In the News

Our Recent News Items

• March 2022 – #HertzSchram Co-Founder Howard Hertz, who was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the Michigan Film Industry Association, spoke with Deadline Detroit this week about the need to revisit and enact film incentives in Michigan. Click here for more information about Howard, including his contact information: https://bit.ly/35wiJys
  
• February 2022 –  #HertzSchram is proud to announce that Founding Partner Howard Hertz was elected to the Board of Directors of MiFIA (Michigan Film Industry Association). For those of you who want to support film incentives coming back to Michigan, please go to https://mifia.org/ to learn more, become a member, donate, and/or become a sponsor and help this worthy cause. It will benefit everyone in Michigan in so many ways. Click here for more information about Howard, including his contact information: https://bit.ly/35wiJys
  
• January 2022 – We are proud to announce that 11 #HertzSchram attorneys have been recognized as 2022 honorees by Leading Lawyers in the following categories:

– Howard Hertz, Entertainment & Sports Law, Copyright & Trademark Law, and Intellectual Property Law
– Bradley J. Schram, Commercial Litigation, ADR Law Commercial Litigation, Real Estate Law Commercial, Real Estate Law Finance, Securities & Venture Finance Law
– Steve J. Weiss, Commercial Litigation, Civil Appellate Law
– Victor M. Norris, Criminal Defense Law DUI, Criminal Defense Law Felonies & Misdemeanors, Personal Injury Law General
– Jeffrey A. Robbins, Closely & Privately Held Business Law, Tax Law Business, Tax Law Individual, Trust, Will & Estate Planning Law
– Walter J. Piszczatowski, Criminal Appellate Law, Criminal Defense Law Felonies & Misdemeanors, Criminal Defense Law White Collar
– Kenneth F. Silver, Real Estate Law Associations & Condominiums, Real Estate Law Commercial
– Patricia A. Stamler, Civil Rights/Constitutional Law, Class Action/Mass Tort Plaintiff’s Law, Employment Law Employee, False Claims Act/Whistle Blower Law
– Eva T. Cantarella, Employee Benefits Law
– Lisa D. Stern, Family Law
– Robert P. Geller, Commercial Litigation, Employee Benefits Law

Leading Lawyers honorees are nominated based on surveys mailed to all lawyers in a state that ask them which of their peers they believe are the top lawyers within their respective region and/or area(s) of law. Recipients are then selected to by a panel based on their skill and excellence in their legal practice areas.

Congratulations to all of our honorees!

Click the following link to view the honorees’ bios and contact information: https://bit.ly/3AQUZB7

• November 2021 – Hertz Schram is proud to announce that seven of our lawyers were selected as 2022 Top Lawyers by DBusiness Magazine:

  * Howard Hertz, Copyright Law & Trade Secrets
  * Walter Piszczatowski, White-Collar Criminal Defense
  * Steve Weiss, Medical Malpractice Law
  * Kenneth Silver, Real Estate Law
  * Gerald Cavellier, Family Law
  * Lisa Stern, Family Law
  * Joseph Bellanca, Copyright Law

  DBusiness’s Top Lawyers list is based on an online peer-review survey that is open to all lawyers in the metro Detroit area. Inclusion in DBusiness magazine’s Top Lawyers list is based solely upon one’s standing within their peer group. Congratulations to our honorees!

• October 2021 – Walter Piszczatowski has been named 2022 “Lawyer of the Year” in Criminal Defense: White-Collar by Best Lawyers® for the Troy, Michigan area.

  Only a single lawyer in each specialty in a community can be honored as “Lawyer of the Year.”

  Wally, a Shareholder at Hertz Schram, is nationally known for representing clients in high-profile white collar and other criminal defense matters, many of which have commanded significant media attention. Wally is regarded as one of the premier criminal defense practitioners by the bench, his fellow colleagues, and prosecutors.

  Congratulations, Wally!

• September 2021 – Announcing the 2022 Best Lawyers Honorees…

  And the “2022 Best Lawyers in America” honorees are: Howard Hertz, Steve Weiss, Walter Piszczatowski, Gerald Cavellier, and Patricia Stamler! 

  CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FABULOUS FIVE TEAM for their success this year! WAY TO GO, TEAM!

  You can view the Best Lawyer attorney bios by clicking on the following links:

  * Howard Hertz, Entertainment Law – Motion Pictures and Television and Entertainment Law – Music
  * Steve Weiss, Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
  * Walter Piszczatowski, Criminal Defense White-Collar
  * Gerald (Jerry) Cavellier, Family Law
  * Patricia Stamler, Litigation – Labor and Employment, Employment Law – Individuals, and Civil Rights Law

  If you have any legal claims or needs, please contact Hertz Schram at (248) 975-7272. or on our contact page.

• August 2021 – Top Women in the Law 2021 Award Goes to (Drum Roll…)

  We are very pleased to announce that Attorney Lisa Stern at Hertz Schram has received the “Women in the Law for 2021” award from Michigan Lawyer’s Weekly. Each year Michigan Lawyers Weekly® recognizes “women who have a commitment to excellence in the practice of law.” This year 34 lawyers were selected to receive this distinguished award. Michigan Lawyers Weekly® announced that Ms. Stern was chosen for her outstanding contributions to the practice of law in Michigan, for being an educator and role model for other attorneys, her tremendous leadership, and for her wealth of expertise in family law in providing quality counsel. This is an Outstanding accomplishment … CONGRATULATIONS TO LISA!

  Lisa is a partner at Hertz Schram and her law practice centers exclusively on family law. Lisa is a highly recognized and honored attorney. Lisa also just received the Super Lawyers® award for 2021. To learn more about Ms. Stern’s background, you can read her bio here.

