Legal 500 U.S. 2022 Ranks Dykema Among Nation’s Best in Four Categories

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that the firm’s Automotive Product Liability Litigation, Automotive Litigation, Gaming and Native American Law, and Cannabis Law practices are listed by the Legal 500 United States 2022 (The Legal 500). In three of those categories, the respective Dykema practice ranks in the top 10 nationally—including a top three ranking. Additionally, the firm's Appellate and Critical Motions practice was included in a "Firms to Watch" list.

In addition to the practice rankings, 23 Dykema attorneys received individual recognition, including:

• Dommond Lonnie, who was recognized as one of only four "Hall of Fame," lawyers in Automotive Litigation, 
• Derek Whitefield, who was recognized as one of only seven "Leading Lawyers" in Automotive Product Liability Mass Tort and Class Action,
• Mike Carey, who was recognized as one of only two "Next Generation Partners" in Automotive Product Liability Mass Tort and Class Action, and
• John Black, who was named as one of only four "Next Generation Partners" in Automotive Litigation.

For more than 30 years, The Legal 500 has analyzed the capabilities of law firms across the world, with a comprehensive research program revised and updated on an annual basis. According to its website, The Legal 500 assesses the strengths of law firms in more than 100 jurisdictions. Rankings highlight the practice area teams who are providing the most cutting-edge and innovative advice to corporate counsel. The Legal 500's research is based on feedback from 300,000 clients worldwide, submissions from law firms and interviews with leading private practice lawyers, and a team of researchers.

As identified by The Legal 500 categories, the following Dykema attorneys and practices were recognized:

Product Liability, Mass Tort and Class Action – Defense: Automotive/Transport

Leading Lawyer (Top 7 Lawyer Nationally)

• Derek Whitefield

Next Generation Partner (Top 2 Lawyer Nationally)

• Mike Carey

Tier 1 – Top 3 Firm Nationally

Praised for its ability to "listen and adapt well to the ever-changing automotive product liability environment," Dykema handles complex cases for manufacturers and suppliers. The scope of the work is wide-ranging and includes personal injury, wrongful death, product recall, and related product defect litigation associated with automotive products, systems, and components. The firm is well-equipped to handle class action litigation throughout the life cycle of a case and has also developed a particularly strong reputation at the discovery phase, where it is frequently brought in to manage the process even where another firm is retained as lead counsel. As well as handling litigation, the team also regularly advises clients from a risk management perspective, including assisting on product assessment, product safety design, and labeling. Based out of Ann Arbor, Jill Wheaton is [the] overarching head of the firm’s product liability and class actions practice and has significant experience within the automotive sector, including at an appellate level. Ann Arbor-based John Thomas leads the firm’s class action practice and has extensive experience in the automotive sector, gleaned not only from many years in private practice but also a long tenure as in-house counsel for Ford Motor Company. Los Angeles-based Derek Whitefield is particularly accomplished in relation to handling automotive crash safety and has handled airbag cases from numerous manufacturers. Of the more junior partners, Michael Carey in Minneapolis, continues to garner a strong reputation and has niche expertise regarding litigation and risk management relating to autonomous vehicles.

Testimonials

"The lawyers I deal with are astute, creative thinkers and problem solvers. They are good partners in defending the company from both a technical and legal perspective."

"They listen and adapt well to the ever-changing automotive product liability environment and can handle even the most complex of issues, should one arise."

"Paul Nystrom is a very experienced litigator, with an excellent track record and a key focus on understanding and delivering on client expectations. He is easy to work with, always prepared, has a great sense of humor, and is very responsive."

Key Lawyers

• John Black
• Tamara Bush
• Michael Carey
• Michael Cooney
• James Feeney
• Nina Gavrilovic
• Rebekah Hudgins
• Krista Lenart
• Dommond Lonnie
• Paul Nystrom
• Bryce Rucker
• Brian Smith
• Jill Wheaton
• Boyd White III
• Derek Whitefield

Transport: Rail and Road – Litigation and Regulation

Hall of Fame (Only 4 Lawyers Nationally) 

• Dommond Lonnie 

Next Generation Partner (Top 4 Lawyer Nationally) 

• John Black

Tier 2 – Top 7 Firm Nationally

Dykema‘s strong track record includes defending thousands of automotive product liability, wrongful death, defect, property damage, and recall claims. Laura Baucus is director of the automotive industry group, which includes Detroit-based litigation department director Michael Cooney. In Los Angeles, previous group head Dommond Lonnie has longstanding experience in representing automobile and mobility manufacturers; while Derek Whitefield serves as trial, support, and discovery counsel to automotive manufacturers in airbag cases. Elsewhere, Dallas-based Deron Wade routinely represents major automobile manufacturers; Detroit’s Lisa Brown assists with automotive-related commercial disputes, and Michael Carey in Minneapolis co-leads the electric and autonomous vehicles and advanced mobility practice. Also highly regarded is automotive product liability specialist Brian Smith, while Nina Gavrilovic is a key litigation associate. In January 2022, John Black was promoted to partnership.

Key Lawyers

• Laura Baucus
• John Black
• Lisa Brown
• Michael Carey
• Michael Cooney
• Nina Gavrilovic
• Rebekah Hudgins
• Krista Lenart
• Dommond Lonnie
• Bryce Rucker
• Brian Smith
• Deron Wade
• Boyd White III
• Derek Whitefield;

Native American Law

Tier 2 – Top 8 Firm Nationally

Led out of Michigan, the team at Dykema maintains a strong casino gaming practice for Indian tribes and businesses and handles the establishment and development of tribal gaming facilities. Overseen by Lance Boldrey, the team advises Indian tribes, banks, local governments, and federal agencies on tribal gaming work and financing agreements. On the litigation front, Erin Sedmak and James Feeney are key names for federal disputes involving tribes. The group has expanded its practice by also advising on tribal trust and reservation land issues nationally –Courtney Kissel is recommended here, and has a track record advising governors on jurisdictional issues.

Key Lawyers

• Lance Boldrey
• James Feeney
• Courtney Kissel
• Erin Sedmak

Cannabis

Tier 4 – Top 16 Firm Nationally

Known for representing businesses in regulated industries, Dykema offers cannabis industry clients a range of expertise, including licensing, financial institutions, litigation, food and beverage regulation, lobbying, real estate, and tax. Lansing-based Lance Boldrey is practice head and recommended as "one of the most brilliant cannabis lawyers in the country."

Testimonials

"Lance Boldrey is one of the most brilliant cannabis lawyers in the country and certainly the best within Michigan. He’s pragmatic and an excellent advocate for his clients."

 

Appellate

Firm to Watch

Dykema's recent hire of former federal prosecutor Becky James ramps up its civil and criminal appellate capability. The practice's increasingly robust bench combines with the wider firm's broad U.S. footprint to mark it as a key contender for major appeals.