100 attorneys in the state. Woods was also named as one of the top 50 women lawyers in the state.

  The publication also named Driker, Mendel, Moss, Rosenthal, Witus, Woods, Barnes, and Glazek for excelling in the field of business litigation; honored Barris, Share, Fontichiaro, and Bargamian as among the top real estate attorneys in the state; and recognized Kass as a top estate planning attorney in the state.
  
  

  From left to right are: Todd R. Mendel, Josh J. Moss, Eric S. Rosenthal, Morley Witus, Dennis M. Barnes, Stephen E. Glazek, William G. Barris, Daniel M. Share, James S. Fontichiaro, C. David Bargamian and Robert E. Kass.

  The "Super Lawyer" designation is limited to 5% of Michigan lawyers who are selected through a rigorous process of peer nomination and review and independent research by Law & Politics Media, Inc.

• BARRIS, SOTT, DENN & DRIKER LAWYERS RECEIVE RECOGNITION FOR PRO-BONO WORK

Todd R. Mendel, Rebecca Simkins, and Hayley E. Rohn-Davé were recently honored for their pro-bono efforts by the judges of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Mr. Mendel, a member of the firm, practices in a wide variety of commercial and business litigation. Ms. Simkins, a member of the firm, practices primarily in employment law. Ms. Rohn-Davé, an associate of the firm, practices primarily in estate and tax planning.

• KEVIN KALCZYNSKI OF BARRIS, SOTT, DENN & DRIKER IS RE-ELECTED AS CHAIRPERSON OF THE ROYAL OAK DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AND NAMED A “FUTURE STAR” IN A LEADING GUIDE ON AMERICA’S TOP ATTORNEYS

Detroit law firm Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, P.L.L.C. is pleased to announce that one of its members, Kevin Kalczynski, was re-elected as Chairperson of the Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The DDA’s mission is to promote economic growth and revitalization in downtown Royal Oak. Mr. Kalczynski has been a member of the DDA since 2005 and has been elected Chairperson every year since 2006.

Mr. Kalczynski was also recently named as a “Future Star” in the 2009 edition of Benchmark Litigation, a leading guide to America’s top litigation firms and attorneys.

• WILLIAM G. BARRIS OF BARRIS, SOTT, DENN & DRIKER IS BEST LAWYERS DETROIT REAL ESTATE LAWYER OF THE YEAR FOR 2009

Detroit law firm Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, P.L.L.C. is pleased to announce that one of its members, William G. Barris, was named by Best Lawyers in America as the “Detroit Best Lawyers Real Estate Lawyer of the Year” for 2009. He is a partner in the Detroit-based firm, is chairman of its Real Estate Department and concentrates his practice on representation of developers and on lending and secured transactions. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America for over 20 years.

• KEVIN KALCZYNSKI OF BARRIS, SOTT, DENN & DRIKER PRESENTS BEFORE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS ASSOCIATION LEGAL COUNCIL (OESA)

Detroit law firm Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, P.L.L.C. is pleased to announce that one of its members, Kevin Kalczynski, recently gave a presentation to the OESA entitled Practical Considerations for Saving Costs and Efficiency of Outside Counsel.

Kevin’s practice includes a wide variety of business litigation, including legal malpractice, construction and lender liability litigation. Additionally, he has experience in representing real estate developers in urban infill projects as well as experience representing small companies in general corporate matters. Kevin is also the Chairperson of the Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority.

• BARRIS, SOTT, DENN & DRIKER PROMOTES ERICA FITZGERALD TO MEMBER

Detroit law firm Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, P.L.L.C. is pleased to announce that Erica Fitzgerald has become a member of the firm. Ms. Fitzgerald graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 2001 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction from the University of Michigan College of Literature, Science and the Arts in 1995. Her practice covers all aspects of commercial litigation. She also assists clients with their business immigration needs.

• SIX BARRIS, SOTT, DENN & DRIKER ATTORNEYS RECOGNIZED BY BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA FOR 2008

William G. Barris, Eugene Driker, James S. Fontichiaro, Robert E. Kass, Daniel M. Share and Sharon M. Woods of Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, P.L.L.C. have been named as Best Lawyers In America for the 2008 edition of the publication. Read More.

