Deford Lawyers

Licenses & Certifications: State Bar of Michigan U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit Certified Brain Injury Specialist Education: - J.D., Juris Doctor, 1978 - Detroit College of Law (now Michigan State University College of Law) - B.A., 1972 - Stanford University, Dual Major in Psychology and Journalism Additional expertise obtained from: - American Association for Justice - American Trial Lawyers Association - Brain Injury Association of Michigan - Cleary University - Eastern Michigan University - Michigan Association for Justice - Michigan Head Injury Alliance - Michigan Trial Lawyers Association - Real Estate One Academy - The Institute for Continuing Legal Education - Wayne State University School of Law Honors & Awards: - Law Review...

Phil was admitted to practice law in 1991 and he is now in his 28th year as an attorney. Phil is one of the founding partners of Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz and Associates, P.C. and he focuses his practice in the areas of personal injury, automobile accident claims, no-fault claims also known as personal injury protection benefits, third party automobile negligence claims, slip and fall injuries, motorcycle injuries, trucking accidents and general civil litigation. Phil grew up in St. Clair Shores and Royal Oak and he has been fortunate to return to Macomb County to practice law.

From 1995 to present, Phil...

Joseph Dedvukaj Founding Attorney – The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm, P.C. Bloomfield Hills, Michigan | Serving Injury Victims Statewide Website: www.1866HIREJOE.com | Phone: 866-HIRE-JOE For over 30 years, I’ve dedicated my legal career to helping injury victims and families devastated by serious car, truck, and motorcycle accidents across Michigan. As the founder of The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm, P.C., I’ve built a reputation as a fierce, client-first trial lawyer—recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for people harmed by negligence, reckless driving, and corporate wrongdoing. Whether you’re dealing with a catastrophic freeway crash, wrongful death, insurance denial, or commercial truck accident, my team and I prepare...

Meet Hannah Roberts, a formidable defender of justice specializing in criminal defense. Armed with a Bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University in 2015, she honed her legal skills at Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a concentration in Litigation. As a proud member of the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, Hannah's commitment to her craft shines brightly. She gained invaluable experience interning at the William Booth Legal Aid Clinic, the Family Law Assistance Project, and under Judge Maureen McGinnis at the 52-4 District Court in Troy. With specialized training in litigation, Hannah navigates the complexities...

Derek Howard was a longtime Judicial Staff Attorney in Oakland County’s Business Court. In 2019, Derek launched his own business law firm and has quickly enjoyed a string of business litigation success, including multiple cases featured in legal publications. Derek has also published articles on various topics including, software disputes, fraud, and mediation. In 2023, Derek teamed up with Joseph Doerr and Sara MacWilliams to form a firm that offers clients a deeper bench of expertise and legal support, while maintaining the individualized, attentive service the partners are known for. Doerr MacWilliams Howard PLLC offers highly skilled, personalized legal services...

Rachel M. Sexton has spent her entire career as an attorney representing people who find themselves in difficult financial situations. Rachel’s passion is helping people get out from underneath crushing debt and harassing creditors. She has helped hundreds of clients find solutions through bankruptcy. Whether that is saving their homes from foreclosure, getting their cars back after repossession, lowering their car payments, eliminating credit card debt, or dealing with overwhelming IRS debt. Rachel chose to practice bankruptcy because she enjoys helping people in some of the most stressful times of their lives. Rachel’s goal is to help clients move toward...

James Wendt graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2007. While at Eastern Michigan, James was recognized as “Most Outstanding Junior Class Business Student” as well as “Most Outstanding Senior Class Business Student.” Thereafter, he attended Wayne State University Law School, where he graduated in the top 15% of his class and received honors for his work in legal research and writing. Prior to joining the Mike Morse Law Firm in January of 2012, he maintained a private practice, serving clients in the areas of domestic litigation and criminal defense. In his free time, James enjoys...

