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2008 Muskegon County Bar Association
OBITER DICTUM
NOTICE: It is illegal, immoral, and fattening NOT to
HAPPY HOLIDAYS EDITION share your office news with The Obiter
Volume 2, Issue 8: EIGHT PAGES November—December 2008
Innovative jury-reform project on trial here
Muskegon County residents assigned
to juries in the 14th Circuit Court-
room of Chief Judge Timothy G.
Hicks are now allowed greater free-
dom to learn the case as it goes
along.
In a letter to MCBA members,
Judge Hicks said the Michigan Su-
preme Court ordered seven circuit
judges statewide to test various jury-
reform proposals over the next two
years. He has agreed to test-drive
several proposals. These include:
Hon. Timothy G. Hicks, 14th Circuit
Chief Judge, with Bailiff Orlando Riley
1. The attorneys, together, are to pro-
vide each juror with a reference book 3. Attorneys must provide a list of ele- Guidelines must be met (MCR 2.513
containing witness lists, relevant law, ments of the crime or elements of the (K).
and copies of relevant documents plaintiff’s case in civil matters that the
where their interpretation is at issue. judge will read to jurors at the outset 6. The judge will accept written juror
of the trial. questions at the close of the initial
cross-examination and ask the witness
2. At any time, the judge - either by 4. The court will allow attorneys to the questions posed by jurors.
an attorney request or sua sponte present “interim commentary” at ap-
instruct the jury on a point of law if propriate junctures. 7. Attorneys for both parties must file a
the instruction will help jurors better concise written summary of each wit-
understand the proceedings and help 5. Jurors may discuss the case among ness’s deposition. The summary would
them reach a just verdict. themselves during the trial, but certain Con’t Page 6
Paul Wishka wins 2008 Neil G. Mullally Restorative Justice Award
Meaningful punishment for wrongdoers work implementing the philosophy for ju-
and their victims is the bedrock belief of venile offenders and their victims.
“balanced and restorative justice.” WSDRC last year not only honored
Chief Probate Judge Neil G. Mullally for
The Muskegon-based Westshore Dispute his efforts in implementing the restorative
Resolution Center recently awarded Paul justice program, but named the award for
M. Wishka, 14th Circuit Family Court him.
administrator, the second-annual Neil G. Mr. Wishka said following in the judge’s
Mullally Restorative Justice Award for his Con’t Page 6
Paul M. Wiskha
PAGE 2 O BI TE R DI C TU M V OL U ME 2 , I SSUE 8:
Remembering Our Late Colleagues
William J. Hipkiss, a longtime Muskegon attor- Veteran attorney Robert L. Forsythe, an Ann
ney and veteran actor in West Michigan community Arbor native and graduate of the University of
theater, died Sept. 30 in Rockford, Ill. He was 75 Michigan and its law school, died Oct. 25 at his
years old. Muskegon-area home. He was 89.
A memorial service for Mr. Hipkiss was held Oct. Like many members of his generation, Mr.
8 at the historic Frauenthal Theater in downtown Forsythe responded when his nation called, serving
Muskegon. in the U.S. Army during World War II. Rising to
A native of the Queens borough of New York rank of captain, he served in the South Pacific and
City, Mr. Hipkiss moved to Muskegon in the took part in the Battle of Guadalcanal. After VJ
1960’s. He practiced law in Day, he commanded a facility
West Michigan for 38 years, housing Japanese prisoners of
including a stint at the Mus- war, including one of the
kegon County Prosecutor’s women generically known as
Office. “Tokyo Rose.”
Mr. Hipkiss was well- After the war, Mr. Forsythe
known as a performer, pri- came to Muskegon where he
marily in musical theater. practiced law, particularly
Among his notable roles representing various munici-
were Tevye in “Fiddler on palities, including Norton
William Hipkiss the Roof,” Alfie Doolittle in Shores, Coopersville, and
Robert L. Forsythe
“My Fair Lady,” Cervantes/ the Village of Fruitport. He
Don Quixote in “The Man of La Mancha,” King formed a law partnership known as Parmenter,
Arthur in “Camelot” and Capt. von Trapp in “The Forsythe and Rude. This later became today’s Par-
Sound of Music.” His nonmusical characters in- menter O’Toole Law Firm, from which he retired
cluded the Russian arms negotiator Botvinnik in “A from the active practice of law in the mid-1980s.
