ROBERTS P. HUDSON AWARD

MAURA D. CORRIGAN

Former Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Maura D. Corrigan was honored with the State Bar of Michigan’s Robert P. Hudson Award, the highest accolade bestowed by the Bar.

Corrigan’s dedication to public service is evident through her impressive legal career. She served as a state and federal prosecutor and from 1979 to 1986 was assistant U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Michigan before quickly rising to become chief assistant U.S. attorney.

In 1992, she was appointed to the Michigan Court of Appeals, where she distinguished herself as a leading intellect in Michigan jurisprudence. Her contributions led her to the Michigan Supreme Court, where she served two terms, including one as chief justice. During her tenure, she became known for her leadership and collegiality and enhancing the court’s functionality, which earned her national respect.

Beyond her judicial career, Corrigan made a significant impact as the head of the Michigan Department of Human Services. Under her leadership, DHS served over 2 million clients and employed 12,000 people. Her tenure was marked by remarkable achievements, particularly in foster care. Having a keen understanding of the situations foster children find themselves in and the unique challenges they face, Corrigan spearheaded initiatives that resulted in vast improvements of the children’s lives. Her efforts led to 90% of children in the system being adopted and significantly improved high school graduation rates among foster children as well. Around the time she got involved with DHS it was common for most foster children not to finish high school, but by the end of her tenure she had helped to reverse this trend, with the majority graduating and earning a diploma. She also forged partnerships with local colleges to support foster children in pursuing higher education.

The Robert P. Hudson Award honors those who demonstrate an unselfish rendering of outstanding and unique service to and on behalf of the State Bar of Michigan, the legal profession, and the public. For Corrigan’s service in the courtroom on both sides of the bench and for the work and results she has given her community, the State Bar on Michigan proudly bestows her with his award.

FRANK J. KELLEY DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

EDWARD PLAWECKI

In recognition of his extraordinary governmental service, Edward Plawecki was one of two attorneys honored with the Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Service Award.

Plawecki’s commitment to public service and the legal profession is evident throughout his extensive career. He served with distinction as a district court judge, starting the 20th District Court’s first alternative work program and community education programs. He has also been active in several public sector labor issues, including restructuring chapter 9 bankruptcy for the City of Detroit, emergency management problems and economic hardships faced by several communities, and various issues related to higher education, among them diversity and inclusion. He has also served on multiple boards and committees.

Plawecki’s impact extends to his role as an educator. As an adjunct professor at several universities, he has mentored and inspired countless students, shaping the next generation of legal professionals. His teaching has been characterized by a deep understanding of the law and a passion for sharing his knowledge with others. In 2018, he was appointed to serve on the Board of Trustees of Central Michigan University, his alma mater.

Throughout his career, Edward Plawecki has exemplified the spirit of the Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Service Award thought his unwavering commitment to public service, his contributions to the legal profession, and his dedication to education and community service.

FRANK J. KELLEY DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

WILLIAM WOLFSON

In recognition of his leader in the legal profession with a career spanning five decades, William M. Wolfson was honored with the Frank J. Kelley Distinguished Public Service Award.

Wolfson has shown leadership in improving Michigan’s justice system. He collaborated with the Wayne County Clerk, Prosecutor, and Third Circuit Court to expedite restitution payments to crime victims. He restructured Wayne County’s juvenile justice service delivery system, lowering recidivism rates, increasing treatment options, and eliminating the county’s juvenile system’s structural deficit. He also negotiated an intergovernmental agreement to provide municipal and law enforcement services in Highland Park when the city couldn’t provide them on its own.

As Great Lakes Water Authority chief administrative and compliance officer, Wolfson shaped environmental policies to protect Michigan waterways and promote environmental justice. He drafted the policy for GLWA’s Water Residential Assistance Program, aiding over 35,000 households since its inception in March 2016.

He also helped negotiate a 30-year model contract with the City of Flint to ensure high-quality water for residents.

At the City of Detroit, Wolfson served as Mayor Dennis Archer’s representative on the Charter Revision Commission and point person on casino gaming. He was also parliamentarian to the city council and legal counsel to the the city’s cable commission and election commission. He has influenced Michigan case law and legislation, mentored countless attorneys, and shared his extensive knowledge of municipal law.

