Please mark your calendars for a Zoom Videoconference on Friday, January 15 at noon featuring a panel discussion and Q&A with Chief Judge Robert Jonker and Judge Hala Jarbou for an update on the impact of COVID on court operations and litigation.
Another notice will go out after the holidays with the Zoom link to join the program.
We hope you can join us!
Rebecca Strauss
President
West Michigan Chapter of the Federal Bar Association
“A must-read for all lawyers and judges but also for any citizen seeking
to understand our state’s history and the interworkings and interrelationships
of the governments which serve us.”
–Judge James Robert Redford, Michigan Court of Appeals
Order your copy today and receive
30% off when you use code FW20 at checkout!
(expires December 31, 2020)
A Lincoln Legacy: The History of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan by David Gardner Chardavoyne with Hugh W. Brenneman, Jr. provides the first and only comprehensive examination of the history of the United States federal courts in the Western District of Michigan. The federal courts were established by the U.S. Constitution to adjudicate disputes involving federal laws, disputes between litigants from different states involving state and federal laws, and to punish violations of criminal laws passed by Congress. During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln signed legislation creating two federal districts in the state of Michigan: the Eastern and Western Districts-the latter of which is headquartered in Grand Rapids and which now encompasses the western half of the Lower Peninsula and all of the Upper Peninsula. With the rapid expansion of legislation passed by Congress, the increasing mobility of society, and the growth of interstate commerce, the federal courts have assumed an important and sometimes dominant role in major litigation today.
David Gardner Chardavoyne is a veteran Michigan lawyer and a legal educator who teaches as an adjunct professor at Wayne State University Law School. He is the author of The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (Wayne State University Press, 2012) and a frequent contributor to The Court Legacy, the journal of the Historical Society for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
Hugh W. Brenneman, Jr. is a retired United States Magistrate Judge for the U. S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, having served for thirty-five years on that court. He is presently the Court Historian. He is a graduate of Alma College and the University of Michigan Law School, and lives with his wife in West Michigan.
SAVE THE DATE!
December Speaker Series: Written/Oral Advocacy
Wednesday, December 9, 202012:00pm
(via Zoom)
Distinguished speakers:
U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney
Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Thomas C. Cameron
Kalamazoo County Assistant Prosecutor Heather S. Bergmann
Zoom Link
Lawyers must do two things well: speak persuasively and write persuasively. Our panelists will share their perspective on how to achieve and further develop these essential skills.
This event is co-sponsored by:
We hope you can join us!
Rebecca Strauss
President
Western Michigan Chapter of the FBA
Pro Bono in a Pandemic: 2020 POWER Act (Downloadable PDF)
The Federal Bar Association will be hosting its first “lunch and learn” program of the season beginning at noon on Thursday, November 12, 2020. The Jury Assembly Room in the Gerald R. Ford Federal Building and Courthouse in Grand Rapids will be open and available for anyone who can safely attend in person. Because of ongoing covid-19 concerns, there will also be a zoom option available for anyone who wants to participate virtually.
The focus of this year’s program will, once again, be on pro bono opportunities in the domestic violence context. The pandemic has amplified the need for pro bono representation. And as we learned last year, you do not need to be a domestic relations lawyer to provide help. To the contrary, opportunities abound for anyone with a law license and a willingness to help. The program this year will emphasize the unique needs and opportunities during the covid-19 pandemic.
Congress adopted the POWER Act in 2018. Once again, our Federal Bar Association is serving as the organizational arm for this District’s program. Once again, Chief Judge Robert Jonker will moderate a panel of experts. This year, we expect:
1) Testimonials about real life pro bono assistance from both attorneys and clients. Kristen Wolfram, a top private practitioner who has frequently provided pro bono support to survivors, and Steven Grumm, the Director of Community Engagement for Legal Aid of Western Michigan will introduce these stories and offer their unique a well-informed perspective on opportunities for effective service.
