Ethics

Donald J. Baranski received his Bachelor of Arts in Humanities Pre Law, from Michigan State University. This was a triple major of American History, Philosophy, and Psychology. He then received a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy from Michigan State University. He then obtained his Doctorate in Law from Michigan State University College of Law. Baranski has been a licensed Attorney and Counselor at Law in the State of Michigan since 1988. He clerked for a trial judge for two years. He worked as a City Attorney, and as a public defender. Baranski has handled a general practice of law including: family law, criminal law, juvenile law, adoptions, contracts, real estate, landlord/tenant, probate estates, wills & trusts, guardianships and conservatorships, mental health law, social security disability, workers compensation, unemployment compensation, education law, collections and bankruptcy. Baranski has conducted jury trials and bench trials in District, Probate and Circuit Courts. Baranski is also admitted to the Western District of Michigan and Eastern District of Michigan Federal Courts.

Whether you are just breaking ground or are several years into a build, a dedicated attorney who is experienced in construction law can help ensure that your project goes smoothly, from the contract to the grand opening. The attorneys at the Law Office of Daniel S. Willard, P.C. in Bethesda draw over five decades of combined experience representing and defending suppliers, contractors, owners, engineers and architects in costly claims that threaten to bring projects to a halt. We advocate for our clients in arbitration and litigation to protect their investments and rights. If a dispute threatens your ability to see a project through to completion — or to get the project off the ground — we offer sound advice and seasoned representation.

Daniel was born and raised in Marietta, Georgia. He graduated from the University of Texas at El Paso with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He earned his Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas, and he holds a Master of Healthcare Administration from Seton Hall University and a Master of Business Administration, with a concentration in International Business, from the University of Texas at El Paso. Daniel holds a double certification in Healthcare Compliance and as a Compliance and Ethics Professional. Daniel manages the Law Office of Daniel R. Crumby, LLC, where he focuses on complex litigation and business law including white-collar defense; defense of corporate, and individual clients in state and federal courts around the country; medical malpractice; nursing home and elder abuse; healthcare compliance and investigations; personal injury, and criminal law. Prior to starting his practice, Daniel worked at a mid-sized law firm in Atlanta, and he specialized in criminal and civil healthcare-related white-collar cases, medical malpractice, healthcare compliance, internal investigations, and defending insurance companies and their insurers in complex cases, including lawsuits filed against skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities. Immediately prior to working at a civil defense firm, Daniel defended the United States and its agencies in federal and state courts, and he served as a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of Georgia and the Western District of Texas. As a federal prosecutor, Daniel directed and prosecuted numerous cases including healthcare fraud, bank fraud, procurement fraud, mortgage fraud, wire fraud, theft of government funds, drugs and alien smuggling, child exploitation, human and sex trafficking, and other criminal violations. In 2014, Daniel received a Commendation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Director, James B. Comey. Daniel previously served in the United States Army as military police and as a Judge Advocate General (“JAG”) officer in a variety of assignments before resigning his commission as a Captain. The Army twice awarded Daniel the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medals, and the Fort Bliss Ambassador Award, among others, for his military service. Daniel is a member of the State Bar of Georgia, State Bar of Texas, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the United States District Courts for the Northern District of Georgia and the Western District of Texas.

Trecker Fritz & Williams has a history of helping people after an accident or professional error. We have more than 40 years of experience representing injured clients, including residents of Hawaii, military members, and their families and visitors to our state who have suffered a catastrophic injury or death. Our reputation speaks for itself: Trecker Fritz & Williams was named by the prestigious Best Lawyers in America as a Tier 1 law firm in Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiff. Our founding partner, Collin M. (Marty) Fritz, was named Lawyer of the Year in Hawaii by Best Lawyers and Honolulu Magazine for Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiff in 2017. This is important. Lawyers who are honored by companies like Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers are chosen only by the very best lawyers and judges who see lawyers in action. They are the people who know! Founding Partner Collin M. (Marty) Fritz served in the U.S. Army in the judge advocate general's corp. He has more than 40 years of personal injury experience and is committed to finding creative and beneficial outcomes for his clients. Mr. Fritz has been recognized by his peers and judges in Super Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell AV* (highest for competence and ethics), Best Lawyers in America and was named Lawyer of the Year in Hawaii by Best Lawyers and Honolulu Magazine for Personal Injury Litigation — Plaintiff in 2017. He is a member and frequent lecturer to other lawyers at American Association for Justice and Western Trial Lawyers Association.

