Twenty-One Dickinson Wright Lawyers Elected as Members and Partners of the Firm
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Dickinson Wright is pleased to announce the election of 21 new members and partners of the firm, effective January 1, 2025.
“Congratulations to this year’s class of new members and partners on this well-deserved honor. Each lawyer brings unique and valuable qualities, perspectives, and skills that they have developed throughout their legal career. We are honored and proud of their accomplishments and thrilled that they are now members and partners,” says Michael Hammer, CEO of Dickinson Wright.
Below are Dickinson Wright’s new members and partners for 2025:
Anthony Alfano is a Member in the firm’s Columbus office. He focuses his practice on corporate, mergers & acquisitions, and private equity. He counsels buyers and sellers in mergers or acquisitions in the manufacturing, retail, food service, automotive and defense industries. He is recognized as a leader in his field by Legal 500 and Best Lawyers in America “Ones to Watch.” Anthony received his B.S. from Youngstown State University and his J.D. from The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law.
Ryan Chesnut is a Member in the firm’s Columbus office. He assists his clients with a variety of complex matters, including tax issues, mergers and acquisitions, due diligence, entity formation, contract drafting and negotiation, and other business law matters. He previously served in a tax consulting role with a public accounting firm where he advised companies of all sizes and complexities on income and franchise tax, sales and use tax, property tax, and other state and local tax issues. He is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and the Columbus Bar Association. Ryan received his B.S.B.A from The Ohio State University and his J.D. from Florida State University College of Law.
Jared Christensen is a Member in the firm’s Detroit office. He focuses his practice on complex commercial and business litigation with experience in a variety of areas, including, shareholder and member disputes, automotive litigation, trade secret and non-compete litigation, consumer credit disputes and fraud cases, banking litigation, and other general commercial litigation and arbitration. Jared is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and serves as a member of the Governing Council of the Litigation Section. Jared also serves in the capacity of general counsel for a number of K-12 and other education clients, providing a wide range of legal services, including policy formation, risk-mitigation, regulatory compliance, labor negotiation, employment counseling and litigation, and commercial litigation.
Erin Cobane is a Member in the firm’s Troy office. She focuses her practice on real estate. She counsels clients on diverse corporate real estate projects across the country, encompassing purchase and sale transactions, leasing agreements, entitlements and land use/zoning issues, environmental matters, and construction projects. She is a member of the Oakland County Bar Association and the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. Erin received her B.A. from the University of Michigan and her J.D. from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
Alexandra Crandall is a Member in the firm’s Phoenix office. She focuses her practice on appeals and complex civil litigation in a variety of areas, including constitutional law, insurance law, municipal law, tribal law, commercial disputes, domestic relations, and eminent domain. At the trial level, she advises on important issues involving jurisdiction, preservation of error, dispositive motions, motions in limine, jury instructions, and post-trial motions. Once proceedings have concluded at the trial level, she advocates for her clients' interests on appeal in the U.S. Supreme Court, federal circuit courts, and state supreme and intermediate appellate courts. She is recognized as a leader in her field by Southwest Super Lawyers Rising Stars and AZ Business Leaders Magazine. After receiving her J.D. from Arizona State University, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Alex clerked for the Honorable Jennifer B. Campbell at the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One.
David Durell is a Member in the firm’s Grand Rapids office. He focuses his practice on commercial real estate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and investment processes to accelerate business growth. He has counseled and represented clients across a broad range of real estate transactions, hotel deals, and corporate mergers. He treats all parties to negotiations with empathy while achieving strategic outcomes, driving growth, and empowering teams to creatively improve operations in an inclusive and collaborative environment. Before joining DW, David co-founded a boutique law firm specializing in business, real estate, and finance law. Over the years, David has developed a reputation as a results-oriented attorney, providing proactive advice and guidance to help clients achieve strategic business goals. David also served as Chief Investment Officer for a private equity firm specializing in REIT investments, UPREIT transactions, and asset management. David received his J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.