2) Norika L. Kida Betti and Hank Fields of Michigan Indian Legal Services will present their perspective on need, existing services and pro bono opportunities in Indian Country. Did you know that Michigan is the only State in the Sixth Circuit with any federally recognized Indian Tribes, and that eleven of the twelve Tribes in Michigan have their home in the Western District of Michigan? This is a unique opportunity in our District.
3) Elinor Jordan of the Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence will provide focused vignettes on service opportunities that would be of particular value during the pandemic. Her presentation will assist participants in learning new ways they can be of service.
The point of this program is not to endorse any substantive legal position on any of the complex issues involved. It is simply to highlight the pressing need for adequate representation of all impacted parties, and the corresponding opportunities for pro bono service.
If you would like to order a brown bag lunch for $10.00, please contact Melissa Rabidoux at Melissa_Rabidoux@fd.org by the close of business on Friday, November 6, 2020.
If you would like to attend this program virtually by Zoom, please click on the ZOOM REGISTRATION link provided.
We hope you can join us!
Rebecca Strauss
President
Western Michigan Chapter of the FBA
| VERDICT DATE | CASE NAME/TYPE | JUDGE | ATTORNEYS | VERDICT | |
| 1 | 2/1/19 |
1:18-cr-201 USA v Pollard (firearms) |
Neff | John Beason, Def John Roth, USA |
Guilty – All counts |
| 2 | 01/09/19 | 1:17-cr-191 USA v McKinney (narcotics/firearms) |
Quist | James Jenkins, Def/CJA Mark Courtade, USA |
Guilty – All counts |
| 3 | 03/01/19 | 1:17-cv-538 Lynn Mayer’s Great Lakes Glads v BTR of Orland, Inc. (Removal – Torts to Land) |
Maloney | James Shinar, Plaintiff Timothy S. Groustra, Defendant |
For Plaintiff |
| 4 | 04/24/19 | 1:15-cv-70 Colvin v Heyns, et al (prisoner civil rights) |
Carmody | Pro Se / Michael Wiese-Pro Bono Brandon Waddell |
For Defendants |
| 5 | 05/01/19 | 2:17-cr-31 USA v Blomquist (marijuana – sell/distribute/possess) |
Maloney | Elizabeth LaCosse, FPD Maarten Vermaat, USA |
Guilty – All counts |
| 6 | 05/07/19 | 1:10-cv-1075 Neal v Ellis, et al (prisoner civil rights) |
Quist | Pro Se Garet Koger, Defendants |
For Defendant |
| 7 | 05/14/19 | 1:18-cr-51 USA v Urbina (sex trafficking of minor; narcotics) |
Neff | Pro Se / Geoffrey Upshaw-standby counsel Davin Reust/Joel Fauson/Alexis Sanford, USA |
Guilty – Counts 1ss-11ss |
| 8 | 05/24/19 | 1:18-cr-249 USA v Farmer (conspiracy to distribute controlled substance) |
Jonker | Michael Adams, Plaintiff Justin Presant/Jonathan Roth, USA |
Guilty |
| 9 | 05/29/19 | 1:18-cr-181 USA v Pardon (fraud/filing false tax return) |
Maloney | Matthew Borgula, Plaintiff Raymond Beckering, USA |
Not Guilty |
| 10 | 05/31/19 | 2:15-cv-156 Jones v Olson, et al. (prisoner civil rights) |
Maloney | Pro se Austin Raines, Defendants |
For Defendants |
| 11 | 06/05/19 | 1:18-cr-126 / 1:18-cr-130 (held jointly) USA v Collard (child pornography) |
Maloney | Lawrence Nolan/Gary Villas, Defendant Alexis Sanford/Daniel McGraw/Jennifer Murnahan, USA |
Guilty – All counts |
| 12 | 06/19/19 | 2:18-cr-50 USA v Sagataw (domestic assault/habitual) |
Quist | Mark Dobias, Defendant Hannah Bobee, USA |
Not Guilty |
