Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge is pleased to share that two of its shareholders will receive an Award of Excellence from the State Bar of Michigan’s Negligence Section: E. Thomas (Tom) McCarthy and William (Bill) Jack, Jr.
Receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award, which recognizes an attorney’s distinguished and outstanding service to the legal community during their career, McCarthy is recognized as one of Michigan’s leading trial lawyers. With more than 40 years of courtroom experience in state and federal courts, his practice includes the representation of seriously injured people and businesses who have been harmed by the wrongful conduct of others, complex commercial litigation, and the representation of lawyers, law firms, doctors and hospitals in a wide range of circumstances.
“Tom is an outstanding trial lawyer who has enjoyed tremendous success in many areas of the law, including representing plaintiffs and defendants in personal injury litigation, commercial litigation, medical malpractice and criminal law,” said Smith Haughey CEO Matt Wikander. “He has also worked tirelessly to improve the profession, whether it be his involvement in organizations like the state bar, American College of Trial Lawyers or even coaching high school moot court teams at the state finals.”
This year, the Section has created a new award; namely, the Distinguished Mediator Award. Honoring Jack, this award recognizes an outstanding attorney with superior skills in dispute resolution who exemplifies the trust, civility, integrity and ethical standards necessary to foster the settlement of disputes between adverse parties and advance the efficient administration of justice.
Joining Smith Haughey in 1975 and as twice serving as the firm’s CEO, Jack practiced in the areas of health law, medical malpractice defense, general litigation, and the defense of professional liability actions. In the past 10 years, Bill has transitioned his practice and built a highly successful mediation/alternative dispute resolution practice on his solid reputation as a seasoned trial attorney and devotion to the legal community. A certified facilitative mediator by the U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan, he has served as mediator and case evaluator for hundreds of cases in the state and federal courts throughout Michigan. Representative cases include catastrophic personal injury, complex multi-party commercial litigation, and complex trademark and intellectual property matters.
“His [Jack’s] contribution to the legal profession has been unprecedented,” said Wikander. “I cannot tell you the number of times opposing counsel have suggested we “use Bill Jack” to mediate our case, not realizing he is my partner. I really think that says it all; it is only fitting that Bill be the recipient of this new award.”
Both McCarthy and Jack will be honored at the Section’s summer reception, which will be held on August 12 at Cascade Hills Country Club.