8th Jan 2026

A Year in Review: Reflecting on 2025

With 2025 behind us, we’re grateful for the trust our clients, colleagues, and community placed in us throughout the year. This recap highlights some of the moments that shaped our firm over the past twelve months. 

We Welcomed Matt Haupt

In January 2025, we welcomed a new attorney, Matthew Haupt, to our estate planning practice.

Tracy Gaudenzi was Named Partner

In May 2025, Attorney Tracy Gaudenzi was promoted to Partner at Beier Howlett.

With a dedicated focus on municipal law, Beier Howlett represents numerous municipalities and public bodies across southeast Michigan. Tracy has played a pivotal role as the lead prosecutor for the Firm’s municipal clients. Her practice has expanded in recent years and her responsibilities now encompass a wide range of complex municipal matters.

Tracy is a graduate of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law where she earned her Juris Doctorate.  She was extremely active in extracurricular activities while at law school including a St. Thomas More Society Board Member, a Women’s Law Caucus Member, as well as a Moot court and Mock trial competitor.  Tracy completed her undergrad at Albion College where she was on the Dean’s list and the Women’s Varsity Soccer Team which later was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013.

Tracy is active in her community where she serves on the board at the local preschool and is also a PTA member and volunteer at the local elementary school. She is active in her church community and the local soccer community. Tracy was recently named to “Best Lawyers in America” for 2025.

Congratulations Tracy on this much-deserved promotion!

Janine Cochran Celebrated 35 Years at Beier Howlett

In June 2025, paralegal Janine Cochran celebrated being with the firm for 35 years. She is incredibly valued and we are so thankful for her faithfulness and all the years she has given to Beier Howlett. Congratulations, Janine!

Mike Gibbons Named “Go To Lawyer”

In July 2025, Mike Gibbons was named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly “Go To Lawyer” in Business Litigation.

Tracy Gaudenzi Named to “Influential Women of Law”

Tracy was named to the 2025 Class of “Influential Women of Law” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly in July 2025. She was honored at an awards banquet in September.

Attorneys Named to Best Lawyers in America

Six of our Beier Howlett Attorneys were named to Best Lawyers in America 2026 in August. Best Lawyers honors attorneys whose dedication and skill set the standard for legal excellence. Only 5% of practicing United States lawyers earn this Best Lawyers distinction.

Mary Kucharek Named “Lawyer of the Year”

Mary has been named “Lawyer of the Year” 2026 in Troy, Michigan for Municipal Litigation. Best Lawyers is a highly respected peer-review publication recognizing top legal talent worldwide. Lawyers selected as “Lawyer of the year” have received the highest overall peer feedback for a specific practice area and geographical location. This is a highly exclusive award to receive as only one attorney is selected for each practice specialty and location.

Mary is the City Attorney for the City of Birmingham, the City of Orchard Lake Village, and the Village of Lake Orion. She also concentrates her practice in the areas of criminal prosecutions, criminal defense, and victim advocacy. Mary prosecutes ordinance violations for the City of Birmingham, the City of Orchard Lake Village, and the Village of Lake Orion. She is also a part of the Ethics Counsel for the Wayne County Airport Authority and Attorney for the Rochester Hills Public Library.

Congratulations on receiving this highly esteemed recognition!

We Welcomed Dena Keller to the firm

In September 2025 we welcomed Dena Keller to Beier Howlett after serving 27 years at the Macomb County Prosecutors Office. Her vast experience consisted of prosecuting major drug crimes, homicide trials, felony criminal cases, and domestic violence cases, among many others.

Dena’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, ethics, and collegiality makes her an invaluable and distinguished member of the Beier Howlett team.

Mike Gibbons Named to “Leaders in the Law”

In October 2025, Mike was named to the 2025 Class of “Leaders in the Law” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.

Beier Howlett Named “Best Law Firms”

In November 2025, Beier Howlett was named to the 2026 Edition of Best Law Firms by Best Lawyers.

Beier Howlett had a full year of releasing newsletters and publishing informative articles, keeping our clients and community informed throughout the year. Overall, 2025 was a great year for our firm. As we say goodbye to 2025, we look ahead to 2026 with optimism and excitement for another successful year at Beier Howlett.

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