&L J LACEY&JONES
OVERVIEW OF FIRM Lacey & Jones enjoys the reputation of being one of the oldest and most respected civil litigation defense firms in Michigan. Since the firm s founding in 1912, we have established a strong relationship with businesses and insurers. Our firm strives to continue to produce the best legal representation possible to our clients. We recognize each client s particular needs, whether to quickly negotiate a resolution or a claim, challenge non-meritorious claims through the trial process, or establish new law through the appellate courts. Our attorneys offer our clients experience, integrity and commitment. We provide quality legal representation in the areas of workers compensation trial work and appellate practice; civil litigation, including defense of first party and third party motor vehicle claims; general insurance claims; personal injury claims; subrogation and commercial litigation. In addition, our Of Counsel attorneys specialize in areas including wills, estates and trusts, probate, family law, business matters, bankruptcy, social security, Medicare/elder and tax law. We practice in all State of Michigan courts and Michigan federal courts and before numerous administrative agencies. We also have attorneys who are admitted to practice law in Florida and Ohio. Lacey & Jones is committed to providing our clients with the finest legal services with an emphasis on personal contact and reasonable fees. If we may be of assistance to you in regard to your legal matters, please contact any of our attorneys directly. WORKERS COMPENSATION LITIGATION Our Workers Compensation Litigation practice group is comprised of seven attorneys: Carrie Geroux Barrett, William A. Day, Dawn M. Drobnich, Benjamin T. Liggett, D. Michael McCann, J. Patrick O Neill, Robert H. Orlowski, Jr., and Sean J. Powers. Lacey & Jones is proud to note that the founder of the firm, Ralph B. Lacey, is reported to have defended the first workers compensation case in Michigan upon passage of the original Workmen s Compensation Act in 1912. Since that time, Lacey & Jones has been at the forefront of and has been instrumental in defining the landscape of workers compensation law in Michigan. Our trial attorneys have the expertise and knowledge to tackle the ever-changing defense of workers disability compensation claims for our clients. We are experienced in all phases of the claim process. We are available to consult on complex cases when payments are being made either voluntarily or by court order. We can assist in developing ongoing claims handling strategies to achieve an injured worker s return to work or to negotiate a settlement. In litigated cases, our trial attorneys aggressively defend applications for mediation or hearing and Rule V hearings. In appropriate cases, we prosecute applications for determination of rights, recoupment and vocational rehabilitation. Our workers compensation litigation attorneys also work closely with our civil litigation attorneys in identifying subrogation cases and protecting workers compensation liens.
APPEALS & LEGAL RESEARCH One of the major ways Lacey & Jones distinguishes our firm from other firms is by the emphasis we place on our Appellate Department. Having long ago recognized that effective appellate representation demands different skills than those required by litigation attorneys, Lacey & Jones established a separate appellate division. Our Appellate Department has, over the years, created a body of precedent that has literally defined defense interests in this state. Over the last twenty five years, our Appellate Department has been responsible for over one hundred and fifty published Supreme Court and Court of Appeals decisions on workers compensation and civil liability issues. Gerald M. Marcinkoski, our appellate attorney, is a recognized expert in Michigan workers compensation defense appellate practice. Mr. Marcinkoski, assisted by our appellate staff, excels at handling workers compensation appeals to the Workers Compensation Appellate Commission, Michigan Court of Appeals and Michigan Supreme Court. CIVIL LITIGATION Our Civil Litigation practice group is comprised of Dennis E. Zacharski, Kathleen McNichol Behn, and D. Michael McCann. They are ably supported by our staff of legal assistants and legal secretaries. The Civil Litigation Department handles a variety of claims, including products liability, construction liability, intentional torts, general negligence, motor vehicle negligence, no-fault, workers compensation liens and subrogation, auto subrogation, toxic torts, insurance claims, coverage disputes, contract claims, commercial account collections and commercial vehicle violations. We handle employment related claims in both state and federal venues, including claims brought pursuant to the Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and OSHA and MIOSHA investigations. Our attorneys work with clients in the decision-making process in case handling and evaluation in order to achieve favorable results in an early and most efficient manner. These activities include evaluations pre-suit and in the early stages of litigation; litigation budgeting; and efficient case management, including the use of legal assistants when appropriate. We assist our clients in rendering legal opinions in both litigated and non-litigated matters and provide information on the current state of the law. We are committed to the concept of alternative dispute resolution in appropriate cases, and are familiar with the process as our attorneys serve as circuit court mediators, private mediators and arbitrators.