Walk in the Woods,” and C.S. Lewis in Mr. Forsythe also was a business owner., serving
“Shadowlands.” as managing partner of Arlington Estates Mobile
Mr. Hipkiss served in the U.S. Air Force as an Home Park. An avid golfer, he was a member of
Airman 1st Class, and was stationed in Germany the Muskegon County Club, becoming its presi-
during the Korean War. He graduated with a B.A. dent in 1974. He also served as president of the
from the University of Michigan in 1959, and Muskegon County Bar Association in 1960.
earned his law degree from the American Univer- Mr. Forsythe is survived by his wife, Marilyn;
sity of Law in 1962. He worked in the Justice De- son, Grant (Diane) Forsythe of Cary, NC; two
partment and NSA during the 1960s. daughters, Mary Forsythe of Charlotte, NC, and
Mr. Hipkiss married Elizabeth LaGrande on May Sarah Forsythe of Los Angeles, CA; six stepsons,
14, 1988, in Rockford, where he was a member of Charles (Kim) Schaub, Rodney (Peggy) Schaub,
First Presbyterian Church. John (Debbie) Schaub, Thomas (Mary Price)
After retiring from law, Mr. Hipkiss in August Schaub, James (Holly) Schaub, all of Muskegon;
2005 moved from Grand Haven to his wife’s home- and Tom Nowakowski of Muskegon; and two
town, Rockford, Ill. There he became an author. stepdaughters, Terri (Hugh) Goldsmith of Ann Ar-
Mr. Hipkiss wrote three novels of autobiographical bor, MI and Lois (Steve) Smith) of Muskegon. He
historical fiction: “Normandie: Scandal on Pier was preceded in death by his first wife, Elinor, and
88,” “Fasching” and “Hagerstown.” his second wife, Phyllis.
The family has requested that memorial donations be sent to The family suggests memorial be made in Mr.
Muskegon Civic Theatre, 425 W. Western Ave., Suite 401, Forsythe’s name to the Muskegon Rescue Mission.
Muskegon, MI 49440. By Bill Iddings, Muskegon Chronicle
PAGE 3 V OLU ME 2, ISSU E 8 :
Defender group responds to 60th District
Court Public Defender changes
By: Margaret Sind Raben, President The NLADA found that every county system they exam-
Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan ined failed to meet at least one of the American Bar As-
The Muskegon County Bar Association was correct sociation’s Ten Principles of a Public
when they described the current public defender system Defense Delivery System – the na-
as “failing.” (”Judges Overhaul Public Defender System,” tionally-recognized criteria for effec-
September/October, 2008) Though the Constitution tive, efficient and ethical public de-
clearly provides fense systems. The United States
all of our na- Supreme Court describes the ABA
The recent changes in Muskegon’s
tion’s citizens standards as “guideposts” for assess-
public defense system, as de-
with the right to ing the effectiveness of public de-
scribed in the September-October
an adequate fense. (Wiggins v. Smith, 539 US 510
Obiter Dictum, are steps in the
trial-level public (2003). In the words of the NLADA
right direction and should be ap-
defense, the re- report, “None of the public defender
plauded. But will these steps actu- Margaret Raben
cent report com- services in the sample counties [in
ally improve the quality of defense
missioned by the Michigan] are constitutionally ade-
services?
