News About Our Firm

News About Our firm

SCOTT BREEN NAMED SHAREHOLDER

On January 1, 2009, Scott Breen was elected as a shareholder in our firm. Scott is a graduate of Michigan State University (B.A. 1997) and graduated magna cum laude from the Michigan State University College of Law in 2000. Scott is a frequent lecturer and author on business and real estate issues. His practice focuses on business and corporate matters, real estate, tax, and mergers and acquisitions.

Scott and his wife, Torree (also a lawyer) have one son, Jared, and recently celebrated the arrival of their daughter, Katelyn Nicole. Scott enjoys golf and hockey, and is an avid MSU fan. We’re pleased to have Scott as our newest shareholder.

WELCOME TO NEW EMPLOYEES

We are pleased to announce a new addition to our staff.

Julie O’Brien recently joined our firm as Director of Marketing. Julie is a graduate of Central Michigan University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Finance/Marketing. She brings over 20 years of marketing experience to the firm. Julie and her husband, Shawn ,have been married 16 years and have three daughters , Kaleigh (l4), Kenzie (11) and Chloe (6). Their family lives in East Lansing where the children attend Haslett Public Schools, and both Julie and Shawn are very active volunteers. Julie is also a longtime member of the Junior League of Lansing and a member of St. Martha’s of Okemos. When Julie isn’t working part-time, she’s typically DRIVING…The kids keep her busy with various sporting/school events. Her own interests include family time, traveling, tennis, trips to Charlevoix, water sports and reading. She is available to talk to you about any suggestions you have for how we can improve our service. Julie can be reached at julie.obrien@fosterzack.com or (517) 706-5814.

NEWS ABOUT OUR FIRM

Marlaine Teahan has been a busy person. In January, the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (“ICLE”) updated its book, Michigan Estate Planning Handbook. Along with Ev Zack, Marlaine co-authored the following three chapters in the Handbook: “Overview of Estate Planning,” “Tax Considerations,” and “Getting Started.” And, in February, Marlaine addressed over 250 attorneys at ICLE’s Fundamentals of Estate Administration seminar, providing an overview of the taxes and returns involved in the administration of an estate. In March, Marlaine was appointed to a Probate Court Work Group of the Supreme Court Administrative Office (SCAO). This Work Group will review SCAO data, discuss guidelines and make recommendations with regard to proposed changes to the Michigan Court Rules.

Dave Russell recently completed his annual Continuing Legal Education, a requirement of his Florida Bar license. Dave is available to help with your Florida law needs. When not working or maintaining law licenses in Michigan and Florida, Dave and his wife Heather are busy at home with their newest baby, Andrew, who joins older siblings Reagan, Jack, and Abigail.

From time to time our firm Fun Committee tries to keep us from taking ourselves too seriously. Our first event in 2009 was a bowling party which was enjoyed by the lawyers, staff, children and grandchildren of our Foster Zack family. Kevin Manning’s assistant, Rhonda Fleming, was one of our high rollers with three strikes in a row! We hope she doesn’t quit her day job to run off and join the PBA!