Herbert Sott, one of the pre-eminent real estate attorneys in Michigan and a founding member of the Detroit law firm of Barris, Sott,  Denn & Driker, P.L.L.C., passed away on Friday, March 16th, after a prolonged illness.
 
     Mr. Sott was born in Detroit and attended the University of Michigan.  He left college to serve in the United States Navy during World War II.  After his discharge, he returned to the University to finish his studies, earning a Master's Degree in Business Administration and a Juris Doctor Degree from the Law School.
 
     In 1947, Mr. Sott joined the Detroit law firm of Friedman, Meyers & Keys and began a long and distinguished career which spanned six decades.  In 1968, he co-founded the Barris, Sott firm with his longtime friend and law partner, Donald E. Barris, and four other attorneys from his prior firm. 
 
     Herb was the moving force in structuring many cutting edge real estate transactions.  He was an innovator, establishing the structure for real estate investments that was later followed by many practitioners.
 
     Bill Barris, Herb's longtime colleague and partner remembers Herb fondly.  "Herb was my mentor", Bill said.  "He was a true gentlemen in every sense and a brilliant real estate attorney.  I was fortunate to be the recipient of his vast knowledge.  The founders of our firm set the highest standards for the practice of law", Barris continued.  "We are both the beneficiaries and protectors of this legacy.  They established the foundation, and we stand on their shoulders."
 
     Herb is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine, his daughters, Lesley Sott Geary and her fiance, David Gottlieb, and Lynne Sott Jackson, whom he adored; his grandchildren, George W. Nickel III and his fiancee, Caroline Edwards, and Andrea Mignon Jackson [Corey] Gates and Kathryn Jackson; and his sister, Edna Rossenas.  Herb is also loved and mourned by Elaine's children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Bob [Pam] Sorock, Sallyjo [Barry] Levine, Cathy [Bernie] Polen, Stacey [Greg] Gutowsky, Brad [Salle] Sorock, Lissa [Paul] Hussian, Amy Levine, Nikki Polen, Andrew Polen, Bryan Gutowsky, Lane Gutowsky, Huck Sorock and Piper Sorock.
 
     Burial was at White Chapel Cemetery on Monday morning, March 19th.  Following the graveside service, there was a memorial service at Temple Beth El, Birmingham, Michigan and a gathering in the Temple's social hall.