Southgate Lawyers

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...

Mr. Amadeo felt driven to become an attorney after seeing the injustices during his youth in Atlantic City. His legal knowledge paired with his time spent in journalism drives him to thoroughly investigate all angles of a case. Mr. Amadeo understands the importance of creative thinking when it comes to defense strategies and works closely with his clients to ensure that every detail of the case is fully explored. He is extremely dedicated to his clients, and always puts their needs first. He strives to be available to his clients whenever they need him and gives 110% to every case....

Over 30 years, Joseph Dedvukaj has been a strong advocate on behalf of those who wrongly suffered a personal injury. Today, the firm is known for winning large settlements and verdicts for personal injury accidents. Joseph Dedvukaj continues to provide client’s the manpower and resources to professionally handle any case, no matter how complex. Joseph Dedvukaj’s firm is a top personal injury firm in the United States, winning some of the largest settlements and verdicts. To date, we’ve won hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. Our firm is passionate about fighting for the...

Mr. Samouris has been a part of the winning criminal defense team at Grabel & Associates for over a decade. During that time he has gotten favorable results for clients in an endless list of types and degrees of criminal offenses in counties all over the state of Michigan. Mr. Samouris credits his success with his client’s criminal cases to his thorough preparation and hardworking attitude. At Grabel & Associates, we understand being prepared is half the battle when getting the best possible results for our clients. Meticulous preparation along with exceptional knowledge and application of the laws that apply...

Mr. Serra concentrates his practice on tirelessly representing the needs of Michigan businesses and business owners. Reese Serra has counseled businesses ranging from a wide variety of industries with an expertise in representing technology clients of all sizes.
As a civil litigator, Mr. Serra has procured victories for his clients at all levels of State and Federal courts, including numerous successful appeals.

Mr. Serra focuses his practice in the areas of real estate matters, business and financial transactions, including: mergers, acquisitions and reorganizations of business entities; complex commercial and real estate lending and restructuring transactions; international business transactions; real estate sale...

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...

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...

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...

Ms. Terry is a 1996 graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Criminal Justice. She received her law degree from Thomas M Cooley in 1998. Ms. Terry practices in the areas of bankruptcy, real estate and estate planning/probate matters.

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...

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.

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...

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...

Attorney Brian F. Garmo is committed to excellence. Mr. Garmo offers creative and practical solutions to complicated legal issues. The law offices of Garmo & Kiste have a proven record of success throughout the entire state of Michigan including but not limited to the counties of Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Lapeer, and Genessee. Unlike many of the larger law firms, we offer personalized attention to each of our clients. We offer solutions that are tailored to fit your own specific needs. We understand how important your matter is. That is precisely why you can speak directly to...

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...

Nick Roumel is a trial lawyer with over 30 years experience in state and federal courts. He focuses on plaintiff's employment and civil rights litigation, as well as educational law matters, such as Title IX sex harassment, assault, and retaliation, as well as serious personal injury in the educational setting. He is recognized as a Thompson-Reuters "Super Lawyer" in employment litigation, reserved for the top 5% of attorneys in that field. Mr. Roumel has represented numerous high profile athletes and artists; victims of domestic and sexual violence; and students expelled for exercising constitutional rights. He has been appointed for various matters...

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...

I am an experienced attorney and have been practicing law for 23 years and have handled thousands of cases. I always focus on obtaining the best possible results. I am very aggressive and dedicated to client satisfaction. Last year I was named as one of Michigan's Super Lawyers.

Michael Hollins, Sr.  is a graduate of Western Michigan University - Thomas M. Cooley Law Schol where he received his Juris Doctorate.  During law school, he worked as an intern to a prominent United States District Court Judge in the 6th circuit.  Mr. Hollins is known for his friendly and professional demeanor with clients and is a strong and passionate advocate in court. To Mr. Hollins, the best part of his job is when a client walks into his office overwhelmed by their financial circumstance and then walks out of his office armed with a plan to save their home, have 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...

I am an experienced Michigan attorney who has specialized in Social Security Disability and Workers Compensation for over 30 years. I am extremely dedicated and passionate about protecting my clients rights. The claims process can be challenging and frustrating, but I will be there to support you every step of the process. Bruce Weider is a graduate of Michigan State University and received his Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School. He loves the outdoors and spending time with family and friends. He has represented thousands of clients with excellent results.