  FUN FACT: Lisa went skydiving last year for the first time!

  Do you have questions or legal needs about divorce, child custody, or parenting time? If so, Hertz Schram’s family law department can help you! Contact Lisa Stern at (248) 975-7272.

• August 2021 – If You Are Going to Rise… You Might as Well Shine! (author unknown)

  Hertz Schram is proud and honored to announce the 2021 Rising Stars by Super Lawyers® Honorees below:

  * Matthew Turchyn, Esq., Business Litigation Attorney
  * Fallon Yaldo, Esq., Medical Malpractice Attorney

  Rising Stars is a designation of top-rated practicing attorneys selected through extensive evaluation by Super Lawyers®. Super Lawyers® evaluates each candidate across 12 key categories which includes peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection is made on an annual, state-by-state basis, by a Blue Ribbon Panel of attorneys. (Super Lawyers® is a registered trademark of Thomas Reuters).

  Please contact Hertz Schram should you need legal assistance or have legal questions at (248) 975-7272.

• August 2021 – Have No Fear… Your 2021 Super Lawyers are Here!

  Hertz Schram is proud and honored to announce the 2021 Super Lawyers Honorees below:

  * Howard Hertz, Esq., Entertainment & Sports Attorney
  * Bradley Schram, Esq., Securities & Corporate Finance Attorney
  * Steve Weiss, Esq., Medical Malpractice Personal Injury Attorney
  * Walter Piszczatowski, Criminal Defense White Collar Crimes Attorney
  * Eva Canterella, Esq., Employee Benefits Attorney
  * Gerald Cavellier, Esq., Family Law Attorney
  * Lisa Stern, Family Law Attorney
  * Patricia Stamler, Esq., Employment Litigation
  * Elizabeth (Liz) Thomson, Esq., Class Action/Mass Torts

  Super Lawyers evaluates each candidate across 12 key categories which includes peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection is made on an annual, state-by-state basis, by a Blue Ribbon Panel of attorneys. (Super Lawyers® is a registered trademark of Thomson Reuters).

  Please contact Hertz Schram should you need legal assistance or have legal questions at (248) 975-7272.

• August 2021 – Talent… So Much Talent Here!

  Hertz Schram is proud to announce the firm is expanding its First Amendment and Media Law legal services by adding attorney Herschel Fink as Of Counsel to the firm. Herschel Fink is a First Amendment and Media Law attorney. Herschel will continue to represent newspapers, media organizations and entertainment companies, and is currently legal counsel to USA Today Network’s six Michigan newsrooms, including the Detroit Free Press. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Fink spent a decade before and during law school as a reporter and editor on major newspapers. You can read more about Herschel’s prestigious career by reading his full bio here.

  The Detroit Free Press Editor was recently quoted as saying, “I think every news organization needs someone like Herschel… If we don’t have people like Herschel fighting for us, ultimately our freedoms are at risk.”

  We encourage you to reach out with any questions or if you need legal assistance, please contact us at (248) 975-7272.

• July 2021 – WORKPLACE SAFETY, SEX ACTS & HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT SPURS CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT

  Patricia Stamler, shareholder and head of Hertz Schram’s employment law and whistleblower (qui tam) False Claims Act section, has been named as one of the attorneys for the female prison workers in the class action lawsuit recently filed in the federal court for the Northern District of Illinois. The claims are pending in federal court due to the outrageous sexual acts of the prison inmates on a daily basis toward the female prison workers. The sexual acts by the male inmates include such things as exposing themselves and masturbating in the presence of the female workers along with sexual and threatening comments. This has made the work environment hostile and unsafe for the female workers.

  You can read more about the case by accessing the complaint here.

  If you have an employment, sexual harassment, 1983 action or whistleblowers claim, contact Attorney Patricia Stamler at Hertz Schram to have your claim reviewed by calling (248) 975-7272.

• June 2021 – ORDINARY NEGLIGENCE OR MALPRACTICE?

  This was the important question recently presented to the State of Michigan Court of Appeals. The case involves an elderly woman who sustained a fall at the hospital while undergoing a chest x-ray. Attorney Fallon Yaldo at Hertz Schram represents the Plaintiff. The Defendants filed a Motion for Summary Disposition arguing that the issue presented was one of medical malpractice and warranted dismissal for the failure to provide a Notice of Intent to File a Claim prior to the initiation of the lawsuit. After the trial court denied the motion for summary disposition, the Defendants appealed. The Court of Appeals affirmed the ruling of the lower court which was a huge victory for the Plaintiff. Had the Defendants been successful, the claim for damages sustained by the deceased Plaintiff would have been subject to the damages cap for medical malpractice actions. The ordinary negligence action will now continue in the circuit court. You can read the unpublished decision that was reported in the State Bar of Michigan’s e-Journal here.

  We encourage you to reach out with any questions or if you need legal assistance, please contact us at (248) 975-7272.

• June 2021 – ONE OF DETROIT’S OWN…THE ONE…THE ONLY…HOWARD HERTZ!!!

  Howard Hertz was recently featured in Downtown Newsmagazine. Howard is a founding partner of Hertz Schram who leads the media and entertainment law and intellectual property law sections of the firm. The firm has been in existence for over four decades. You can read more about Howard’s fascinating career in the Downtown Newsmagazine article here.

  Howard has a passion for promoting artists and was quoted in the article to say, “In order for artists to survive in a changing music industry, I encourage people to go out to listen to live music when it is safe to do so and support artists you enjoy.”