Wolfson also has been deeply involved in his community, serving on the board of directors of the Detroit Zoological Society Board and Life Directions, helping at-risk youth. As chairman of the Detroit-Wayne County Stadium Authority, he helped bring major events to Comerica Park and Ford Field, catalyzing economic development in Michigan. Wolfson’s dedication to public service and community improvement has left a lasting impact on both the legal and local communities.

CHAMPION OF JUSTICE AWARD

MARILENA DAVID

Marilena David was one of four winners of the 2024 Champion of Justice Award.

David, deputy director at the State Appellate Defender Office, epitomizes integrity and dedication to the highest principles of the legal profession. She has become known among colleagues for her focus on creating effective solutions, which foster a vibrant workplace. More importantly, David’s commitment has improved the lives of those affected by Michigan’s criminal legal system by providing crucial information, tools, and enhancing lawyers’ advocacy skills.

In 2012, David initiated and managed sessions with families of incarcerated individuals to provide them with critical information. In 2016, David launched Project Reentry to assist juvenile lifers transitioning home, and later expanded the program to support a broader range of incarcerated individuals. The project includes publications, a resource database, workshops, and dedicated staff.

David has also worked with other organizations to further other causes, including her leadership to develop a Michigan Department of Corrections’ “video visit” system, which strengthens attorney-client relationships. Recognizing the need for quality training after SADO merged with the Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System in 2015, she developed comprehensive training programs for roster attorneys, which are now attended statewide.

From 2015-2022, David managed the Criminal Defense Resource Center, providing education and resources to Michigan’s criminal defense bar. In 2023, she established a Black Defender Mentorship Group to address the need for mentorship among SADO’s Black attorneys.

She developed annual leadership training programs for SADO’s leadership team, enhancing their supervisory skills, and is a sought-after trainer nationwide, providing high-level training on various topics to public defender offices across the country. Her work raises the bar for public defenders nationwide and improves office culture and leadership skills.

David’s superior professional competence and dedication to excellence and empathy inspire her colleagues and have made a significant, lasting impact on the legal community.

CHAMPION OF JUSTICE AWARD

ANDREW DENSEMO

Andrew Densemo was one of four winners of the 2024 Champion of Justice Award.

Densemo has become known for his integrity and adherence to the highest principles and traditions of the legal profession, approaching every client with the same energy and commitment regardless of the case’s complexity or societal perceptions. His representation of defendants in challenging federal cases — from complex fraud to tragic sex offenses, drug conspiracies, and material support of terrorism — underscores his belief that everyone deserves competent and effective representation.

As an assistant federal defender since 1991, he has represented over 1,000 defendants and negotiating countless plea agreements. His ability to present cases to the bench impartially, relying solely on his deep understanding of the law and his clients’ rights, has earned him the respect of judges and peers. He’s earned a reputations for seeking fair and just sentences for all his convicted clients, even in the face of opposition from prosecutors and judges. Prior to his career as an assistant defender, he represented hundreds of clients at the juvenile and state defender offices and in private practice. He has taken more than 500 cases to trial.

One of Densemo’s most extraordinary professional accomplishments is his tireless advocacy against the mandatory federal sentencing guidelines’ disparity in crack cocaine cases. Densemo continuously argued against the harsh penalties that disproportionately impacted Black defendants. His unwavering commitment to this cause contributed to the landmark Supreme Court case Spears v. United States in 2009, which allowed federal judges to reject the 100-to-1 ratio in crack cases.

Densemo’s career is marked by humility, dedication, and a steadfast belief in the principles of justice. He exemplifies the qualities of the State Bar of Michigan’s Champion of Justice Award. His work has left an indelible mark on the legal profession, and his courageous advocacy continues to inspire those around him.

CHAMPION OF JUSTICE AWARD

BONSITU KITABA-GAVIGLIO

Bonsitu Kitaba-Gaviglio was one of four 2024 winners of the Champion of Justice Award.

Throughout her career, Kitaba-Gaviglio has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to her clients and their causes. Whether it is preventing water shutoffs, stopping mass deportations, advocating for women’s rights, or championing civil rights claims — she steps up to the plate.