Michigan Legis- quate.”
lature and com- States have a constitutional responsibility to fund and to
pleted by the widely respected National Legal Aid and administer constitutionally adequate public defense deliv-
Defender Association (NLADA) indicates that Michigan ery services. However, Michigan is one of only seven
fails to meet even minimum national standards for effec- states that shifts the entire burden of financing this critical
tive public defense delivery systems. The problem is constitutional mandate on its counties.
statewide. Public defenders deserve and require adequate funding
The NLADA’s experts examined ten counties in Michi- and the resources to provide a constitutionally adequate
gan: Alpena, Bay, Chippewa, Grand Traverse, Jackson, defense, the time and opportunity for confidential commu-
Marquette, Oakland, Ottawa, Shiawassee, and Wayne. nications with their clients, manageable workloads, and
The counties were selected by an advisory group ap- training commensurate with the complexity of their
pointed by the legislature and chosen as representative caseload and the criminal justice needs in a particular
of Michigan’s counties and their various public defense case. Only then will these dedicated attorneys be full and
delivery systems. Con’t Page 4
Contact Your MCBA Officers
Officers for 2008-2009
Mark your calendars for
Jenny L. McNeill, President.............231-744-6218
these upcoming events
jennymcneill@comcast.net
Friday, December 5, Muskegon Country Club, Barristers’ Ball. Matt
John Schrier, Vice President............231-722-5401 Miller’s band performs. Friday, 1 May 2009 Law Day celebration,
jcs@parmenterlaw.com Holiday Inn Muskegon Harbor. Volunteers needed. Belinda Barbier,
chairperson.
David L. Bossenbroek, Treasurer....231-726-6603 Wednesday 3 June 2009 Annual MCBA Golf Outing, Stonegate.
britboslaw@aol.com
Joseph Bader, Secretary.................. 231-724-6435
baderjo@co.muskegon.mi.us
Transitions
William Patrick Nolan Tom Armour has re-
was born October 8, turned to Colorado. “I
COURTHOUSE-CONVENIENT OFFICE 2008 at 7:50 a.m. to very much enjoyed my ten
SPACE AVAILABLE Geoffrey & Elizabeth years in MI and my mem-
2nd floor office space ideal for attorneys. 8 Nolan. He was 7lbs 5 bership in the local bar.”
West Walton. All services. Call Rick Tolle at oz and 19 inches in He can be reached at 303-
231-726-1400. William Patrick length. 522-2087 TJArmour@aol.
Nolan
PAGE 4 O BI TE R DI C TU M
Diversity, youth foreseen on Obama court
The nation voted for change this No- in the area of civil rights. The professors’
vember, and President-Elect Barack “Civil rights,” however, will have a short-list of possible
Obama likely will craft a younger, broader meaning under future Obama- candidates include
more diverse—and more liberal— appointed courts, Mr. Troutman said. Johnnie B.
judicial landscape particularly on the Issues will include same-sex marriage, Rawlinson, 9th Cir-
nation’s highest court, two local politi- right to assisted suicide, prisoner de- cuit Court of Ap-
cal scientists told MCBA members at tainees, and affirmative action. peals; Leah Ward
the 12 November meeting. Sears, Georgia Su-
Troutman
Kurt Troutman and David Taki- Mr. Takitaki said “change can hap- preme Court; and
taki of Muskegon Community College pen dramatically and in a short period “longshots” Jennifer
said the aging Supreme Court likely of time,” particularly because the aver- Granholm, Michigan
will offer the new president a great age age of a justice is 69 with the governor; Elena Ka-
opportunity to appoint women and range spanning John Paul Stevens at gan, Harvard Law
minorities whose judicial philosophies 88 to Chief Justice John Roberts at 53. dean, and Sen. Ken-
differ markedly from those of Repub- In his first term, President Obama neth Salazar, D.
lican predecessors, particularly likely could replace several justices. Colorado.