  We encourage you to reach out with any questions or if you need legal assistance, please contact us at (248) 975-7272.

• May 2021 – Oh, yes, she did! She did it again folks!

  Let’s give Patricia Stamler a round of applause for receiving the 2021 Leading Lawyers distinction for civil rights, class actions, Plaintiff employment, false claims/whistleblower. Congratulations, Patty! Well deserved recognition!

  Patricia Stamler is a Shareholder and head of Hertz Schram ’s whistleblower False Claims Act (qui tam)  practice section and stands out in Michigan’s legal profession. Patty’s law practice also includes employment and class action litigation. Patty is a highly recognized and honored attorney. She received the Women in the Law Award in 2018 from the Michigan Lawyers Weekly and Leading Lawyers Top 10 Women Lawyers in 2020 among other awards including an AV rating, Best Lawyers in America,  Super Lawyer, and DBusiness Top Lawyers.

  Fun fact about Patty:  She loves the outdoors, including hiking in Alaska’s wilderness after canning Salmon in Seward.

  If you need to speak with someone about a whistleblower claim or litigation matter, contact Attorney Patricia Stamler at (248) 975-7272 to discuss the matter.

• May 2021 – New Rates Coming… Have You Reviewed and Updated Your Estate Plan?

  Attorney Jeffrey Robbins at Hertz Schram provides information on the new administration and the potential impact upon current income tax, gift tax, estate tax and generation-skipping transfer tax rates and applicable exemptions, that could mean a combination of increases in tax rates and reduced exemptions. Because there is no assurance when or if the current rates and exemptions will take effect, Jeffrey is encouraging clients and their advisors to review their estate plans for changes that are scheduled to occur. You can read more about this here on Jeff’s blog post which highlights the upcoming issues and provides a “checklist” of planning opportunities. We encourage you to reach out with any questions or if you need legal assistance, please contact us at (248) 975-7272.

• April 2021 – It really is ‘Detroit Vs Everybody’ as our client, the iconic clothing and lifestyle brand, takes on a copycat in court. Read more from Crain’s Detroit Business!
• April 2021 – Court of Appeals Hands Victory to Plaintiffs in Lawsuit Alleging Detroit Edison Misled Them Into Transferring to Volatile Cash Balance Plan
• April 2021 – CASE SPOTLIGHT!

  Court of Appeals Hands Victory to Plaintiffs in Lawsuit Alleging Detroit Edison Company Misled Them Into Transferring to Volatile Cash Balance Plan

  On March 23, 2021, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a major victory to pension plaintiff Leslie Nolan in her putative class action against The Detroit Edison Company (DTE), ruling that she plausibly alleged in her complaint that DTE misled her and other employees into transferring out of its “traditional” pension plan (TP) and into its new cash balance pension plan (CBP) without disclosing, among other things, that if interest rates fell, they might not earn new benefits for many years, if ever. In fact, Nolan earned no new benefits the entire 15½ years she was in the CBP! The lower district court had dismissed Nolan’s complaint on the grounds that she could not have been misled about the CBP and that her claims were untimely. The Sixth Circuit’s ruling revives Nolan’s complaint and allows Nolan to move forward on her claim of misleading, as well as on an additional claim that DTE breached the terms of its pension plan.

  CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HERTZ SCHRAM TEAM OF LAWYERS! Representing Nolan and the putative class members are Eva Cantarella (lead counsel for the class), Robert Geller, and Patty Stamler–partners at Hertz Schram PC in Bloomfield Hills, MI. If you believe you are or were in DTE’s cash balance plan, you may be a member of the putative class. To find out for sure, contact Eva Cantarella at (248) 975-7272 or ecantarella@hertzschram.com.

• February 2021 – What is a Leading Lawyer?

  A Leading Lawyer honoree is chosen by other attorneys who submit another peer’s name to be reviewed by Leading Lawyers to award those who have outstanding excellence and expertise in the specific area of the law.

  Let’s give the following Hertz Schram chosen 2021 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗟𝗔𝗪𝗬𝗘𝗥𝗦 a round of applause for receiving the 2021 Leading Lawyers distinction: 

  Bradley J. Schram, Esq., Honoree for Commercial Litigation, Real Estate Law Commercial Litigation
  Eva T. Cantarella, Esq., Honoree for Employee Benefits Law
  Howard Hertz, Esq., Honoree for Arts, Entertainment & Sports Law, Copyright & Trademark Law, and Intellectual Property Law
  Kenneth F. Silver, Esq., Honoree for Real Estate Law: Commercial
  Lisa D. Stern, Esq., Honoree for Family Law
  Patricia A. Stamler, Esq., Honoree for Civil Rights/Constitutional Law
  Robert P. Geller, Esq., Honoree for Commercial Litigation & Employee Benefits Law
  Steve J. Weiss, Esq., Honoree for Commercial Litigation, Personal Injury Law
  Victor M. Norris, Esq., Honoree for Criminal Defense Law: DUI, Commercial Litigation
  Walter J. Piszczatowski, Esq., Honoree for Criminal Defense Law: Felonies & Misdemeanors

  CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE HERTZ SCHRAM LEADING LAWYERS FOR THE WELL DESERVED RECOGNITION!  