Luke Federici is a Member in the firm’s Reno office. He focuses his practice on estate and succession planning, trust and estate administration and litigation, and tax and corporate transactional law. Luke’s clients rely on his experience in these areas in planning for their future or the future of their business. He is a member of the Washoe County Bar Association (NV), the San Mateo County Bar Association (CA), and the Silicon Valley Bar Association (CA). Luke received his B.S. from the University of Nevada, Reno (Accounting), and his J.D. and LL.M. from the Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco, California.
Angelina Gonzalez is a Member in the firm’s Ft. Lauderdale office. She focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation and class action defense. She has represented a variety of clients in highly sophisticated litigation matters, including a national insurance company, a state administrative agency, a private non-profit university, academic health centers, and other corporate clients. Angelina received her B.A., with honors, from Florida International University and her J.D., with high honors, from the Florida State University College of Law.
Bryce Kessler is a Member in the firm’s Phoenix office. With experience in a wide array of complex civil litigation matters, he focuses his practice on insurance coverage and bad-faith disputes, construction and real estate, and other commercial litigation matters. In his real estate practice, he has years of experience representing plaintiffs in tax-lien foreclosure matters throughout Arizona, including arguing before the Arizona Supreme Court on behalf of tax-lien holders and obtaining a favorable unanimous decision reversing an Arizona Court of Appeals ruling regarding Arizona’s statutory pre-litigation notice requirements to tax-lien-foreclosure lawsuits. Bryce received his B.A. from Arizona State University and his J.D. from the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law.
Cristina Luse is a Member in the firm’s Columbus office. She focuses her practice on corporate law and advises clients on complex corporate transactions, including domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, equity investments, divestitures and reorganizations. She has represented some of the leading private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies in strategic acquisitions and provides continued support to clients on integration efforts post-acquisition. Utilizing a collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach, Cristina works closely with colleagues across various practice areas to deliver seamless and tailored legal solutions to clients operating in a wide range of industries. She is recognized as a leader in the field by the Legal 500. A proud double Buckeye, Cristina received both her B.A. and J.D. from The Ohio State University.
Cole Lussier is a Member in the firm’s Lansing office. He assists clients in government affairs, regulated industries, and litigation. He has particular experience in matters involving legislation, state constitutional issues, administrative rules, and other regulatory matters. He previously served as general counsel to the Michigan Senate, where he oversaw litigation, advised on legislation involving election law, economic development, health policy and appropriations, and provided counsel regarding Senate operations. He regularly assists clients dealing with election law and campaign finance matters, energy and utility issues, state enforcement actions, and pending legislation. Cole received his B.A. from James Madison College, Michigan State University and his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School.
Matt McLeod is a Partner in the firm’s Toronto office. His practice is focused on representing early stage and high growth companies, and he regularly advises clients in mergers & acquisitions, organizing and structuring new and existing corporations, partnerships, and joint ventures, financings and drafting foundational documents, such as shareholder agreements and other corporate governance documents. He has experience working with public companies in various transactions and dispute resolution. He also sits on the board of directors of a private Canadian licensed producer of cannabis. Matt received his B. Eng. and his M.B.A. from the Royal Military College of Canada and his J.D. from Western University.
Maureen Moody is a Member in the firm’s Lansing office. She guides her clients through all phases of litigation, including pre-litigation dispute resolution, jury trials, and the appeals process. She has represented clients in complex commercial litigation matters in both state and federal courts, and has experience in False Claims Act litigation, breaches of contract and warranty, fiduciary and partnership disputes, business torts, and product liability defense, among others. Maureen received her B.A. from the University of Michigan and her J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
Leonidas Mylonopoulos is a Partner in the firm’s Toronto office. He focuses his practice on commercial leasing, managing lease drafting, amendments, and landlord/tenant disputes. Lenny also advises franchising clients on leasing and real estate matters. Lenny received his B.A. from McGill University and his J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School, York University.
