2008 Moot Court Success

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Past Lunches With a Lawyer

Lunch With a Lawyer

The Lunch With a Lawyer program was developed by the Career Services Office and the Alumni Relations & Development Office to host attorneys, judges, and business leaders (many of whom are School of Law alumni) who come to the School of Law to visit with students over a noon lunch or late afternoon hors d'oeuvres. The number of students at each event is limited, in order to give all students who participate an opportunity for truly meaningful interaction and conversation with our guests.

For more information, contact Assistant Dean Ann Griffin at 313-596-0260 or email griffiam@udmercy.edu

Recent Guests

Leonard Suchyta, ’68 January 25, 2008
Mr. Suchyta was our Lunch with a Lawyer guest on January 25, 2008.  An attorney for Verizon, he talked about intellectual patent law and found that many of the students in attendance were interested in the same field.  He asked, “Who here has a technical background?”  Several students raised their hands and explained current jobs or undergraduate degrees that deal with technology.  “You don’t have to have a technical background to do patent law,” he explained, “it just might take you longer to master it.”  The people in the room without technical backgrounds quickly came to understand this piece of advice as he explained what patent lawyers deal with on a day-to-day basis.  Those ins and outs were exactly what students were hoping to hear about, and some of them stayed after the lunch to talk more with Mr. Suchyta about opportunities in patent law.

James Petcoff, ’92 January 24, 2008
Mr. Petcoff started off his Lunch with a Lawyer session by emphasizing his love for his job.  “Insurance is the greatest business,” he said with a smile.  Not everyone who graduates law school becomes a lawyer, and Mr. Petcoff is proof of that.  In fact, his choice to go to law school was inspired by his love for the insurance business.  After working for a few different insurance companies from 1983 to 1986, he had established contacts and come to understand the mentality of how they do business.  In 1987 he risked everything to start his own insurance company.  Then, in order to get a better grasp of his business, he decided to pursue a law degree at UDM School of Law.  And now?  “I use the legal background every day in everything I do,” he says. 

Joel Schwartz, ’88 January 22, 2008
The owner of Big Time Worldwide Concert and Sport Club, Mr. Schwartz has mastered the art of ticket sales for events worldwide.  As an undergraduate at the University of Michigan he would sell his grandfather’s Detroit Lions season tickets at the games.  After earning his J.D. at UDM School of Law, Mr. Schwartz became an attorney specializing in criminal law.  During that stage in his career he continued to sell tickets, turning it into a thriving business.  His law degree allowed him to keep up-to-date on ticket law, and eventually he decided to tackle the ticket sales business full-time.  He now owns real estate in Las Vegas, including a 10-acre hotel.  He is a founding member of the National Association of Ticket Brokers, and is a trustee for Caring Athletes to Children’s Hospital (CATCH), a non-profit organization.  He told the students benefits of specializing in their interests, whether that be nursing, engineering, business or any other field.    

David Chernow January 15, 2008
Tuesday's Lunches with Lawyers session provided a full room of students the opportunity to meet and speak with 1990 graduate, David Chernow. Since graduation Mr. Chernow established Modern Technology Corp., a staffing firm that recruited and placed electrical and mechanical tooling designers in the automotive industry. After four years, he sold his share and joined his brother in running a number of family businesses. He was especially passionate about his experience managing Resource, Inc which is a Tier One Preferred Vendor for Chrysler and Texas instruments, specializing in recruiting, contract and direct placement in Michigan, Texas, Florida and Alabama. Mr. Chernow emphasized the importance of finding candidates whose personal beliefs and goals match the core corporate culture of his clients. He also addressed the importance of his legal training as it has helped him to analyze potential legal issues that arise daily in the business setting. His experience in the business world helps to remind students of the diverse career paths that are available with a UDM law degree.