| 13 | 07/01/19 | 1:18-cr-226 USA v Xi (wire fraud) |
Jonker | Joseph Coburn/Ronald Safer, Defendant Hagen Frank/Jennifer Murnahan/Clay Stiffler, US |
Mistrial/Dismissal |
| 14 | 07/11/19 | 2:16-cv-205 Hansen v Aper (civil rights/excessive police force) |
Quist | Kenneth Finegood, Plaintiff Mark Donnelly/John Fedynsky, Defendant |
For Defendant |
| 15 | 07/19/19 | 2:16-cv-91 Moore v Perttu, et al. (prisoner civil rights) |
Vermaat | Solomon Radner/Madeline Sinkovich, Plaintiff Adam deBear, Defendants |
For Plaintiff (as to 1 defendant only); $1.00 nominal; $5,000 puntitive) |
| 16 | 08/07/19 | 1:19-cr-141 USA v Spencer (narcotics/controlled substance possession) |
Maloney | Matt Borgula, Defendant Rene Shekmer, USA |
Not Guilty |
| 17 | 08/13/19 | 1:19-cr-108 USA v Morton (possession heroin with intent to distribute) |
Maloney | Jasna Tosic, Defendant Hagan Frank, Sally Berens, Stephen Baker, Theodore Greeley, USA |
Guilty |
| 18 | 08/21/19 | 2:16-cv-138 Stapleton v Pelkola, et al (prisoner civil rights) |
Vermaat | Judy Bregman/Bradford Springer, Plaintiff Jennifer Foster/Michael Dean, Defendant |
For Defendants |
| 19 | 08/23/19 | 1:18-cr-166 USA v Trevino (Marijuana-conspiracy, possess, distribute) |
Maloney | Stuart Friedman, Defendant Joel Fauson/Daniel McGraw, USA |
Guilty (Counts 1s-10s) |
| 20 | 09/06/19 | 2:16-cv-176 Rohl v Immel, et al (prisoner civil rights) |
Vermaat | Trevor Garrison, Plaintiff Austin Raines, Defendants |
For Defendants |
| 21 | 09/11/19 | 1:14-cv-923 Carter v Heynes, et al. (prisoner civil rights) |
Kent | Pro se Plaintiff Michael Dean, Defendants |
For Defendants |
| 22 | 09/19/19 | 1:17-cv-479 Richardson v Masteller (Bivens Act) |
Neff | Dan Doyle/Sterlin Mesadieu, Plaintiff Carolyn Almassian/Nicole Mazzocco, Defendant |
For Defendant/No Cause |
| 23 | 10/03/19 | 1:17-cv-1101 Kraft, et al. v State Farm Fire & Casualty (Diversity-Breach of Contract) |
Maloney | Ann-Marie Earls/Joseph Milanowski, Plaintiffs Brian Gallagher/Devin Gatfield Day, Defendant |
For Defendant |
| 24 | 10/03/19 | 1:18-cvv-489 Inman v Mid-States Bolt & Screw Co. (civil rights-employment discrimination) |
Jonker | Crystal Bultje/Sarah Howard/Rhett Pinsky, Plaintiff Allan Rubin/Blaine Veldhuis/Kristyn Mattern/Linda Ryan, Defendant |
For Defendant |
| 25 | 10/19/19 | 1:19-cr-137 USA v Simpson (controlled substance-possess with intent; felon in possession of firearm) |
Jonker | Scott Graham/Claire Freeman, Defendant Erin Lane, Stephen Baker, Tim VerHey, USA |
Guilty – All counts |
| 26 | 10/17/19 | 1:19-cr-126 USA v Wilson (controlled substance-possess with intent; felon in possession of firearm) |
Maloney | Lucas Dillon, Sr., Defendant Daniel McGraw/Jonathan Roth, USA |
Guilty – All counts |
| 27 | 10/23/19 | 1:19-cr-57 USA v Nuyen (methamphetamine-possess with intent; felon in possession of firearm |
Jonker | Patrick O’Keefe, Defendant Alexis Sanford/Kristin Pinkston, USA |
Guilty – All counts |
| 28 | 11/05/19 | 1:18-cr-167 USA v Brown, Cary, Nix, Kolarich (cocaine/crack-conspiracy, possess with intent to distribute) |
Maloney | Lucas Dillon, Sr., John Karafa, Lawrence Phelan, Mark Dobias, Defendants Katie Zell/Daniel McGraw, USA |
Guilty – All counts |
| 29 | 11/14/19 | 1:19-cr-164 USA v Kiogima (abusive sexual contact without victim’s permission) |