Angelique Neal is a Member in the firm’s Ann Arbor office. She has a national tax practice that includes all aspects of federal tax law, federal and state tax controversy, and reporting compliance issues with offshore financial accounts and other assets. From Dickinson Wright’s Ann Arbor and Lansing offices, she represents individuals and business clients, from small businesses to multimillion-dollar corporations, including clients with overseas interests. She is a member of the American Bar Association Tax Section, the Michigan Women’s Tax Association, the National Association of Tax Professionals, the State Bar of Michigan Taxation Section, and the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. Angelique received her B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles and her J.D. from Michigan State University College of Law.
Estee Nemetz is a Partner in the firm’s Toronto office. She focuses her practice on real estate law, concentrating on the purchase, sale, and financing of commercial, mixed-use, industrial, multi-residential properties and retirement homes. Estee specializes in land and condominium development, representing real estate developers and builders, and is involved with common elements condominium projects, commercial condominiums, residential condominiums and mixed use projects. Estee has comprehensive experience in acting for banks and other lenders in all types of real estate financings. She is a member of Toronto CREW, the Law Society of Ontario, and the Canadian Bar Association. Estee received her B.A. from Touro University, her M.S.c. in Nonprofit Management from The New School, and her J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School.
Sara Radcliffe is a Member in the firm’s Columbus office and national real estate finance practice. She focuses on commercial real estate and real estate finance, representing lenders, developers and investors in their lending, financing, leasing, development acquisitions and divestitures, investments, capital raises, and syndication, including uncovering and advising on opportunities in state, local and federal tax incentive programs (such as Investment Tax Credits, New Market Tax Credits, Rural Industrial Park Loan Programs, PACE financing, Opportunity Zones, and others). From navigating multi-million dollar developments to structuring deals that maximize value, Sara works with lenders, developers and real estate investors locally and throughout the country. She is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and the Columbus Bar Association. Sara received her B.A. from Ohio University and her J.D. from the University of Akron School of Law.
Callie Root is a Member in the firm’s Troy office. She concentrates her practice on mergers and acquisitions, transactional tax matters, and private equity. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan’s Corporate, Business Law, and Taxation sections, and is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association. Callie received her B.A. from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, her J.D. from the University of Oklahoma School of Law, and her LL.M. from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law.
Stephanie Teaford is a Member in the firm’s Columbus office. She provides support to educational institutions, including community schools, private schools and career technical schools. She is a recognized as a leader in her field by Best Lawyers in America “Ones to Watch.” She is a member of the American Bar Association, the Education Law Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, and the Columbus Bar Association. Stephanie received her J.D. from the University of Toledo College of Law.
Daniel Waldman is a Partner in the firm’s Toronto office. He has a broad commercial litigation practice with an emphasis on real property litigation, including commercial leasing, commercial real estate, construction law, and debt collection. His clients include Canada’s most prominent commercial landlords, international developers, multimillion-dollar real estate investment trusts, and construction companies. Focusing on high-level real property litigation, his main areas of expertise include real property disputes involving the purchase and sale of large commercial property and commercial lease disputes. He has written numerous columns for Canadian Lawyer, Precedent, and RENX.ca. He is a member of the Ontario Bar Association’s Civil Litigation and Real Property Law Sections, the Canadian Bar Association, and the Advocates’ Society. Dan received his B.A. from Carleton University, his M.J. from the University of British Columbia, and his J.D. from Osgood Hall Law School, York University.
Sharaé Williams is a Member in the firm’s Ann Arbor office. She practices in the areas of complex business litigation and intellectual property litigation. Her ultimate goal is to utilize her wide range of skills and knowledge to provide effective legal counsel and achieve the best possible outcome for her clients. She is recognized as a leader in her field by Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Lawyers of Color Hot List, and The National Black Lawyers. Sharaé received her B.A. from Michigan State University and her J.D. from Wayne State University Law School.
