Members appointed to Military Appeals Tribunal

LANSING, Mich. - Governor Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of Kyle Dufrane, Bob Gardella and Bradley Smith to the Military Appeals Tribunal.

The tribunal hears cases involving Michigan military personnel who have been court-martialed and seek an appeal.

"These three individuals have tremendous legal minds and bring the skills and experience necessary to serve the Military Appeals Tribunal well," Snyder said.

Dufrane, of Macomb, is a member of the Dykema Gossett PLLC law firm in the Detroit office. He has more than 10 years of experience in product liability, toxic tort, commercial, personal injury and class action litigation. He previously served as a law clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Dufrane earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and a law degree from the University Of Detroit. He represents members licensed to practice law and replaces Charles Palmer.

Gardella, of Brighton, is a general practice attorney primarily serving Livingston County and Southeast Michigan. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and licensed to practice before the U.S. District Courts for Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and the U.S. Supreme Court. Gardella is a former president of the Livingston County Bar Association. He earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University and a law degree from Cooley Law School. Gardella represents members licensed to practice law and replaces Judy Bregman.

Smith, of Addison, is an attorney with Brinks Hofer Gilson and Lione law firm. He previously worked for Dykema Gossett PLLC and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. Smith earned a bachelor's degree with distinction and a master's degree in business administration, both from Cornell University, and a law degree from the University of Michigan. He represents members licensed to practice law and replaces John Carters.

The appointees will serve four-year terms expiring April 16, 2015, and are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

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