Dowling Real Estate Lawyers

B.A. Economics - University of Michigan
J.D. - University of Michigan Law School
L.L.M. Wayne State University Law School
Law Clerk - Michigan Court of Appeals
Member - Business Advisory Board - Institute for Continuing Legal Education (ICLE)
ICLE Publications:
Contributing Author-Advising Closely Held Businesses In Michigan
Author - Purchase & Sale of Business / Michigan Business Formbook
Author - Transfer Michigan Liquor Licenses
Practice Areas:
Business & Estate Planning, including Wills, Trusts & Power of Attorney & Health Care Power of Attorney, Estate & Trust Administration, Entity Formations & Dissolutions, Business Transactions, Purchase & Sale of Businesses and Professional Practices, Prenuptial Agreements

My practice is varied and litigation oriented and includes almost four decades of experience. I am admitted to practice in all Michigan state courts; the Federal District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, the Northern District of Indiana, and the Federeal Bankruptcy Court in Northern Kentucky; and the Supreme Court of the United States. My real estate practice has included considerable work in the area of Condominium Law besides work in title issues, transfers, and development matters.

Melissa K. Allen has served the Greater Lansing area since 1995, offering compassionate and professional estate planning services. A University of Michigan and then Thomas M. Cooley Law School graduate, she earned multiple honors, including Cum Laude distinction and top 7% of her class. Ms. Allen has been recognized with the "People's Choice Award for Favorite Attorney" seven times and frequently speaks on estate planning. Her approachable manner and expertise simplify complex issues, such as second marriages and beneficiaries with disabilities, making the process easy and rewarding for her clients.

Attorney Brendan Sanger is a highly respected legal advocate known for his relentless dedication to protecting his clients' rights. With a robust career spanning over 28 years of criminal defense, family law, and Truck Car accident litigation, Brendan has built a reputation for his strategic insight and uncompromising commitment to justice. Throughout his career, Brendan has successfully navigated complex criminal cases, provided sensitive guidance through divorce proceedings, and secured favorable outcomes in truck and car accident litigation. His expertise also extends to defending clients against CMV Truck Traffic ticket violations, where his thorough understanding of regulatory CSA Scores and intricacies and...

A values-based - community focused - proven advisor and litigator; practicing in the areas of Estate Planning, Litigation, Real Estate, Business, and Non-Profits.

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.

Amy began her legal career in 2011, focusing on civil litigation, and became involved in community association law when she joined MAGWV in 2016. She now helps lead the firm’s litigation team. Amy’s practice is concentrated on litigation and collection matters for condominium and homeowner associations. Since arriving at the firm in 2016, she has already brought several complex matters to favorable conclusions, attending to the minute details that often spell the difference between success and failure. Her skills ensure her clients will always know the status of a matter, and that their input and concerns will be at the...

Jeff began his law career in 2003 representing community associations at Wegner and Associates, which later became Wegner Vollmer PC and then part of Makower Abbate Guerra Wegner Vollmer PLLC. Known for finding ways to make the law easy to understand when it comes to real life, day-to-day situations, as well as his thoughtful, individualized approach to serving clients, he’s also always up for a good laugh now and then. He enjoys spending time with his family and Harlow, a mini-goldendoodle, tennis, running and watching the English Premier League.

John began his legal career as a law clerk at a prominent Detroit firm, where he was soon hired on as an association attorney. He went on to practice at a firm in Oakland County for nearly four years before joining Wegner and Associates, P.C. in 2008. When the firm merged with Makower Abbate Guerra PLLC in 2015, John continued his practice without missing a beat. Known for his dependability and practical approach, John is a strategic thinker who picks his battles carefully. He avoids far-fetched arguments and never steps into a courtroom without meticulous preparation. Outside the office, John enjoys...

Before joining the firm in 2015, Evan spent over a decade working in community association law in a non-attorney capacity, gaining a deep understanding of the field from the ground up. Since becoming an attorney, he has concentrated his practice on document revisions and restatements, condominium establishment, collections, restriction enforcement, contract drafting and review, and FHA/VA certifications. Evan is known for his thoughtful, client-focused approach, always striving to ensure that every voice is heard and that resolutions are both effective and fair. Whether he's advising clients or finding common ground in a negotiation, Evan brings patience, clarity, and a steady hand...