• October 2020 – If You Are Going to Rise… You Might as Well Shine! (author unknown)

  Hertz Schram is proud and honored to announce the 2020 Rising Stars by Super Lawyers^® Honorees below:

  * Fallon Yaldo, Esq., Medical Malpractice Attorney
  * Joseph Bellanca, Esq., Entertainment & Sports Attorney
  * Matthew Turchyn, Esq., Business Litigation Attorney

  Rising Stars is a designation of top-rated practicing attorneys selected through extensive evaluation by Super Lawyers^®. Super Lawyers^® evaluates each candidate across 12 key categories which includes peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection is made on an annual, state-by-state basis, by a Blue Ribbon Panel of attorneys. (Super Lawyers^® is a registered trademark of Thomas Reuters). Please contact Hertz Schram should you need legal assistance or have legal questions at (248) 975-7272.

• October 2020 – Have No Fear… Your Super Lawyers are Here!

  Hertz Schram is proud and honored to announce the 2020 Super Lawyers® Honorees below:
  * * Howard Hertz, Esq., Entertainment & Sports Attorney
  * Bradley Schram, Esq., Securities & Corporate Finance Attorney
  * Steve Weiss, Esq., Medical Malpractice Personal Injury Attorney
  * Wally Piszczatowski, Criminal Defense White Collar Crimes Attorney
  * Eva Canterella, Esq., Employee Benefits Attorney
  * Gerald Cavellier, Esq., Family Law Attorney
  * Patricia Stamler, Esq., Employment Litigation
  * Elizabeth (Liz) Thomson, Esq., Class Action/Mass Torts

  Super Lawyers evaluates each candidate across 12 key categories which includes peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection is made on an annual, state-by-state basis, by a Blue Ribbon Panel of attorneys. (Super Lawyers® is a registered trademark of Thomas Reuters). Please contact Hertz Schram should you need legal assistance or have legal questions at (248) 975-7272.

• October 2020 – And Who Received the Top Lawyers in Michigan Award for Being a Leading Lawyer?

  Let’s give Patricia Stamler a round of applause for receiving the 2020 Leading Lawyers distinction for civil rights, class actions, Plaintiff employment, false claims/whistleblower. Congratulations, Patty! Well deserved recognition! 

  Patricia Stamler is a Shareholder and head of Hertz Schram’s Whistleblower (Qui Tam) False Claims Act practice section and stands out in Michigan’s legal profession. Patty’s law practice also includes employment and class action litigation. Patty is a highly recognized and honored attorney. She received the Women in the Law Award in 2018 from the Michigan Lawyers Weekly and Leading Lawyers Top 10 Women Lawyers in 2020 among other awards including AV rated, Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyer, and Dbusiness Top Lawyers. If you need to speak with someone about a whistleblower claim or litigation matter, contact Attorney Patricia Stamler at (248) 975-7272.

• September 2020 – And Who Are the Best Family Law Attorneys in Michigan by Best Lawyers^®?

  Let’s give a round of applause to Attorneys Gerald Cavellier and Lisa Stern for receiving the Best Family Law Lawyers 2020! Jerry and Lisa have built a successful family law practice at Hertz Schram by representing clients in divorce, child custody disputes, child support matters, step-parent adoption matters, and second family adoption for LGBTQ community. Let’s all help congratulate Jerry and Lisa on their success!

• August 2020 – Have You Been Watching This Guy? 

  … and the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch^® award goes to Matthew (Matt) J. Turchyn!  Congratulations, Matt, on your 2021 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch^® award! 

  The inaugural edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch^® recognizes lawyers who are earlier in their careers for their outstanding professional excellence in private practice.

  Matt’s legal practice at Hertz Schram is focused on Commercial Litigation, Securities Litigation, General Litigation, Appeals and Copyright & Trademark.  Matt describes himself as “…a creative, strategic, and result-oriented advocate for [his] clients.” Let’s congratulate Matt on his success in 2020!

• August 2020 – The Deal Incubator is Back!

  Join our Zoom event on September 8, 2020 at 4PM – 6PM for a live meeting with attorney Kenneth Silver and Michael Fluhler from Hertz Schram. Ken and Michael will be discussing INNOVATION & LICENSING. Contact Sandy Kott at skott@hertzschram.com or 248.335.5000 to register, or register via Zoom. REGISTRATION REQUIRED TO ATTEND VIA ZOOM.

• May 2020 – Good News for Michigan!

  Prefix Corp, a Michigan-based business, known for building auto prototypes and race engines has restructured its operating systems to assist hospitals and first responders by building face shields, face masks and other healthcare devices to meet the demand for personal protection equipment as reported by the Detroit News. We, at Hertz Schram, are proud of their efforts. Prefix Corp has plants located in Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills, Michigan and is a valued client of  Hertz Schram!  Good job, Prefix Corp!

• May 2020 – Protect Your Finances from Coronavirus Complications – Don’t Risk It! Update #9

  Learn from the experts at Hertz Schram on the best way to protect yourself and your finances in the event you become ill or incapacitated during the pandemic.  You can read this helpful article here. We encourage you to reach out with any questions or if you need legal assistance, please contact us at (248) 335-5000 or visit our COVID-19 information section on our website.

• April 2020 – The #1 Legal Document Every Adult Should Have for the Pandemic! Update #8

  Hertz Schram has prepared another great article to provide you with information about the best way to prepare yourself in the event you become ill during the pandemic. You can read this helpful article on the firm’s website here. We encourage you to reach out with any questions or if you need legal assistance, please contact us at (248) 335-5000 or visit our COVID-19 information section on our website.

• April 2020 – Good News! Green Light for Self-Employed and Independent Contractors Re: Unemployment Benefits – Update #7

  Attorney and Shareholder Patricia Stamler at Hertz Schram prepared another great article that provides important updates for the self-employed and independent contractors.  You can read Patty’s article on the firm’s website here. We encourage you to reach out with any questions or if you need legal assistance, please contact us at (248) 335-5000 or visit our COVID-19 information section on our website.

