May 2026 Pacesetter Kara Weisman
Vahdat Weisman | Livonia

What motivated you to become a trial lawyer? Advocacy and justice have always been central to who I am. Over time, I’ve developed a niche representing victims of sexual assault, particularly those with disabilities and those who are most vulnerable. This work is deeply meaningful to me. There is no greater responsibility, or reward, than giving a voice to individuals who have been unheard and standing beside them and their families as they seek accountability and justice. 

When did you become a member of MAJ? Why did you decide to join? I first joined MAJ in March of 2018. I decided to join because I wanted to be part of a community of like-minded trial lawyers committed to collaboration, advocacy, and promoting justice. MAJ provided me with an opportunity to learn from others, share ideas, and collectively work toward protecting the rights of injured individuals across Michigan. The outreach and support I’ve received over the years has been invaluable. 

Why do you feel it is important for trial lawyers to be a part of MAJ? In this profession, there are moments- especially during trial or contentious hearings- when you need immediate guidance or support, and MAJ members consistently show up for one another. That sense of community and willingness to help is incredibly important. 

Please describe the extent of your MAJ participation (offices held, committees, AAJ, etc): I have remained actively engaged with the Michigan Association for Justice, including supporting the MAJ PAC over the past several years. 

You have made a strong commitment to the JUSTICE PAC. Why do you feel supporting the PAC is important? My partner and I view this as an important investment in the future of the plaintiff’s bar and in maintaining a strong civil justice system for injured individuals. 

What is distinctive about your practice, and your firm? We are a boutique firm with eight lawyers that focus on all aspects of personal injury law, allowing us to support clients through a wide range of matters from motor vehicle accidents to medical malpractice, premises liability, and wrongful death cases. Our team brings a diverse range of backgrounds, including experience in insurance defense, medical malpractice defense, and appellate work. This perspective allows us to anticipate challenges and approach cases strategically. We also have attorneys who speak multiple languages, which helps us better serve and connect with a broader range of clients. Being a boutique firm, it allows us to be closely involved with our clients and provide a more personalized experience throughout the process. 

A significant part of my practice today is dedicated to representing victims of sexual assault which has become one of the most meaningful aspects of what I do. 

What is your most memorable case? One of my most memorable cases was in 2023, when I represented an individual who was catastrophically injured in a motor vehicle collision through no fault of his own. He was in the prime of his life when everything changed in an instant. I worked closely with him and his family to help them navigate the uncertainty and challenges that followed. Ultimately, we secured a significant settlement, which was recognized as the second highest in Michigan that year. 

While the result was meaningful, what stands out most is the trust the family placed in us during such a difficult time and the opportunity to help them move forward. I feel incredibly fortunate to now call this former client a friend and to continue watching him make meaningful strides in his journey ahead. 

What was your most satisfying case? One of my most satisfying cases involved representing a student in Michigan who was a victim of sexual abuse by their special education teacher. Through discovery, exhaustive investigation, and depositions, we were able to uncover a pattern of abuse that had gone unaddressed in this school district. Most importantly, we were able to give children a voice and help hold those responsible accountable. Being part of that process and helping these students feel heard and supported was incredibly meaningful to me. 

Please provide a brief description of your interests outside the practice of law. Outside of the practice of law, my greatest joy is spending time with my family, especially my two young children. I also enjoy traveling and staying connected in my community. As a mom of a son with congenital heart disease, I also dedicate my time to serving on the parent advisory committee at the University of Michigan Mott Congenital Heart Center. 

MAJ Announces 2026 Endorsements

Michigan trial lawyers back candidates committed to protecting the right to a civil trial by jury and a fair, effective justice system

LANSING —The Michigan Association for Justice (MAJ) Executive Board has announced its first round of endorsements for the 2026 election cycle, supporting a diverse slate of candidates for statewide, legislative, and judicial offices. MAJ President Nick Andrews made the announcement.

“MAJ is proud to endorse this group of highly qualified candidates who understand the importance of protecting the rights of Michigan residents and preserving access to our civil justice system,” Andrews said. “Each of these individuals has demonstrated a commitment to fairness, accountability, and the fundamental right to a trial by jury. We are confident they will serve with integrity and put Michiganders first.”

MAJ endorses candidates who will fight to protect the right to a civil trial by jury and promote a fair and effective justice system. Legislative endorsements are based on voting records for incumbents and a comprehensive candidate questionnaire. All candidates for Michigan House and Senate, regardless of party, are invited to apply for endorsement. Judicial candidates are interviewed by the MAJ Judicial Qualifications Committee, and all endorsements are voted on by the Executive Board.

