Brooks Kushman's Kramer Honored as a 2010 'Leader in the Law' by Michigan Lawyers Weekly

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., March 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Anessa Owen Kramer, a shareholder at Brooks Kushman P.C. – a leading intellectual property (IP) and commercial law firm – has been honored as a 2010 "Leader in the Law" by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. Kramer, one of seven women named to this year's list, was celebrated yesterday at a luncheon in Troy, along with 24 other honorees.

"We are thrilled for Anessa and proud of her recognition as a Leader in the Law," said Mark A. Cantor, president of Brooks Kushman. "Her ability to lead and grow our trademark department has been critical to the overall growth and expansion of our firm, and we are pleased to see her recognized externally for these efforts."

According to Michigan Lawyers Weekly, "Leaders in the Law" are individuals who: are astute, wise, knowledgeable and successful; exemplify the noble tradition of the legal profession; win cases and solve problems with the utmost integrity; inspire and lead others with their skills and character; are role models and mentors; and are passionate and aggressive on behalf of clients and the community.

At Brooks Kushman, Kramer manages the 27-member trademark practice group – an area that generates approximately $4 million annually – and helps direct the firm's marketing activities. Kramer manages the worldwide trademark portfolio for a number of famous brands.

Additionally, she works to expand Brooks Kushman's reputation in trademark expertise on a national and international level and leads new business pitches to major companies. One of her biggest legal accomplishments at Brooks Kushman was helping to convince Ford Motor Co. to consolidate and outsource U.S. and international trademark legal work with the law firm, saving Ford millions of dollars and tripling Brooks Kushman's revenue.

Kramer is an active member of the International Trademark Association, where she sits on the Law Firm Committee, and is a member of the Michigan Intellectual Property Law Association and Michigan State Bar IP Law Section. She was named to the Crain's Detroit Business "40 Under 40" list in 2007, has published numerous articles on trademark issues and has spoken to various groups on brand protection.  

Kramer has a leadership role in numerous community and non-profit organizations, and is liaison for the Board of Directors of The Jewish Fund. She is also active in the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, serving on the Women's Board and one of the organization's committees.

Kramer earned her juris doctor degree, graduating with honors, from The George Washington University Law School located in Washington, D.C. and a Bachelor of Arts degree, graduating with honors, from Michigan State University in East Lansing.

Founded in 1983 by five intellectual property (IP) attorneys, Brooks Kushman P.C. is a leading IP and commercial law firm based in Southfield, Mich. with an office in Los Angeles. Since its inception, the firm has grown to approximately 70 lawyers and patent agents, gaining a reputation both nationally and internationally as a leader in providing cutting-edge, timely and cost-effective IP counseling.

Brooks Kushman counts four U.S. Fortune 100 companies among its clients and is often recognized by peers and leading trade publications. Brooks Kushman is: a Go-To Law Firm® selected by the top 500 companies, according to Corporate Counsel magazine; a "Best at Client Focus" firm, according to large and Fortune 1000 companies surveyed by The BTI Consulting Group; and one of the top IP firms selected by the Fortune 100, according to IP Law & Business. For more information, visit www.brookskushman.com.

SOURCE Brooks Kushman