“Congratulations to this year’s class of new members and partners on this well-deserved honor. Each lawyer brings unique and valuable qualities, perspectives, and skills that they have developed throughout their legal career. We are honored and proud of their accomplishments and thrilled that they are now members and partners,” says Michael Hammer, CEO of Dickinson Wright.
Below are Dickinson Wright’s new members and partners for 2025:
Anthony Alfano is a Member in the firm’s Columbus office. He focuses his practice on corporate, mergers & acquisitions, and private equity. He counsels buyers and sellers in mergers or acquisitions in the manufacturing, retail, food service, automotive and defense industries. He is recognized as a leader in his field by Legal 500 and Best Lawyers in America “Ones to Watch.” Anthony received his B.S. from Youngstown State University and his J.D. from The Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law.
Ryan Chesnut is a Member in the firm’s Columbus office. He assists his clients with a variety of complex matters, including tax issues, mergers and acquisitions, due diligence, entity formation, contract drafting and negotiation, and other business law matters. He previously served in a tax consulting role with a public accounting firm where he advised companies of all sizes and complexities on income and franchise tax, sales and use tax, property tax, and other state and local tax issues. He is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and the Columbus Bar Association. Ryan received his B.S.B.A from The Ohio State University and his J.D. from Florida State University College of Law.
Jared Christensen is a Member in the firm’s Detroit office. He focuses his practice on complex commercial and business litigation with experience in a variety of areas, including, shareholder and member disputes, automotive litigation, trade secret and non-compete litigation, consumer credit disputes and fraud cases, banking litigation, and other general commercial litigation and arbitration. Jared is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and serves as a member of the Governing Council of the Litigation Section. Jared also serves in the capacity of general counsel for a number of K-12 and other education clients, providing a wide range of legal services, including policy formation, risk-mitigation, regulatory compliance, labor negotiation, employment counseling and litigation, and commercial litigation.
Erin Cobane is a Member in the firm’s Troy office. She focuses her practice on real estate. She counsels clients on diverse corporate real estate projects across the country, encompassing purchase and sale transactions, leasing agreements, entitlements and land use/zoning issues, environmental matters, and construction projects. She is a member of the Oakland County Bar Association and the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. Erin received her B.A. from the University of Michigan and her J.D. from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
Alexandra Crandall is a Member in the firm’s Phoenix office. She focuses her practice on appeals and complex civil litigation in a variety of areas, including constitutional law, insurance law, municipal law, tribal law, commercial disputes, domestic relations, and eminent domain. At the trial level, she advises on important issues involving jurisdiction, preservation of error, dispositive motions, motions in limine, jury instructions, and post-trial motions. Once proceedings have concluded at the trial level, she advocates for her clients' interests on appeal in the U.S. Supreme Court, federal circuit courts, and state supreme and intermediate appellate courts. She is recognized as a leader in her field by Southwest Super Lawyers Rising Stars and AZ Business Leaders Magazine. After receiving her J.D. from Arizona State University, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Alex clerked for the Honorable Jennifer B. Campbell at the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One.
David Durell is a Member in the firm’s Grand Rapids office. He focuses his practice on commercial real estate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and investment processes to accelerate business growth. He has counseled and represented clients across a broad range of real estate transactions, hotel deals, and corporate mergers. He treats all parties to negotiations with empathy while achieving strategic outcomes, driving growth, and empowering teams to creatively improve operations in an inclusive and collaborative environment. Before joining DW, David co-founded a boutique law firm specializing in business, real estate, and finance law. Over the years, David has developed a reputation as a results-oriented attorney, providing proactive advice and guidance to help clients achieve strategic business goals. David also served as Chief Investment Officer for a private equity firm specializing in REIT investments, UPREIT transactions, and asset management. David received his J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.