MAJ’s 2026 endorsed candidates include:

Governor
Jocelyn Benson

Michigan Supreme Court

Justice Megan Kathleen Cavanagh

Justice Noah P. Hood

University of Michigan Regent
Jordan Acker

Wayne State University Governor
Shereef Akeel

Michigan State Senate
District 2 – Erin Byrnes
District 5 – Matt Koleszar
District 15 – Felicia Brabec
District 19 – Julie Rogers
District 29 – Phil Skaggs
District 30 – Carol Glanville
District 35 – Chedrick Greene

Michigan State House of Representatives
District 18 – Kelly Garrett
District 22 – Lisa McIntyre
District 44 – Jim Haadsma
District 54 – Sarah Pounds
District 86 – Joseph McClusky

Judicial Endorsements

16th Circuit Court (Macomb County)
Jim Spagnuolo

Michigan Court of Appeals – District 2
Judge Chris Trebilcock

Visit michiganjustice.org/endorsements for the full list of 2026 MAJ-endorsed candidates and additional information about each candidate.

March 2026 Pacesetter Drew Masse
Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault Co, L.P.A. | Maumee, OH

What motivated you to become a trial lawyer? As long as I can remember, I’ve been told “You argue so much you should be a lawyer.” I was told that by my parents, teachers, and classmates. I remember reading somewhere that the Latin meaning of the word “argument” is a search for truth. I’m all for seeking truth.

When did you become a member of MAJ? Why did you decide to join? I became a MAJ member shortly after I passed the Michigan bar exam in 1989, having moved to Temperance, Michigan, from Toledo in 1988. Since 1984, I had been practicing exclusively personal injury law in Toledo, Ohio, and saw the need to practice in Michigan given Southeastern Michigan’s proximity to Toledo. I joined MAJ because I believed it was important to access and contribute to the collective resources and knowledge of Michigan personal injury practitioners, much like I had done with OAJ in Ohio.

Why do you feel it is important for trial lawyers to be a part of MAJ? MAJ offers the opportunity to share in a deep pool of knowledge, resources, and camaraderie within Michigan personal injury practice that cannot be matched elsewhere. I also value MAJ’s commitment to supporting like-minded judicial candidates, an effort I believe is critically important. In my view, that support has helped ensure that Michigan, unlike Ohio, now has a majority of Supreme Court Justices who treat our clients fairly.

Please describe the extent of your MAJ participation (offices held, committees, AAJ, etc): I’ve been an MTLA /MAJ member for 36 years. Over that time, I’ve attended many MAJ seminars, which are always excellent, and I’ve spoken at a few on the topic of the differences between Michigan and Ohio personal injury law.

What is distinctive about your practice, and your firm? The most distinctive aspect of my practice is that I represent clients in both Michigan and Ohio. My firm began by representing Ohio labor unions and workers’ compensation clients and eventually grew into a major presence in the workers’ compensation field. I used to describe it as the “Microsoft of workers’ comp” in Northwest Ohio. Legislative changes, including managed care requirements, have significantly narrowed the scope of Ohio workers’ compensation practice. Today, my firm maintains a strong presence in Ohio personal injury, workers’ compensation, Social Security, and local labor union representation.

What is your most memorable/satisfying case? My most memorable and satisfying Michigan cases involved representing the estates of Ohio residents whose deaths resulted from two separate fireworks explosions in Charlevoix and Osseo in the late 1990s and early 2000s. That representation required working alongside many outstanding Michigan attorneys on both sides of the cases, including a former Michigan Court of Appeals judge we know well. Through that experience, I developed lasting professional relationships and friendships that continue to this day.

What are your interests outside the practice of law? My wife, Gail, and I have long enjoyed sun and water sports. We were avid sailors for many years on Lake Erie, owning several boats, but now find it much easier and relaxing to step on our tritoon boat, turn the key, and take off. We were also enthusiastic alpine and cross-country skiers for many years. We have camped in our old pop-up with our kids all over the US, and we now own a trailer camper that we will be using for extended trips across the country.

Michigan Association for Justice Responds to Corporate Effort to Limit Accountability and Weaken Consumer Protections

LANSING – The Michigan Association for Justice (MAJ) today responded to the launch of the so-called Michigan Alliance for Legal Reform, a corporate-funded effort to strip away the rights of Michigan consumers, workers, and patients under the guise of “fairness” and “balance.”

“This is not a grassroots coalition, it’s an insurance industry wish list wrapped in talking points,” said Steve Pontoni, Executive Director of the Michigan Association for Justice.  

“For 30 years, the courts benefited the business community, making Michigan one of the worst places in the country for consumers and workers. It is not surprising that a coalition of groups that benefit from exploiting consumers, patients, and workers would gather to try to put their thumb on the scales of justice again.”

A Corporate Agenda Disguised as Reform

The Alliance’s proposals, including restoring the discredited “Open and Obvious” doctrine and restricting access to legitimate legal financing, would tilt the scales even further toward corporate defendants and against ordinary people seeking their day in court.

• Reinstating the Open and Obvious defense would allow negligent property owners to evade responsibility even when unsafe conditions cause serious injury.

