alanechartier.com

Happy Birthday, A&C!

admin — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 18:13:30 +0000

On September 4, 2010, Alane & Chartier, P.L.C., celebrates it third birthday. On this day in 2007, Mary and Natalie exuberantly opened the doors of their new law firm, amid boxes of office supplies and computer equipment. In the whirlwind of activity since, Mary and Natalie have tirelessly represented well over 300 criminal and family law clients, handled over 35 appeals, given multiple lectures, been featured in several articles, scored two Michigan Supreme Court victories, served on various boards and committees, received the Pro Bono Circle of Excellence from the state bar, and championed a winning softball team. A&C also expanded by hiring its fantastic full-time legal assistant, Kim Thelen.

Mary & Natalie are thrilled to continue their vibrant law firm in downtown Lansing, Michigan, and they wish to thank each and every one of their clients, colleagues, friends, and family members for their loyalty and support.

Alane & Chartier awarded 2010 Pro Bono Circle of Excellence

admin — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:15:14 +0000

Alane & Chartier, P.L.C. has been awarded the 2010 Pro Bono Circle of Excellence award by the State Bar of Michigan. The Pro Bono Circle of Excellence recognizes every firm that has fully complied with the State Bar’s Voluntary Pro Bono Standard for the calendar year 2009. Fewer than 20 firms statewide were recognized within the small firm category. ”The Pro Bono Circle of Excellence is important, not only because it provides much deserved recognition to law firms, but also because their examples of service inspire others to meet our pro bono standard and underscore the importance of pro bono assistance for those in need,” said SBM President Charles Toy in a March 2010 press release.” Toy noted that legal service to the poor is the legal profession’s first public service priority.

Volunteer legal services for low-income individuals and organizations, and financial support for eligible nonprofit organizations providing free civil legal aid for the poor, are both included in the Voluntary Pro Bono Standard.

Natalie Alane seated on ICLE’s Family Law Advisory Board

admin — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:24:25 +0000

Natalie Alane has been invited to sit on the Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education’s prestigious Family Law Advisory Board. The Board, which meets annually to discuss trends in family law and to advise ICLE on family law matters, consists of 15 Michigan family law attorneys from around the state. The three-year term is a high honor, and Ms. Alane’s selection is high compliment to her reputation and involvement in the family law community.

Alane & Chartier softball team wins Lansing Co-Ed League Title

admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 18:23:31 +0000

The Alane & Chartier softball team went 7-5 this summer to take the division title in the City of Lansing Adult Co-Ed softball league at Davis Park. Looking stylish in their 2010 kiwi green A&C shirts, the team of five men and five women dusted their archrival, Jackson National Life, and never lost the league lead the whole season. The team thanks A&C for their generous sponsorship and is happy to have made the firm proud!

Mary Chartier selected to present at CDAM’s 2010 Fall Conference

admin — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:43:55 +0000

Mary Chartier has been selected to present to the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan at its 2010 fall conference in Traverse City, Michigan. The topic of the conference is “The Right to Prepare a Defense.” Ms. Chartier’s inaugural lecture at this prestigious event places her among nationally recognized criminal defense experts.

Ms. Chartier’s multi-faceted presentation will address reverse 404(b) evidence, cumulative evidence, third-party guilt, response to extrinsic evidence arguments, reverse character evidence, and using the rules of evidence against prosecutors.

Natalie Alane records “Top Tips for Defending a Motion to Change Domicile” for ICLE

admin — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 18:15:48 +0000

Natalie Alane has recorded her second instructional video in the Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education’s “Top Tips” series. In this video, Ms. Alane provides guidance to Michigan family law attorneys on opposing a parent’s motion to move a child 100 miles away from the other parent or out of the state of Michigan altogether. Ms. Alane was chosen by ICLE for this project based on her knowledge and skills as a family law attorney and in the area of changing domicile.

Natalie Alane selected to present to the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals

admin — Wed, 26 May 2010 15:26:12 +0000

The International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, or IACP, has accepted a proposal by Natalie Alane, Esq.; Gary Direnfield, MSW, RSW, of Ontario, Canada; and Daniel G. Cantone, Esq., of Camillus, NY, to present at the IACP’s International Forum on October 30, 2010, in Washington, D.C. The group’s topic is “Collaborative Draftmanship: Finessing the Successful Preparation of Minutes and Agreements.” Session notes are a critical part of the collaborative process, and the timing, content, and use of the notes impacts the team in many ways. The IACP Forum is attended by collaborative professionals from over 20 countries worldwide. This timely topic is sure to be well-received by the collaborative community!

Back-to-back victories: Alane & Chartier wins another case in the Michigan Supreme Court

admin — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:23:22 +0000

Alane & Chartier has scored its second victory in the Michigan Supreme Court in less than a month. On Mary Chartier’s Motion for Reconsideration, the Supreme Court reversed its previous ruling that the defendant should not be granted a new trial. After considering Mary’s motion to reconsider that decision, the Court voted unanimously, 7 to 0, to reinstate the Court of Appeals decision and grant the defendant a new trial. This huge victory is justice served for the defendant, who was convicted after the jury was given improper oral and written jury instructions.

Alane & Chartier wins Michigan Supreme Court defamation case

admin — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 16:07:52 +0000

Led by the outstanding efforts of Mary Chartier, Alane & Chartier has prevailed in the Michigan Supreme Court against Mt. Hope Church in Lansing. The decision reinstated the jury verdict for the defamed plaintiff, allowing the plaintiff to finally recover the damages awarded to her for the egregious conduct of the church’s pastor. The case confirms that churches cannot hide behind the legal premise of “qualified privilege” to defame others. This important win represents a victory for those who may be subjected to untruthful words or writings about them disseminated by others.

Natalie Alane asked to present at ICLE’S 11th Annual Family Law Institute

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:13:50 +0000

Natalie Alane has been asked to present at the Michigan Institute for Continuing Legal Education’s most attended annual family law event — the Michigan Family Law Institute. This November, Ms. Alane will speak to family law attorneys from all over Michigan about advanced strategies in child support calculation. The lecture podium at the Family Law Institute is reserved for the most knowledgeable family law experts. Ms. Alane is honored to be included in such a prestigious group of skilled family law attorneys.