July/August 2011 ARBEA B Genesee County Bar AssociationT

Karen L. Folks “The Spoon of Power” 2011-2012 GCBA President Jerome F. O’Rourke Advocacy Award Herbert J. Milliken Civility Award: Carl L. Bekofske Karen L. Folks—2011 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year Changes to Unclaimed Property Act Practicing Constitutional Law in Genesee County It’s Better than Chemistry Senior Attorney Luncheons Leaders in business • Leaders in health care • A partnership that works for you

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Genesee County BAR BEAT July/August 2011 2 Genesee County Bar Association Table of Contents 2011-2012 Board of Directors PRESIDENT – Karen L. Folks 4 Weaving a Rich Tapestry of VICE PRESIDENT – James J. Wascha TREASURER – Erwin F. Meiers III Collective History by Karen L. Folks SECRETARY – Jeffrey J. Himelhoch 5 “The Spoon of Power” by Ronald L. Haldy IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT – B.D. “Chris” Christenson 5 Jerome F. O’Rourke Advocacy Award by James J. Wascha Specialty Bar Board Members 6 Herbert J. Milliken Civility Young Lawyers Delegate – Jessica J. Hammond Mallory, VanDyne, Scott Bar – Nikayela D. Lockett Award: Carl L. Bekofske by Brian M. Barkey Women Lawyers Delegate – Hon. M. Cathy Dowd 6 Karen L. Folks—2011 Pro Bono Flint Trial Lawyers Representative – Michael P. Parillo Attorney of the Year by Jill L. Nylander Board Members 7 Genesee County Bar Foundation Jade J. Edwards ‘12 Richard S. Harris ‘12 Lynne A. Taft ‘12 Anthony P. Vance ‘12 Update: Lawyers, Money and James N. Bauer ‘13 Shayla Blankenship ‘13 Generosity by Randolph P. Piper Jeremy R.M. Piper ‘13 Roger G. Isaac ‘13 Leo P. Carey ‘14 Morgan R. Cherry ‘14 8 Changes to Michigan Unclaimed Michael J. Kotarski ‘14 R. Paul Vance ‘14 Property Act by David A. Salim Staff 8 Symposium on Substances (SOS) Tatilia Y. Burroughs, Executive Director in 67th District Court Eileen M. Harris, Office Manager Starlynn J. Estep, LRIS Specialist 9 Practicing Constitutional Law in Bar Beat Editor Genesee County by Gregory T. Gibbs LindaLee Massoud 10 It’s Better than Chemistry [email protected] Charles A. Forrest, Jr. Practicing Genesee County Bar Association Senior Attorney by Roberta J.F. Wray 315 E. Court St., Flint, Michigan 48502-1611 (810) 232-6012 11 Senior Attorney Luncheons by Richard J. Ruhala For editorial information, call (810) 232-6000. Advertisers Published bimonthly by the State Bar of Michigan, 306 Townsend St., Lansing, MI 48933, for the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Yeo & Yeo Genesee County Bar Association. For advertising, inside cover CPAs and Business Consultants 7 call (517) 346-6315. Larry Day Plante and Moran Mediation & Arbitration 3 CPAs/Business Advisors 9 No material in Bar Beat reflects the opinion or endorsement of the Genesee County Bar Association, unless otherwise stated. Jakeway, Jakeway& Jakeway, PC 4 Stephens Wealth Management Group back cover

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July/August 2011 Genesee County Bar Association BAR BEAT 3 Weaving a Rich Tapestry of Collective History

By Karen L. Folks, President

What an honor and a privilege 1997), and so I took a couple of minutes it is to become president of the to read through it and couldn’t help Genesee County Bar Association! but reflect on the relevance today It is a remarkable milestone in my of the contributions made by GCBA Karen L. Folks career. Even more amazing is the members four and five generations ago. discovery that this will mark the 114th I was reminded of a TV series I began year of the GCBA’s existence and watching late last fall. All of our ancestors have played influence throughout the greater Flint Last year, NBC launched an a role in changing and shaping community and beyond. While I have American genealogy documentary the history of Flint, the State always been proud to be a part of such series called “Who Do You Think of Michigan and, arguably, an esteemed organization, I recently You Are? ” Each episode focuses impacting the country. stumbled across Jean Neithercut’s on a well-known actor, actress or informative summary of the GCBA’s other famous person and takes us on rich history, and it kindled in me a this very personal and yet intriguing has contributed in unique and valuable new admiration and awareness for its journey into the ancestral history of ways to shape, mold, develop or even exceptional membership roster over his/her family. Each twist and turn change world history. They also passed the past 100 years. in the story places us in unexpected on family traits or characteristics, This past March, I was poking locations, both geographically and such as strength, vision, courage, and around the Genesee County Bar in world history. But the insightful creativity. Association’s website looking for an moments come in the recognition Can you see the similarities to event date. By accident the GCBA that each ancestor, over the course the GCBA “family”? We have an Centennial History came up (1897 – of four, five, six or more generations, Continued on page 11