NEWSLETTER & EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS Lacey & Jones publishes a monthly newsletter concerning recent court decisions, pending legislation and new developments in the everchanging legal arena. The Lacey & Jones Reporter allows the firm to provide up-to-date information to our clients. Our newsletters are available on our website for your review. Our attorneys are available to present seminars on relevant topics to individual clients as well as to our broad client base. FEES Expertise, results, and longevity are important but, particularly in the present economic environment, Lacey & Jones appreciates that costs are paramount. Through the years, Lacey & Jones has worked with our clients to respond to changing needs and concerns. Whether you need one attorney or a team to address your legal issues, Lacey & Jones manages our clients assignments efficiently and cost effectively. Constant communication with our clients is a hallmark of our client service approach. We are committed to providing the highest quality legal services for our clients at a reasonable cost. Our fees can be tailored to our clients particular needs. We traditionally have an hourly fee arrangement with our clients. If an alternative fee arrangement is desired, we work with our clients to reach a mutually agreeable fee arrangement. We are able to submit invoices at any interval and in any format that is desired. &L J LACEY&JONES 600 S. Adams Road, Suite 300 Birmingham, MI 48009 Tel: 248.433.1414 Fax: 248.433.1241 www.laceyjones.com
SELF INSURED CLIENTS Archdiocese of Detroit Ann Arbor Public Schools AT & T AutoZone, Inc. Bedford Public Schools Birmingham Public Schools Chippewa Valley Schools Chrysler LLC City of Dearborn Heights City of Garden City City of Highland Park City of Livonia City of Monroe City of Royal Oak Consumers Energy County of Oakland County of Washtenaw County of Wayne David J. Stanton & Associates Dearborn Public Schools Detroit Public Schools Domino s Pizza, Inc. Eastern Michigan University Farmington Public Schools Federal Screw Works General Motors Corporation Guardian Industries Hardwoods of Michigan Highland Park Schools Lakeview Public Schools Lenawee Health Alliance Little Caesar Enterprises Meijer Stores, LP Mercy Memorial Hospital Metal Working Industries of Michigan Oakland Community College Pilot Travel Plymouth-Canton Community Schools Tri-County Beverage TRW, Incorporated United Parcel Service U.S. Manufacturing Corporation U S Steel Wackenhut Corporation Warren Consolidated Schools Waterford Township Wayne County Airport Authority William Beaumont Hospital 600 S. Adams Road, Suite 300 Birmingham, MI 48009 Tel: 248.433.1414 Fax: 248.433.1241 www.laceyjones.com
OTHER CLIENTS Accident Fund Insurance Company of America Adjusting Services Unlimited Affiliated FM Insurance AIG Claim Services, Inc. Alternative Concepts Amerisure Companies Amica Mutual Insurance ARAMARK Auto Owners Insurance AZ Automotive Corporation Broadspire Cambridge Integrated Services Group CIGNA Citizens Insurance Company Citizens Management CNA Insurance Company Comprehensive Risk Services Constitution State Service Company Cranbrook Claims Management Crawford & Company Eagle Claims Management Eaton Corporation Farmers Insurance Company Federated Mutual Insurance Fincor Solutions Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc. GMAC Insurance Holyoke Mutual Insurance ITT Hartford Liberty Mutual Insurance Group Meadowbrook Insurance Met Life Auto & Home Metropolitan Property and Liability Michigan Municipal League North American Dismantling OneBeacon Insurance Presidium, Inc. Rent-A-Center Rock-Tenn Company RTW Michigan, Inc. Second Injury Fund Sedgwick Claims Management Services Silicosis and Dust Disease Fund Soave Enterprises Specialty Risk Services State of Michigan, Self Insurers Security Fund Travelers Insurance Company Westfield Companies Willis Administrative Services 600 S. Adams Road, Suite 300 Birmingham, MI 48009 Tel: 248.433.1414 Fax: 248.433.1241 www.laceyjones.com
