Okemos Lawyers

Madana Hermiz has received the following accolades and awards: -Rising Star, from SuperLawyers -2013 Client's Choice for Divorce, from AVVO -Top 40 under 40, from the National Trial Lawyers -Top Women Attorneys, HOUR Detroit Madana Hermiz attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas William S. Boyd School of Law, graduating with honors. She was a member of the dean's list and earned a position as one of twelve on the moot court team, the Society of Advocates. Before establishing HermizLaw, Ms. Hermiz worked at the Federal Public Defender's Office of Nevada in the non-capital habeas unit where she...

I advise business owners, managers, and investors on a wide range of legal issues from the original formation and governing structure of new companies, buying or selling a business, contractual arrangements between business partners, and evaluating and negotiating deals with vendors and customers. I also advise individuals on estate planning and post-mortem estate administration. Typically this involves using a variety of trusts to (i) avoid or reduce estate taxes and (ii) provide for proper transfer and management of family wealth. I hold a Certificate of Completion in the areas of Probate and Estate Planning issued by the Institute of Continuing Legal Education...

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...

Mr. Fleming obtained his Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University School of Law. Upon his admission to SIU School of Law, Mr. Fleming was granted the Dean's Scholarship, which he was able to retain for the full three years of law school. While in Law School, Mr. Fleming had the distinction of interning with the Missouri State Public Defenders office for both summers of law school. Mr. Fleming additionally holds a B.B.A. from Eastern Michigan University in Management. In his spare time, Mr. Fleming likes to volunteer within the community and play adult-league hockey.

I began my legal career working for the Workers Compensation Appellate Commission, a body of judges appointed by the governor to hear workers compensation appeals. While working at the commission I gained valuable insight into what proofs are required to win all types of litigated workers compensation cases. This valuable knowledge gives me the edge when representing my clients. From the Appellate Commission I went to work for a prominent insurance defense firm in Grand Rapids, MI., defending big business from claims submitted by everyday hardworking Michigan employees. Not happy with what I saw, I left...

One of the founding partners of Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz and Associates, P.C., Jeff focuses his practice in the areas of elder law, estate planning, trust administration, probate administration, and corporate law. Jeff grew up in Sterling Heights and is happy to have returned to Macomb County to practice law.

Prior to establishing Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C., Jeff worked with a large regional accounting and business consulting firm, an insurance defense law firm and a business law firm specializing in corporate law, business formation, business consulting and private equity matters. After working with an elder law and estate planning firm...

Geoffrey has been practicing law in western Michigan now — and previously in the Detroit metro area (and beyond) — since 2005. In that time, he has consulted thousands of clients, and took part in many bankruptcy cases (both Chapter 7 and 13) for individuals and small businesses and helped numerous individuals and small businesses with all their legal needs. In addition, Geoff has volunteered at Freedom House Detroit practicing immigration and asylum law, teaches test preparation classes, and tutors students for standardized tests. Geoff grew up on a dairy farm in western Michigan — in his free time he enjoys...

As an experienced attorney, my career is defined by relentless pursuit of justice for my clients, demonstrating unwavering professionalism, integrity, and an ironclad dedication. My expertise spans various legal realms, including criminal defense, immigration, personal injury, family law, and debt relief. The track record of success I've established isn't simply a testament to my legal acumen, but a reflection of my commitment to stand for what's right. What truly sets me apart in the legal landscape is my profound commitment to the Hispanic community in Detroit. I've become an essential bridge for Spanish-speaking clients, ensuring they receive the top-tier legal representation...

Robert O. Chessman focuses his work on automobile accidents, personal injuries, wrongful death, and medical and professional malpractice. He also works as a state-certified mediator to resolve disputes in civil cases of all types. Mr. Chessman graduated from the University of Michigan Law School and holds a cum laude degree from Harvard University.

Mr. Chessman is a past president of the Muskegon County Bar Association, and is a member of the Michigan State Bar Association and the Michigan Association for Justice.