• So-called “transparency” measures for litigation funding are a distraction intended to make it harder for individuals of modest means to stand up to billion-dollar insurance companies. “

These are solutions in search of a problem,” said MAJ President Nick Andrews. “Michigan’s courts are fair, efficient, and already impose some of the most restrictive limits on victims’ rights in the nation. The only imbalance here is the overwhelming power of corporate lobbyists trying to rewrite the law for their own benefit.”

Facts Over Fear

Claims of a multi-billion-dollar “tort tax” or job losses due to lawsuits have been repeatedly debunked. Michigan juries carefully evaluate evidence, and civil lawsuits often expose dangers that save lives, whether it’s an unsafe workplace, a defective vehicle, or a predatory landlord. “Accountability drives safety and fairness,” Pontoni continued. “When corporations know they’ll be held responsible for negligence, they act more responsibly. Weakening our justice system doesn’t create jobs—it just shifts costs from wrongdoers to victims and taxpayers.”

Record Profits

The inclusion of several insurance companies and trade groups is curious. The insurance industry saw $171 billion in profits in 2024, while Michigan continues to have some of the highest rates in the country. These are the same groups that protect known companies that continually act in bad faith, such as Cure Insurance.

Standing Up for Michiganders

MAJ urges lawmakers to reject efforts to weaken Michigan’s civil justice system and instead focus on policies that strengthen communities, protect consumers, and uphold the constitutional right to a jury trial. “The Michigan Association for Justice will continue to stand with working families, small business owners, and consumers across the state who deserve a fair shot in court,” said Andrews. “Justice shouldn’t depend on how powerful you are. It should be based on the truth.” 

November 2025 Pacesetter Nichole Omilion
Marko Law | Detroit

What motivated you to become a trial lawyer? What motivated me to become a trial lawyer was a deep belief in the power of advocacy to give voice to those who are too often silenced or overlooked. I was drawn to the courtroom because it’s one of the few places where truth has the chance to challenge power and win.

Growing up, I saw people in my community being taken advantage of simply because they didn’t know their rights or couldn’t afford to fight back. I didn’t want to stand by and watch that happen. I wanted to be the person standing next to them, helping them tell their story with strength and clarity, making sure the law worked for them and not against them.

Being a trial lawyer allows me to not only fight for individual justice but also shine a light on systemic issues that affect entire communities. It’s where legal skill meets human impact, and that’s where I’ve always wanted to be.

When did you become a member of MAJ? Why did you decide to join? I’ve been a proud member of MAJ since 2022. As a new attorney fresh out of law school, I joined seeking  mentorship, education, and a strong  professional network to help me grow into the trial lawyer I aspired to be.

Why do you feel it is important for trial lawyers to be a part of MAJ? It’s important for trial lawyers to be a part of MAJ because the organization equips us with the tools, knowledge, and support we need to advocate effectively for our clients. MAJ has provided not only invaluable resources and practical trial advocacy training, but also a strong, supportive community of attorneys who are united by a shared commitment to justice and protecting the rights of the injured.

Please describe the extent of your MAJ participation (offices held, committees, AAJ, etc):  Since joining MAJ, I’ve remained deeply engaged in its mission and community. I’m a proud graduate of the 2024 Leadership Academy, where I had the opportunity to sharpen my advocacy skills and connect with inspiring leaders in our field. I was honored to present at MAJ’s Seminar in the Snow on the topic, “Weaponizing the Media to Build Your Case,” where I explored how strategic media engagement can amplify a client’s story and support case outcomes. I also serve as a dedicated member of MAJ’s PAC, working to advance legislation and support candidates who champion access to justice and the rights of the injured. I’ve actively participated in MAJ’s Lobby Days, advocating at the Capitol to ensure the voices of our clients—and the trial lawyers who represent them—are heard and respected in the legislative process. Additionally, I’ve proudly represented MAJ on the field in the annual Battle of the Bar softball game.

Why do you feel supporting the Justice PAC is important? Supporting MAJ’s PAC is essential because the courtroom doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s directly impacted by the laws passed in our state legislature. Every day, powerful special interests push for legislation that limits access to justice, caps damages, and protects wrongdoers at the expense of everyday people. The PAC ensures that the voices of trial lawyers and the clients we fight for are heard where critical decisions are made. It’s not just about protecting our profession, it’s about protecting the people who depend on us when their lives have been turned upside down. If we want to keep the courthouse doors open, we have to stay engaged in the legislative process. Supporting the PAC is one of the most powerful ways we do that.

What is distinctive about your practice? And firm? What makes my practice and Marko Law distinctive is its unwavering commitment to justice across three complex and impactful areas of law: civil rights, medical malpractice, and personal injury. I represent individuals whose lives have been turned upside down whether by systemic injustice, medical negligence, or preventable injury and I fight to hold powerful institutions and wrongdoers accountable.