MEMBERS OF THE FIRM CARRIE GEROUX BARRETT born Royal Oak, Michigan, July 13, 1964; admitted to bar, 1989, Michigan and U. S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan. Education: Kalamazoo College (B.A., 1986); University of Detroit School of Law (J.D., 1989). Recipient: Moffat Scholarship, 1989; Public Corporation Law Section Scholarship, 1987; Best Oral Advocate Moot Court Award, 1987. Activities: Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International, Business Law Journal. Member: State Bar of Michigan (Workers Compensation Section); Michigan Self Insurers Association; Oakland County Bar Association; Detroit Bar Association; Federal Bar Association. Workers Compensation Law. KATHLEEN McNICHOL BEHN born Detroit, Michigan, March 20, 1954; admitted to bar, 1981, Michigan and U. S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan; 1992, U. S. Supreme Court; 1996, U. S. District Court, Western District of Michigan. Managing Partner. Education: Michigan State University (B.S., with honors, 1975); Wayne State University (M.B.A., 1978; J.D., 1980). Member: State Bar of Michigan; Detroit and Oakland County Bar Associations; Mediation Tribunal Association; Michigan Defense Trial Counsel; Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. Civil Practice, Negligence and Insurance Defense Law. WILLIAM A. DAY born Detroit, Michigan, June 3, 1950; admitted to bar, 1975, Michigan. Education: University of Michigan (B.A., 1972); Wayne State University (J.D., 1975). Member: State Bar of Michigan (Workers Compensation Section); Michigan Self Insurers Association. Workers Compensation Law. DAWN M. DROBNICH born Detroit, Michigan, April 27, 1965; admitted to bar, 1990, Michigan and U. S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan. Education: University of Michigan (B.A., cum laude, 1987); Tulane University (J.D., 1990). Recipient: American Jurisprudence Awards in Interschool Junior and Senior Trial Competitions; Louisiana Trial Lawyers Association Moot Court Award. Member: State Bar of Michigan (Workers Compensation Section); Moot Court Board, 1989-1990; National Trial Team, 1989-1990; Order of the Barristers; Oakland County Bar Association; American Bar Association; Women Lawyers Association of Michigan; Polish Advocates Bar Association (Vice President); Michigan Self Insurers Association. Workers Compensation Law. BENJAMIN T. LIGGETT born Flint, Michigan, December 30, 1977; admitted to bar, 2003, Michigan. Education: University of Michigan (B.A., 2000); Wayne State University (J.D., 2003). Member: State Bar of Michigan (Workers Compensation Section); Michigan Self Insurers Association. Workers Compensation Law. GERALD M. MARCINKOSKI born Detroit, Michigan, October 5, 1950; admitted to bar, 1980, Michigan; 1986, U. S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit. Education: Wayne State University (B.A., 1974); University of Detroit (J.D., 1980). Executive Secretary of the Michigan Self-Insurers Association. Listed as one of The Best Lawyers In America. Special Assistant Attorney General, State of Michigan. Associate editor of the State Bar s periodical distributed to all members of the Workers Compensation Section of the State Bar. Editor: Michigan Workers Compensation Reporter. Recipient: 1995 Distinguished Supreme Court Brief Award. Former Adjunct Member of the Workers Compensation Appeal Board. Arbitrator in Workers Compensation. Research Assistant, Causation in Workers Compensation Cases: The Michigan Experience, 27 Wayne Law Review 1079, Spring, 1981; and a Vanderbilt Law Review article critiquing the approach to mental disabilities in workers compensation systems of various states throughout the country. Member: State Bar of Michigan (Workers Compensation Section); Council of Workers Compensation Section of the Michigan State Bar; Advocates Bar Association; Michigan Self Insurers Association. Presents talks on workers compensation matters to the Michigan Self Insurers Association, the Association of General Contractors, the Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Evaluation Specialists, and the Institute of Continuing Legal Education. Appellate Practice, Workers Compensation and Personal Injury Law. Continued
D. MICHAEL McCANN born Zanesville, Ohio, March 26, 1951; admitted to bar, 1977, Michigan and U. S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan; 1990 U. S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit. Education: Western Michigan University (B.S., 1973); University of Detroit School of Law (J.D., 1977). Member: State Bar of Michigan; Michigan Defense Trial Counsel; Attorney Discipline Board Panel Member. Employment Discrimination and Labor Law, Negligence Law, Trial Practice and Workers Compensation Law. SEAN J. POWERS born Grosse Pointe, Michigan, February 8, 1964; admitted to bar, 1989, Michigan and U. S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan. Education: University of Michigan (A.B., 1986); Wayne State University (J.D., 1989). Recipient: American Jurisprudence Award. Litigator: Moot Court. Elected Officer: