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 […]

CMDA Law attorneys Gregory Grant and Jordan Barkey obtained summary judgment for a Michigan county and a sheriff’s deputy serving as a school resource officer, resolving all claims against both defendants in a federal civil rights lawsuit. Grant served as lead counsel on the case. In its October 9, 2026 opinion, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan granted the defendants’ motion in its entirety. The lawsuit […]

CMDA Law attorney Neal Wilds secured summary judgment for the City of Escanaba and two public safety officials in a federal lawsuit alleging political retaliation, malicious prosecution, and conspiracy. On September 23, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan entered judgment for the defendants in Hyken v. Van Ginhoven, et al., resolving the plaintiff’s claims without trial. The case arose from a local political dispute involving […]

CMDA Law partner Jim Acho is continuing his representation of former University of Michigan football players after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit accepted their appeal on October 6, 2026. As reported by The Detroit News, the appeal follows the dismissal of the players’ proposed class action against the NCAA, Big Ten Conference and Big Ten Network. The lawsuit seeks $50 million in compensation for the alleged […]

CMDA Law partner and sports law attorney Jim Acho recently appeared on WJR’s nationally-acclaimed radio show Focus with Paul W. Smith to discuss the U.S. Senate’s passage of the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act. During the September 30 interview, Jim explained that he has long supported college athletes’ right to receive compensation for the commercial use of their name, image and likeness. He noted, however, that the current system has […]

CMDA Law Managing Partner Chris Schultz and Partner Joel Ashton attended the MCHS Light the Way Gala VIP Experience on September 24th at the Detroit Pistons Performance Center, representing the firm as a sponsor. The intimate gathering brought together leaders from major Metro Detroit businesses and the philanthropic community to recognize the organizations and individuals supporting MCHS Family of Services. Guests connected with fellow supporters and enjoyed behind-the-scenes access and […]

CMDA Law is pleased to announce that Gary D. Klein and Paul Leonidas Lin have been named partners of the Firm. Their promotions recognize their legal abilities, commitment to client service, leadership within their respective offices, and contributions to CMDA’s continued growth. Gary D. Klein — Livonia, Michigan Gary is based in CMDA’s Livonia office, where his practice focuses on business law, commercial litigation, real estate law, employment disputes, community […]

CMDA Law is proud to announce that several attorneys from our Firm have been selected for inclusion in the 2026 Michigan Super Lawyers & Rising Stars list. The following attorneys have been selected to the 2026 Michigan Super Lawyers list: Jim Acho, Top Rated Civil Litigation Defense Joel Ashton, Top Rated Personal Injury Defense Jeff Clark, Top Rated State, Local & Municipal Tim Ferrand, Top Rated State, Class Action & […]

CMDA Law is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Ronald Acho, a co-founder of the firm and one of the most respected members of the metro Detroit and Michigan legal communities. Ron passed away at age 80 following a courageous battle with cancer. Ron’s life was defined by determination, service, faith, and an unwavering devotion to family. Born Najah, he arrived in Detroit from Iraq as a child in […]

CMDA Law is proud to recognize Partner Carol A. Smith and her trial team for securing a significant result in a complex admitted-liability automobile negligence trial involving extensive injury claims, multiple surgeries, and allegations of permanent disability. The plaintiff alleged lumbar herniations and stenosis, cervical cord compression, and multiple bilateral shoulder tears. She underwent surgical repair of both shoulders, a three-level lumbar surgery, and was recommended to undergo a two-level […]