Kitaba-Gaviglio is known for being a thorough researcher and for being meticulous in her preparation. Every day, she demonstrates her respect for the legal profession and her commitment to her clients’ best interests. She is noted for consistently stepping up to take on new, complex matters in emerging subject areas. She immerses herself in the intricacies of the law, works to stay abreast of the latest developments and precedents, and always ensures that her clients receive the highest level of representation.

As one colleague put it: “Bonsitu makes herself an expert in everything she does.”

She has built a reputation for litigation and policy expertise by drafting, researching, and advocating for a successful ballot proposal. On the national level, she also has been a resource for other states by providing guidance and assistance whenever asked. She responds quickly, strategically, and effectively to ensure her clients’ rights are protected.

As a civil rights attorney for 10 years, Kitaba-Gaviglio is dedicated to helping others and to building a more fair and just society. She grew up in Canada, attended Wayne State University Law School, and recently became a U.S. citizen so she can vote on the issues to which she has dedicated her career.

For consistently demonstrating superior professional competence and for providing unwavering commitment to her clients and the legal profession, Kitaba-Gaviglio was honored as one of this year’s winners.

CHAMPION OF JUSTICE AWARD

ERIKA RIGGS

Erika Riggs was one of four winners of this year’s Champion of Justice Award.

A partner with the Disability Law Group, Riggs has earned a reputation for holding herself to the highest standards of the legal profession. She is also a community leader who has earned a reputation for being a problem solver and innovator. Her leadership skills have led her to be regularly sought out by community nonprofit organizations and other attorneys seeking advice.

While still in law school, Riggs founded the 313 Project, a nonprofit organization, to encourage student involvement, mentorship with professionals, community service, and pro bono legal advice. Now more than a decade into her career, Riggs has dedicated her career to helping thousands of Michigan residents with their claims for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

She co-founded the Disability Law Group just over five years ago and has continued to be known for her commitment to her clients. This year the firm will hold its sixth annual Free Legal Aid & Resource Fair, which is open to the public and free of charge to attend. Through the fair, Riggs and her colleagues have connected hundreds of people in need of legal advice or representation with attorneys who can help them, with many of those attorneys from outside her own firm.

In addition to the fair, Riggs also spearheaded her firm’s podcast, “Disability Lawyers for the Community,” where she connects the public with community resources that provide needed services and support. The podcast also highlights local community heroes and their work.

Riggs is often sought out by leaders of nonprofits, other attorneys, and law firms for her expert advice. She also frequently volunteers in her community including, most recently, the University of Michigan, the Oakland County Bar Association, local law firms, and area nonprofit organizations.

JOHN W. REED MICHIGAN LAWYER LEGACY AWARD

GARY MAVEAL

Gary Maveal, professor emeritus of the University of Detroit Mercy Law School, received the John W. Reed Michigan Lawyer Legacy Award, which is given periodically to a Michigan law school educator whose influence on lawyers has elevated the quality of legal practice in our state.

Prior to his teaching career, Maveal was an assistant U.S. attorney in Detroit from 1984-1988, where he chaired the hiring committee, was acting chief of the appellate division, and won the Director’s Award for Outstanding Service.

Throughout his tenure as a professor at Detroit Mercy Law, Maveal dedicated himself to imparting not only legal knowledge but also a deep understanding of the lawyer’s role in advancing social justice. He taught courses in civil procedure, evidence, and remedies, molding countless students into adept legal practitioners.

Beyond the classroom, Maveal served as administrator for Detroit Mercy Law’s American Inn of Court Program for nearly three decades, mentoring hundreds of law students and helping them refine their trial advocacy skills. Many of his former students continue to contribute to the program, a testament to his enduring legacy of assisting students on their paths to becoming professionals.

Maveal’s influence extends beyond teaching; his scholarly contributions have significantly shaped Michigan’s legal landscape. He published extensively in the Michigan Bar Journal, for which he served as both editor and as a member of the advisory committee, and in other practitioner publications. His writing covered a broad range of issues in both civil and criminal law, usually focusing on complex matters of importance to practicing Michigan attorneys. Consistently delving into critical issues affecting the state’s legal system through his writing, he demonstrated his commitment to enhancing legal practice and jurisprudence in Michigan.

His service on committees like the Attorney Discipline Board further underscores his dedication to advancing professional standards within the legal community.