Michael J. Sullivan November 20, 2007
On Tuesday, November 20th, 2007, a mixed group of first, second, and third-year students enjoyed lunch with Mr. Michael J. Sullivan, class of 1983. Mr. Sullivan heads the professional malpractice group at Collins, Einhorn, Farrell & Ulanoff of Southfield. After personally greeting every student, Mr. Sullivan told students that the hallmarks of a successful lawyer are commitments to professionalism and collegiality. Mr. Sullivan also shared with students that a commitment to ethical and honest practice makes for a happy and healthy practice of law. As the current President of the Oakland County Bar Association, Mr. Sullivan hopes students join local bar associations and takes advantage of mentoring opportunities. Dean Mark Gordon, Dorothy Cooper, and Marjorie Lang also joined from the Career Services Office.

Warren Kifferstein October, 2007
On Monday October 29, 2007, a mixed group of first, second, and third-year students enjoyed a lunch discussion with Mr. Warren Kifferstein, class of 1970. Dean Gordon, along with Marjorie Lang and Ann Griffin from the Career Services office, also joined. Mr. Kifferstein shared many insights from his 37 year career as a commercial litigator and family law attorney. Among these, Mr. Kifferstein advised that being ethical and having fun are among the central tenets of successful law practice. Moreover, Mr. Kifferstein suggested that the world of law is full of endless possibilities. To this end, he recommended that students keep their options open and be available to clients from diverse backgrounds. In addition, Mr. Kifferstein opined that getting involved in local bar associations and treating clients with respect are essential components of maintaining a healthy law practice.

Mary Catherine Rentz October, 2007
On Thursday, October 11, 2007, a group of first, second, and third-year students gathered to have lunch and listen to alumna Mary Catherine Rentz, class of 1981. Miss Rentz, a partner at Plunkett Cooney in Detroit, went out of her way to warmly greet each student individually. In her conversation with students and Dean Gordon, Miss Rentz stressed how valuable relationships with her peers during law school have helped her find success in and out of the courtroom. Distinct from being an expert litigator, published author, and community leader, Miss Rentz is a happy wife and mother.

Arthur Brandt October, 2007
On October 5, 2007, UDM Law's "Lunches with Lawyers" Series welcomed Chicago-based attorney Arthur Brandt. A 1990 graduate of UDM Law, Mr. Brandt is currently a partner with Bates & Carey LLP, where he specializes in the areas of insurance coverage disputes, emerging and novel insurance coverage disputes, general commercial litigation, and international law.

After lunch, Mr. Brant entertained a series of questions from those in attendance. Most of the questions were directed in the context of how UDM Law candidates can "break in" to the Chicago legal market. Mr. Brandt acknowledged that trying to compete in an outside legal market is often difficult, but not as much so today as in earlier years due to the innovative changes going on at the law school under the direction of Dean Gordon. He added that an increasing amount of Chicago-based firms are becoming more familiar with the quality of education students receive at UDM Law, and that it is a student's work product on the job that often speaks for itself. When asked what the most effective approach when trying to work in an outside legal market, Mr. Brandt concluded that persistence is always the best policy combined with expressing a sincere desire to work and live in the particular marketplace. Mr. Brandt also advised students to enroll in trial practice courses offered at UDM Law because, although he never initially wished to litigate cases while a student, he now spends the majority of his time in the courtroom.

Harriet Rotter September, 2007
This week’s Lunches with Lawyers discussion featured Harriet Rotter, a UDM Law graduate from the class of ’75.  After sharpening her trial skills as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Harriet went on to become one of the most distinguished family law attorneys in the region.  Her passion and desire to help her clients resolve some of the most difficult issues of their lives became immediately apparent to all who listened.  She stressed the critical importance of resolving family matters amicably and noted the usefulness of private mediators to help keep sensitive family issues out of the public domain. 

In addition to sharing her experiences as a family law specialist, she also discussed her long and active involvement in politics; including an appointment by President Bush to the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts from 2002 to the present and the U.S. Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad from 2003 to the present. Mrs. Rotter is a member of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Foundation, a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers Foundation, and has been listed in the Best Lawyers in America since 1999. 

Her experience, perspective and wise advice concerning the field of family law was greatly appreciated by the students who attended the session. We look forward to speaking to Mrs. Rotter at future Lunches with Lawyers sessions. 