Takitaki
CDAM: Funding defense is the fundamental problem in public defense problem
Con’t from Page 3 effectively, efficiently, and adequately delivered to our
equal partners in a court system that was created citizens, wherever they live.
and is sworn to protect the rights of all. Michigan’s patchwork county by county public defense
Michigan’s taxpayers deserve a public defense system is a statewide problem that requires a statewide
system that demands accountability so as to ensure solution. The Muskegon courts have taken an important
that the system they fund meets minimum national first step but they can’t fix the underlying problems.
standards and is consistently and adequately State lawmakers must recognize the state’s responsibil-
funded across the state. ity to come to the assistance of our beleaguered courts
The recent changes in Muskegon’s public defense and local funding units, and ensure that Michigan’s pub-
system, as described in the September-October lic defense system is addressed as a whole, not piece-
Obiter Dictum, are steps in the right direction and meal. The Constitutional rights which are so eagerly
should be applauded. But will these steps actually studied and envied throughout the rest of the world re-
improve the quality of defense services? One thing quire our protection and they require our action. Let’s
we know for sure from the NLADA report is that seize this chance to do the right thing and make Michi-
these long-overdue changes will not resolve the fun- gan a leader in effective and fiscally responsible defense
damental underlying problems. These problems in- services..
clude the fiscal squeeze on county- and municipal-
ity-funded public defense systems in times of eco- To view the NLADA report, go to http://michbar.org/
nomic decline and the lack of state standards and publicpolicy/indigentdefense.cfm. See also David
oversight to ensure public defense services are Kortering’s report at Page 6.
So, where have you been lately?
Share with col-
leagues pix
from your trav-
els. Send to
Copper Harbor, Michigan Sep- mcbaobi-
tember 2008 by Heidi Hagen
HEIDI D. HAGEN, PLLC ter@yahoo.com
800 Ellis Road, Suite 206
Norton Shores, Michigan Share YOUR travel pix with The OBITER; mcbaobiter@yahoo.com
PAGE 5 O BI TER DI CTU M V OLU ME 2, ISSU E 8 :
Representative Assembly weighs rule changes
By David Kortering, Member follows: not produced may be presumed by ju-
Representative Assembly, 14th Circuit A trial court judge should neither con- rors to have been adverse to the prose-
tract as an independent contractor nor cution.
[Editor’s Note: Mr. Kortering and Ms. employee as a court staff member in There was a lot of discussion on this
Shon Cook serve as our representa- any capacity a spouse, sibling, parent or motion and a few friendly amendments
tives to the rules-making body known as child of an attorney having an office were made to make the motion more
the Representative Assembly. This is located within the permissive than mandatory as to the
Mr. Kortering’s report of the 18 Sep- same jurisdiction as jury instruction, and with the amend-
tember 2008 State Bar Annual Meeting that trial court or of an ments, the motion passed by a 62-37
in Dearborn.] attorney who engages vote.
in the practice of law
1. Political & Judicial Endorse- in that trial court. 4. MCR 6.425(B) & 6.610(F) Presen-
ments: Should the State Bar of The proposal was tence Report: Should the Representa-
Michigan amend Article VIII of its sent to the special is- David tive Assembly recommend that the
Bylaws so as to discourage officers sues committee by mo- Kortering Michigan Supreme Court amend MCR
of the Representative Assembly tion of the proponent. 6.425(B) and 6.610(F) of the Criminal
(the Chair, Chair-elect and Clerk) Procedure to allow for an adjournment
from personally endorsing candi- 3. MCR 6.201(B) Preservation of of sentencing if the presentence report
dates for political and judicial of- Electronic Recordings: Should the is not timely submitted and to allow for
fice, which might be construed as Representative Assembly recommend the submission of corrections, additions
being and endorsement of the Rep- the Michigan Supreme Court add a new or deletions to the presentence report?
resentative Assembly or the State subsection under MCR 6.201(B) of There was some discussion about the
Bar of Michigan, during their terms Criminal Procedure directing the dis- motion but it passed with a clear major-
as officers of the representative covery disclosure and preservation of ity.
Assembly? There was discussion pertinent electronic recording evidence
about the 1st Amendment (free made by a government agency or agent 5. MCR 6.425(B) & (C) Presentence
speech) limitations of this motion as follows: Report: Should the Representative As-
to the Chair, Chair-elect, and Clerk MCR 6.201(B)(6) any electronic re- sembly recommend the Michigan Su-
of the Assembly and the motion cording evidence made by any govern- preme Court amend MCR 6.425(B) &
failed by a clear majority. mental agency or agent pertaining to (C) to mandate the distribution of cop-
2. Cannon 2(F) of Judicial Con- the case known to the prosecuting attor- ies of the presentence report before sen-
duct: Should the Representative ney. Such records shall be preserved tencing?
