01/08/2016

Legal Issues – Meet the Legal Affairs Committee!

Meet the MAC Legal Affairs Committee and Chair, Dr. Tom Klapp

The MAC Legal Affairs Committee, under the direction of Committee Chair Dr. Tom Klapp and Executive
Committee member Dr. Christopher Dolecki, in conjunction with our attorney Greg Nowakowski of the prestigious law firm Honigman Miller, and our Executive Director, Kristine Dowell, is continually evaluating and revising our overall legal strategy, which is designed to eliminate discrimination against chiropractic wherever it may be found.

Under MAC By-Laws, the Legal Affairs Committee is charged with: 

• Recommending, when necessary, the services of consultants, lawyers and/or law firms
• Meeting with those lawyers to formulate and execute the legal agenda of the Organization
• Monitoring all laws and court decisions affecting chiropractic, report on these regularly to the BOD and, when necessary, recommend appropriate legal action
• Submitting, to be published in Organization Publications, such articles and announcements as shall contribute to members’ understanding of matters pertaining to legal issues

 
Dr. Tom Klapp, Committee Chair

Committee Chair Dr. Tom Klapp has been at the forefront of the chiropractic scene in Michigan since his graduation from Life in 1979. At the 2015 Fall Convention & Exhibition, Dr. Klapp was awarded for his contributions to the settlement talks in our lawsuits against the Blues with the MAC “Outstanding Achievement Award.” The award was given for “monumental achievement and continuous contributions to the success of the MAC and the chiropractic profession.” He has been Chair of the Legal Affairs Committee since the inception of the MAC in 2007. 

Dr. Klapp served the MAC with great distinction as our first Chairman of the Board after the merger became final. At the first combined MAC convention, Dr. Klapp was named Chiropractor of the Year for his outstanding commitment and leadership in the advancement of chiropractic. He also serves as a member of the MAC Insurance Committee. 

Along with his many duties with the MAC, Dr. Klapp currently serves as a Trustee at Life. He is a Past President of the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations (COCSA), and has served on the Board of Directors of the International Chiropractors Association and as President of the Michigan Chiropractic Association. He serves as a Board of Directors member of the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, representing COCSA.

Dr. Allen Kash, Committee Vice Chair

Dr. Allen Kash of Madison Heights, a graduate of Palmer, has been in practice for more than 40 years. In 2009, he was the recipient of the MAC “Visionary Award,” and in 2008 he was given the MAC “Pioneer Award” “In appreciation for a lifetime of loyalty, dedication, and commitment to the chiropractic profession and the principles of the MAC.” He was also named the Michigan Chiropractic Society “Chiropractor of the Year” for 1995. 

Other members of the MAC Legal Affairs Committee include: 

• Dr. Bill Goss of Sterling Heights
• Dr. Eric Hartman of Jenison
• Dr. John A. Hofmann of Southgate
• Dr. Steven Simmons of Midland
• Dr. Dan Spencer of Hudson
• Dr. Russ Willemin of Portland

This committee brings together a wide array of talented doctors willing to donate their time to enhance the profession in our state. With this collection of talent, the future of Michigan’s chiropractic legal agenda is in good hands. 

Another Legal Resource for MAC Members – Attorney Leslie Kohn!

Leslie Kohn is an attorney who provides experienced legal representation for Michigan doctors of chiropractic. He is known for his expertise in all matters pertaining to auto no-fault injury claims and many other areas. Due to his knowledge and experience, he regularly speaks at continuing education events for the MAC, including our conventions and our popular series of stand-alone insurance seminars. His firm is located in Southfield. 

He also serves as the MAC member benefit attorney. In this capacity, he provides a free legal consultation to MAC members. He can be reached at (248) 559-1941.