• BSDD Newsletter- Estate Planning in an Era of Constant Uncertainty

• BSDD Celebrates 40th Anniversary
  
  

• Best Lawyers In America 2007 Edition

• FIVE BARRIS, SOTT, DENN & DRIKER ATTORNEYS NAMED BEST LAWYERS IN AMERICA FOR 2007

William G. Barris, Eugene Driker, James S. Fontichiaro, Daniel M. Share and Sharon Woods of Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, P.L.L.C. have been named as five of the Best Lawyers In America for the 2007 edition of the publication. 

Both Driker and Woods were honored for their practice as commercial litigators as well as being called on to take on “Bet-the-Company” litigation.

Woods was also named as a Best Lawyer in the fields of employment law, and professional liability defense litigation.

Barris, Share, and Fontichiaro were named Best Lawyers for their real estate expertise.

• NINE BARRIS, SOTT, DENN & DRIKER ATTORNEYS HONORED AS “SUPER LAWYERS”

  Eugene Driker Named Top Lawyer in the State

Law & Politics Media, Inc. recently named Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker attorneys Eugene Driker, William G. Barris, Sharon M. Woods, Robert E. Kass, Daniel M. Share, James S. Fontichiaro, C. David Bargamian, Todd R. Mendel and Dennis M. Barnes as “Super Lawyers” in the state of Michigan.

Preeminent Detroit attorney and one of the founding members of the firm, Eugene Driker, received the distinct honor of being named the top lawyer in the state of Michigan for his work in complex business litigation, alternative dispute resolution and business and corporate counseling.

The publication named Woods, Mendel, and Barnes for excelling in the field of business litigation; honored Barris for practicing in the areas of real estate, tax-exempt, and business and corporate counseling law; listed Kass as a top attorney in the area of estate planning; recognized Share for his work in real estate, business litigation, and business and corporate counseling; and acknowledged Fontichiaro and Bargamian as among the top real estate attorneys in the state.

Only the top 5% of the lawyers in the state achieve the distinction of being named a “Super Lawyer.” Such honorees must pass a rigorous process of peer nomination and review and independent research by Law & Politics Media, Inc.

*Super Lawyer is a designation Law & Politics magazine gives the top 5% of lawyers as rated by attorneys in their region.
 

• Michigan Super Lawyers – Eugene Driker
  
  

• CHAMBERS USA HONORS BSDD AS ONE OF AMERICA'S LEADING LAW FIRMS

Chambers USA recently named Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, P.L.L.C. as one of America’s top law firms for its litigation and real estate practices.

The publication also individually honored two of the firm’s attorneys, Eugene Driker and Sharon Woods as leading litigation specialists in the state of Michigan, as well as William G. Barris as one of the state’s top real estate attorneys. 

Eugene Driker was singled out as a “Star Performer,” and was the only attorney in Michigan to receive that designation.

Law firms and individual attorneys receive recognition by Chambers USA only after completing a thorough evaluation process, which includes half-hour interviews with clients and other attorneys to determine whether a candidate possesses the required technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial awareness/astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by clients.

• Eugene Driker Elected to WSU Board of Governors

After completing his first term on the Wayne State University Board of Governors, Eugene Driker has been elected for a second term in the November election.

Eugene Driker's involvement with Wayne State goes back more than 50 years as a student, parent of students, adjunct faculty member, active fundraiser, and, most recently, a member of its Board of Governors. He has worked hard on the Board to insure that Wayne State continues to provide a first-class, affordable education, particularly to those who have no other realistic option. Mr. Driker, along with more than 200,000 other Michigan citizens who are Wayne State graduates know how important this university is to our state.

• ATTORNEY DANIEL SHARE RE-ELECTED AS PRESIDENT OF OAKLAND SCHOOLS

Daniel Share, a member of the law firm of Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, P.L.L.C. was recently re-elected to another term as President of Oakland Schools. 

Oakland Schools is an intermediate school district that covers Oakland County as well as parts of Livingston and Genesee Counties.  As president, Mr. Share oversees a district that serves more than 200,000 students in general education, special education, and career-focused education.

Share has a broad legal practice concentrating on real estate, business transactions, corporate law, and commercial litigation.  He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1976.

