Smiths Creek Business Lawyers

B.A., International Relations, James Madison College, Michigan State University. J.D., University of Michigan Law School, 1986. Practice concentrated in bankruptcy, commercial law, business law, workouts, real estate and complex situations.

John Hilla is the managing attorney of Noble Path Legal PLLC in Livonia, Michigan, a boutique civil and transactional practice specializing in trademark registration, real estate transactions, business legal services, and consumer bankruptcy.

More than 30 years of antitrust counseling experience, first as lead competition lawyer at General Motors and nearly ten years at leading firms. Distribution and trade association counseling specialities along with HSR filings. Long-time ABA Antitrust Section leader and adjunct prof at two schools.

I primarily represent investors and entrepreneurs. I have handled large transactions and major litigation. I also handle smaller matters as the need arises.

Evan Ficaj (pronounced Fitz–Eye) is a skilled attorney who deeply understands the dreams and hurdles encountered by artists, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. With extensive experience in business and corporate law, contracts, entertainment, finance, estate planning, technology, public relations, and management, Evan is a formidable ally for those prepared to make a substantial impact. Before establishing the Evan Ficaj Law Firm, Evan held the position of Attorney Advisor at the US Small Business Administration. He advised over 4,000 small business loans spanning all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, and Guam. His proficiency in business and corporate law, loan compliance, and closing...

Melvin J. Babi serves as the managing partner of Babi Legal Group, P.L.L.C. where he serves as managing partner of Babi Legal Group, P.L.L.C., a respected general practice law firm in Novi, Michigan. In his private practice, Mr. Babi advises consumers and small businesses in areas including bankruptcy, foreclosure defense, debt-resolution, real estate law, business law, corporate law, contract drafting and negotiating and criminal and civil litigation. Mr. Babi has assisted thousands of clients in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases, saving their homes, vehicles and other assets with strategic bankruptcy planning. He has also saved his clients...

At Dahman Law, we are passionate about providing exceptional, client-focused legal services. We handle commercial litigation, business law, employment, and estate planning matters across Ohio and Michigan. But what makes Dahman Law different from other law firms is that you will know up front how much you can expect to pay for legal services, instead of wondering how much you will end up being charged at the end. Samir Dahman founded Dahman Law after practicing for years at Ohio's largest law firms. His practice includes commercial litigation, business law, employment, and estate planning. ...

Attorney Beverly M. Griffor was first licensed in Michigan and has since become involved in litigation and research nationwide. She diligently represents the interests of each of her clients. Beverly graduated from the University of Michigan with a double majored Bachelors degree in Psychology and Sociology and a minor in Philosophy. In each major, Beverly sub-concentrated in both Criminology and Social Inequality. She also graduated as a member of honor societies in all three of her concentrations. Beverly received her Juris Doctor from Ave Maria School of Law, focusing her studies on trial...

Ben’s practice focuses on environmental, toxic tort, mass tort and products liability litigation, permitting and compliance with environmental regulations, assisting with chemical release response and cleanup and defending and resolving actual or potential regulatory violations. He also has experience defending against personal injury lawsuits, class action lawsuits relating to alleged nuisance odors, particulate matter and groundwater and soil contamination. Ben’s extensive practice also includes business issues and commercial litigation. He has assisted clients in their efforts to obtain environmental permits, resolving permit violations, and litigating denied permits under Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA). He also has considerable...

Scot focuses on business law, real estate development, employment law, estate planning, probate, and commercial litigation. He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan and his J.D., with cum laude honors, from the Notre Dame Law School. While at Notre Dame, Scot was an editor with the Journal of Legislation and clerked for the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan in Flint, MI, and the Michigan Supreme Court in Lansing, MI. After graduating from Notre Dame Law School, Scot clerked with the Michigan Court of Appeals in Grand Rapids, MI. In January of...

Stacey Brancheau established the Brancheau Law Firm to pursue her passion for helping individuals and their families navigate the often overwhelming process of wealth planning. In addition to her experience as an attorney, Stacey holds her Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) and Certified Trust and Financial Advisor (CTFA) designations. With 20 years of experience in the wealth planning industry, serving as an attorney, financial planner, fiduciary advisor and senior trust officer for a regional bank, she is uniquely qualified to assist her clients in developing a comprehensive plan to ensure that their loved ones have the information, guidance and...