JOHN W. CUMMISKEY PRO BONO AWARD

WENDOLYN RICHARDS

Wendolyn Richards has been honored with the 2024 John W. Cummiskey Award by the State Bar of Michigan for her exceptional dedication to pro bono service and community impact.

Richards is deeply involved in professional and civic groups such as the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Access to Justice Fund Statewide Steering Committee, Goodwill Detroit, and the Association of Pro Bono Counsel, where she has co-chaired its Voting Rights Task Force for over six years. Richards is also the co-chair of Miller Canfield’s Election Law group and the Resident Director of its Detroit office.

Richards was instrumental in creating the Road to Restoration initiative, a dynamic public-private partnership designed to support Michigan residents restore their driving privileges started. Through the program, volunteer attorneys work with partners at the Michigan Department of State, DTE Energy, Detroit Justice Center, United Way agencies, and various participating local court administrators to offer free comprehensive assistance to those in need. To date, we have served almost 10,000 Michiganders, hosted 52 clinics in more than 20 cities, and trained over 120 pro bono attorneys.

Richards’s other accomplishments include working with the ACLU of Michigan to obtain an injunction in a national habeas class action to prevent the imminent deportation of hundreds of Iraqi nationals without due process in immigration courts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Richards addressed the devastating economic effects by working with legal service organizations to establish the remote COVID-19 Small Business Clinic in Michigan.

Richards’s career at Miller Canfield and her leadership in various civic and professional organizations exemplify her commitment to social justice and legal excellence.

LIBERTY BELL AWARD

ELAINE STOCKING

Stocking won the 2024 State Bar of Michigan Liberty Bell Award. Also the winner of the 2023 Ingham County Bar Association Liberty Bell Award, Stocking has 50 years of experience working in various roles in Michigan courts, including her service as a judicial assistant for five judges.

Stocking began working “the window” in the 54-A District Court as soon as she graduated high school, was later trained as a clerk, and became a judicial assistant for judges Claude Thomas and Charles Filice. In addition to her own duties, Stocking would help court reporters by typing up transcripts when they needed help, something she was not required to do. During this time she also earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University. She retired from the position after 25 years.

She went on to work for Judge Pamela McCabe, Judge Thomas Boyd (now a state court administrator), and stayed on with Judge Richard Hillman until her second retirement in 2022. “I have always enjoyed coming in every single day,” she said when she retired. “If you love what you do, it’s not work.”

During her time working in courts, attorneys came to know her as the go-to person whenever they had a question on anything related to the court. In addition to her work in the courts, Stocking is a regular volunteer at the Ingham County Animal Shelter — sometimes even rushing to the shelter during her lunch hour.

Despite two retirements, Stocking remains a resource at the 55th District Court, answering questions from court employees as needed and occasionally stepping in as a substitute judicial assistant.

“If you had a question and you contacted Elaine,” one colleague said, “things were going to be all right.”

UNSUNG HERO AWARD

ELIZABETH HOHAUSER

Elizabeth Hohauser is this year’s winner of the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly’s Unsung Hero Award. The award honors an attorney who has exhibited the highest standards of practice and commitment for the benefit of others. Hohauser won for her work with children in the Michigan foster care system, her dedication to helping her clients, and the service she provides for her community.

A 2000 graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy Law School, Hohauser, who also earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Michigan State University, decided to become a lawyer to make a positive impact on her community. Since then, she has continued that mission in not only her career but her personal life.

Hohauser served as director of legal services and policy for The New Foster Care and as an attorney for Collins Einhorn Farrell, Hohauser Kuchon, and Eagle Automation Services, where she was also business manager before opening her own solo litigation practice in 2018.

Throughout her career, Hohauser has developed a reputation for going above and beyond the call of duty as an attorney. One of her former pro bono clients, a victim of domestic abuse, said that Hohauser had not only helped her through her legal battles, but gave her the emotional support needed to thrive in her personal life.

In addition to her legal career, Hohauser is active in her community. She volunteers with elementary students for mock trial, offers pro bono legal services to underserved communities, and co-hosts an annual youth law conference for high school students.

When she is not working, she spends time gardening, chasing chickens out of the garage, and camping with her family and two dogs.