My civil rights work is especially meaningful because it not only seeks justice for the individual client, but also creates opportunities to educate the public about their inherent rights. Each case becomes a platform to expose misconduct, challenge systemic failures, and empower communities with the knowledge they need to stand up for themselves and others.

In my medical malpractice and personal injury cases, I bring the same passion, precision, and relentless advocacy helping clients rebuild their lives after suffering harm due to the negligence of others. These cases require a unique blend of legal skill, compassion, and perseverance. What sets my practice and Marko Law apart is its purposedriven approach. We take on difficult, high-stakes cases because we believe deeply in accountability, truth, and the transformative power of justice not just for individuals, but for entire communities.

What is your most memorable case? My most memorable case was a race and sex discrimination matter involving a courageous client who faced relentless harassment in a male-dominated workplace. She endured sexually explicit comments and was repeatedly denied access to essential tools needed to do her job solely because of her race. While the case ultimately resolved, what stayed with me most wasn’t the outcome, but the moment my client looked me in the eye and said, “Thank you for standing up for me because no one has before.” That moment reminded me why I do this work. Being a trial lawyer is about more than litigation. It’s about giving people a voice when they’ve been silenced and fighting for dignity when it’s been denied.

Please provide a brief description of your interests outside the practice of law. Outside of my legal practice, I enjoy spending time on the golf course, exploring new places through travel, and unwinding with a good book. I’m also a proud dog mom to two wonderful pups who keep life entertaining and grounded.

May 2025 Pacesetter Kenneth Lee
McKeen & Associates P.C. | Southfield

What motivated you to become a trial lawyer? I’ve always been drawn to the competitive nature of litigation. I spent the first couple of years of my legal career working in business litigation, but it did not offer the courtroom experience that I was looking for. Being a plaintiff lawyer, representing those who have been injured and often cannot speak for themselves, is a responsibility that I embrace and feel honored to be able to do. I take  tremendous pride in being able to enforce some measure of accountability on defendants who negligently injure people, and who often have the benefit of unfair laws that favor the defense, particularly in medical malpractice cases.

When did you become a member of MAJ? Why did you decide to join? I became a member of MAJ when I joined McKeen & Associates in 2015. I joined because MAJ is an organization that works tirelessly to ensure that we continue to have a fair and effective legal system, where injured parties can have their day in court.

Why do you feel it is important for trial lawyers to be a part of MAJ? It is essential that trial lawyers become a part of MAJ because it is the organization that leads the way in advocating for the rights of those who have been injured. MAJ has so much to offer to trial lawyers, including the ability to frequently meet with other trial lawyers who experience the same challenges that we all face, and to discuss, in an open forum, the ways to go about meeting and overcoming those challenges. MAJ also provides important educational and practical resources to trial lawyers.

Please describe the extent of your MAJ participation (offices held, committees, AAJ, etc): Since 2016 I have been on the MAJ Executive Board. I also have been a member of AAJ since 2016 and have attended the majority of the bi-annual conventions that AAJ offers. In addition, I have been a contributing member of the Justice PAC since 2022.

Why do you feel supporting the Justice PAC is important? In this industry, we as Plaintiff lawyers are fighting against multimillion-dollar insurance companies that constantly lobby to limit the rights of those injured by negligence.

It is critical that Plaintiff lawyers contribute to Justice PAC. This support helps counter the financial influence of insurance companies and ensures that political candidates who align with the goals of MAJ have the resources they need to get elected, stay in office, and continue advancing a fair legal system.

What is distinctive about your practice? And firm? At McKeen & Associates, we pride ourselves on being trial lawyers and on taking tough cases. We often have clients come to us after they have had their case rejected by two, or sometimes three, law firms. We pride ourselves on doing a thorough investigation and trying to develop a theory of liability that we can pursue to a successful outcome in those challenging cases, and quite often, we succeed in cases like that.

What is your most memorable case? In September of 2023, I tried a surgical malpractice case that had been declined by four law firms before we took the case. I litigated the case for two years and the defense refused to offer a single dollar to settle. My perception was that the defense did not take the case seriously, and did not think the case could be won at trial. At trial, I obtained a unanimous jury verdict of just over $11,000,000.

What was your most satisfying case? In 2018, I tried a case involving a botched facelift in Saginaw County. The case was against one of the insurance companies who was notorious for taking a no-pay position, particularly in cases involving elective surgery. The defense was convinced that they had a solid comparative negligence defense that would overcome any finding of negligence on behalf of the defendant plastic surgeon, so they refused to offer any settlement money for the duration of the two-year case. At trial, I prevailed, unanimously, and the jury awarded a verdict of nearly $500,000.

Please provide a brief description of your interests outside the practice of law. Outside of practicing law, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our two young children. As a family, we stay active through travel and a wide range of sports and activities, including hockey, golf, tennis, swimming, and dance. I especially enjoy coaching my son’s hockey team, playing golf, and reading about a variety of topics, particularly investing.