Before joining McCroskey Law, Mr. Chessman spent three and one-half years in the Peace Corps, in Togo, West Africa. He also...

Gary T. Neal specializes in the areas of workers' compensation, Social Security, and unemployment benefits. Mr. Neal received his law degree from the University of Wisconsin. He also graduated from Michigan State University with high honors, receiving a B.A. in criminal justice.

Mr. Neal is a dedicated advocate for his injured and disabled clients. He also has been a guest lecturer at many labor union and disability advocacy events, focusing on both workers' compensation and Social Security law.

He is a member of the Michigan Association for Justice and the Muskegon County Bar Association. He also coaches the North Muskegon High School...

Originally from Muskegon, Jacob studied economics at the University of Michigan and law at the University of Minnesota. Now, he practices law, focusing on business and real estate transactions, with the experienced attorneys at the Norton Shores based firm Gielow Groom Terpstra & McEvoy.

Graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor's of Science in Behavioral Science with an emphasis in Criminal Justice.
Graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Was member of the Dean's List. Studied abroad in Australia and New Zealand.
Paralegal for The Law Office of Craig A. Jenison (6 years)
Prior Litigation Support Analyst for Varnum (2 years)
Prior internship with Ottawa County Prosecutor's Office: assisted prosecution with a cold case murder trial
Prior internship with Kent County Prosecutor's Office Juvenile Division
Established and ran her own law office following graduation for six months before accepting a position as Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Oceana...

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...

Michelle McLean received her Bachelors of Science from Cornerstone University in 2002. She later received her Juris Doctorate Cum Laude from Michigan State University College of Law in 2007. While earning her law degree, Ms. McLean served both on the Inns of Court (Lansing) and also worked as an extern for Kent Countyâs 17th Circuit Judicial Court. Prior to practicing law, Ms. Mclean worked for a national mortgage lender and has over fifteen years experience in this capacity. She worked as an underwriter, collector, manager, and finally as an account executive. By combining her...

David D. Sprague is the firm's principal partner. His practice includes Business Law, Probate and Estate Planning, Elder Law and Medicaid Planning, Family Law (domestic relations/divorce/prenuptial agreements) and Real Estate Law. David has experience working as an attorney at two nationally recognized law firms: Raymond & Prokop, P.C. and Pepper Hamilton LLP. In addition, David has helped clients to successfully complete applications with the Michigan Minority Business Development Council and has defended claims made by the Business Software Alliance. Prior to practicing law, David had nearly 10 years of experience working in the automotive industry and the field of information technology...

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.

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.

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.

Acclaim Legal Services is a Michigan bankruptcy based law firm that specializes in: • Debt resolution • Foreclosure Prevention • Chapter 13 bankruptcy for debt consolidation • Chapter 7 bankruptcy for debt elimination • Debt Settlement We provide legal assistance with: • Stopping Home Foreclosures • Removing second mortgages or home equity loans • IRS tax levies • Vehicle Repossessions • Creditor Harassment • Overwhelming credit card and medical bills • Judgments and Garnishments • Credit Restoration Our debt resolution programs are designed to repair and improve credit. We are proud members of the Better Business Bureau and have earned an A+ Rating. We offices in: Ann Arbor, Flint, Southfield, Dearborn and Southfield, Michigan. We offer free initial consultation. Please call us...

Justin began his legal career in insurance defense where he gained experience handling complex litigation matters. Justin continued to build his litigation acumen by working on cases across a wide spectrum of legal issues including personal injury, no-fault PIP claims, wrongful death, contract disputes, property disputes, and premises liability. Since starting at Herbert Machnik in 2022, Justin has been a valuable asset on the civil litigation team in addition to assisting in matters related to estate planning and business planning and formation. Justin is an active member of his church and gives back to his community by working with the...

