Courtney Nichols

Andrea DeFrain has moved to of-counsel status after practicing since 1981 and as a member of the Bodman High Net Worth Practice Group since 2005. Ms. DeFrain concentrated her practice in the areas of estate planning, estate and gift taxation, and probate administration. During her career, she was an adviser to individuals and families on a variety of personal and related tax matters. She continues to participate in the firm’s representation of certain clients. In addition, Ms. DeFrain h...

Jennifer Hetu’s practice focuses on trademark law and brand protection. She advises businesses of all sizes on a wide range of trademark matters in the U.S. and international markets, collaborates with foreign law firms on worldwide trademark protection, and provides counseling regarding U.S. use and registration. She also counsels businesses in the rapidly growing cannabis industry on how to navigate trademark protection strategies in the current landscape. She is a former trademark at...

Derek Brackon is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Derek, who practices law in Farmington Hills, Michigan, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Derek is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mr. Stearns is a Member in Dickinson Wright’s Troy and Saginaw offices and Chair of the Patent Prosecution Practice Group. He has over 25 years of experience in the legal industry, particularly in the area of patents. Mr. Stearns maintains a very active patent practice with clients in the automotive industry as well as medical device, pharmaceutical and light rail. He handles all aspects of patent law, including preparing and filing original applications, responses, appeals, reexaminati...

Diane M. Soubly is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Employment Law - Management and Litigation - ERISA. Diane M., who practices law in Birmingham, Michigan, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Diane M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Roberta Granadier’s practice focuses on employee benefits and executive compensation. She works with private, public and governmental employers on their qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, executive and incentive compensation programs, ESOPs and insured and self-insured health plans. Ms. Granadier has extensive experience with benefits issues in corporate transactions, including change of control parachute excise taxes, plan terminations and spin-offs and transition of benefit...

Joan C. Skrzyniarz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Joan C., who practices law in Troy, Michigan, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joan C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Isaac T. Slutsky is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Patent Law. Isaac T., who practices law in Royal Oak, Michigan, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Isaac T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kara Ferrara is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Kara, who practices law in Troy, Michigan, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kara is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael D. Turner is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Patent Law. Michael D., who practices law in Royal Oak, Michigan, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.