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Genesee County Bar Association BAR BEAT July/August 2011 4 “The Spoon of Power”

By Ronald L. Haldy

n the spring of 1997 the Annual At the 1998 Annual Meeting I IMeeting was held at Crossroads was the outgoing president and Walt Village in conjunction with the Griffin was the incoming president. I Ronald L. Haldy dedication of the Durant law office thought that Val’s impromptu “Spoon building. The dinner had a sort of Power” was a rather unique concept rest of the mandatory place setting). A of “picnic” theme to it, complete and thought that an attempt should be woodworker that I knew prepared the with checkered table cloths, ribs, made to preserve it. However, I was plaque and mounted the spoon to it, cornbread and plastic utensils. The sure that the life expectancy of passing along with the engraved plate. The finished product was then presented to the first outgoing GCBA president was the original plastic spoon (even if I still recipient, President Walt Griffin. It has Valdemar Washington and I was the had it) would not be very long so I been passed on to each incoming president incoming president for the year 1997- decided to create a more permanent 1998. After the dinner it came time to by the outgoing president ever since. one. In the process I purchased a “transfer” the title of president from sterling silver spoon (along with the Val to myself. In the process of doing I thought Val’s impromptu so, it became apparent to Val that he “Spoon of Power” was a rather did not have a gavel to present me unique concept and thought that to symbolize this transfer. He looked an attempt should be made to around the podium and seized upon preserve it. a plastic spoon that had been part of the place settings for the picnic, and That is the story of this GCBA in the process of handing the spoon tradition and how it was started. to me he, in jest, referenced that he Hopefully, it is a tradition that will was presenting me with “The Spoon continue for years to come. As a side of Power” as evidence of my being the note, I am sure that if I dug deeply enough, President B.D. “Chris” Christenson presents I would find the rest of that sterling silver new president of the GCBA. the “Spoon of Power” to President-Elect Karen L. Folks. place setting that is missing only a spoon!

Jerome F. O’Rourke Advocacy Award

By James J. Wascha

he Centennial American Inn of Court presented and a notable respect for TAttorney Dennis R. Lazar with the 2011 Jerome F. the legal system and all O’Rourke Advocacy Award. The award was announced involved. at the GCBA annual meeting in the presence of Dennis’ I n q u ir ie s of p e e r s Dennis R. Lazar wife Karen, son Daniel, and sister Jeanette. and the bench resulted The award is in recognition, by peers and the judiciary, in a consistent response of the highest level of professional excellence in advocacy, captured in one description: professionalism, ethics and civility. Consideration was “Dennis is old school; a gentleman advocate.” given to Dennis’ novel legal techniques, his willingness to It is an honor to practice in the same profession and undertake causes even when unpopular, his embracing of community with Dennis Lazar. alternative dispute potentials in the client’s best interest

July/August 2011 Genesee County Bar Association BAR BEAT 5 Herbert J. Milliken Civility Award: Carl L. Bekofske

By Brian M. Barkey

arl Bekofske has never been Of course, we all know Carl as Ccontent to just practice law. He has the standing Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Carl L. Bekofske created a legacy of public, community, Trustee in the office that administers and professional service that makes you 4700 bankruptcies a year. He is Herb Milliken is gone. And, as Herb forget he is just one person. the Genesee County Public used to do, Carl takes the call. In the public arena, he served Administrator. He is a person who has Last, and for my money his most two terms in Flint City Council, one been successful in these roles over endearing trait, is the invisible part of as its president. After that, he was this tenure and has been universally Carl Bekofske. When he sees a younger practitioner who is walking close to an elected to serve on Flint’s Charter recognized and acknowledged for his unfortunate professional path, or is Revision Commission, where he was integrity, effectiveness and character. struggling financially or ethically, it will appointed its chair. In the area of Like Herb Milliken, Carl is the be Carl who will offer counsel, maybe community service, Carl has served lawyer’s lawyer. He is the first name secure an appointment, send him or on the governing boards of many, many on the judges’ and lawyers’ short list her some work, or perform some small community organizations. This man of people to appoint as the receiver to but unforgotten act of kindness you will knows how to give back. Professionally, wind up the law practice of a colleague never hear him talk about. Carl has been elected or appointed who suddenly dies or to sort out a On behalf of the grateful lawyers of to serve on the governing boards of difficult business relationship. He is the Genesee County Bar Association, numerous professional organizations, the person lawyers think of when they I was proud to present the Herbert and as their president. have a knotty ethical question now that Milliken Civility Award to Carl Bekofske.