Assembly support and endorse a by the prosecuting attorney until after This motion was withdrawn by the
Resolution to Amend the Michigan all appeals have been exhausted or all proponent considering the other motion
Code of Judicial Conduct as rights of appeal have expired, which- Con’t Page 6
Hospitals’ merger a decade-long project
Mary Boyd, chief development officer of Mercy Health Lakeshore,” she said.
Partners, told MCBA members at their October meeting
that the recent merger of Hackley-Mercy hospital merger is The merger resulted in two separate
an undertaking that will take years to fully complete. legal entities, but that arrangement
The new entity operates four hospital campuses, employs is temporary, Ms. Boyd said.
thousands, including 375 physicians, and provides primary “Eventually you’ll see us under one
and secondary health care from Shelby to Norton Shores. legal structure...one organization.”
The marriage of Hackley and Mercy is less a merger than We’ll also see one major campus
a “cultural transformation” of two proud institutions, Ms. in which primary services are con-
Boyd said. Although the selected name appears to muscle solidated at the Mercy site, she said. Mary Boyd
Hackley’s legacy aside, the resulted from market research. But that change will take up to 10
It had to resonate among potential clients “up and down the years to complete.
PAGE 6 O BI TE R DI C TU M VOLUME 2, ISSUE 8
Pilot project to test better ways to educate jurors about case
Continued from Page 1 After the verdict, attorneys, jurors, and the judge must complete
be read at trial - not the full deposition. Expert wit- a detailed questionnaire about the experience. Results will be for-
nesses also may sit through the other’s testimony and warded to the state supreme court for analysis.
jurors can hear a “panel discussion
by all experts on that subject.” Some local trial lawyers have voiced concerns, but there have
been no bench-bar meetings on the topic and the matter isn’t open
8. Each juror individually is to re- for discussion.
ceive a set of written jury instruc-
tions for use during deliberations. In fact, if you have a jury trial scheduled before 14th Circuit
Judge Timothy G. Hicks, you’re involved in a pilot project con-
9. The judge may, in appropriate cerning jury deliberations. “There is no opt-out option,” Judge
Hon. Timothy cases, instruct jurors before closing Hicks said. And the Supreme Court’s order AO 2008-02 removed
G. Hicks arguments. any room for discussion.
Mullally Restorative Justice Award recognizes unique service
Continued from Page 1 October 2008 at the fourth annual BARJ
Footsteps and example was humbling and a motivation. Conference at the Holiday Inn Muskegon
Harbor.
Judge Mullally lauded the decision to honor Mr. Participants from across the state ac-
Wishka. "Paul Wishka was one of the earliest support- knowledged the distinction.
ers of Balanced and Restorative Justice in our commu- WDRC oversees about 400 cases annu-
nity,” Judge Mullally said. “In every position he has ally involving restorative justice – making
held in the court system, he has recognized the positive victims whole while offering
impact that restorative justice has with victims, offend- insight and education to offenders. Clients Judge Mullally
ers, and community members.” are assigned by Muskegon County 60th
District and Juvenile Court judges.
The judge also noted that Mr. Wishka was a lifelong
friend of Brian P. Mattson, for whom the BARJ center The Neil G. Mullally Award resides at the WDRC offices.
is named. Mr. Wishka’s name joins Judge Mullally’s. Next year, a new
WDRC presented the award to Mr. Wishka 22 recipient will be added and honored.
Kortering Report, Continued Systems in Michigan. While there is no “cookie-cutter”
regarding presentence reports. method to indigent defense, the study indicates changes
Other items on the agenda were as follows: must be made. Discussion revolved around the cost and
The Michael Frank award for a lawyer who has made an process of revamping the public defender system in Michi-
outstanding contribution to the improvement of the profes- gan and whether each county should be left to their own
sion was given to Justice Thomas Brennan, Sr., who served resources and funding. Ten counties were studied - Al-
as the 81st Justice and Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme pena, Bay, Chippewa, Grand Traverse, Jackson, Marquette,
Court as well as the founder of the Thomas M. Cooley Law Oakland, Ottawa, Shiawassee and Wayne.
