Makens is one of the inaugural recipients of the Stephen H. Schulman Outstanding Business Lawyer award, which is given by the Business Law Section. The annual award seeks to honor Michigan business lawyers who, over their careers, exemplify "the highest quality of professionalism, the highest quality of practice, an unwavering dedication to service, as well as to the ethical conduct and collegiality within the practice."

The chair of the Firm's Securities Group, Makens concentrates his practice in securities and corporate law. He regularly represents broker-dealers, investment advisors, issuers, regulatory authorities and industry professionals in issues related to securities compliances, investigations and regulatory proceedings.

Active both professionally and personally, he has served on the Market Operations Review Committee of Nasdaq, as a commentator for the Uniform Securities Act Project of the National Conference of Commissioners, and on several committees of the North American Securities Administrators Association. Makens is also a former director of the Michigan Corporation and Securities Bureau and a past president of the North American Securities Administrators Association.

He is a member of the American Bar Association where he serves on the Council of the Business Law Section and has chaired several committees; the State Bar of Michigan where he currently serves as co-chair of the Uniform Securities Act Subcommittee for the Business Law Section; the Federal Bar Association; and the Illinois Bar Association. He is a past chair of the Business Law Section of the ABA.

A frequent author, lecturer and panelist for trade associations and professional organizations, Makens is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America, Who's Who in the Midwest and Who's Who in American Law. He is a co-author of Michigan Securities Regulation.

Makens completed his undergraduate studies cum laude in 1961 at Michigan Technological University and earned his doctorate of jurisprudence degree in 1964 from Northwestern University School of Law.

About Warner Norcross & Judd:

This year, Warner Norcross & Judd LLP celebrates its 75th anniversary of service to clients in Michigan, across the country and throughout the world. With more than 180 attorneys in Grand Rapids, Metro Detroit, Holland and Muskegon, Warner Norcross is one of Michigan's leading providers of legal services. For the third consecutive year, the Firm has a greater percentage of partners listed in the 2006 edition of Best Lawyers in America than any other large law firm in Michigan. Warner Norcross was also named the best corporate law firm in West Michigan by Corporate Board Member magazine for the third year in a row. Warner Norcross has been recognized as a national leader in client service among law firms by BTI Consulting and as one of West Michigan's 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For. The Firm represents local, statewide, regional, national and international clients in all areas of business and civil law.