March 2025 Pacesetter Nate Harrington
Conybeare Law Office, P.C. | St. Joseph

What motivated you to become a trial lawyer? I enjoy the competition and telling clients’ stories. I appreciate battling respectfully with defense counsel and sitting with hurting people. I’ve learned that the latter is a strength of mine. Many people don’t know what to say in those situations, but I belong in those rooms.

When did you become a member of MAJ? Why did you decide to join? My boss told me to join, probably 10-12 years ago. At the time, I didn’t give it a lot of thought. But that changed. Over time, it’s become a professional and personal support network.

PI lawyers get a bad rap (ambulance chasers, etc.), but people don’t see how we support each other. Where else do you see direct competitors doing so much to help one another? I’m proud to be part of this community.

Why do you feel it is important for trial lawyers to be a part of MAJ? Growth and support. To serve your clients well, you have to be a member of MAJ. This job is too hard to do alone. Our clients and communities are better served when we pool our resources and skills. And there’s going to be dark days. You need people you can call to lift you up, and MAJ provides that.

What is distinctive about your practice? And your firm? Hard work and excellence.

The lawyers in our firm are grinders, and we work hard for our clients. I have tremendous respect for PI firms and lawyers throughout the state. They are doing phenomenal work, but I would put our work product up against anyone’s. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.

What is your most memorable case? I had a bad car-crash case with a particularly challenging defense lawyer. Defense deposed plaintiff, his wife, his 22-year-old son, his sister, and his aunt. Defense issued subpoenas to 42 non-medical providers for records for impeachment. Defense filed at least three motions for summary disposition.

Conversely, we had to file motions to compel for nearly all discovery. The lead defense lawyer was used to wearing people out. Around that time, I watched an ESPN 30 for 30 documentary on the “Bad Boy” Pistons. It talked about how the Pistons decided they were going to be physical with Michael Jordan every time he drove to the basket, so that eventually, he would think twice about driving, and it worked.

I decided to do the same. Every time defense filed a motion, I filed one too, including offensive summary disposition motions. When they objected to discovery, I filed motions to compel. When they issued discovery, I issued it too. After a while, defense’s motion practice slowed. After a while longer, they offered to settle the case for a high dollar value. 

The case probably took a year off my life, but I’m proud of how I fought for my client. And I gained a mantra for the future: “Meet them at the rim.” It’s how I try to litigate now.

What was your most satisfying case? That’s a tough one. I recently had a case involving the death of a single mother. A drunk driver crossed the centerline and killed her. Her daughter was 10. The insurance company offered the $50,000 bodily injury limit. Plaintiff’s attorney Anne Mabbitt represented a co-plaintiff a passenger. Anne flagged an issue with the bodily injury step-down.

Anne and I made our arguments, and the insurance company filed a declaration action asking the Court to hold that the limits were $50,000/$100,000, not $250,000/$500,000.

Anne and I drafted strong briefs. We were successful in getting the trial court to hold that the step down was invalid because a stepdown form was not completed before or contemporaneous with the last renewal, and the limits were $250,000/$500,000.

The insurance company declined to appeal. I recently got to call the grandmother who is now raising her granddaughter and tell her the news. That was a good call.

Please provide a brief description of your interests outside the practice of law. When not practicing law, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family. I’m married with three kids. We enjoy spending time outdoors together. I also enjoy all racquet sports, travelling and spending time with family and friends.

Is there anything else that you would like to share? The more lawyers I connect with, the more I enjoy my work, and the better I serve my clients. To younger lawyers, people want to help. Reach out.

January 2025 Pacesetter Dana LaKritz Marcus
Partner, LaKritz Law| Bloomfield Hills

What motivated you to become a trial lawyer? I grew up in a family where my father was a personal injury lawyer. During my childhood years, he shared firsthand stories of how he was helping his injured clients, whose lives had been turned upside down in an instant, due to someone else’s irresponsible actions. I always admired my father’s commitment to the families for whom he worked and aspired to do something that helped others. Thus, I started college planning to study to be a physical therapist, helping injured people heal from injuries. However, once I took a law class in college, I realized that I enjoyed analyzing cases and learning about the evolution of various areas of the law. As a result, I started exploring careers that could combine my academic interests with those of helping improve people’s lives as they heal from injuries. After honing trial advocacy skills in law school and working as a business litigation associate right out of law school, I pivoted to my true passion in helping injured people who needed guidance and support in attempting to heal and return to their pre-injury lifestyles.

When did you become a member of MAJ? Why did you decide to join? I became a member of MAJ in 2003 when I joined my father in his personal injury practice. I joined MAJ because the values that MAJ espouses align with my values. I have always been a strong proponent of helping the most vulnerable and when someone is injured, no matter their means, they need support, expert guidance, assistance, and advocacy from a caring individual like myself.