Neff | Helen Nieuwenhuis, Defendant Sean Lewis/Patrick Castle, USA |
Not Guilty-Ct. 1 Guilty – Ct. 2 |
| 30 | 11/21/19 | 1:18-cr-250 USA v Braxton, Summers, Cannon, Mason (methamphetamine-conspiracy to distribute and possess) |
Jonker | Sarah Howard, Brian Lennon/Madelaine Lane, John Beason, Thomas Douglas, Defendants | Guilty – All counts |
| 31 | 11/22/19 | 1:17-cv-558 Flannery v Packer’s Canning Co., Inc. (Diversity-Personal Injury) |
Neff | Kyle Bredell/John Bredell, Plaintiff Matthew Tomkins/Kerr Moyer, Defendant |
For Plaintiff $220,145.50 |
| 32 | 12/11/19 | 2:19-cr-17 USA v Carrick (Maritime-Robbery/Assault with Intent) |
Neff | Elizabeth LaCosse, Defendant Hannah Bobee, USA |
Not Guilty |
| 33 | 12/10/19 | 1:19-cr-117 USA v Inman (attempted extortion, solicitation of bribe, false statement to FBI) |
Jonker | Christopher Cooke, Defendant Christopher O’Conner/Ronald Stella, USA |
Mistrial – Cts. 1-2 Not Guilty – Ct. 3 |
You are cordially invited to attend the
West Michigan Chapter of the Federal Bar Association
Annual Meeting
October 1, 2020, – 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
at the Quail Ridge Golf Course
8375 36th St. SE, Ada, Michigan
RSVP by September 28, 2020
If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Rabidoux at
Melissa_rabidoux@fd.org or 616-742-7420.
Please join us for the 2020 Annual Meeting for the West Michigan Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. This year’s event will be held on October 1st, 2020 at the Quail Ridge Golf Course from 3 to 6 PM.
With the release of “A Lincoln Legacy – The History of the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan,” written by David G. Chardavoyne with the Honorable Hugh W. Brenneman, Jr., the much-anticipated history of our Court, a luncheon event (as we have done in the past) simply would not do. Instead, we have a new Annual Meeting format planned, which will allow us to celebrate the book release, acknowledge the authors and others whose hard work and long hours made the book possible, offer some timely (but limited) programming, and conduct the business required by our bylaws. Drinks and refreshments will follow all of this.
We will hold the Annual Meeting and the Historical Society Annual Meeting in a large tent where we can safely enjoy each other’s company. This event will be a business casual event. If you plan to join us in person, please bring your mask. If you would prefer to attend virtually, please join our live stream over Zoom.
Please RSVP by Monday, September 28th. In-person attendance is limited and may sell out. We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at Quail Ridge Golf Course from 3 to 6 PM.
To register for the event, please click on this LINK or you can print your INVITATION and mail it in. A copy of A Lincoln Legacy – The History of the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan will be included with your registration.
We hope you can join us!
Brian Lennon
President
Western Michigan Chapter of the FBA
The Judges of the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan announce the upcoming retirement of their friend and colleague, Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Greeley. Judge Greeley will retire in March of 2019. When he retires, Judge Greeley will have served the Court as Magistrate Judge in Marquette for 31 years.