Rich is a Founding Member of Foley, Baron, Metzger, & Juip PLLC. He has a national civil litigation practice with special emphasis on environmental litigation, products liability and chemical exposure matters. He has considerable experience in spill response and forensic analysis at historical sites of contamination. His experience also includes property transactions including environmental due diligence, hazardous waste, CERCLA and RCRA issues, and Michigan’s Natural Resources Environmental Protection Act (NREPA). Rich’s extensive practice also includes business issues and commercial litigation, construction law, mass torts, product liability, aviation law and due diligence and regulatory work on cannabis licensing

After practicing law...

Nick's practice focuses on environmental, toxic tort, mass tort and products liability litigation, permitting and compliance with environmental regulations, and defending against alleged violations of environmental regulations. He also has experience in Real Property litigation, injury law and Default Servicing litigation.

Nick began his career with a commercial litigation and insurance defense firm in Chicago, Illinois, where he managed a national corporate compliance and insurance defense team responsible for defending claims on behalf of large industrial clients in several states across the country. His experience there included the defense of workers’ compensation matters, litigating and trying cases involving industrial accidents...

Benjamin Stoltman focuses on Adult and Minor Guardianships, Wills, Trusts and Estates, Adoptions, Non-Profit Formation, Business Transactions, and Appeals.

Ben graduated magna cum laude from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. While in law school, Benjamin served as a member of Law Review and was the recipient of numerous awards for academic merit, including top marks in civil procedure, military law, and the professional responsibility seminar.

Benjamin was also inducted as a member of the Justice Frank Murphy Honor Society, an honor reserved for students graduating in the top ten percent of their class.

Prior to starting...

You have questions- I have answers. Call now for a free consultation. (810) 516-5116. Many law firms say that they offer personalized service, but their actions don't always reflect that when it comes to dealing with their clients. I'm David McCleary, and at my law firm, McCleary & Associates, P.C., I take those words to heart. I want to be your family's trusted adviser for all your estate planning needs. I meet with all my clients myself, one-on-one. This means I can offer a true individualized service to the people in the Grand Blanc and...

Shawn is the owner of The Head Law Firm, PLC. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. He represents individual and business clients throughout the Detroit Metro Area, including Livonia, Westland, Plymouth, Canton, Northville, Farmington Hills, West Bloomfield, Novi, Troy, and other surrounding areas.

Shawn has been repeatedly recognized as one of Metro Detroit’s Top Lawyers in the areas of criminal defense and commercial litigation by DBusiness Magazine. He has also been selected as a Rising Star by Michigan Super Lawyers every year since 2015.

Shawn graduated...

Sean P. Murphy is an Attorney and Member of Head Murphy Law. Sean was voted the 2023 Best Lawyer in Metro Detroit in the Community Choice Awards presented by the Detroit Free Press. Sean has also been selected as a Super Lawyers' Rising Star since 2019, and he has also been selected as a DBusiness top lawyer on multiple occasions. Sean is a lifelong resident of the Metro Detroit area. After graduating first in his class and summa cum laude from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, Sean worked as a Judicial Law Clerk for Justice Stephen J. Markman...

Robert Gavin is the Senior Associate at Shifman & Carlson, P.C. He has been practicing law since 2008, and was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2015, 2018, and 2019. He was also listed by DBusiness Magazine as a Top Lawyer in the Metro Detroit Area for Public Finance Law in both 2014, 2017, and 2018.

Rob brings a wide variety of skills and a diverse background to bear for his clients, including his experience with contract negotiation, employee issues, construction issues. Rob's undergraduate degree is in engineering, which has also been useful to clients during construction issues and in...

Peter is Great Lakes Law Firm, PLLC's managing member. He graduated, magna cum laude and in the top of his class, from W.M.U. Cooley Law School with a J.D. in Transactional Law. He also received the Distinguished Student Award in the term he graduated. And he completed a LL.M. (Masters of Law) in Tax Law there too. Previously, Peter received a M.B.A. in Business Management from Eastern Michigan University, and he received a Graduate Degree in Banking from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. And, following in a family tradition, he also graduated from the University...

