Firm News
Real Estate Attorney H. Roger Mali Joins Wolfson Bolton PLLC
February 2012
Real estate attorney H. Roger Mali has joined Wolfson Bolton PLLC. The announcement was made by Scott A. Wolfson, a founding member of the firm. Mr. Mali’s practice focuses on complex corporate and real estate transactions, including sales and acquisitions, development agreements, construction contracts, infrastructure development, commercial leasing, environmental assessment, zoning matters, property management issues, tax deferred exchanges and other matters. Mr. Mali was most recently a partner in Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP’s Real Estate Department.
“The addition of Roger enables us to provide our clients a full panoply of real estate services, and further complements our bankruptcy, creditors’ rights, and commercial litigation services,” said Wolfson.
Mr. Mali is a graduate of Cranbrook High School, Bowdoin College, and Wayne State University Law School. He will be Of Counsel to the firm.
Wolfson Bolton PLLC Obtains 27% Return for Creditors in Wind-Down of Two Automotive Suppliers
February 2012
Wolfson Bolton PLLC has obtained a 27% distribution for unsecured creditors of DriveSol Worldwide, Inc. and DriveSol Global Steering, Inc. In 2008, automotive supplier DriveSol commenced an out-of-court wind down and liquidation of its assets. Wolfson Bolton represented the Informal Unsecured Creditors Committee of DriveSol throughout the wind-down.
The primary source of recovery for unsecured creditors was proceeds of three DriveSol facilities in Indiana, Ohio, and Connecticut. Early in the liquidation, Wolfson Bolton discovered that DriveSol’s lenders did not record mortgages against these facilities, then recorded mortgages on those facilities for the benefit of DriveSol’s unsecured creditors. Funds distributed to unsecured creditors exceeded $4.29 million, representing nearly a 27% return. Wolfson Bolton thanks the Informal Unsecured Creditors Committee members for their leadership and assistance in obtaining this result.
Adam Kochenderfer Elected to Rochester Hills, Michigan City Council
January 2012
Wolfson Bolton attorney Adam Kochenderfer was recently elected to the City Council of Rochester Hills, Michigan.
Mr. Kochenderfer won the seat by the largest percentage margin of any other City Council candidate. He brings years of experience advising Fortune 100 companies to one of the largest cities in Michigan. His commercial litigation practice's focus on contractual disputes, bankruptcy, and land use is a strong fit with the increasing challenges Michigan's cities face.
"With approximately 70,000 residents and an annual budget of over $100 million, Rochester Hills is poised to lead Michigan in crafting innovative solutions to our transforming economy. I hope to use my business and legal background to create new efficiencies and increase collaborations across municipal lines."
Mr. Kochenderfer received his J.D from University of Michigan Law School, cum laude, and his B.A from Oakland University, summa cum laude.
Scott A. Wolfson Named to DBusiness Magazine’s 2012 List of Top Lawyers
November 2011
Wolfson Bolton PLLC is pleased to announce that Scott A. Wolfson has been named to DBusiness Top
Lawyers 2012. Top Lawyers were selected through a process which included a peer review survey that polled more than 21,000 attorneys in Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Washtenaw and Livingston counties among 51 specialized practice areas. Lawyers were asked to nominate up to three attorneys in a given area of law. Special weight was given to those lawyers chosen by attorneys working at firms other than their own, as well as to prior honorees. Mr. Wolfson was honored in the area of Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights Law.
Adam L. Kochenderfer Awarded Outstanding Young Alumni Award
October 2011
Adam Kochenderfer was recently awarded the Outstanding Young Alumni Award from Oakland University. The Award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated the worth of their education through their post-college achievements and have graduated within the last 10 years.
The university noted Mr. Kochenderfer's professional accomplishments, including being named as one of "Michigan's Rising Stars" by Super Lawyers magazine, becoming one of the youngest partners at Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP, and later establishing his commercial litigation practice at Wolfson Bolton PLLC.
Additionally, Mr. Kochenderfer has demonstrated his commitment to public service, including receiving the Pro Bono Spirit Award from the Legal Aid and Defender Association. Mr. Kochenderfer chaired the Oakland University Alumni Association's Task Force opening membership to all 80,000+ alumni without dues. Mr. Kochenderfer also established the Charlene and Michael Kochenderfer Scholarship in honor of his parents.
John Klemanski, professor and chair of the Political Science Department, said, “Adam understands the importance of financial assistance in today’s world of higher education, but also knows the value of an earned degree from Oakland University. He is a loyal alumnus and represents OU in a consistently positive way throughout all of his activities.”
Scott A. Wolfson Selected for Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2012
September 2011
Scott A. Wolfson has been selected for inclusion in the 2012 edition of The Best Lawyers in America in two practice areas: (1) Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law and (2) Litigation - Bankruptcy. Selection to Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive and rigorous peer-review survey comprising nearly 4 million confidential evaluations by the top attorneys in the country.