Daniel Schlanger is a partner at Kakalec & Schlanger, LLP, where he heads the firm's consumer practice. His practice focuses on representing victims of unfair collection tactics, predatory lending, hidden fees, auto fraud, defective products, and other marketplace injustice. The firm brings affirmative litigation (including class actions and significant individual claims) on behalf of consumers and also regularly represents consumers who have been sued on significant debts, including credit card debt, medical debt, auto loans, home loans, lines of credit, personal guarantees, etc. Dan joined Kakalec & Schlanger, LLP's predecessor firm (Schlanger & Schlanger) in 2007 after working as a staff attorney at Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, where he was a member of that organization’s consumer law unit, and helped to found a program focused on wage and hour litigation on behalf of low-income workers. Prior to that, Dan clerked for the Hon. R. Lanier Anderson, III on the United States Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit. Dan received his law degree from Harvard Law School, cum laude, in 2004. He received his undergraduate degree from Carleton College, magna cum laude, in 1994.

A FOUNDING PARTNER of the Los Angeles-based law firm Solomon Saltsman & Jamieson (SSJLaw), Stephen A. Jamieson is recognized as a leader in the areas of land use and zoning, alcoholic beverage licensing, compliance and disciplinary actions, government relations, and business and personal-injury litigation, both for the defense and for the plaintiff. He is licensed to represent clients in California, Michigan and Wisconsin, and has extensive experience working with all sizes of companies, from Fortune 100 publicly-traded corporations to stand-alone businesses. Mr. Jamieson is admitted to practice law before the State Courts in California, Michigan and Wisconsin as well as the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, the U.S. Federal Claims Court, and the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Central and Southern Districts of California. He is also a member of the Intertribal Court of Southern California. Mr. Jamieson is rated AV® Preeminent with Martindale-Hubbell, a designation reserved for lawyers of the highest legal ability and outstanding legal ethics. His peers have voted him one of Best Lawyers® in America and rated him 10/10 on AVVO. Mr. Jamieson has also been honored by SuperLawyer as the top 1% of lawyers in Land Use/Zoning for each of the last 18 years. The National Association of Licensing and Compliance Professionals (NALCP) has recognized and honored Mr. Jamieson for his ongoing and exceptional commitment to his clients, awarding him the Most Valuable Associate Member Award in 2018. Mr. Jamieson is also an active thought leader in the legal community and a Strategic Thought Partner for SSJLaw’s clients. He has made numerous presentations before the West Coast Franchise Owners Association (WCFOA), the National Conference of State Liquor Administrators (NCSLA), and NALCP. He has contributed articles in the Daily Journal, the Advocate, and many other publications. Mr. Jamieson and his partners at SSJLaw wrote the handbook on alcoholic beverage control regulation. For over three decades, SSJLaw has prevailed in thousands of matters for its clients before Administrative Law Judges, ABC Appeals Boards, Superior Courts, Federal District Courts, Courts of Appeal, and the California State Supreme Court. Of particular note, SSJLaw obtained a unanimous decision by the California Supreme Court which determined that the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) violated the constitutionally-protected rights of alcoholic beverage retailers. This decision led to the dismissal of approximately 125 cases then-pending before various administrative agencies and courts. SSJLaw provides representation in California, Oregon, Washington, Michigan, Wisconsin and Alaska. Mr. Jamieson is an avid sailor, competing throughout the United States, and enjoys hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains with family and friends.

Mahyad is a persistent knowledgeable, and experienced lawyer who has been practicing law in California for over 13 year. He specializes in Criminal Defense, DUIs, car accidents, and personal injuries. He graduated with his Juris Doctor in 2002 from Abraham Lincoln University. He has offices in both Los Angeles and San Jose.