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Michael Gordner September 2007 Click here for picture of event
This week's Lunch with a Lawyer discussion featured Michael Gordner, principal with Miller Canfield Paddock and Stone, PLC in Detroit. Mr. Gordner's talk centered around his experience as a criminal defense attorney on both sides of the U.S./Canadian border.

Mr. Gordner shared lessons learned from the boardroom to the court room. His message to students was simple: be polite, be patient, be prepared. A mixed group of first, second, and third years used the opportunity to ask questions and seek advice on topics ranging from effective client communication to trial strategies. Mr. Gordner related a number of insightful lessons gleaned from his 28 years as a criminal defense attorney.

He has extensive experience litigating criminal cases and specializes in regulatory and corporate criminal offenses, fraud, embezzlement, and other tax related issues. His vast knowledge and friendly demeanor were appreciated by everyone in attendance. Once again the Lunch with a Lawyer program provided a great opportunity for students to interact and learn from a preeminent legal practitioner.

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John Monnich March 2007
The students who participated in the Lunches With Lawyers program with guest John Monnich were exposed to one of the most successful trial lawyer's in the state. In fact, Monnich, a 1973 graduate of UDM School of Law, won the largest jury verdict in the state's history in 2006.

The award was granted in a tort suit and was a shining moment for an attorney who is used to success. Monnich has tried over 200 jury trials both for plaintiffs and defendants. He is a solo practitioner in many areas, including insurance law, medical malpractice and defense and professional liability.

An engaging storyteller, Monnich spent much of his time enlightening students with stories about his experiences in the court room, including stories about litigating against local attorney Geoffrey Feiger.

Monnich stressed keeping an organized schedule as well as getting as much experience on your feet, in a court room, as possible. He made it clear that while winning is always favored, every attorney loses cases and that the experience and learning from that are more important. For both students who wish to litigate and those who do not, Monnich proved to be an entertaining, insightful and engaging guest for all to learn from.

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Gregory Gamalski March 2007
Lunches With Lawyers recently featured a well versed graduate in real estate law. Gregory Gamalski has his own real estate practice with a specialization in condominiums and land development matters. He is a former chairman of the Oakland County Bar Association Real Estate Committee and currently is the co-chairman of the Condominium Cooperatives and Planned Unit Developments Committee.

Mr. Gamalski gave knowledgeable insight on topics from complex land transaction to ways for students to have success right out of law school. He urged students to keep their options open right out of school, as he became a clerk at the Michigan Court of Appeals. It gave a sound work environment because he was working with other colleagues right out of law school.

As for hiring advice, Mr. Gamalski discussed the importance of getting an impression that you are trustworthy. An employer is trusting looking for a young lawyer's ability to handle the client. This lunch was a truly entertaining and informative time.

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Denise Ilitch March 2007
One recent guest at the Lunches With Lawyers program focused on the team oriented aspect of the University of Detroit School of Law. This should come as no surprise, though, as her family owns both the Detroit Red Wings and Tigers.

But there is more to Denise Ilitch, a 1980 graduate of UDM School of Law, than sports. A very busy woman with many responsibilities, Ilitch took time out of her schedule to meet with students and explain how she has used her law degree to accomplish her many goals.

Ilitch focused her discussion on the many opportunities presented to law school graduates outside of practicing law. Her accomplishments and many responsibilities include being counsel to Clark Hill PLC in Detroit, President of Ilitch Enterprises, owner of Denise Ilitch Designs and publisher of Ambassador magazine.

Her success is the product of one simple bit of advice: "always live under your means, never over your means." She stressed that this, coupled with her desire to think outside the box, led to her many successes and she encouraged the students to consider using the same approach to their legal education.

Campus News

• UDM Law Project Salute official press release
  02/07/2008
  
• Message from the Dean
• UDM Law Firm Program: "Putting Theory Into Practice"
• UDM employment success
• UDM School of Law takes first place
• UDM Law Students argue before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
• ABA recognizes public interest at UDM