Luke Federici is a Member in the firm’s Reno office. He focuses his practice on estate and succession planning, trust and estate administration and litigation, and tax and corporate transactional law. Luke’s clients rely on his experience in these areas in planning for their future or the future of their business. He is a member of the Washoe County Bar Association (NV), the San Mateo County Bar Association (CA), and the Silicon Valley Bar Association (CA). Luke received his B.S. from the University of Nevada, Reno (Accounting), and his J.D. and LL.M. from the Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco, California.
Angelina Gonzalez is a Member in the firm’s Ft. Lauderdale office. She focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation and class action defense. She has represented a variety of clients in highly sophisticated litigation matters, including a national insurance company, a state administrative agency, a private non-profit university, academic health centers, and other corporate clients. Angelina received her B.A., with honors, from Florida International University and her J.D., with high honors, from the Florida State University College of Law.
Bryce Kessler is a Member in the firm’s Phoenix office. With experience in a wide array of complex civil litigation matters, he focuses his practice on insurance coverage and bad-faith disputes, construction and real estate, and other commercial litigation matters. In his real estate practice, he has years of experience representing plaintiffs in tax-lien foreclosure matters throughout Arizona, including arguing before the Arizona Supreme Court on behalf of tax-lien holders and obtaining a favorable unanimous decision reversing an Arizona Court of Appeals ruling regarding Arizona’s statutory pre-litigation notice requirements to tax-lien-foreclosure lawsuits. Bryce received his B.A. from Arizona State University and his J.D. from the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law.
Cristina Luse is a Member in the firm’s Columbus office. She focuses her practice on corporate law and advises clients on complex corporate transactions, including domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, equity investments, divestitures and reorganizations. She has represented some of the leading private equity sponsors and their portfolio companies in strategic acquisitions and provides continued support to clients on integration efforts post-acquisition. Utilizing a collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach, Cristina works closely with colleagues across various practice areas to deliver seamless and tailored legal solutions to clients operating in a wide range of industries. She is recognized as a leader in the field by the Legal 500. A proud double Buckeye, Cristina received both her B.A. and J.D. from The Ohio State University.
Cole Lussier is a Member in the firm’s Lansing office. He assists clients in government affairs, regulated industries, and litigation. He has particular experience in matters involving legislation, state constitutional issues, administrative rules, and other regulatory matters. He previously served as general counsel to the Michigan Senate, where he oversaw litigation, advised on legislation involving election law, economic development, health policy and appropriations, and provided counsel regarding Senate operations. He regularly assists clients dealing with election law and campaign finance matters, energy and utility issues, state enforcement actions, and pending legislation. Cole received his B.A. from James Madison College, Michigan State University and his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School.
Matt McLeod is a Partner in the firm’s Toronto office. His practice is focused on representing early stage and high growth companies, and he regularly advises clients in mergers & acquisitions, organizing and structuring new and existing corporations, partnerships, and joint ventures, financings and drafting foundational documents, such as shareholder agreements and other corporate governance documents. He has experience working with public companies in various transactions and dispute resolution. He also sits on the board of directors of a private Canadian licensed producer of cannabis. Matt received his B. Eng. and his M.B.A. from the Royal Military College of Canada and his J.D. from Western University.
Maureen Moody is a Member in the firm’s Lansing office. She guides her clients through all phases of litigation, including pre-litigation dispute resolution, jury trials, and the appeals process. She has represented clients in complex commercial litigation matters in both state and federal courts, and has experience in False Claims Act litigation, breaches of contract and warranty, fiduciary and partnership disputes, business torts, and product liability defense, among others. Maureen received her B.A. from the University of Michigan and her J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
Leonidas Mylonopoulos is a Partner in the firm’s Toronto office. He focuses his practice on commercial leasing, managing lease drafting, amendments, and landlord/tenant disputes. Lenny also advises franchising clients on leasing and real estate matters. Lenny received his B.A. from McGill University and his J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School, York University.