Scott A. Wolfson Named to Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers 2011; Adam L. Kochenderfer and Anthony J. Kochis Named Rising Stars
September 2011
For the second consecutive year, Scott A. Wolfson was named one of the top 100 lawyers in Michigan in the Super Lawyers survey. The 2011 survey also named Wolfson Bolton Attorneys Adam L. Kochenderfer and Anthony J. Kochis Rising Stars. Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a rigorous, multiphase process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with third party research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Rising Stars must be either 40 years old or younger or in practice for ten years or less.
Scott A. Wolfson Publishes Article on Defending Bankruptcy Preference Actions
August 2011
Scott A. Wolfson published an article on defending preference actions brought against trade vendors in Chapter 11 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases. The article, titled “There Are Options to Reduce or Eliminate a Preference Exposure,” appeared in the August 15, 2011 edition of Michigan Lawyers Weekly. It provides useful tips on preference defenses, such as the ordinary course of business (subjective and objective), contemporaneous exchanges for new value, purchase money security interests, or “enabling loans,” and preferences subsequently offset by unsecured credit or “new value.” read more..
Scott A. Wolfson to Speak on Buying and Selling Distressed Assets
May 2011
Scott A. Wolfson will speak on "Legal Issues in Buying and Selling Distressed Assets" on June 3, 2011 in Traverse City. The panel discussion is being presented by the Business Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan and the Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association. Registration begins at 3:30 p.m., followed by the panel discussion, networking, drinks, and hors d'oeuvres. To RSVP, please contact April Sala at admin@gtlaba.org.
Scott A. Wolfson Named a Fellow of the Oakland County Bar Foundation
March 2011
Scott A. Wolfson has been named a Fellow of the Oakland County Bar Foundation. Membership in the Fellows constitutes a professional honor. The number of Fellows is limited to not more than 5% of the total active membership of the State Bar of Michigan who practice in Oakland County, Michigan.
The Foundation’s mission is to serve the citizens of Oakland County, Michigan and the legal profession by funding or promoting several programs, including those that foster the honor, integrity, welfare, and understanding of the law and the legal system; educate the public on the role of lawyers in our society, and improve the accessibility and affordability of legal services.
Peter C. Bolton Lectures at University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
March 2011
Wolfson Bolton PLLC member Peter C. Bolton spoke to an Advanced Corporations class at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law on March 7, 2011. The topic of his presentation was “Asset Purchases in Distressed Situations,” an area in which Mr. Bolton has extensive experience. He has represented numerous buyers and sellers of assets in sales under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code, in receivership proceedings, and in sales under Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code. Mr. Bolton graduated summa cum laude from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in 1997.
Wolfson Bolton PLLC Obtains Order Enforcing Supply Contracts
January 2011
Wolfson Bolton obtained specific performance of its client Metavation LLC’s supply contracts on January 21, 2011. Grede LLC threatened to terminate its supply of castings to Metavation, which castings Metavation machines to produce component parts for Tier I suppliers and original equipment manufacturers. Following a show cause hearing, the Oakland County Circuit Court awarded a preliminary injunction compelling continued delivery of the castings under the terms of the contracts between the parties.
Metavation LLC v. Grede LLC, Oakland County Circuit Court Case No. 11-116105-CK (Colleen A. O’Brien), January 21, 2011 Opinion and Order.
Adam L. Kochenderfer Joins Wolfson Bolton PLLC
January 2011
Adam L. Kochenderfer has joined Wolfson Bolton PLLC. Mr. Kochenderfer concentrates his practice on commercial litigation. He has a diverse practice addressing local, national, and international disputes at every level of complexity. Previously, he was a partner at Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP.
Mr. Kochenderfer graduated from the University of Michigan Law School cum laude and as an Editor of the Michigan Law Review. He earned his B.A. in Political Science and English summa cum laude from Oakland University, where he also served as Student Body President.
Scott A. Wolfson Named “Top Lawyer” by Crain’s Detroit
December 2010
Scott A. Wolfson was named one of the area’s “Top Lawyers” in Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law in the December 6, 2010 issue of Crain’s Detroit. Crain's worked with industry publication Best Lawyers to create a report on outstanding metro-Detroit area attorneys as identified by peer review surveys.
Wolfson Bolton PLLC Retained to Represent Bankruptcy Trustee in Alleged Ponzi Scheme
November 2010
Wolfson Bolton PLLC has been retained by Gene R. Kohut, Trustee of the bankruptcy estates of MuniVest Financial Group and Dante DeMiro. MuniVest and its principal DeMiro were involuntarily petitioned into bankruptcy by Mona Shores Public Schools, a creditor who alleges it is owed $3.7 million. MuniVest and DeMiro are alleged to have taken millions from school districts, counties, churches, and financial institutions. The funds were intended for investment, but were allegedly used to pay other investors and by DeMiro for his own use. DeMiro is facing federal criminal charges. Wolfson Bolton will work with the Bankruptcy Trustee and federal authorities to maximize recoveries to creditors.