Karen L. Folks—2011 Pro Bono Attorney of the Year

By Jill L. Nylander

egal Services of Eastern Michigan Lwas privileged to announce Karen Folks as the recipient of the 2011 Pro Bono Publico Award. Ms. Folks felt that she could give more of her extensive administrative and legal skills upon the realization that many formerly middle class Flint residents had become the "newly poor." She chose to volunteer at LSEM last year, much to the agency’s great benefit. Ms. Folks generously provided numerous hours of advice, counsel and assistance to clients seeking help with family law concerns. She is exemplary both for recognizing and for fulfilling this community need. Karen L. Folks and Jill L. Nylander

Genesee County Bar Association BAR BEAT July/August 2011 6 Genesee County Bar Foundation Update: Lawyers, Money, and Generosity

By Randolph P. Piper

hat is it about our Genesee Every year the GCBF funnels money Randolph P. Piper WCounty Bar Foundation that to support educational seminars for causes lawyers and others in our the legal community, such as recently concluded by telling the panel that she community to dig deep into their held programs on bankruptcy law and is dedicated to staying in Michigan and pockets and give so generously? trust law. We also make certain that she feels a “real responsibility to (do) Perhaps it’s because of a belief that funds donated actually support the the most good with the profound gift when money talks there are plenty projects intended, such as the Holiday I have been given.” of listeners and when tax-free money Dinner and Law Day activities, both of talks everyone listens! which are very expensive endeavors. This is why the lawyers in our Money has been defined as a In the last two years since the community give so generously to our blessing that is of no advantage to us substantial gift of the Beagle family, Foundation. We are doing real things except when we part with it. One of the GCBF has awarded two $5,000 of value for people who live here. We the best, most lasting advantages of law school scholarships. A committee help educate, support and communicate parting with money to our own tax- made up of Genesee County Bar to our area that lawyers have humanity free foundation is the tremendous members reviews applicants for the in their hearts. power that the donated money has John S. Beagle Scholarship Fund. One Let your money talk and say great when it can accumulate in your Bar winning applicant who is attending the things about the law and the community Foundation fund for the benefit of Law School which we serve. Please continue to society as a whole and not be subject wrote, “My parents taught me that give generously. If you would like to to taxes. my worth should not be based on contribute to our GCBF Scholarship That is what has been happening at wealth or status, but rather my ability Fund, the seminar programs, or any the Genesee County Bar Foundation. to empathize with vulnerable and other activity of the Foundation, please This year the Foundation, despite disenfranchised individuals.” She contact (810) 232-6012. all the vagaries of the market, has about $803,000 in assets. This is an Make the strongest case for your client increase in value of about $27,000 from January 1st of this year despite the fact the GCBF has made significant An essential piece. grants during the same period. The Yeo & Yeo’s experienced valuation, fraud and forensic Foundation receives gifts, mostly specialists have the training and credibility essential for from members of our association your case. From research and pre-litigation consulting, on a daily basis, all of which unless to case strategy and expert testimony, our professionals provide confidential, quality advice and support. Alan Rohde, CPA, PFS directed otherwise, are deposited to Managing Principal our endowment funds, where they • Business Valuation • Forensic Accounting • Litigation Support • Fraud Investigation are allowed to accrue interest or are • Economic Loss Analysis • Succession Planning invested in various portfolios, all based • Expert Witness Testimony • Estate & Gift Taxes on professional investment advice.