Angelique Neal is a Member in the firm’s Ann Arbor office. She has a national tax practice that includes all aspects of federal tax law, federal and state tax controversy, and reporting compliance issues with offshore financial accounts and other assets. From Dickinson Wright’s Ann Arbor and Lansing offices, she represents individuals and business clients, from small businesses to multimillion-dollar corporations, including clients with overseas interests. She is a member of the American Bar Association Tax Section, the Michigan Women’s Tax Association, the National Association of Tax Professionals, the State Bar of Michigan Taxation Section, and the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. Angelique received her B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles and her J.D. from Michigan State University College of Law.
Estee Nemetz is a Partner in the firm’s Toronto office. She focuses her practice on real estate law, concentrating on the purchase, sale, and financing of commercial, mixed-use, industrial, multi-residential properties and retirement homes. Estee specializes in land and condominium development, representing real estate developers and builders, and is involved with common elements condominium projects, commercial condominiums, residential condominiums and mixed use projects. Estee has comprehensive experience in acting for banks and other lenders in all types of real estate financings. She is a member of Toronto CREW, the Law Society of Ontario, and the Canadian Bar Association. Estee received her B.A. from Touro University, her M.S.c. in Nonprofit Management from The New School, and her J.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School.
Sara Radcliffe is a Member in the firm’s Columbus office and national real estate finance practice. She focuses on commercial real estate and real estate finance, representing lenders, developers and investors in their lending, financing, leasing, development acquisitions and divestitures, investments, capital raises, and syndication, including uncovering and advising on opportunities in state, local and federal tax incentive programs (such as Investment Tax Credits, New Market Tax Credits, Rural Industrial Park Loan Programs, PACE financing, Opportunity Zones, and others). From navigating multi-million dollar developments to structuring deals that maximize value, Sara works with lenders, developers and real estate investors locally and throughout the country. She is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and the Columbus Bar Association. Sara received her B.A. from Ohio University and her J.D. from the University of Akron School of Law.
Callie Root is a Member in the firm’s Troy office. She concentrates her practice on mergers and acquisitions, transactional tax matters, and private equity. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan’s Corporate, Business Law, and Taxation sections, and is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association. Callie received her B.A. from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, her J.D. from the University of Oklahoma School of Law, and her LL.M. from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law.
Stephanie Teaford is a Member in the firm’s Columbus office. She provides support to educational institutions, including community schools, private schools and career technical schools. She is a recognized as a leader in her field by Best Lawyers in America “Ones to Watch.” She is a member of the American Bar Association, the Education Law Association, the Ohio State Bar Association, and the Columbus Bar Association. Stephanie received her J.D. from the University of Toledo College of Law.
Daniel Waldman is a Partner in the firm’s Toronto office. He has a broad commercial litigation practice with an emphasis on real property litigation, including commercial leasing, commercial real estate, construction law, and debt collection. His clients include Canada’s most prominent commercial landlords, international developers, multimillion-dollar real estate investment trusts, and construction companies. Focusing on high-level real property litigation, his main areas of expertise include real property disputes involving the purchase and sale of large commercial property and commercial lease disputes. He has written numerous columns for Canadian Lawyer, Precedent, and RENX.ca. He is a member of the Ontario Bar Association’s Civil Litigation and Real Property Law Sections, the Canadian Bar Association, and the Advocates’ Society. Dan received his B.A. from Carleton University, his M.J. from the University of British Columbia, and his J.D. from Osgood Hall Law School, York University.
Sharaé Williams is a Member in the firm’s Ann Arbor office. She practices in the areas of complex business litigation and intellectual property litigation. Her ultimate goal is to utilize her wide range of skills and knowledge to provide effective legal counsel and achieve the best possible outcome for her clients. She is recognized as a leader in her field by Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Lawyers of Color Hot List, and The National Black Lawyers. Sharaé received her B.A. from Michigan State University and her J.D. from Wayne State University Law School.
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