Scott A. Wolfson Named to DBusiness Magazine’s 2011 List of Top Lawyers
November 2010
Scott A. Wolfson has been listed in DBusiness magazine’s 2011 list of Top Lawyers. Honorees were selected through a process which included a peer review survey that polled more than 15,000 private attorneys in Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Livingston counties. Lawyers were asked to nominate up to three attorneys in 49 specialized practice areas. Special weight was given to those lawyers chosen by attorneys working at firms other than their own.
Wolfson Bolton PLLC Represents Ameriform Acquisition Company in the Acquisition of the Assets of Ameriform Products, K.L. Industries, and Five Peaks Technology
September 2010
Wolfson Bolton PLLC represented Ameriform Acquisition Company in the purchase of substantially all of the assets of Ameriform Products (http://www.ameriform.us/), K.L. Industries (http://www.klindustries.com/), and Five Peaks Technology (http://www.fivepeaks.net/) (“Ameriform Entities”) out of receivership. The Ameriform Entities, based in Muskegon, Michigan, are leaders in the thermoforming industry, the manufacture of kayaks, canoes, fishing boats, and paddle boats for recreational use under the Sun Dolphin, Sunslider, Waterquest, Water Wheeler, and Calypso lines, and the portable sanitation business. The professionals at Wolfson Bolton PLLC have substantial experience in representing purchasers in the purchase of assets out of receiverships, pursuant to Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), and bankruptcy pursuant to Section 363 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.
Scott A. Wolfson Named to Top 100 Michigan Super Lawyers 2010; Anthony J. Kochis Named Rising Star
September 2010
Scott A. Wolfson was named one of the top 100 lawyers in Michigan in the 2010 Super Lawyers survey, and Anthony J. Kochis was named a Rising Star. Super Lawyers selects attorneys using a rigorous, multiphase process. Peer nominations and evaluations are combined with third party research. Each candidate is evaluated on 12 indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement. Rising Stars must be either 40 years old or younger or in practice for ten years or less.
Scott A. Wolfson Selected for Inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2011
August 2010
Scott A. Wolfson has been selected for inclusion in the 2011 edition of The Best Lawyers in America in the practice area of Bankruptcy and Creditor-Debtor Rights Law. Selection to Best Lawyers is based on an exhaustive and rigorous peer-review survey comprising more than 3.1 million confidential evaluations by the top attorneys in the country.
Wolfson Bolton PLLC Sponsors Angels’ Place Charity Golf Outing
July 2010
Wolfson Bolton PLLC participated in and was a Silver Sponsor of Angels’ Place 18th Annual Golf Fore Life event held on Monday, July 19, 2010 at Pine Lake Country Club. Angels’ Place is a non-profit organization providing homes and services to persons with developmental disabilities. Since 1992, Angels’ Place has opened 17 residential homes. http://www.angelsplace.com/
Understanding The 'Ordinary Business Terms' Defense
May 2010
Wolfson Bolton PLLC associate attorney Anthony J. Kochis recently authored an article entitled “Defending Against Preferential Transfers Post-BAPCPA: Understanding The 'Ordinary Business Terms' Defense. read more..
Wolfson Bolton PLLC has been retained by the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors
April 2010
Wolfson Bolton PLLC has been retained by the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the Hog Brothers Recycling, LLC Chapter 11 bankruptcy case pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Founding partner Scott Wolfson will lead the engagement, which will involve representing the interests of all unsecured creditors in the bankruptcy proceeding. Judge Phillip J. Shefferly is presiding over the case, and entered an order approving the firm's retention.
Click here to read the article.
Wolfson Bolton Retained as Committee Counsel
April 2010
Wolfson Bolton PLLC has been retained by the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors in the Hog Brothers Recycling, LLC Chapter 11 bankruptcy case pending in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Founding partner Scott Wolfson will lead the engagement, which will involve representing the interests of all unsecured creditors in the bankruptcy proceeding. Judge Phillip J. Shefferly is presiding over the case, and entered an order approving the firm's retention.
Wolfson Bolton Honored as a “Best of Michigan Business”
February 2010
Wolfson Bolton PLLC was honored by Corp! Magazine as a “Best of Michigan Business.” The magazine's description of the firm stated: “Specializing in corporate bankruptcy, creditors' rights and commercial litigation, this small, but tenacious law firm provides exceptional service at a reasonable cost making it stand out from the crowd.”