James Fett earned his law degree from the University of Michigan in 1986. He has devoted his career to helping those who are the victims of workplace discrimination and harassment. Early in his career, he made a name for himself by winning the first ever sexual harassment trial aired on CourtTV. Ever since then, he has been taking on high profile cases and making some of Michigan’s largest employers pay for violating his clients’ rights. James was named One of the Ten Most Outstanding Attorneys of the Year by Michigan Lawyers Weekly, awarded Lawyer of the Year by the Washtenaw...

The Law Office of John D. Harrington, PLLC is a Tax Controversy firm that offers its clients outstanding legal representation with a personal touch. We offer the following services to resolve tax problems: Offers in Compromise, Installment Agreements, Currently Non-Collectible Status, Tax Levy/Garnishment Releases; Tax Lien Releases, Audit Representation, Tax Return Preparation, Bankruptcy, and Business Entity Formation. If you currently have a tax problem, come see us for a free consultation. At the free consultation, we will devise an in-depth resolution plan for you. You need an attorney when you have a tax problem with the IRS, or...

Amir practices Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, VA Planning, Probate, Estate Planning, and Business Transactions. He has an extensive background of helping the elderly through his family-owned Licensed Assisted Living Homes. At Serenity Assisted Living, Amir assisted the elderly in their medical needs. Now, he hopes to help even more elderly in their legal and planning needs.

Julie A. Gafkay graduated from Michigan State University in 1992 with a dual major in criminal justice and political theory. She graduated from Whittier Law School in 1995 with honors. Her first position was in Flint, Michigan focusing on civil rights and employment discrimination. In 2003, Attorney Gafkay opened her own statewide practice in Frankenmuth, Michigan. The practice's attorneys provide a general practice to the local area providing legal services in Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, Elder Law, Business Planning, contract review, landlord/tenant issues, real estate, employment issues and other general practice areas. Attorney Gafkay has...

Sunjay Sterling practices in all areas of tax and corporate law.

Tax Law

Sunjay has represented corporations, partnerships, LLCs, nonprofit organizations and individuals as a tax attorney in a wide variety of tax law matters including audit defense and resolution of tax controversies, tax compliance, tax planning, and structuring business transactions to minimize taxable impact. Sunjay Sterling is a tax attorney adept at identifying and resolving tax issues and audit risks in addition to formulating and implementing tax strategies and practical tax planning to further personal and business objectives.

Corporate/Business Law

Sunjay has represented and counseled C corporations, S corporations, general and limited partnerships,...

Established in 1982, Keenan & Austin, P.C. is a firm of Attorneys/Lawyers located in Redford Township, Michigan; serving Wayne and Oakland counties. Attorneys, Jan Keenan and John J. Keenan, graduated from the University of Michigan (undergrad), and the University of Detroit - Mercy School of Law. Both are dedicated members of the Redford community, serving the Township in many capacities over the years as Coaches and Sponsors of Little League and RTJAA teams, serving on the Planning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, Downtown Development Authority, and Parks Commission, on Citizens Input Boards, and in various leadership positions with St. Valentine...

My practice is focused on family law and estate planning. I assist clients with various matters such as divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, prenuptial agreements, civil litigation, preparing trusts, and wills. I have worked on hundreds of family law cases with excellent results for my clients.

At the Law Office of John V. Deku, PLC, I provide my clients with personal and dedicated attention directly from the attorney who will handle their case. I take the time to walk you through all of the steps of your case, give you advice about all of your legal options and make sure that any questions you have are adequately answered. Your best interests are the driving force behind my representation of you. If I am unable to provide you the representation your situation needs I will help find you a competent attorney who can.

Originally a teacher, W. Jay Brown became a lawyer in 1998 and has been in practice in the Great Lakes Bay Region ever since. Mr. Brown graduated first in his law school class and joined Midland’s largest law firm as a litigation associate. While with the firm, Mr. Brown embarked on his litigation career and was soon promoted to member of the firm. In 2009, W. Jay Brown left the law firm to start his own practice based on his vision for the practice of law – where technology and innovation are leveraged to provide clients superior customer and...