Why do you feel it is important for trial lawyers to be a part of MAJ? MAJ is an excellent resource for new and seasoned lawyers alike. Individuals who form a group for a common cause, such as the belief in justice for all, are more influential together than standing alone. As Helen Keller once said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” When we, as trial lawyers, band together for the common good of putting safety before company profits, we are promoting civil justice throughout the great State of Michigan for our clients and their families.

You have made a strong commitment to the Justice PAC. Why do you feel supporting the JPAC is important? I contribute monthly to MAJ’s Justice PAC, which contribution is critical in assisting MAJ in advocating for civil justice for all. Without JPAC, my clients, and members of the public, would have very little information about current legislative issues that could negatively impact them, including which candidates seeking election or reelection support the safety and well-being of Michiganders ahead of insurance industry profits. Those who need support for their safety and well-being must have a means by which to learn the candidates who will advocate and pass laws for their safety and support. This is where JPAC comes in. I am proud to be a PAC member because I know that such support contributes to the overall resources and tools needed to assist the best candidates to be elected and re-elected for our injured Michigan citizens.

What is distinctive about your practice? And your firm? Our firm, LaKritz Law, is a father-daughter team practicing personal injury law spanning over 40 years of combined practice. We pride ourselves on receiving the vast majority of our cases from former clients and referring lawyers who, through our excellent results, trust our expertise and know that we will give 110% effort to all our cases. The small size of our firm allows us to get to know our clients and their families, which is more beneficial than most people realize to achieve excellent results for clients. When my father started the firm in the 1980s, he had the unique opportunity of representing a well-known insurance company, alongside Plaintiffs. As a result, when I joined LaKritz Law, after working in defense litigation out of law school, I was assigned to work on cases for the insurance company, assisting in analyzing loss. After a few years of this work, I had the opportunity to exclusively work on plaintiff personal injury cases. My current focus is automobile accident cases, dog bite cases, and premises cases, satisfying my life-long goal of helping injured people when they need it most. I consider myself fortunate to have the perspectives gained from having worked with an insurance company and on the defense side of litigation for a part of my legal career.

What is your most memorable case? My most memorable case was one, early in my career as a plaintiff’s personal injury lawyer, involving my client who was riding his bike on the gravel portion of a roadway. He was struck by a motorist and suffered a traumatic brain injury requiring multiple surgeries and confined to a brain-injured treatment facility for the foreseeable future. The defense was arguing that since my client was a non-us citizen, had no living family members and was a farm worker, the value of his case was diminished. In other words, the defense was asserting that my client’s life was not worth very much because of his life circumstances. I refused to accept this argument, instead focusing on my client’s worth as an individual, gathering testimony from his street friends and his co-workers. Ultimately, we resolved the case for $4 million shortly before trial

What was your most satisfying case? My most satisfying case was a recent case where my client was involved in a low impact car crash causing an aggravation of a pre-existing back injury which was being questioned by the insurance company. Before filing suit, I was able to garner enough support from my client’s treating doctors to advocate for the full $250,000 policy for my client’s aggravation of a preexisting back injury. This case reminded me of the stories told by my father and his contemporaries dating back to the late 1980s and 1990s, when a phone call to an adjuster would be sufficient to settle a case. My persistent efforts of gathering the medical records, securing a Narrative Report from the treating doctor, and managing the expectations of the client, proved successful in bringing the settlement negotiations to a close.

Please provide a brief description of your interests outside the practice of law. When I am not practicing law, I spend my time volunteering at my children’s schools and at non-profit organizations, such as the Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coalition (an organization focused on educating youth about mental health issues and substance abuse). I also enjoy all racquet sports, travelling and spending time with family and friends.

September 2024 Pacesetter Darren K. Legato
Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz and Associates | Sterling Heights

What motivated you to become a trial lawyer? It’s kind of funny, because you hear people sometimes tell someone at a young age that they should do a certain profession. If you asked people who knew me growing up, they would probably tell you they knew I would become a lawyer someday due to just. an innate argumentative personality. My amazing wife Natalie, bless her heart, has to constantly remind me to leave that mentality at the office. Beyond that, I grew up playing sports and was uber competitive in everything that I did. I hated to lose. That competitiveness has never really gone away. Being a trial lawyer allowed me to continue to try and compete at the highest levels. It just changed the game from physical to intellectual, and I have enjoyed facing that challenge each day.

When did you become a member of MAJ? Why did you decide to join? I grew up as an attorney and spent the first half of my career so far working for the defense side of the bar and switched to become a plaintiff’s attorney in August 2018. I believe I became a member of MAJ in 2019. To be honest, at the time I joined, I did not really know all that the MAJ did or offered. But other attorneys at my firm were MAJ members, and we decided that I should become one as well. Back then, the primary purpose was for the resources MAJ was able to provide its members, mainly the CLEs, seminars and Listserve.