• April 2020 – A Must Watch for Small Business Owners!

  YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SMALL BUSINESS PPP LOAN PROGRAM ARE ANSWERED IN THE ATTACHED VIDEO (LINK BELOW↓)!

  Hertz Schram was part of a panel of experts that explained the newly enacted Cares Act, Paycheck Protection Program and SBA Loans along with a bank representative on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. The webinar can be accessed here.

  Hertz Schram is addressing the needs of our clients and their advisors in response to the business disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Our team is dealing with numerous employment, business, tax and estate planning matters that have become acute as a result of the virus. We can help you with preparing and submitting your PPP application. Our team of experts provide COVID-19 small business updates almost daily pursuant to the new rules and regulations being enacted by the US Department of Treasury.  You can access the firm’s COVID-19 updates by visiting the firm’s website here. We encourage you to contact us directly anytime at (248) 335-5000 so we can help your with your legal questions and needs. 

• April 2020 – Are Non-US Employees to be Counted for Purposes of the Paycheck Protection Program? Update #6

  Attorney and Shareholder Jeffrey Robbins at Hertz Schram is providing information just released from the U.S. Department of Small Businesses for the Paycheck Protection Program for Businesses on the Interim Final Rules released on April 3^rd and on Monday, April 6, 2020.  Information on these loans is changing very quickly as this is a new program and rules continue to be written and adjusted. Please check back to our website regularly for new updates.  You can read Jeff’s article on the firm’s website here. We encourage you to reach out with any questions or if you need legal assistance, please contact us at (248) 335-5000 or visit our COVID-19 information section on our website.

• April 2020 – Paycheck Protection Program New Interim Guidelines for Businesses – Update #5

  Attorney and Shareholder Jeffrey Robbins at Hertz Schram is providing information on the interim guidelines under the Paycheck Protection Program for Businesses just released from the U.S. Department of Small Businesses. Information on these loans is changing very quickly as this is a new program and rules continue to be written and adjusted. Please check back to our website regularly for new updates. You can read Jeff’s article on the firm’s website here. We encourage you to reach out with any questions or if you need legal assistance, please contact us at (248) 335-5000 or visit our COVID-19 information section on our website.

• April 2020 – New Loan Terms Under the Paycheck Protection Program for Business – Update #4

  Attorney and Shareholder Kenneth Silver at Hertz Schram prepared an informational article that summarizes the updated loan terms under the Paycheck Protection Program for Businesses.  Information on these loans is changing very quickly as this is a new program and rules continue to be written and adjusted. Please check back to our website regularly for new updates.  You can read Ken’s article on the firm’s website here. We encourage you to reach out with any questions or if you need legal assistance, please contact us at (248) 335-5000 or visit our COVID-19 information section on our website.

• April 2020 – Be Aware of Scam Artists During this Time of Crisis – Update #3

  Attorney and Shareholder Patricia Stamler at Hertz Schram prepared a great article that lists the numerous consumer scams to lookout for those preying on the public’s fears from the COVID-19 pandemic.  You can read Patty’s article on the firm’s website here. We encourage you to reach out with any questions or if you need legal assistance, please contact us at (248) 335-5000 or visit the firm website here.

• April 2020 – To All Our Clients and Their Advisors – Update #2

  Our attorneys have prepared summaries for you regarding the newly passed legislation by Congress in response to the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. Every state is deemed a “disaster” area under this legislation. We strongly recommend that you carefully review the summaries listed below as they describe Federal financial relief and assistance programs now available to workers and businesses impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic.

  • The Leave Requirement
  • The CARES Act
  • SBA Loans under the CARES Act

  You can read the summaries and the blog post here. Although our office is physically closed, we are operating our business remotely.  We encourage you to reach out with any questions or if you need legal assistance, please contact us at (248) 335-5000 or visit the firm website here. Please note the firm’s website has a new COVID-19 Updates section on our website that you can access at any time to keep up with the changing laws related to this pandemic.

• April 2020 – Are There Exemptions to Michigan’s COVID-19 Stay in Place Order?

  I have the answer for you! This update contains information about how the Coronavirus pandemic impacts workers and businesses in Michigan. You can read the blog post authored by Matthew Turchyn here. Contact us at (248) 335-5000 or visit the business and corporate law page here.