School. The study indicated District Courts across the state are
The Unsung Hero award for a lawyer who has exhibited prioritizing speed, revenue generation and non-valid waiv-
the highest standards of practice and commitment for the ers of counsel over the due process protections afforded by
benefit of others was given to Susan Spagnuolo Dal, long the United States Constitutions. “In fact, the emphasis on
time Legal Aid attorney for Legal Aid of South Central speed of case processing has led one jurisdiction – Ottawa
Michigan (Livingston County). County – to colloquially refer to the days on which the dis-
David Carroll, Director of Research for the National Legal trict court arraigns people as “McJustice Day (their termi-
Aid and Defender Association (NLADA), entitled “A Race nology, not ours).” Although cost is an issue, New Or-
to the Bottom – Speed & Savings Over Due Process: A Con- leans, LA revamped its system after Hurricane Katrina,
stitutional Crisis.” indicating funding should not be an issue. I will gladly get
This presentation discussed the recent evaluation by the anyone a copy. reading it.
NLADA about the Trial-Level Indigent Defense
PAGE 7 O BI TER DI CTU M VOLUME 2, ISSUE 8
Psychologist shares insights into troubled kids
Children can become polar” parents: Kids don’t want
“management problems” to to hear excuses.
their parents and step-parents,
psychologist Dr. Joseph Auf- • Unorganized: Kids depend
frey told the MCBA’s Family on parents and distrust
Law Section at its November those who don’t regularly
meeting. Five types of parental cook, clean, and maintain
behaviors create risk for creat- schedules.
ing such problems, he said: •
• Partying parent: Kids like • “Helicopter” parents:
stability not undepend- Overprotective, overindul-
ables. gent parents: This parent
• Overly religious: So out- puts the child at risk by
side the mainstream that not preparing them to Dr. Joseph Auffrey instructs members of the Family Law
kids realize it. solve their own problems. Section of the MCBA at the November meeting. Jamie
• Erratically behaviors, “bi- Con’t Page 8 Shafer participates.
14th’s Chief Judge Ruck now a published author
Muskegon’s Chief Circuit judge published an authoritative article in the October 2008
Journal of the State Bar of Michigan. “Discipline of Stepchildren by Stepparents in Cases
Involving Joint Custody” held the byline of Hon. John C. Ruck. “I’ve always wanted to do
this,” he said.
The article, ripped from the judge’s experiences, focuses on some of the most vexatious
situations following divorce — stepparents disciplining a child of the former marriage while
Parentally administered corporal punishment is so ingrained
in our society as to be considered sacrosanct by many parents
and cultures. Because it can be so easily susceptible to misuse
and abuse, “sharing the rod” with a stepparent should be subject
to judicial oversight and restraint.
acting in loco parentis. How much discipline - and in which mode - may a stepparent act
without incurring an assault and battery charge? The problem is older than David Copper- Hon. John C. Ruck
field, Judge Ruck notes. See the Journal or at www.michbar.org/journal/pdf/pdf4article1424.
pdf.
2009 Law Day planning under way
You’ve got a good rapport with your son’s teachers, principals, and students to alert them to
8th grade English teacher. Great. the topics of essays, and high school speeches that
Barack Obama and you used to shoot could provide them with substantial scholarships.
hoops at the dorm during your undergrad The Committee also recognizes individuals in the
years. Great. community through the annual Liberty Bell
You believe in the rule of law and the role Award. The MCBA also recognizes an area educa-
our young people might play in our future tor for his or her efforts on behalf of students.
and the future of the nation. Perfect. The 2009 theme is ”Legacy of Liberty, Celebrat-
The MCBA’s Law Day Committee needs ing Lincoln's Bicentennial.”