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July/August 2011 Genesee County Bar Association BAR BEAT 7 Changes to Michigan Unclaimed Property Act

By David A. Salim

n 1995, the Michigan legislature Property Holder Reports and shorten David A. Salim Ienacted the Michigan Unclaimed the dormancy period for most property Property Act (the “Act”). It is important types: to note that the Act does not apply to • Unclaimed property reaching its examined at www.michigan.gov/ unclaimedproperty or by calling the lost, unclaimed or abandoned property applicable dormancy period as Treasury’s Legislative Inquiry Service if the loss, abandonment or failure of March 31st each year must be at (517)636-4810. to claim the property is the subject remitted to the Treasury by July 1st. of another statute and that statute Examples of the type of property that • Dormancy periods for most specifies to whom ownership of the commonly are not claimed by the owner property types have been shortened property must devolve (for example, before the dormancy period expires laws of probate succession). to three years. include checks and similar instruments, gift The Act, in general, requires • A 25% penalty may be levied for cards, credit memos, and gift certificates. businesses and governmental entities those failing to comply, in addition This office has also experienced claims to report and remit to the Department to interest charges. related to third party reimbursements, of Treasury abandoned and unclaimed such as health insurance reimbursements • Those voluntarily reporting the property that belonged to owners associated with decedents’ estates. preceding four years are exempt who cannot be located, or for whom It is advisable that representatives of from penalty on any property there is no known address. Recent decedents’ estates continue to check the voluntarily remitted. changes to the Act mandate a new unclaimed property website at the State due date (July 1) for businesses and • Further information regarding the of Michigan for a period of three to four governmental entities to file Unclaimed Unclaimed Property Act can be years after the decedent’s passing.

Symposium on Substances (SOS) in 67th District Court

he 67th District Court introduces and drugs, progression of alcoholism 67th District Court location. Upon Tan educational and informative and drug usage, and types of assistance payment of the fee, the Participant class designed for offenders who find available are also covered. will need to call 810-257-3177 to themselves involved in the criminal Format. The class format includes register. Symposium on Substances justice system as a result of drugs or lecture, guest speakers, and class class is a one time class offered on one alcohol. discussions that provide a forum Saturday morning a month and one Focus . The Symposium on for participants to openly discuss Monday evening a month. Class size Substances (SOS) Class has been their substance abuse/use related is limited in order to ensure a positive designed to reduce the prevalence experiences. The facilitator for the experience for the participant, and it and recidivism of alcohol- and other Symposium, Wesley Cross, is a certified is therefore recommended that the substance abuse-related offenses. This addictions counselor. Mr. Cross’ passion participant act immediately upon being prevention/early intervention class for assisting people with substance focuses on the prevalence of drug use abuse issues creates an atmosphere referred to the class. th and drinking and driving, the impact that is non-judgmental, allowing for Goal. It is the hope of the 67 that drinking and driving and drug use the participants to begin a journey into District Court that the Symposium on have on the community, how alcohol self-discovery. Substances class will inspire positive and drugs impair both the mind and Registration. Participants must behavioral changes in offenders who the body, and assertive decision making. pre-register for the Symposium by are involved in the criminal justice Laws pertaining to drinking and driving paying the $80 registration fee at any system as a result of drugs or alcohol. Genesee County Bar Association BAR BEAT July/August 2011 8 Practicing Constitutional Law in Genesee County