Matthew R. Conklin joined Jay Trucks & Associates in 2025. Matt received his law degree from the University of Detroit-Mercy Law School in 2007 and his undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University in 2003. Matt is a respected litigator. His peers elected him to two terms on the State Bar of Michigan Workers’ Compensation Section Council.

PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY
Lawyer for West Michigan Injury Victims in Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon County
Attorney John D. Tallman is a Grand Rapids native and has been serving personal injury clients throughout West Michigan for almost 40 years. Throughout his legal career, he has handled a wide variety of cases involving car, truck, and motorcycle crashes, construction site accidents, defective products, and more. He understands the unique challenges associated with different kinds of cases, and he has achieved results for his clients through both settlements and trials.

If you or a family member has been injured in an accident due to someone else’s...

Located in Troy, Michigan (near Detroit), I am a litigation attorney with an emphasis on probate litigation (will and trust contests, guardianships, beneficiary rights, estate administration, undue influence, fraud, elder abuse and related litigation), as well as commercial litigation, business planning, real estate, and personal injury. I am co-author of Trial & Heirs: Famous Fortune Fights!

Practicing for Over 23 years in various fields, allowing me to understand the impact of your matter, not just immediately, but in many other areas of your life. I will explain honestly, fully and forthrightly your legal situation, and the options available to you.

I am a former prosecutor who began my legal journey as a partner at Kassab Arabo, PLLC, before transitioning to work for the government. My time at the prosecutor's office was invaluable, allowing me to hone my skills in handling criminal cases. I am committed to providing my clients, who I treat as if they were family, with the highest quality legal counsel. Fighting vigorously on their behalf is my top priority.

Tom Ludden is the head of the Appellate Law Practice group at Lipson Neilson P.C. He regularly argues before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Michigan Court of Appeals and has also appeared in the United States and Michigan Supreme Courts. Mr. Ludden has been counsel of record in published decisions resolving issues related to due process, medical and legal malpractice, defamation, class action certification, judicial ethics, the priority of interests in real property, estate planning and the statute of limitations.

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...

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

Ilana S. Wilenkin is a Michigan native who grew up in a family of attorneys. She always possessed a strong motivation to assist others, so she cultivated that motivation by becoming an attorney herself. She graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, with honors, in 2000.

Ms. Wilenkin joined attorney Stuart M. Feldheim at Feldheim & Wilenkin, P.C. in 2004. She became a partner at the firm in 2008. Her practice is exclusively devoted to ERISA and non-ERISA short and long-term disability claims and life insurance denials. Ms. Wilenkin is admitted to practice before the Michigan state...

Jessica Coulter earned her Bachelors in Social Policy from the James Madison College at Michigan State University. She then earned her J.D. from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where she was awarded the Trial Advocacy Award from the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. She was actively involved in numerous trial advocacy competitions, and at the National Pretrial Competition, received the Best Brief Award. Other activities included volunteering with groups including Concerned Women for America, the Negotiations Board, the Moot Court Board and the Public Interest Law Advocates of Regent. Ms. Coulter is admitted in Michigan and the U.S. District...

Born, raised and educated in Michigan. Married with two adult children. Active in local civic and athletic organizations and charities. I have devoted my entire 30 year practice to representing victims of all types of accidental injuries for 30 years. I do not represent large corporations or insurance companies. I help level the battlefield so my clients can take on the biggest and best-funded opponents and still get the compensation they deserve. I never charge my clients to talk to me. I always answer and return calls promptly. Give me a call. Let's talk about your case today.

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...

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...

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...

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,...

Associate attorney Ryan Ballard educates and empowers clients who are charged with all types of criminal charges including drunk driving, drug crimes, criminal sexual conduct, domestic violence, white collar crime, and fraud. He is passionate about guiding clients of the Barone Defense Firm through the complexities of the legal system. He is also passionate about listening to clients' concerns and worries, and talking them through possible solutions to those issues. Mr. Ballard holds a political science degree from Western Michigan University and a law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. As a law student, he worked as a judicial...