My practice is focused on business and estate planning. I regularly counsel business clients on operations and legal concerns, including drafting, reviewing, and advising on contractual matters, such as employment, buy-sell, and other corporate related documents. I place a strong emphasis on counseling my clients on risk management strategies ensuring their interests are met. Frequently, I speak to other professionals and professional groups, assisted living centers, hospitals, and government agencies across Michigan on various business, estate planning, and health related topics.

Thomas D. Pascaris, Esq., is CEO of Pascaris Law Firm, PLLC. He received his bachelor’s in Finance, Business administration, and a minor in Political Science from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and his Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Thomas specializes in many legal areas including Divorce, Bankruptcy, Estate Planning, and Business Formation and Transactions. Thomas holds a board seat on the City of Farmington Downtown Development Authority, and was recently selected as Dbusiness Magazine’s 30 in their 30 for 2018.

I graduated from the Detroit College of Law (MSU) in 1990 and was licensed by the State Bar of Michigan that same year. I graduated with honors with a concentration in taxation and was a published author in the nationally esteemed Detroit College Law Review. My practice is devoted exclusively to asset protection, consumer bankruptcy and student loan assistance. My unique approach to clients enables them to actively participate in the process so that you are completely involved in the process and understand exactly what your options are and what option is best for you and your family. ...

My practice is concentrated in representing employers and entrepreneurs in all aspects of employment and business law including severance, termination issues, non-compete disputes and in issues involving the protection of proprietary information.

I also represents employers in Fair Labor Standards Act disputes, including those with the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division. I represent clients in complex commercial litigation regarding these issues at both the trial and appellate levels. A significant portion of my litigation experience has been in business breakups, corporate and partnership dissolutions, securities and shareholder disputes, and related valuation issues. My business litigation experience allows me to...

I've focused my career on building successful businesses. Over the past decade I created several nationally recognized organizations in the technology, marketing and real estate industries. By accurately evaluating market opportunities, targeting customer needs, and developing differentiated solutions, Industry focus includes: -Law and Accounting Firms -B2B private corporations -Information Technology -Investment Banking, Venture Capital & Private Equity Selected Highlights: -Co-founder - Instadium.com -Co-founder - Website4you.com -Co-founder - GoWebBaby USA, LLC

Corene C. Ford has practiced law in Michigan since 2003, specializing in litigating a wide variety of civil matters including in the areas of condominium and HOA, real estate law, business law, landlord tenant, contract disputes, collections, landlord tenant, as well as personal injury cases. Corene is also a certified court appointed mediator. She has successfully mediated dozens of cases ranging from simple real estate disputes to complex commercial matters.

After graduating with a B.S. from Eastern Michigan University in 1999, Corene attended Vermont Law School from which she received a JD and Master of Studies in Environmental Law, cum laude,...

K.C. Baran, P.C. was established in 2003. K.C. Baran has been practicing law for over seventeen years. His areas of practice include, bankruptcy, estate planning, civil and criminal litigation, collections, contracts, employment law, family law and corporate practice.

K.C. is a graduate of the United States Military Academy, West Point and Michigan State University College of Law, cum laude. K.C. is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the Genesee County Bar Association. He is admitted to practice in the State of Michigan, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and the United States Court...

I came to Cooper, Riesterer & Gross with eight years of experience in complex litigation, including, civil RICO and employment matters, and representing business, construction, and real estate clients in contract matters, disputes, and corresponding litigation. I particularly enjoy helping entrepreneurs organize new business entities, turning their visions into reality. Being a creative problem solver allows me to navigate the legal landscape efficiently, whether drafting a contract or tackling a challenging dispute. I welcome complex and high-stakes matters where I can further sharpen my analytical skills and understanding of the intricate dance that is the legal system. Knowing the rules...

Paul A. Callam is the owner and principal attorney in the Law Office of Paul A. Callam, PLC, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Mr. Callam’s practice is concentrated in the areas of business organizations, contracts, including IT and licensing agreements, franchise agreements, commercial disputes, construction and real estate development issues. Mr. Callam has been practicing law for over 25 years. He divides his practice between counseling businesses in all phases of development, and litigation and arbitration of disputes.