Warner Norcross Names 10 Attorneys as Partners

Online, January 3, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Warner Norcross & Judd LLP today announced that 10 attorneys have been named partners - the largest class in the history of the law firm.

The new partners practice in a variety of areas, from real estate and intellectual property law to employee benefits and corporate law. They serve clients across the state and around the world from the law firm's offices in Grand Rapids and Southfield.

"We are very pleased to welcome these 10 deserving attorneys into the partnership," said Douglas E. Wagner, managing partner of Warner Norcross. "They are exemplary lawyers who have served their clients - and the law firm - well during their tenure with us.

"At a time when other law firms are reducing their headcount, it is particularly gratifying to welcome such a large class of partners. We remain solidly committed to growing right here in Michigan."

The new partners are:

Jason L. Byrne, who concentrates his practice in commercial litigation, including a focus on complex insurance coverage disputes. He has been named a Rising Star by Michigan Super Lawyers. He holds an undergraduate degree from Alma College magna cum laude and a doctor of jurisprudence from the University of Illinois.

Rob M. Davies, who focuses his practice on real estate and small business issues, including leasing, development, financing and acquisitions. He holds an undergraduate degree from Michigan State University with honors and a doctor of jurisprudence from Wayne State University Law School cum laude, where he was Order of the Coif and senior editor of The Wayne Law Review.

Charlie Goode, who concentrates his practice in mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, securities regulation and general corporate and regulatory matters, with an emphasis on representing financial institutions. He holds an undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University and a doctor of jurisprudence from Wayne State University Law School cum laude, where he was Order of the Coif and senior articles editor of The Wayne Law Review.

Frank E. Henke, who focuses his practice on complex estate and trust planning, tax and business planning and business and corporate law. He holds an undergraduate degree from Grand Valley State University cum laude and a doctor of jurisprudence from the University of Detroit Mercy cum laude, where he was associate editor of The University of Detroit Mercy Law Review.

Matthew D. Johnson, who specializes in mergers and acquisitions, private security offerings, joint ventures and related corporate matters. He holds an undergraduate degree from Albion College summa cum laude and a doctor of jurisprudence from the University of Michigan.

Chad E. Kleinheksel, who concentrates his practice in intellectual property law. He has been named a Rising Star by Michigan Super Lawyers. He holds an undergraduate degree from Hope College magna cum laude and a doctor of jurisprudence from Indiana University cum laude.

Heidi A. Lyon, who focuses her practice on employee benefits with an emphasis on retirement plans and executive compensation. She has been named a Rising Star by Michigan Super Lawyers and as an Up & Coming Young Lawyer by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. Lyon holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan with distinction and a doctor of jurisprudence from George Washington University.

Michael B. O'Neal, who practices in the areas of bankruptcy, creditors' rights and commercial litigation. He holds an undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University summa cum laude and a doctor of jurisprudence from Indiana University School of Law, where he was Order of the Coif and a member of The Indiana Law Journal.

Todd W. Simpson, who focuses his practice in estate planning. He holds both an undergraduate degree with distinction and a doctor of jurisprudence magna cum laude from the University of Michigan.

Jennifer A. Watkins, who concentrates her practice in employee benefits law with an emphasis on retirement plans and executive compensation. She holds an undergraduate degree and a doctor of jurisprudence magna cum laude from the University of Toledo, where she was Order of the Coif and managing editor of the University of Toledo Law Review.

About Warner Norcross & Judd

Warner Norcross & Judd is a corporate law firm with more than 220 attorneys practicing in six offices throughout Michigan: Grand Rapids, Holland, Lansing, Muskegon, Southfield and Sterling Heights. The firm has more than 75 practice groups that work in virtually all areas of business and civil law. By providing sound legal advice and alternative fee arrangements, Warner Norcross & Judd forges a better partnership with its clients. To learn more visit wnj.com or follow us on Twitter, @WNJLLP.