Mr. Bottar is one of upstate New York's most experienced and accomplished trial lawyers, with a track record of extraordinary recoveries for his clients. As the founder and managing member of Bottar Law, PLLC, he brings nearly 45 years of experience to the pursuit of cases involving birth injuries, brain and nerve injuries, amputation, paralysis, and wrongful death due to medical negligence, complex accidents, workplace injuries and defective products. Mr. Bottar has been continuously listed in The Best Lawyers In America® since 2003, and received its 2020 Medical Malpractice Lawyer of the Year award for Syracuse. Previously, he was recognized three times by Best Lawyers® as Syracuse's Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year (2018, 2014-15, 2009). Mr. Bottar has attained an AV® Preeminent™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating available for legal ability and professional ethics, is a fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America - Trial Lawyer Honorary Society™, and is a charter member and past-president of the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers (2010-2011). In 2001, Mr. Bottar was appointed by the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Department to serve as a member of the Character and Fitness Committee for the Fifth Judicial District. The Character and Fitness Committee is responsible for screening and interviewing all Central New York applicants who are seeking admission to the Bar. In 2018, Mr. Bottar was appointed by the Presiding Justice of the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Department to serve as a member of the Grievance Committee of the Fifth Judicial District. In 2021, Mr. Bottar was appointed Chair of the Grievance Committee. The Grievance Committee is responsible for the investigation, review and prosecution of complaints of attorney misconduct in Onondaga, Oneida, Oswego, Herkimer, Jefferson and Lewis Counties. Mr. Bottar has been listed in Upstate New York Super Lawyers® for plaintiff's medical malpractice and personal injury since the inaugural edition in 2007, and was named to its "Top 50" list for 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. Since 2011, he has been recognized annually by The National Trial Lawyers as one of the "Top 100" trial lawyers in New York State. He has also been honored by Lawdragon as one of the top 3,000 attorneys in the United States, and has earned life memberships in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum® and the Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forum®. Mr. Bottar regularly speaks or guest lectures at legal and non-legal functions, including ethics, tort and practice management classes at Syracuse University College of Law, and at annual updates on behalf of the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers. He is a past member of the Dean's Advisory Council at the University at Buffalo School of Law, a has been elected a Fellow of the New York Bar Foundation. Mr. Bottar has a long record of public service and is deeply invested in New York State's education system. He served as a Trustee of the North Syracuse Central School District Board of Education from 1988 through 1989, and as the President of the Board from 1989 through 1996. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Onondaga Madison School Boards Association from 1994 through 1996. In 1996, 2001, 2006 and again in 2011, the New York State Legislature elected Mr. Bottar to serve as a Regent of the University of the State of New York, the most comprehensive and unified education system in the nation. Over his tenure as a Regent, Mr. Bottar was Chair of the College and Career Preparation Work Group, Chair of the P-12 Education Committee, and was a member of the Higher Education and Professional Practice Committees. He was also Vice Chancellor of the Board from 2012-2016. In 2016, after 20 years and more than 10,000 hours of pro bono service to the State of New York, Mr. Bottar retired from the Board. Mr. Bottar resides in Manlius, New York, with his wife, Nancy, a registered nurse.

An adoptive parent himself, Gregory Franklin has experienced first-hand the challenges and joys of adopting a child. Adoptions involve a highly emotional area of law in which any legal misstep can cause devastating effects. With more than 20 years of adoption experience, Greg's goal is to develop a legally secure plan that serves the best interests of the child and respects the wishes and interests of both the adoptive parents and the birth parents. Greg works extensively with Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual and transgendered clients, and has represented clients in cases which have broken new ground in this area. Greg is passionate about adoptions — he is a frequent lecturer and author on ethics and adoption-related topics and he works tirelessly to achieve a positive result for adoption families. In his representation of birth parents, Greg will assist in locating adoptive parents, negotiating open adoption and post-adoption contact agreements, and coordinating the process with the hospital and the adoptive parents. Greg has considerable experience in the developing area of assisted fertility, including surrogacy and gestational carrier agreements, donor embryos and eggs, and in obtaining parentage and pre-birth orders. Greg also helps to create permanent families through stepparent and co-parent adoptions, grandparent adoptions, extended-family custody agreements, foster care arrangements and international adoptions. He will assist in selecting the right avenue for achieving adoption goals, including the decision about whether to pursue domestic or international adoption, the choice between agency and private adoptions, selecting home study resources, managing subsidy and Adoption Tax Credit issues, and locating post-adoption services. If you or someone you know is interested in adoption or assisted fertility, please contact our firm to schedule a consultation with Greg. To learn more about Greg's adoption practice, please visit his adoption website at www.AdoptionNY.com

Ron is partner in the firm based in the Butler office. He represents both public and private clients in general litigation, personal injury, real estate litigation, and business and corporate litigation. Ron is a former prosecutor having tried well over one hundred serious criminal cases to verdict including capital murder, rape, burglary and drug related offenses. Ron has also represented clients to verdict in many civil matters including construction litigation, personal injury, and real estate litigation cases. Ron earned his B.A., summa cum laude, in English from the University of Pittsburgh and earned his J.D. from the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Law. During law school, Ron clerked for the Honorable Carol Los Mansmann of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and for Ila Jeanne Sensenich of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania. After law school, Ron clerked for the Honorable Charles R. Alexander of the Court of Common Pleas of Clarion County, Pennsylvania. Ron has also served in various capacities in the court system including as an Assistant District Attorney for Clarion County, a special master in domestic relations cases, and as an Arbitrator in both Butler and Clarion Counties. Ron is a member of the Butler County Bar Association, the Allegheny County Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, the Western Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association, and the American Trial Lawyers Association. He is admitted to practice in all Pennsylvania state courts, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. Ron has personally handled cases in all Pennsylvania Courts, including the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. In addition to practicing law, Ron is an avid bicyclist and has served in numerous capacities over the years for public and private organizations. He also served on the boards of various charitable and civic organizations, including serving on the Board of Directors of the Zelienople Rotary Club. He is also a recipient of the Pennsylvania Game Commission Sport Ethics Award.