• March 2020 – The Top Women Attorneys in Michigan Award
  Attorney Elizabeth Thomson (Liz), Partner at Hertz Schram, has been recognized as one of the Top Women Attorneys in Michigan.  A special award recommended and voted upon by Hour Detroit and Super Lawyers®.  Congratulations, Liz!
  Liz is a highly recognized and well-respected litigator with a practice focusing on civil, commercial and class action litigation.  We are pleased to announce that she has was selected by Hour Detroit magazine and Super Lawyers® as a Top Woman Attorney in Michigan.
  Liz describes her practice by stating, “I am so fortunate to have a career doing something that I love and it shows in the results I get for my clients. Over the course of my 25 years of practice, I have successfully litigated some of the most challenging and unique cases in the state, including complex business and commercial disputes, property title issues, catastrophic environmental matters, civil rights, product liability, class action cases and personal injury – both plaintiff and defense.” 
  If you need to speak with someone about your rights arising from any type of litigation matter, including civil, business or personal injury, please contact Attorney Liz Thomson at (248) 335-5000.
• March 2020 – Why do I need an estate plan?
  Do you have questions about what happens to your assets upon your death or how to transfer your assets get transferred to your family without being subject to probate? We can help you with these questions and provide guidance on how to minimize costs and taxes. Hertz Schram’s estate & financial planning department can help you! 
  Attorney Jeffrey Robbins leads our estate & financial planning group with over 40 years of experience advising clients how to properly plan their estates, to include the preparation of  the necessary wills, trusts and supporting documents such as durable powers of attorney and patient advocate designations. He also assists in protecting our clients’ assets and is an expert at saving our clients’ money. Contact us at (248) 335-5000 or learn more about Estate & Financial Planning. 
• March 2020 – Top Lawyers Women Leaders 2020
  Top Lawyers Women Leaders 2020 by the Leading Lawyers® award goes to Attorney Patricia Stamler, Shareholder at Hertz Schram. A special award recommended and voted upon by Patty’s peers to be among the Top Lawyers in Michigan.  Congratulations to Patty!
  Patty’s law practice centers on whistleblower (e.g. qui tam, false claims acts); employment and class action litigation. Patty is a highly recognized and honored attorney. She also just received the Top Women Attorneys in Michigan by Super Lawyers® for 2019 among other awards including Women in the Law Award in 2018 from the Michigan Lawyers Weekly, AV rated, Best Lawyers in America,  Super Lawyer, Dbusiness Top Lawyers and Leading Lawyers in Michigan.
• March 2020 – Team of Champions Here!
  Congratulations to our Medical Malpractice Department for being awarded THE TOP 20 BEST MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAWYERS IN DETROIT by Expertise® 
  Our medical malpractice and personal injury department has over 40 year of experience representing individuals who have experienced injury as a result of medical malpractice, an automobile accident, motorcycle accident, trucking accident, defective medical device and many other claims of negligence.
  Have you suffered an injury? Do you have questions about whether your injuries from medical malpractice or an accident amount to a personal injury or negligence claim? If so, Hertz Schram’s personal injury department can help you! 
• February 2020  – Newly Appointed Partners!
  We are pleased to announce the promotion of three of our lawyers to Partner. A big CONGRATULATIONS to Joseph Bellanca, Laurie Raab, and Matthew Turchyn! We could not be more proud! Joe is an entertainment and intellectual property attorney. Laurie is a commercial real estate and corporate attorney. Matt is a commercial litigator and appellate attorney.
  “Joe, Laurie and Matt are outstanding attorneys, each adding irreplaceable value to the firm and to our clients. We are proud of their accomplishments and congratulate them on making Partner.” – Victor Norris, Managing Shareholder
• February 2020 – Morning Morsels with Eva Cantarella
  This tax season Hertz Schram is holding a mini-seminar to discuss Property Tax Appeals. Attorney Eva Cantarella will speak about How to Reduce Your Costs of Property Ownership.
• February 2020 – The Hertz Schram Entertainment Team, Howard Hertz and Joseph Bellanca, were proud to support our clients Quicken Loans and Rocket Mortgage with their legal needs in connection with the Rocket Mortgage Super Bowl LIV commercial starring Jason Momoa!
  The Get Comfortable Rocket Mortgage commercial ranked #5 of all commercials aired for Super Bowl LIV on the USA Today Ad Meter.
  Watch the commercial here > https://youtu.be/g2ERWFMLptw
• January 2020 – Morning Morsels with Patricia Stamler and Alexander Stotland
  Hertz Schram presents the Morning Morsels mini-seminar event on January 9, 2020 at 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM at its office in Bloomfield Hills, MI where Attorney Patricia Stamler and Attorney Alexander Stotland will be speaking on the following topics at the event:
  · Hiring Dos & Don’ts
  · Workplace Romances – Love Contracts
  · Covenants Not to Compete
  · Imports of Employee Handbooks
  · Termination Considerations
• January 2020 – Hertz Schram Deal Incubator
  The Hertz Schram Deal Incubator is a monthly open business networking forum, moderated by Hertz Schram shareholder Kenneth Silver, that brings entrepreneurs, investors and financiers together to collaborate, problem solve, comment on each other’s projects and to discover common interests in a very informal setting. Don’t miss this free event! Contact Sandy Kott at (248) 335-5000 or email her skott@hertzschram.com, or check out the event page for more information!
• December 2019 – News Flash from our Criminal Department!
  The attorneys at Hertz Schram anticipate new laws will be enacted soon regarding expungements that would significantly expand the type and number of convictions permanently removed from a person’s record. If you have a prior misdemeanor or felony on your record, you might be eligible for a fresh start. Read more about the subject here.
• December 2019 – Forty Years of Hertz Schram!
  Hertz Schram is celebrating 40 years of providing exceptional legal services! Thank you to the founding partners, equity partners, attorneys and staff members who have helped the firm provide not only excellent legal services but a great place to work for so many years! Happy Anniversary to Hertz Schram and the Hertz Schram Family!
• December 2019
  Congratulations to attorney Howard Hertz on receiving the 2020 dBusiness Top Lawyers® award which he has received from 2009-Present as well as the Super Lawyers 2019® award annually since 2006, the Best Lawyers in America designation in Entertainment Law from 2007–Present, Leading Lawyers from 2017–Present, the 2018 Arts Advocacy Award presented by Wayne State University’s College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts, the Hensel Award presented by the Arts, Communications, Entertainment, and Sports Section of the State Bar of Michigan and the Martindale-Hubbell Lifetime Achievement Award!
  Howard’s law practice at Hertz Schram is focused on media and entertainment, both in transactional and dispute resolution, as well as in intellectual property matters, both copyright and trademark, including registration/protection of rights and dispute resolution. Howard often acts as an expert witness, mediator or arbitrator in music related disputes and describes his representation of his clients best by stating “I have successfully and aggressively represented creatives and their entities for more than forty years.”
• October 2019 – Qui Tam Case Insights
  Patricia Stamler, Shareholder and head of Hertz Schram’s whistleblower (qui tam) False Claims Act practice section, is pleased to announce that she successfully represented two whistleblower clients in a case alleging that their former employer and six anesthesiologists falsely submitted certain anesthesia claims to Medicare in alleged violation of the False Claims Act. The case settled for more than ½ million as mentioned in the Department of Justice’s press release.
  You can read more about the case and the filed Complaint by accessing the blog post written by Ms. Stamler here.
  If you need to speak with someone about a whistleblower claim, contact Attorney Patricia Stamler at (248) 335-5000 to discuss the matter.
• October 2019 – Have you heard the news?
  Attorney Kenneth F. Silver  has just been elected to serve a 3-year term for the State Bar of Michigan Probate Council for the Probate & Estate Planning Section! The State Bar of Michigan Probate Council is the governing body over the Probate & Estate Planning Section and is one of the largest bar sections with over 3,000 members. The mission of the State Bar Probate & Estate Planning Section (as referenced on the State Bar of Michigan’s website) is “to enhance and improve the practice and administration of law pertaining to probate; trust and estate planning, and administration; guardianships and conservatorships (including planning alternatives); and tax planning.”

