Southfield, Mich., February 23, 2012 – Patent attorney Gary Smith at the Michigan intellectual property law firm Brooks Kushman P.C., has scored the biggest back-pay award in the history of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law’s Project SALUTE program. Smith represented a United States Army veteran in an appeal to get disability benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Smith secured a successful appeal on the veteran’s behalf, which led to the veteran being awarded a back-pay award totaling $700,000—the largest back-benefit ever secured by Project SALUTE.
Project SALUTE, founded in February 2008, focuses on providing pro bono legal counseling and advice to low-income veterans throughout Michigan. Smith has volunteered his legal services to Project SALUTE since 2009, and this is the first veterans’ disability matter he has worked on. Project SALUTE provides training and accreditation for attorneys that wish to donate their services on a pro bono basis.
At Brooks Kushman, Smith is focused on patent prosecution, infringement, and trade secrets. Before joining the firm, Smith served in the U.S. Air Force for eight years. He also currently serves in the Michigan Air National Guard, holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
About Brooks Kushman P.C.
Founded in 1983 by five IP attorneys, Brooks Kushman P.C. is a leading IP and commercial law firm based in Southfield, Mich. with offices across the nation. Since its inception, the firm has grown to more than 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 six 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; on the Law360 Intellectual Property 100 List; 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.
