Remembering Ethan Vinson: A Respected Attorney, Mentor and Friend

It is with profound sadness that CMDA Law announces the sudden passing of our colleague, mentor, and friend, Ethan Vinson, at age 77. Ethan’s warmth, kindness and dedication to others left a lasting impression on many attorneys, clients and colleagues. His loss is deeply felt throughout our firm.

Ethan’s connection to CMDA spanned nearly five decades. He first joined the firm in 1979, returned in 1995, and became a partner in 2005. In 2017, he became City Attorney for the City of Warren, serving until March 2024. We welcomed him back to our Livonia office as Of Counsel that May.

Throughout his distinguished career, Ethan represented clients in labor and employment matters, collective bargaining, civil rights litigation, municipal defense, and insurance defense. He earned his undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University and his law degree from the University of Detroit. His commitment to leadership began early: in 1969, he served as student body president at Western Michigan University.

For those who worked alongside him, Ethan’s legacy is especially personal. Affectionately known as “The Big E,” he offered guidance and encouragement to many attorneys who came through the firm.

“Ethan was more like an uncle than a work colleague; I knew him since I was eight years old,” said James Acho. Jim privately called him “Unc,” a term of affection and respect for someone whose mentorship extended far beyond their own relationship. He remembers Ethan as a man who treated everyone he encountered with respect and kindness.

Robert J. Hahn captured the character so many colleagues admired: “In a time when incivility seems to be acceptable, Ethan was always a gentleman lawyer.”

We will remember Ethan for his gracious manner, generous mentorship and the example he set in how to practice law and how to treat people. We are grateful for the years we shared with him and will miss him dearly.

Our deepest condolences are with his wife, Kathie, his three daughters, and all who knew and loved him. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Information regarding visitation and funeral arrangements will be shared on our firm website as it becomes available.