  Attorney Kenneth Silver has a successful legal practice at Hertz Schram centered around the following practice areas:

  • Trust and Estate litigation
  • Probate administration
  • Real Estate
  • General corporate

  As a successful attorney, Kenneth Silver describes his approach as “direct, responsive and effective.” Let’s give a big round of applause to Kenneth F. Silver on his election to the Probate Council where he will be able to use his expertise to help serve the legal community! 

• October 2019 – Unpaid Overtime Justice!
  Hertz Schram has filed a request to certify a class for claims of unpaid overtime on behalf of non-union, contract workers at General Motors. Non-union contract workers may have claims for overtime that are lapsing without their knowledge. If you or someone you know is a non-union, contract worker who may not have received overtime and might benefit from being part of a class claim, have the interested person contact Hertz Schram, Attorney Daniel Rucker at (248) 335-5000 or drucker@hertzschram.com.
• August 2019 –  Trial Success: Kenneth Silver
• Kenneth Silver recently tried and won a complex probate jury trial for the petitioner in the Oakland County Probate Court. The dispute arose due to the undue influence exerted by a son upon his elderly father concerning the execution of an amendment altering the disposition of a very large trust. This particular case has had 18 separate appeals on court rulings which resulted in Mr. Silver successfully trailblazing new law on the issue of standing in probate cases. Congratulations, Kenneth Silver and the entire trial team, on a job well done!
• July 2019 – View the Amended Complaint filed against General Motors to recover contract workers’ unpaid overtime, and share this information with any contract workers you think might benefit from such recovery.
• October 2018 – Hertz Schram’s employment law attorney, Patty Stamler, recently announced a $625 million civil settlement under the False Claims Act lawsuit.  Read more here.
• April 2018 – Wayne State University to Honor Howard Hertz with the CFPCA Arts Advocacy Award. Read more here.
• June 2017 – Hertz Schram’s employment law attorney, Patty Stamler, is recognized in Leading Trial Lawyer Fights for Equality, written by Elizabeth Davies.
• January 2017 – Hertz Schram helps fund Fair Michigan Justice Project (FMJP), a collaboration with Fair Michigan and the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office to help combat the rise of LGBTQ hate crimes. Click here to read more.
• November 2016 – Hertz Schram Attorney Joseph A. Bellanca will speak at Annual Howard Soifer Memorial Lecture on Sports and Entertainment at WMU-Cooley in Lansing on Friday, Nov. 18th, 2016. Click here to read more.
• October 2016 – 10 Hertz Schram Attorneys Receive Super Lawyer 2016. Read more here.
• October 2016 – 8 Hertz Schram Attorneys Honored as 2017 Top Lawyers by Dbusiness. Read more here.
• October 2016 – Hertz Schram Partner, Lisa Stern Receives Best in Michigan for Client Satisfaction. Read more here.
• July 2016 – Eva Cantarella was sworn in as one of five new Directors of the Commercial Board of REALTORS (CBOR).
• July 2016 Hertz Schram Supports the LGBTQ community and the Fair Michigan Justice Project. Read more here.
• April 2016 – Hertz Schram has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of Flint, Michigan children who were poisoned by the city’s tap water. This class action seeks monetary damages for all Flint children 17 and under, who have been exposed to lead and its damaging side effects, which can include brain damage. Learn more.
• November 2015 – Eight of Hertz Schram’s attorneys were recently honored in DBusiness Top Lawyers 2016.
• November 2015 – Hertz Schram is pleased to announce that 12 of its attorneys were recognized by Leading Lawyers for being at the top of their fields of expertise and for outstanding client service.
• November 2015 – Hertz Schram is proud to announce that 12 of our attorneys have been named for inclusion in the 2015 edition of Michigan Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.
• May 2015 – On Thursday, May 28, 2015, Kenneth Silver presented “Getting Ready for Funding: How to Clean Your House Before the Guests Arrive” for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education’s first annual Entrepreneurial Law Institute at the Book Cadillac Hotel in downtown Detroit. The complete materials for the entire 1 and ½ day seminar can be viewed at www.ICLE.org.
• April 2015 – On April 23, 2015, Hertz Schram’s entertainment and intellectual property team of Howard Hertz and Joe Bellanca helped kick off World IP Day celebrations in Detroit at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
• April 2015 – Patricia Stamler was named for inclusion in Leading Lawyers in the categories of Employment Law: Employee, and False Claims Act/Whistle Blower. Attorneys named to this list have been recommended by their peers to be among the top lawyers in their respective area(s) of law.
• March 2015 – Patricia Stamler participated as a panel member for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education’s online seminar on Wage and Hour law addressing key legal issues and pitfalls under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• March 2015 – Kenneth Silver has been invited to be a featured speaker at the ReInvent Detroit Conference, to be held March 12-14, 2015, at Cobo Center.
• January 2015 – Patricia Stamler was named one of the Top Lawyers in metro Detroit for 2015 by DBusiness, Detroit’s premier business journal. Read the letter that Jocelyn Benson, dean of Wayne State University Law School, sent to congratulate Ms. Stamler.
• December 2014 – Patricia Stamler’s article titled “Unique Aspects of Litigating Federal False Claims Act Cases” was published in the December 2014 Michigan Bar Journal. It can be accessed here or from our Articles page.
• January 2014 – Hertz Schram PC was proud to announce the opening of the firm’s new Detroit office. See Branching Out: Law Firm Opens Office in Downtown Detroit (Oakland County Legal News)
• December 2013 – Hertz Schram PC was named a winner for the M&A Deal of the Year (Over $75mm to $100mm).