Patrick Derkacz grew up in Warren, Michigan where he attended public school. He graduated from Warren Mott High school in 1984 where he played football. He then went to Eastern Michigan University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry in 1988. After graduation he worked as an analytical chemist for the Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Research Division in Ann Arbor, Michigan for several years.

Mr. Derkacz went back to law school at the Detroit College of Law (now Michigan State University Law School) in 1990. He graduated from DCL with Honors in 1993. While in Law School he participated in the...

Thomas Hensel founded Hensel Law Office, PLLC, because he wanted to bring a different approach to the typically impersonal process of bankruptcy counsel in Michigan. He chose to work as a solo practitioner, directly handling every stage of his clients' cases instead of passing them off to other associate attorneys, paralegals, or secretaries. Today, Attorney Hensel serves debtors throughout Michigan, including Sterling Heights, Warren and surrounding areas.

Louis C. Szura practices in the area of health care law and business litigation. Mr. Szura focuses on advising and representing health care providers from all areas on the formation and operations of their businesses and in various types of litigation. He has experience with practice formation; contract negotiations; employment disputes; management contracts; noncompete agreements; insurance and network provider disputes; HIPAA; Stark; AKS; and other compliance and license issues. Mr. Szura has also represented numerous whistleblowers under the federal False Claims Act, Michigan Medicaid Act, and other similar statutes. He is an active council member of the State Bar of...

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...

Spencer is an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney. He has a passion for identifying, developing, and creating innovative solutions in order to ensure the best possible result for each and every client. Most of all, Spencer is an effective communicator with prosecutors, opposing counsel, and judges. He takes great pride in developing a rapport with all members of the criminal justice system and legal community. When facing serious legal issues, it is vital that your attorney is available to address your concerns and, is not only willing to, but also ensures that you are educated on...

Co-Counsel on the largest police misconduct verdict in Michigan history and the largest verdict in Michigan this year! On November 3, 2016, a jury in the United States District Court in the Eastern District of Michigan returned a $36,600,000 against Genesee County Deputies for using excessive force against a man arrested for drunken driving. Click the link below for details. This is one of many seven figure verdicts and settlements that I have obtained for my clients in civil rights and personal injury cases. http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2016/11/06/jury-awards-36m-verdict-genesee-county-police-brutality-case/93287248/ In addition to civil...

Jesse Adam Markos is an attorney at Wachler & Associates, P.C. Mr. Markos practices in all areas of healthcare law and devotes a substantial portion of his practice to representing healthcare providers with licensure and staff privilege matters. He also regularly represents providers in transactional, corporate, and regulatory compliance matters and in the defense of Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross and other third party payor audits.

Mr. Markos graduated Magna Cum Laude, from Wayne State University Law School where he served on the Wayne Law Review and was nominated to the Order of the Coif. Mr. Markos attended law school on a...

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...

Car accidents are extremely serious and can occur with little to no warning. If you are dealing with damages or injuries from a car accident, you may be wondering where you can even begin to turn to find the help and representation your case requires. You can breathe more easily now, because you have come to the right place! At Abrahams Law firm, you can receive the help you need from Attorney Abrahams. He is a car accident attorney in Detroit who has dealt with all kinds of car accidents and car accident injuries and is well equipped to take...

After graduating law school, I went to work for the Wayne County (Detroit) Public Defenders' Office. I tried every imaginable case: murder, carjacking, armed robbery, assault cases, theft cases, a disinterment case (!)--all with not guilty verdicts each time. Naturally, I negotiated many plea agreements with the prosecutors' office and the Court. These plea agreements were outstanding. My clients are set apart. I work with them on their cases, I work with them on their personal matters and I give them my devoted time.
Now, after over 25 years of criminal defense practice, I have...

Devin is a partner at Paesano Akkashian, PC. He has successfully litigated complex business and securities matters in state and federal courts across Michigan and the United States. Devin’s securities practice spans both litigation and transactional work. On the litigation side, he represents investors and corporations in shareholder disputes and regulatory investigations conducted by the SEC and state securities agencies. His experience also includes handling FINRA arbitration cases, where he represents customers and brokers in investment disputes, employment claims, and other industry matters. On the transactional side, Devin advises companies on compliance with the Securities Act of 1933 and the...