The Judges of the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan announce the retirement of their friend and colleague, Magistrate Judge Ellen S. Carmody. Her retirement will be effective November 1, 2019. Judge Carmody has served this District with excellence for over 18 years since her appointment in October 2000. Judge Carmody has the notable distinction of being the first female judicial officer in the Western District of Michigan. She has served on the steering committee and faculty of the Hillman Advocacy Program, the Western District of Michigan’s training program for newly practicing lawyers. Among other accomplishments, Judge Carmody has also served on various Western District of Michigan court management committees, including the Pro Bono, Alternate Dispute Resolution, Employment Dispute Resolution, Information Technology, and Case Management/Electronic Case Filing committees. Judge Carmody has taught as an adjunct professor at Grand Valley State University and Michigan State University College of Law. She has served the community with her involvement as the federal court liaison for the Michigan State University College of Law pro bono clinic for prisoner civil rights and her past work on the “ACE” (Accelerated Community Entry) Program, an intensive post-custody supervision program. Judge Carmody grew up in Ambler, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Grand Valley State College (now Grand Valley State University) and Magna Cum Laude from the University of Michigan Law School. She is married to Dr. Robert Roosenberg.
Before starting her distinguished career on the bench, Judge Carmody worked as a special education teacher for the Grand Rapids Public Schools from 1975 to 1980. Following her graduation from law school in 1983, Judge Carmody served as a law clerk to the Honorable Douglas W. Hillman of the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan. From there, she joined the law firm of Law Weathers and Richardson and worked there as an associate, and later as a partner, where she specialized in commercial and employment litigation, until her appointment as Magistrate Judge in October 2000. The Honorable Janet T. Neff had this to say about Magistrate Judge Carmody’s distinguished service: “Judge Carmody has been an integral part of the Court’s operation and progress. In addition to her regular judicial duties which she carries out so ably, she has played important roles in many of the Court’s projects, including shepherding the alternate dispute resolution program from its inception to the successful status it now enjoys and her tireless efforts to secure pro bona counsel for prisoner civil rights plaintiffs. She will be greatly missed, not only for her great contributions to the Court, but also for her upbeat and always pleasant manner which make her so easy to work with. She leaves big shoes to fill.” The Chief Judge of the District, Robert J. Jonker, adds: “Judge Carmody models what it means to exercise authority with genuine respect for the persons most directly affected by it. She listens with genuine interest and empathy to the stories of the litigants who appear before her while at the same time delivering unflinchingly the decisions the law requires. In so doing, she models the best of what the federal courts provide.” Judge Carmody’s tenure on the bench has been characterized by her exemplary and consummate service to others inside and outside of the Court. The entire Court family wishes Judge Carmody and her family the best in this next chapter of their lives.
The United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan recently announced the appointment of Maarten Vermaat as its newest Magistrate Judge. Mr. Vermaat will fill the position opened by the retirement of Magistrate Judge Timothy P. Greeley after more than 30 years of distinguished service. The appointment is based in Marquette and effective March 15, 2019.
Mr. Vermaat was born and raised in Beloit, Wisconsin, the son of first generation Dutch immigrants. In 1984, he graduated from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. Mr. Vermaat rose to the rank of Major during his more than twelve years of active service in aviation, earning the Air Medal for distinguished combat service. After more than twelve years with the United States Marine Corps Reserve, Mr. Vermaat retired from military service in 2009 with the rank of Colonel. Mr. Vermaat earned his Juris Doctor degree from Yale Lavv School in 1999. He began his legal career clerking for Chief Judge Robert G. Coats of the Alaska Court of Appeals. He then served as an Assistant District Attorney in Anchorage, Alaska, and later joined the law firm of Dorsey & Whitney in the same city. For the past 15 years, Mr. Vermaat has been serving in the Western District of Michigan as an Assistant United States Attorney. He is active in the Federal Bar Association. He lives with his wife and their two sons in Marquette. A Merit Selection Panel, chaired by attorney Mark Dobias of Sault Saint Marie, reviewed dozens of applications for the position, and ultimately forwarded a slate of finalists to the District Judges. From the list of highly qualified finalists, the District Judges unanimously selected Mr. Vermaat to be the next Magistrate Judge for the District.