Why do you feel it is important for trial lawyers to be a part of MAJ? From a practice perspective, I would go back to the resources MAJ provides that I mentioned as why I initially signed up. Outside of a handful of our largest, most powerful firms, the vast majority of plaintiff firms seem to be small, boutique or solo offices. The ability to learn and seek guidance from other plaintiff attorneys who practice in your area of law is invaluable. This is especially true for younger attorneys. After a few years, you think you’ve seen everything or you have everything all figured out, but you really don’t. To be able to watch a presentation or demonstration from our most experienced members, as well as to have them be so willing to help and share their insights and work product, is an asset like no other.

Please describe the extent of your MAJ participation (offices held, committees, AAJ, etc.) I try to be as active as I can on the Listserve to give back to the members of the organization the same way they have been so willing with me, first and foremost. If I have a brief on a topic or information relating to an issue someone is having, I generally do not mind sharing my thoughts and work on the topic in case it can provide any help or useful insight to them. That includes presenting, which I have had the pleasure of doing at the MAJ No-Fault Institute. Outside of that, I was fortunate enough in 2023/2024 to be a part of the MAJ Leadership Academy, and I have recently taken on being a part of both the Justice PAC and Executive Board.

You have made a strong commitment to the Justice PAC. Why do you feel supporting the JPAC is important? Prior to going through the Leadership Academy, honestly, I did not truly appreciate or really know the importance or role the Justice PAC plays in what we do as a profession. It’s pretty well known at this point that who our elected officials are and what they have done or not done is a sore topic for some members and cause for dissension at times. But getting the chance to see the behind-the-scenes work through the Academy made me appreciate and understand what the Justice PAC is trying to accomplish. We can all agree to disagree about a lot of things political, but what cannot be disputed is that the Justice PAC is doing everything in their power to help get people elected or appointed that they believe will work to do what they can to help make things better for our clients and our members. Even if we as members may not have liked some of the outcomes, the role and influence MAJ has in shaping that landscape cannot be overstated, and the Justice PAC works tirelessly to secure the funding and direction to make it all happen. I’m not sure it gets any more important than that.

What is distinctive about your practice? And your firm? There isn’t a whole lot distinctive about my practice. I focus on personal injury cases with majority being 1st and 3rd Party No-Fault cases, but also handle general negligence, premises liability, and the occasional breach of contract or medical malpractice file. The one thing myself and my other partners who practice personal injury are not afraid of doing, though, is helping clients who we feel have been egregiously wronged or taken advantage of by the insurance industry, even if their cases may be relatively small in nature. It lets the insurance companies know that they can’t work over an innocent person just because they don’t think attorneys who have knowledge and expertise in an area of law won’t take their cases because of the small dollar amount.

As to our firm in general, the one thing that I have always loved about it since the day I agreed to sign on is the family nature of it. All of our partners and most of our staff have children. My oldest son was just a few weeks old when I joined, and now I have three ranging from ages 6 to 1. We all understand that our families come first. If one of us needs to leave to be there for our family or attend a child’s event, no one bats an eye. If someone on our staff has to leave early because something familywise comes up, we send them on their way and figure it out from there. We like to think it is one of the main reasons we have had such low turnover over the years. Not every firm operates that way, but I, and our other partners, understand it and work to make sure everyone in our office knows that their first priority is at home.

What is your most memorable case? Sadly, the most memorable cases tend to be the most tragic. Given the smaller nature of our office, we don’t handle a ton of overly complicated wrongful death cases. We had one just finish up somewhat recently though that was one of the worst you will see. A mother and young daughter were both fatally struck by a motor vehicle while the mother was crossing the street, pushing her toddler daughter in a stroller. There were multiple vehicle impacts, and one of the drivers was on their way home from working for one of those major app-based companies. After looking at the photos once, you never wanted to have to do it again. We were able to navigate liability issues between the mother crossing the street and the drivers of the vehicles, as well as issues revolving around employee v. independent contractor/ostensible agency theory, and course and scope of employment. At the end of the day, we were able to secure a settlement from the drivers of the vehicles and the company that far exceeded what we thought was possible when we learned the facts of the case. It took a lot of time and effort, as well as a refusal to give in when we were stonewalled on gathering documents at every turn. But we got a just result for the clients and their families. That’s about as much as I can say on it, but it is definitely a case I won’t forget any time soon.

What was your most satisfying case? From a personal perspective, one of my few medical malpractice cases to date comes to mind as the most satisfying mostly because of the offensive nature of the incident and the lack of punishment they received from the state. We had a client who was seeing a counselor for both personal and couples counseling with her fiancé turned husband. At some point in the counseling, our client’s husband and the counselor embarked on an intimate relationship where the counselor even went with our client’s husband to file divorce paperwork with the court. The husband and this counselor ended up married at one point I believe, as well as having a child together, so that our client would literally have to take the child she had with her then-husband over to him and her counselor for their parenting time and see them living their lives together and partially raising our client’s child. It was disturbing on so many levels. The worst part, though, was that this counselor was given such a slap on the wrist by the State of Michigan for their actions that it was appalling just from a human perspective. We couldn’t change anything about that, but we were able to get the client just compensation, at least by what is allowed by our laws, so that she could have the means to move her life forward as she needed to.