Nicolas Guibert de Bruet consults as an attorney and engineering leader dedicated to helping businesses strategize and successfully navigate the technology maze. His practice revolves around advising technology-intensive businesses on how to start-up, operate, innovate and protect intellectual property assets to keep the business viable. He also concentrates on privacy law compliance, cybersecurity risk management, aviation regulations and transnational agreements.

Mr. Guibert de Bruet has worked as a technical expert and manager in the electronics and software industry for two decades. He has accepted assignments for a wide array of applications in the areas of defense, utilities, court systems, consumer electronics,...

I have been practicing bankruptcy law exclusively since 1991, focusing on Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy. Even though I have filed hundreds of bankruptcies over the past 25 plus years, I do not consider myself to be operating a "bankruptcy mill". I personally meet with each and every one of my clients and handle their case from start to finish. I have always provided free consultations to my clients, and will always continue to do so. My goal as a bankruptcy attorney is to put my clients on a sound financial footing and help rebuild...

Attorney Symantha Heath has practiced law for over 23 years. She earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Law School in 1993 and is licensed to practice in Michigan and U.S. Federal Court. She is a member of the Michigan State Bar Association, Oakland County Bar Association, Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, and Wayne County Family Law Bar Association.

Symantha is a past president of the Wayne County Family Bar Association and was an executive board member for six years. She is also a past County Chairwoman of the WCRC and the Northville Township Trustee. She currently serves on...

Jason Wapiennik was in the field of Customs law even prior to his graduation from Ave Maria School of Law in 2008. From January 2007 until September 2009, he clerked for Edmund Maciorowski, P.C., a customs law firm and since leaving there, has been in private practice at Great Lakes Customs Law. Before attending law school, Jason began his undergraduate education at Purdue University and later transferred to Loyola University Chicago. At Loyola, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science graduating magna cum laude, and with departmental honors in political science. He is a member of Alpha Sigma...

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...

Our primary office is in Lansing, Michigan, but we recently opened a second office in Livonia Michigan to service our Metro Detroit clients. I specialize in Personal Injury; Car accidents, premises liability, and work related injuries; as well as Social Security Disability Law. I have helped thousands of clients over the last 10 years. Give us a call and we will see what we can do to help you recover damages or obtain benefits.

Susan Elkouri is a trial lawyer, certified Collaborative Divorce Law practitioner, and certified mediator. Ms. Elkouri has practiced divorce law for over 23 years. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit Law School in 1994 and is licensed to practice in Michigan and Federal Courts.

Susan is a member of the Michigan State Bar Association, Oakland County Bar Association, Wayne County Family Law Bar Association, and the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. She is an active participant in the Michigan Family Law Certification program and a past University of Detroit Law School Moot Court Judge.

Susan Elkouri is...

Sean McNally comes from a family with a long history of legal practice in Michigan. Since 1927, four generations have consistently practiced in the state. Sean is the son of the longest-serving judge in Michigan's 33rd District Court, so he knows what it takes to deliver effective legal counsel. He focuses his efforts on litigating against major insurance companies on behalf of his clients, and loves working as their zealous advocate. Sean attended and graduated from James Madison College at Michigan State University, then attended and graduated from Wayne State University Law School. During his studies, he focused on material that...

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,...

I am an attorney at an insurance law firm that helps clients turn claim denials or delays into payments. We are based in Brighton, MI and handle real property insurance (home, commercial, etc.) cases throughout the state. You can reach me at 734-648-8030 or find out more about our practice at https://www.mccraylawoffice.com.

I graduated summa cum laude from Michigan State University College of Law, which I attended on a full scholarship. While there, I served on two journals, worked at the Ingham County Probate Court, was a property teaching assistant, and volunteered with the Animal Legal Defense Fund. I currently volunteer...

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...