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...

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...

Gary M. Wilson began trying cases in 1988 in the Office of the Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney in Detroit, Michigan. In 1992 he entered private trial practice as a criminal defense lawyer. Licensed to practice in Michigan and Massachusetts, he has also been admitted to practice before the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Michigan. With 30 years of criminal trial practice, 26 for the defense, Gary has represented clients on a wide range of misdemeanor and serious felony charges. He is particularly experienced in the trial of vehicular- related cases, especially those involving extensive...

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...

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,...

Ms. Galguera joined NachtLaw in 2020. She was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan, receiving a Bachelor of Arts with High Distinction in Political Science. While completing her undergraduate degree, she was involved with the Undergraduate Political Science Association and worked for legal counsel to the Hialeah Police Department and the City of Hialeah in South Florida. In this time, she learned about employment and criminal law and took an interest in both. She also took an interest in conflict resolution while working as a Student Facilitator at the University...

Adam M. Taub is a graduate of the University of Michigan and University of Connecticut School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in Michigan, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Adam joined NachtLaw in January 2018 after working at Miller Cohen P.L.C. for over three years as an Associate Attorney. He has represented numerous individuals and labor unions against employers in federal and state courts, as well as administrative agencies, including EEOC, OSHA, NLRB, and MERC. He primarily focuses on labor and employment law.

While in law school, Adam served as a member of the Connecticut Law Review. He also received...

H. Nathan Resnick is the proud founding member of Resnick Law and continues to act as the managing partner. He concentrates his legal practice in complex commercial litigation, real estate, and corporate law.Nathan Resnick wears many hats while he manages the law firm and practices law. He also acts as a trustee to several trusts and manages commercial and residential properties.

Sara MacGregor joined Grabel & Associates in 2015 with a passion for criminal defense. She was born in Arizona but raised in Michigan's Upper Peninsula where she has lived ever since. Sara is invaluable to Grabel & Associates for her relationships and experience with the courts in the U.P. She attended Manistique High School and graduated summa cum laude from Northern Michigan University with a degree in Pre-Law and a minor in Communications and Chemistry. Sara is a graduate of Thomas M. Cooley Law School and passed the bar in 2014.

Sara MacGregor is ready to defend those charged with criminal...

Licensed in 2014, Ravi Gurumurthy has been an associate at Grabel & Associates for several years. He has experience in the aggressive defense of those charged with criminal sexual conduct, violent crimes, theft and drug charges and juvenile offenses.

Timothy Doman joined Grabel & Associates in 2016 after leaving his position as a Pre-Hearing Attorney with the Michigan Court of Appeals to follow his passion and interest in criminal law. He believes criminal law is fascinating and was eager to join Grabel & Associates due to our exclusive focus on criminal defense and criminal appeals. Tim Doman’s vast experience working at the Michigan Court of Appeals allows him to quickly and accurately research relevant issues to a client’s criminal defense or appeal and craft well written, comprehensive legal briefs, memos and arguments. His unique background working for both the...

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...

Ryan opened the Moldovan Law Firm, PLLC to focus exclusively on bankruptcy. He finds he is most fulfilled when representing individuals and families who are under tremendous stress from their debt burdens. Representing people who are down on their luck is very gratifying to him. Being able to achieve real life-changing results for his clients is what he loves most about his work. People find themselves looking at the prospect of bankruptcy for a variety of reasons and he enjoys helping them find the best solution to their problems, even if it doesn’t mean filing...

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...

Noah S. Hurwitz is a trusted advisor and advocate for clients looking to remain on the right side of the law. Mr. Hurwitz utilizes his experience as a former partner of a national law firm and in-house counsel for America's largest mortgage lender to counsel businesses and employees on a vast array of employment law issues. Mr. Hurwitz regularly advises on employment agreements, restrictive covenants, discrimination, whistleblowing, misappropriation of trade secrets, risk management, wage and hour law, handbook policies, and employee benefits. He is also a seasoned litigator in state and federal courts throughout Michigan and has...

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...