HANOVER, Md. — Hudson Cook announced a partner in the firm's Ann Arbor, Mich., office, whose practice centers around the auto world, has been named to The American Law Institute.

Gaining the distinction is Thomas Buiteweg, whose practice focuses on helping financial institutions, sales finance companies, auto dealers and manufacturers establish and maintain national consumer auto finance and leasing programs, including issues that arise under the Uniform Commercial Code.

"The process of being selected into the ALI is rigorous," said ALI president Roberta Cooper Ramo.

"Membership is a significant honor, as well as a promise to contribute to the health of the legal system in the U.S. and, increasingly, that of legal systems around the world," she explained.

"I'm very pleased that The American Law Institute has selected Tom for this responsibility," remarked Tom Hudson, partner at Hudson Cook's Hanover, Md. office.

"His experience with the UCC and consumer finance laws will allow him to provide meaningful contributions to the institute," he added.

Prior to joining Hudson Cook in 2008, Buiteweg worked on the GMAC legal staff where he was general counsel of the company's wholly owned servicing subsidiary and managed the practice group responsible for regulatory and legal compliance matters relating to the consumer automotive finance and lease operations, executives highlighted.

He is also a Uniform Law Commissioner for the State of Michigan and a lecturer on secured financing at the University of Michigan Law School.