By Gregory T. Gibbs

I recently googled “practicing A. Glenn Epps, Harry Newblatt, Stewart Gregory T. Gibbs constitutional law” and discovered two Newblatt, Paul Gadola, Bob Segar, and recurring assertions that alarmed me. Max Dean, just to name a few. These The first was that most lawyers do not attorneys motivated many of us to go Genesee County lawyers have both practice constitutional law; the second to law school with the goal of practicing the opportunity and the obligation to was that because most lawyers don’t law to advance the right to be free from practice constitutional law. Genesee practice constitutional law, schools unconstitutional discrimination. County lawyers should be using the should remove it as a required course. By the time we were out of law Constitution in the trenches daily. No The question addressed here is whether school the major legislative and matter where or what form of law these assertions apply to the typical judicial battles against institutionalized you practice, the occasion could arise member of the Genesee County Bar discrimination had been won and laws where you find yourself practicing Association. were in place for us to enforce and constitutional law. You may find yourself Constitutional law is diverse and advance the civil rights that had been at an administrative hearing where the wide in scope. “Constitutional law recognized and codified through the board members adopt a procedure interests both the relationships between efforts of our predecessors. However, making the proceeding fundamentally the executive, legislature and judiciary eliminating the Constitutional Law unfair and you need to raise the due and the human rights or civil liberties course as a core requirement simply process clause in your objection. You of individuals against the state.”1 Yet a because the law improved would could find yourself representing a Yale professor has observed that “few have been a mistake. The need for mentally disabled client in probate trying students will practice constitutional lawyers who practice constitutional to expand his constitutional rights at a law.” He notes that Yale graduates are law did not end with the passage of commitment hearing. far more likely to practice corporate civil rights legislation, and advancing As a criminal defense attorney you or tax law (neither required) than the causes of clients under these laws must be constantly on the lookout for “constitutional law.”2 I believe that requires a lawyer experienced with constitutional violations ranging from constitutional issues. this perspective is narrow and limiting. Continued on next page Constitutional issues change with the times, but in my opinion the demand for trained constitutional lawyers remains constant. 21 OFFICES. 1600 STAFF. People decide to practice law for different reasons. Although for some A LONG HISTORY OF the motive is profit, for many others it is not. Many others view the practice HELPING GENESEE COUNTY of law as the opportunity to model the fictional Atticus Finch or the real ATTORNEYS & THEIR . For me it was the opportunity to try to change society CLIENTS THRIVE. for the better that motivated me to go to law school. Like many in my generation, I admired the lawyers of the 1950’s and 1960’s at the forefront of • Business valuation • Estate & trust services the fight for constitutional civil rights. • Insurance claim assesment • Litigation support Clarence Darrow, Thurgood Marshall • Forensic accounting • Tax planning & preparation CPAs / Business Advisors and others led the fight on a national Dave Gibbons 810.766.6011 scale. Many Flint lawyers joined in that plantemoran.com THRIVE. fight, including C. Frederick Robinson, July/August 2011 Genesee County Bar Association BAR BEAT 9 Practicing Constitutional Law . . . Continued unreasonable searches to coercive There are also opportunities to litigation and we welcome lawyers who interrogations. As a civil practitioner practice constitutional law in high are willing to donate their time and there are times when you must claim profile cases if one is so inclined. talent to the pursuit of the protection that a statute violates your client’s As a cooperating attorney for the of constitutional rights. constitutional rights. A client may have American Civil Liberties Union you been denied custody or visitation rights can participate in cases involving free on the basis of sexual orientation, or speech under the First Amendment, (Endnotes) had his or her free exercise rights free exercise of religion under the First 1 www.aboutlawschools.org infringed upon by zoning regulations. Amendment, the right to be free from 2 Sanford Levinson, Reconsidering If you are not trained in constitutional unreasonable searches and seizures the Syllabus in “Constitutional law you will be unable to identify under the Fourth Amendment, or the constitutional issues in your cases and right to privacy and the right to equal Law,” 118 Yale L.J. Pocket Part may fail to raise issues which aid in your protection of the laws. The Greater 8 (2008), http://thepocketpart. client’s case. Flint ACLU is always involved in such org/2008/05/16/levinson.html.

It’s Better than Chemistry Charles A. Forrest, Jr. Practicing Senior Attorney

By Roberta J.F. Wray

y dad was a chemist with the Livonia. The pay wasn’t much so when a “MAlcohol and Tobacco Unit of position was advertised with the City of the IRS. He wanted me to be a chemist. Flint Charlie was one of many applicants. Charles A. Forrest, Jr. I hated chemistry. I used to go to The city attorney was the late court with him when he would testify Edward P. Joseph. He hired Charlie at The last time Charlie Forrest took in revenue cases. I don’t remember an annual salary of $11,500. He served an extended vacation was in 1968 making a conscious decision about being for three years and then decided to after an unsuccessful run for Genesee a lawyer,” said Charles A. Forrest, Jr., “but try working for Consumers’ Power in County Prosecuting Attorney against I sure didn’t want to be a chemist.” their Jackson headquarters. He says, “I Bob Leonard. He says he took five weeks He was born in Minnesota, moved felt like somebody’s flunky in that job. then and went to visit his parents in to Oklahoma at a year old, and landed They literally had me carrying someone Oklahoma. in Detroit when his dad was transferred else’s briefcase.” Returning to Flint, he went into there. His law school is the one with the Just in time, Eddie Joseph decided private practice, joining the Clines in Quad and the Clock Tower in Ann Arbor. to leave the city attorney position and their Mott Foundation Building offices. Today, as one of the most senior of asked Charlie if he would be interested. The next 40-odd years have been Genesee County attorneys, he carries Given his feelings about the Consumers’ spent in court or at the office, with on an active practice representing position, Charlie jumped at the chance. the exception of short duration trips businesses and governments, and the He says he really enjoyed being City to visit his three children, Chuck, an occasional labor union. As city attorney Attorney. He liked hearing people say, “I international lawyer in Italy and former for the City of Mt. Morris, Charlie is heard you on the radio last night.” Those Jeopardy Champion; Richard, a free lance doing what he began his career doing. were the days when the weekly City environmentalist; and Liz, a nurse. He He first worked for a short time as an Council meetings were broadcast live. and his wife, Margaret, also spend part assistant city attorney for the City of The city was prosperous and still growing. of their time in Miami.