YOU. Chaired this year by Belinda Barbier, The committee will meet early in the new year to
the Law Day Committee needs volunteers. set deadlines and make applications available for
Belinda Barbier is LAW DAY will be held Friday, 1 May each of the contests. Please contact Ms. Barbier at
chairing the 2008 Law 2009 at the Holiday Inn Muskegon Harbor. belindabarbier@yahoo.com or by phone, 231-457-
Day Celebration. The Committee needs help contacting 3685,
PAGE 8 O BI TE R DI C TU M VOLUME 2, ISSUE 8
2008 Condolences Dr. Auffrey: Few child resources here
Con’t from Page 7
Hon. John Joseph Parents of difficult children have Dr. Auffrey said. “Community Mental
Namenye , retired probate few resources to turn to in West Health (of Muskegon County) with all
judge, died 28 February. He Michigan. Pine Rest and other facili- due respect does not pick up the ball
was 81 and a WWII ties will accept children, but only for for many folks. There are tight budg-
Army veteran. a short term and only if they are a ets and other concerns.”
threat to themselves or others. Even parents with insurance find its
“Child psychiatry is virtually un- coverage often expires after three
available on an emergency basis,” he days. “Parents have to struggle to
said. “It’s a very clumsy system.” In- manage.”
Thomas J. O’Toole died 14 August. He was a stitutions of yester-year that no longer Judge John Ruck has the referenced
retired senior partner with the exist did a better job than we are, New Yorker article ready for pick up at
firm he helped found, Parmenter-O’Toole. He his office.
was a U.S. Army veteran.
United Way asks for help
Leo Linck on 30 August at age 90. He began Tom Powers, United Way
the practice of law soon after returning spokesperson, asked for at-
from the U.S. Army during World War II. He torneys’ help at the MCBA’s
earned his law degree at Notre Dame.
October meeting.
Mr. Powers said the need is
William J. Hipkiss, a long- keen in Muskegon and grow-
time Muskegon attorney and ing greater by the day.
veteran actor in West Michi- Please consider a donation
gan community theater, died to this year’s United Way
Sept. 30 in Rockford, Ill. He
campaign. Tom Powers
was 75 years old.
The OBITER DICTUM is a Interested in forming a
publication of the Muskegon
Veteran attorney Robert L.
County Bar Association. All local Probate Law
Forsythe, an Ann Arbor na-
tive and graduate of the Uni- rights reserved. Section?
versity of Michigan and its Articles, photographs, sugges-
tions, birth announcements, death Several local attorneys will meet
law school, died Oct. 25 at his
notices may be sent to mcbaobi- in December to determine the level
Muskegon-area home. He was
ter@yahoo.com or faxed to 231- of interest of forming a local Pro-
89.
Bob Forsythe 726-1408. bate/Elder Law Section.
Given the success of the local
Family Law Section, attorneys with
Three new colleagues join the profession a probate/elder law interest plan to
gather for some informatl discus-
The legal profession is the • Kevin Huss by Joe • Scott Lamiman by
richer after the 12 November Chris Houghtaling. sion.
Bush;
admission of three new mem- If interested, call Linda Kaare at
• Alisha Riedl by The ceremony took place
bers. The attorneys and their
Tony Tague; and in the courtroom of Judge 722-1621 or Mike Walsh at 726-
sponsors are: William C. Marietti. 1400.
MCBA Officers for 2008-2009
Jenny L. McNeill, President............... 231-744-6218 jennymcneill@comcast.net
John Schrier, Vice President............. 231-722-5401 jcs@parmenterlaw.com
Moving On
David L. Bossenbroek, Treasurer.... 231-726-6603 britboslaw@aol.com Matthew T. Miller, formerly at
Joseph Bader, Secretary.................... baderjo@co.muskegon.mi.us Tolle & Walsh PLC, is moving to
Board Members affiliate with Jeff West and Associ-
David Waterstradt, Maria Ladas-Hoopes, Michael G. Walsh, and J. Christopher ates. He will continue a practice fo-
Wilson. cused on family and criminal law.
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