 

• DETROIT ATTORNEY REBECCA SIMKINS SESLAR HONORED FOR DEDICATION TO COMMUNITY SERVICE AS A COMMUNITY LEGAL RESOURCES VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 

  
  Community Legal Resources recently selected Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker attorney Rebecca Simkins Seslar to be one of its two Volunteers of the Year.  
  
  Community Legal Resources is an organization that connects attorneys with non-profit organizations dedicated to working with  disadvantaged communities and individuals that could not otherwise afford legal representation.  Seslar concentrates her practice in the area of labor and employment law.  Seslar received the award due to her work with several non-profit organizations, including drafting employment policies and ensuring legal compliance and counseling through specific employment situations. Seslar serves on the State Bar of Michigan’s Council of the Law Practice Management Section, the Board of Directors of the Northville Chamber of Commerce and numerous other community organizations.  For ten years, while practicing law, Seslar was also an adjunct professor at the Michigan State University College of Law. Click on the link, above, to see a copy of the article.

• ATTORNEY ROBERT KASS ELECTED TO THE BOARD OF PLANNED GIVING ROUNDTABLE OF SOUTHEAST  MICHIGAN

Robert Kass, a member of the law firm Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, P.L.L.C. was recently elected to the Board of Planned Giving Roundtable of Southeast Michigan.

The Roundtable is an organization of leading professionals in the legal, financial, fundraising, and related fields.  The organization provides educational, informational, and networking opportunities to support philanthropists and their advisors about planned giving methods.

Kass is the chair of the firm’s Tax, Estate Planning & Probate Group.  A Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, he practices in the areas of taxation, estate planning, and probate and trust administration.  He earned his J.D. (cum laude) from the University of Michigan Law School and his LL.M in taxation from New York University.  He co-authored the book What do We do Now?  A Practical Guide to Estate Administration for Widows, Widowers and Heirs.

• Wayne State University Law School Honors Ceremony

Eugene Driker of Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker congratulated students who were recipients of the Frances and Charles Driker Scholarship at the annual Wayne State University Law School Honors Convocation ceremony held November 17. Click on the link, above, to see a copy of the article.

• KEVIN KALCZYNSKI ELECTED CHAIR OF THE ROYAL OAK DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Kevin Kalczynski, a partner in the Detroit law firm Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker, PLLC, was recently elected Chairperson of the Royal Oak Downtown Development Authority.
 

As chair of the DDA, Kalczynski heads the ten member board, which strives to build on the positive image of downtown Royal Oak by supporting existing businesses while attracting consumers, investors, developers and new businesses to the community.  Kalczynski has been a member of the Authority since 2005.

Kalczynski joined Barris, Sott, Denn & Driker in 2000 after graduating cum laude from Wayne State University Law School.  His practice includes representation of companies in complex litigation, defense of professional liability actions, and real estate and corporate counseling.

Active in the community, Kalczynski also serves as a member of the State Bar of Michigan’s Ethics, Judicial and Professional Committee, the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association’s Judicial Candidate Evaluation Committee, and is a past president of St. Aloysius Parish in downtown Detroit.

• Insider Newsmakers - Kevin Kalczynski: Lawyer Helps Develop Royal Oak
  
  

• Robert Kass Interviewed for LEAVE A LEGACY^TM

Robert Kass, who chairs the BSD&D Tax, Estate Planning and Probate Group, recently appeared on cable television in Wyandotte and Dearborn, Michigan, on behalf of LEAVE A LEGACY™, a public awareness program of the Planned Giving Roundtable of Southeast Michigan. These interviews will air in more than 20 communities.

The goal of LEAVE A LEGACY™ is to promote charitable giving on death through wills, trusts, life insurance and retirement plans. The purpose of the program is to inspire people of from all walks of life and all income levels to think beyond their lifetime when doing good works – to make a difference in the lives that follow.

Bob chairs the LEAVE A LEGACY™ Speaker’s Bureau, which is available to provide interviews, talks and seminars throughout Southeast Michigan, and is part of nationwide effort headed by the National Committee on Planning Giving. For more information on LEAVE A LEGACY™, please call 1-888-826-7900.