Genesee County Bar Association BAR BEAT July/August 2011 10 Senior Attorney Luncheons

By Richard J. Ruhala

enior Attorneys” are attorneys Valley Coney Island (located at the cor- “Swho claim to be over 65 and/or ner of Miller and Linden Roads). retired. They also include those among The executive committee met dur- us who like to have lunch with other ing the June luncheon. Most recently, Ed attorneys who can relate to our unique Henneke gave us a primer on the new Richard Barron, Sally Shaheen Joseph, Bob Crites, Ed Henneke, Richard Ruhala, and Doug Buck status and common experiences. Sto- tax code. We do not discuss partisan ries are told that challenge the imagi- politics but anything else is fair game. nation or are quite humorous. Atten- The next luncheon will be on Sep- During the winter months, some at- dance is not taken, no dues are paid, tember 8th (2nd Thursday) at noon at torneys head south to warmer climates for a few weeks or months. With this nor are work tasks assigned. No card Valley Coney Island (Miller and Lin- article is a photo showing fellow attor- or ID check is made to determine age den). The topic will be Robert Crites neys even meeting together in Florida. or retirement status. After all, some speaking about his travels in Africa. say attorneys never actually retire but Friendly socialization is the main Guests are always welcome, and rides theme. Some say it may even extend rather reduce their work load to even- are provided upon request. tually include friendly, free legal advice. life. None of us has found the Fountain Even the late Gil Rubenstein joined of Youth yet, but we can boast of that us but, while over the age of 90, he big fish that we caught or books that we was concerned about what his clients hope to publish soon. We advertise meeting times by would think if they learned that he was phone and e-mail. Contact Sally Sha- part of a retiree group. heen Joseph to be put on the remind- The State Bar now calls us “Mas- er list. Why not come and join us for ters” although our spouses still assign lunch, Dutch-treat: you only eat what us a “honey do” list. The luncheon you order and desire to pay for. See meetings are held at 12 noon on the Retirees Ed Maciak and Dick Ruhala in Florida you soon. second Thursday of each month at the

Weaving a Rich Tapestry of Collective History . . . Continued from page 4 impressive lineage. All of our ancestors State Senate, was Lieutenant Governor, So it is with a profound and humbling have played a role in changing and and was instrumental in bringing the sense of our impressive history that I shaping the history of Flint, the State Michigan School for the Deaf to Flint. step into the role of President of the of Michigan and, arguably, impacting Add to these the many Genesee County Bar Association in its the country. Start, for example, with multigenerational families of Genesee 114th year of service to its members and George Durand, who was Mayor County attorneys and other pioneering this community and ultimately become, of Flint, Congressman, Michigan legal minds who have left a huge imprint like you, part of the rich tapestry of our Supreme Court Justice, President of on our legal community practice, its collective history. This is a stewardship the Michigan Bar, and the founder and culture and the greater Flint business with which I am truly honored and first President of the Genesee County and organizational community. There is grateful to be entrusted. I look forward Bar Association in 1897. John Carton a bigger picture, an historical mosaic, to to working with you to implement served as Clerk of the Circuit Court, which we all contribute. Our everyday and deliver an insightful strategic plan, was George Durand’s law partner, investments of time and skills, the beneficial seminars, increase our web City Attorney, President of the State’s risks we take, what we do to educate, presence, and begin a GCBA video Constitutional Convention in 1907-08, lead, create, communicate, advocate, and oral history initiative to collect and, as an attorney, played an important counsel, and motivate, determines the and preserve the practices, stories role in the founding of . next generation’s living environment, and great history of this centennial William Fenton served in the Michigan culture and opportunities. organization.

July/August 2011 Genesee County Bar Association BAR BEAT 11 Genesee County Bar Association PRSRT STD 315 East Court Street U.S. Postage Flint, Michigan 48502-1611 PAID Flint, MI Permit No. 125 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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