Please provide a brief description of your interests outside the practice of law. I mentioned before I have a beautiful wife, Natalie, and three sons, Vincenzo, Luca and Dominic. My kids are 6, 3 and 1. My family consumes just about all of the time I have outside of the office, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Whether with them or on my own, I try and stay as active as possible. My one hobby I try my best to make time for still is golf. I can’t be as good or consistent at it as I once was, but it doesn’t matter. If I get the opportunity to play, I enjoy it and can’t wait until my kids are old enough to play a round with them. For now, teaching them the games I used to play, like baseball or football, and seeing them take to and already succeed at them is more than enough.

Is there anything else that you would like to share? Just a small piece of advice, mainly for our younger members: Do the work, and take pride in the work product you are putting out there. From my time on the defense bar, I know first-hand that insurance companies and defense attorneys know who is willing to do the work to be successful at this job and who isn’t, and they will prey on those they feel they can. Your name means everything in this profession. If you’re given five to ten thousand pages of discovery materials to go through, find the time to go through it or thoroughly research your case when it’s called for. I honestly can’t count how many times I’ve obtained settlements far exceeding what the defense thought they were going to resolve a case for just by being the most prepared person in the room. Your clients will thank you for it, and you’re going to get the recognition you want from both sides of the bar if your work product justifies it. People outside of your firm are reading what you write and watching what you do, even if you don’t think they are. It matters. You get one chance at a professional reputation. Make the most of it.

July 2024 Pacesetter Martin Hogg
Miller & Tischler, PC, Farmington Hills

What motivated you to become a trial lawyer? I became an MAJ member shortly after becoming licensed in 2012, because that was a requisite for the attorneys at the three-attorney firm where I practiced. At that time, I was only interested in providing top legal work for the firm’s clients, mostly through brief writing. Inspiration to become a trial lawyer really came from other MAJ members sharing their experiences. As a young attorney, my boss would conduct all the firm’s trials. In one of those trials, the insurer had so many “IME” experts that the judge had to reduce the number due to the opinions being so cumulative. This was on top of the “biomechanical expert” who had opined there was no way the accident could have caused the injury. The verdict was quite large, and it was an awesome win. On the MAJ List Server, we often hear similar post-verdict stories from fantastic trial attorneys. They have all served as inspiration for me.

When did you become a member of MAJ? Why did you decide to join? I joined MAJ without knowing much about the organization. I soon became aware of what a fantastic organization it is and what it does for Michiganders and their attorneys. The continuing education aspect is a tremendous benefit provided by MAJ – which is really the result of the members willing to dedicate their time to educate colleagues. I take great pride in being involved in the organization.

Why do you feel it is important for trial lawyers to be a part of MAJ? It’s more than important – it’s necessary in my opinion. I had this discussion recently with a fellow MAJ member. I am not sure how any attorney (particularly those in smaller law firms or solo practitioners) can feel comfortable taking an auto case and not be an MAJ member. No law seems to change the way our No-Fault auto insurance system does – and that doesn’t even take into account the undeveloped law surrounding the 2019 No-Fault amendments. In my opinion, our No-Fault laws require expertise. If an attorney is not fully engulfed in that world, the attorney must at a minimum have access to MAJ resources like the List Server. Otherwise, the attorney is stuck in a sea of defense attorney sharks with nothing but a paddle boat.

Please describe the extent of your MAJ participation (offices held, committees, AAJ, etc.) I would say my largest contributions to MAJ have been sharing my work (briefs, depositions, general thoughts, etc.) to members on the List Server. I had been appointed by the DIFS Commissioner to sit on the board of governors for the Michigan Assigned Claims Plan. The idea was that one person representing the public with the six insurance appointed governors might help ensure prompt payment of claims. Unfortunately, it has become nearly impossible to work in my field without naming the MAIPF/MACP as a Defendant, so I was politely asked to resign. I have not, as of yet, held any office positions within MAJ.

You have made a strong commitment to the Justice PAC. Why do you feel supporting the JPAC is important? JPAC works on behalf of Michiganders to try to put the individual on equal footing with very large industry interests, who have seemingly endless financial resources. JPAC works to ensure individuals will have their day in Court, and that is extremely important.

What is distinctive about your practice? And your firm? If I had a specialty, it would be highly contested No-Fault coverage disputes. My favorite cases are auto injury cases that have indisputably significant injuries but, for one reason or another, there is a dispute over insurance coverage. At Miller & Tischler, we pride ourselves on understanding the nuances of the No-Fault Act, and I try to maintain that well-earned reputation.