Tracy M. Clark is a bankruptcy attorney with the Michigan law firm of Steinberg Shapiro & Clark. Ms. Clark has been practicing bankruptcy law since 1999 in the areas of debtor and creditor rights. Ms. Clark enjoys developing solutions to the legal problems faced by financially distressed individuals and businesses and, when necessary, litigating those issues at the trial and appellate levels. Ms. Clark believes that every client deserves her full attention and takes pride in personally meeting with all of her clients and handling her cases from beginning to end. Using this approach, Ms. Clark has successfully guided numerous...

Amanda M. Ghannam is a partner at Schulz Ghannam PLLC, where she represents workers in employment disputes, whistleblowers, survivors of sexual abuse, and victims of police misconduct in negotiations and lawsuits in state and federal court. Amanda specializes in advocacy for clients experiencing discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in the workplace. She has secured numerous settlements for clients who were wrongfully terminated and has a record of success defending employees accused of breaching non-competition agreements. Amanda approaches her cases with a combination of expertise, compassion, and fierce advocacy to help her clients obtain not just compensation, but accountability and closure.

I am an attorney/cpa and I concentrate my practice in filing claims against stockbrokers and financial advisors. I have a Masters in Taxation from Walsh College and handle most tax matters, my practice also represents many small businesses in commercial transactions and business disputes.

I received both my Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees from Michigan State University. I then earned my Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law in 2014, where I worked as an editor for the Animal and Natural Resource Law Review. During law school, I served 3 terms on the Board of Directors of The State News as both Secretary and Treasurer of the Board. My dedication to civil and community service during this time also led to being appointed by the East Lansing City Council to the City’s Zoning Board of Appeals, where I held public...

Maurice C. Davis is an experienced Michigan criminal defense lawyer and personal injury attorney who has successfully represented clients on charges ranging from aggravated assault and manslaughter to speeding and drug paraphernalia, along with representing clients who who were victims of car & trucks accidents or medical malpractice. A skilled negotiator, Maurice also works diligently to defend clients' rights in litigation and ensure the best possible outcome for their situation. Maurice is an alumnus of Michigan State University and Florida State University College of Law. Learn how Maurice Davis can use his legal knowledge and experience to help.

I was born in Syria to Iraqi parents and moved to the United States when I was eight years old. Being the first in my family to attend law school, I chose a path that was different from traditional ones while maintaining a connection to my cultural heritage. My legal career began in legal aid, where I worked to protect vulnerable tenants and promote housing stability in my community. I later shifted my focus to healthcare advocacy, assisting hospitals in securing the funding necessary to provide critical medical services. More recently, my role in document review has helped ensure fairness and...

Tiffany L. DeBruin is an experienced Lansing criminal defense attorney who has represented clients on charges ranging from assault and domestic violence to minor traffic infractions. Each day she helps people who have wrongfully been accused of crimes or who have made a simple mistake. Tiffany strives to fight the charges her clients face and protect their rights.

Caitlin Gillies has been with Murphy & Spagnuolo, P.C. since October 2023. Ms. Gillies has experience with a variety of legal issues, including municipal prosecution, workers’ compensation defense, and civil litigation. Ms. Gillies graduated cum laude from Olivet College before going on to graduate with her Juris Doctor from Ohio Northern University College of Law, where she served as a legal intern for the Lima Public Defender Clinic. Ms. Gillies is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, Women Lawyer’s Association, Federal Bar Association – Western District of Michigan Chapter, and the Ingham County Bar Association. Ms. Gillies worked...

Alo Legal, a boutique law firm, representing Immigration clients from all over the world. Helping reunite families since 2008.

H. James “Jamie” White is the founding attorney of White Law PLLC, a respected Michigan law firm known for handling complex personal injury, mass tort, and class-action litigation. With over 20 years of legal experience, Mr. White is recognized for his fierce advocacy, legal insight, and dedication to achieving justice for clients who have suffered serious harm due to negligence or misconduct. Mr. White earned his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law in 2000 and has been licensed in Michigan since 2001. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Courts for both the Eastern and Western...