Our Publications

• Howard Hertz interviewed by Michigan Radio’s The Next Idea : Howard Hertz was featured on an episode of The Next Idea, where he discussed helping Detroit “brand itself as a ‘music city'” and “capitalize on its musical heritage.”
• Group seeks Detroit music museum, ‘music city’ branding: Howard Hertz recently founded a new organization that will allow Detroit to take advantage of its vast musical heritage. (Detroit Free Press , May 2016)
• Flint residents sue EPA over lead contaminated water: This article discusses recent litigation against the city of Flint, including a class action filed by Hertz Schram.
• Detroit Music Awards with Chuck Bennett: Chuck Bennett wrote about his evening at the 2015 Detroit Music Awards, where he was a guest of Hertz Schram Partner Howard Hertz. Mr. Hertz is also a member of the Board of Directors and the President of the Detroit Music Awards Foundation. (the Social D, April 2015)
• Detroit Music Awards: Honoring Music in Detroit: Howard Hertz, a co-founding partner of Hertz Schram PC is the president of the Detroit Music Awards which is holding its 24 ^th annual awards ceremony at the Fillmore Detroit on April 10, 2015. Howard appeared Sunday morning, April 5 on Local 4 Today to talk about the awards and introduce two of the Distinguished Achievement Award winners.(Click On Detroit, April 2015)
• Another Blight for Detroit: Property Taxes: Hertz Schram Shareholder Kenneth Silver was quoted regarding quitclaim deeds, including how such deeds can impact the speed of transactions and the risk that buyers and sellers expose themselves to. (Bloomberg Business, March 2015)
• Morgan Stanley Sues Ex-Advisor for Altering Records: Shareholder Bradley Schram was quoted in a story regarding Morgan Stanley’s lawsuit against one of its former advisors. Mr. Schram does not represent either party in the litigation, but is known as an authority in the field and was contacted by the publication to provide context and analysis regarding the case. (FUNDfire, March 2015)
• Protest Calls for Clinic’s Permanent Closure: Our attorneys represent a variety of businesses in a wide range of industries, including medical facilities. Victor Norris and Patricia Stamler are quoted from the statement they sent on behalf of the clinic in this article. (Detroit Free Press , December 2014)
• Detroit Corruption Case Reboots in Federal Court: Walter Piszczatowski, a Hertz Schram shareholder, is lead defense counsel for former Detroit Treasurer Jeffrey Beasley. (The Detroit News, October 2014)
• The Champion of Grandparents’ Rights: A review of Richard Victor’s founding of and continued work with Grandparents Rights Organization (GRO), a national nonprofit group focused on protecting the interests of grandparents. (Detroit Jewish News, September 2014)
• Case over racist emails at Lotus Bank will head to trial, judge rules: Hertz Schram attorney Elizabeth Thomson serves as the lead plaintiffs’ attorney in this case. (Crain’s Detroit Business, June 2014)
• Flint federal judge says FBI failed to give info on gang listing for Insane Clown Posse Juggalos: A discussion of the case filed by the Insane Clown Posse, a well-known musical group represented by attorney Howard Hertz. (The Flint Journal/mLive.com, February 2014)
• A Talk With Eminem Attorney Howard Hertz: Howard Hertz was interviewed by Metro Times, an alternative newsweekly in Detroit. (Metro Times, January 2014)
• Lawsuits over Kalamazoo River oil spill seek damages for residents: Patricia Stamler and Elizabeth Thomson served as co-counsel during this case against Enbridge/Enbridge Energy Partners. (Crain’s Detroit Business, August 2010)
• Why To Work With a Lawyer From the Start: An Interview with Kenneth Silver of Hertz Schram PC: Kenneth Silver discusses the benefits of having an experienced attorney involved from the start of any real estate process. (Michigan Homes)
• Hertz So Good: Detroit Music Awards’ Top Dog Talks About the City and the Scene: An interview with entertainment lawyer and Hertz Schram co-founder Howard Hertz. (modelD, April 2009)
• Group seeks Detroit music museum, ‘music city’ branding: Howard Hertz recently founded a new organization that will allow Detroit to take advantage of its vast musical heritage. (Detroit Free Press , May 2016)