The Federalist Society for Law & Public Policy Studies. Member: State Bar of Michigan (Workers Compensation Section); Michigan Self Insurers Association. Workers Compensation Law. J. PATRICK O NEILL born Detroit, Michigan, March 2, 1956; admitted to bar, 1987, Michigan and U. S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan; admitted to Florida bar, 1990. Education: Wayne State University (B.S., 1980); Detroit College of Law (J.D., 1987). Member: State Bar of Michigan (Workers Compensation Section); Michigan Self Insurers Association; State Bar of Florida. Workers Compensation and Social Security Disability Law. ROBERT H. ORLOWSKI, JR. born Detroit, Michigan, December 14, 1964; admitted to bar, 1990, Michigan and U. S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan. Education: University of Michigan (B.A., 1987); Wayne State University (J.D., 1990). American Jurisprudence Award (Trusts and Decedents Estates). Member: State Bar of Michigan (Workers Compensation Section); Michigan Self Insurers Association. Workers Compensation Law. DENNIS E. ZACHARSKI born Detroit, Michigan, February 25, 1951; admitted to bar, 1977, Michigan and U. S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan; 1988, U. S. Supreme Court; 1990, U. S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit; 1993, Ohio. Education: University of Michigan (B.B.A., 1973); Michigan State University College of Law (J.D., cum laude, 1976). Member: Oakland County and Ohio State Bar Associations; State Bar of Michigan; Association of Defense Trial Counsel; Mediation Tribunal Association; Panel of Arbitrators, American Arbitration Association; The Association of Trial Lawyers of America. Listed in Who s Who in American Law. Negligence, Trial Practice and Insurance Law. 600 S. Adams Road, Suite 300 Birmingham, MI 48009 Tel: 248.433.1414 Fax: 248.433.1241 www.laceyjones.com
OF COUNSEL ROBERT L. BEARDSLEE born Detroit, Michigan, December 13, 1950; admitted to bar, 1978, Michigan and U. S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan; 1988, U. S. Supreme Court. Education: Michigan State University (B.A., 1973); Wayne State University (J.D., 1977). Member: National Association of Chapter 13 Trustees, State Bar of Michigan (Business Law, Family Law, Probate and Estate Planning Sections). Bankruptcy and Creditor s Rights, Estate Planning and Domestic Relations law. TIMOTHY C. LIGGETT born Kalamazoo, Michigan, August 22, 1948; admitted to bar, 1973, Michigan. Education: Hope College (B.A., 1970); Wayne State University (J.D. 1973). Member: State Bar of Michigan (Workers Compensation Section). Workers Compensation Law. THOMAS M. RIPLEY born Kalamazoo, Michigan, January 16, 1961; admitted to bar, 1987, Michigan and U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan. Education: Michigan State University - James Madison College (B.A., 1983); University of Detroit (J.D., 1986). Member: State Bar of Michigan (Negligence Law Section). Workers Compensation, Personal Injury, Negligence Insurance Law. MICHAEL R. SUGAR born Detroit, Michigan, October 2, 1948; admitted to bar, 1975, Michigan. Education: University of Michigan (B.A., 1970); Wayne State University (J.D., 1974). Member: State Bar of Michigan; Michigan Association for Justice. Workers Compensation, Social Security Disability, Medicare and Elder Law. THOMAS H. O CONNOR born Milwaukee, Wisconsin, May 17, 1943; admitted to bar, 1969, Michigan and U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan. Education: University of Detroit (B.A., 1965); Detroit College of Law (J.D., 1969). Assistant Oakland County Prosecutor 1969-1971. Member: State Bar of Michigan, Oakland County Bar Association, Society of Incorporated Irish American Lawyers. Construction, Criminal, Divorce, Collections, and Personal Injury Law. JACK F. WHEATLEY born Eva, Tennessee, July 28, 1936; admitted to bar, 1968, Michigan; 1975, U. S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan. Education: Wayne State University (B.S., in Pharmacy, 1960); Wayne State University (J.D., cum laude, 1967). Recipient: American Jurisprudence Awards, Contracts and Corporations. Director of Bureau of Workers Compensation of Michigan, 1991-2002. General Motors Legal Staff, 1968-1991. Director of Unemployment Agency, 1997-2002. Member: State Bar of Michigan; Michigan Self Insurers Association. Workers Compensation Law; Public Utilities Regulation before Both State and Federal Regulatory Agencies. 600 S. Adams Road, Suite 300 Birmingham, MI 48009 Tel: 248.433.1414 Fax: 248.433.1241 www.laceyjones.com