Gratiot County Lawyers

As a research and writing attorney, Debra Garlinghouse has dedicated herself to the representation of persons who have been seriously injured due to the negligence of others. Ms. Garlinghouse has authored numerous appellate briefs on cases decided by Michigan’s various appellate courts. She is also a member of the Michigan Association for Justice amicus committee, writing and submitting briefs to the Michigan Supreme Court on important issues in personal injury law. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and Michigan Association for Justice, and is a founding member of the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Cooley Alumni...

Michael Simon earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Wayne State University in 1987 and his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1990. While receiving his college and graduate education, he remained active in numerous organizations, including the Helenic Bar Association and the Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity. After obtaining his law degree, he worked as a law clerk at the U.S. Attorney’s office, the Department of Justice in Grand Rapids and later at several metropolitan law firms. As a Trial/Litigation attorney, he has dedicated himself to the representation of persons who have been seriously injured...

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,...

A third-generation plaintiff attorney, Kimberly Steinberg Goodman has provided injured persons incomparable assistance since her admission to the State Bar of Michigan. From the initial interview through the appellate process, Kimberly devotes the utmost care and attention to every case in order to get the most favorable result for her clients. Kimberly earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in History of Art from the University of Michigan in 1992 and entered the workforce for several years before earning her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit School of Law in 1997. Since then, Kimberly has litigated in state, federal, and...

Sarah Gorski earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 2005 from Eastern Michigan University. She earned her Juris Doctor degree in 2017 from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She was a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Fraternity, and Chair of the Mock Trial Board. Gorski focuses primarily on first-party automobile claims, third-party auto negligence, motorcycle and bicycle accidents. She also handles other personal injury claims, including slip and falls, dog bites, and wrongful death lawsuits.

Michael R. Shaffer earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1995 from Michigan State University. He earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1999 from Wayne State University Law School. Shaffer joined Buckfire Law in September 2022 with extensive experience in Michigan’s No-Fault Law and auto accident litigation. Prior to joining Buckfire Law, he worked for 17 years for a well-known plaintiff firm specializing in auto law. Shaffer’s primary focus will be on first-party automotive claims, third-party auto negligence, and motorcycle, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents. He also handles other personal injury claims including dog attacks, slip and falls, and wrongful death lawsuits.

Michael Bonvolanta earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 2011 from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. He earned his Juris Doctor degree in 2015 from the University of Detroit – Mercy School of Law where he graduated magna cum laude. He was admitted to the Frank Murphy Honor Society and served as a member of UDM’s Moot Court Board of Advocates. Bonvolanta is admitted to practice law in the State of Michigan, the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Michigan, the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, and the United States District Court for...

ARTURO TRAFNY is an associate attorney with The Health Law Partners, P.C. Mr. Trafny received his J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law, where he received various honors, including a CALI: Excellence for the Future award for legal writing as well as a Top Associate Award for trial advocacy. While attending Chicago-Kent College of Law, Mr. Trafny conducted research on "The International Law Implications of Imposing a Border Tariff on Mexico" and presented his research at La Academia del Pueblo, an academic conference at Wayne State University.

Mr. Trafny graduated Magna Cum Laude from Wayne State University, where he received a B.A....

Michigan State University 1986
Detroit College of Law 1989

Scott J. Sumner, J.D. is a graduate of Michigan State University, (1986) and Michigan State University/Detroit College of Law, (1989). He is a founding member of Sumner & Associates, P.C., and is its President and principal shareholder. Scott was the President of the Rochester Bar Association (2004-2005). He is a member of the State Bar Association and a member of the Oakland and Macomb County Bar Associations, since 1990, and is licensed to practice in the United States Federal Court. He is also a licensed and experienced Real Estate Broker and Residential Builder.

A magna cum laude graduate of Wayne State University’s law school, Steve began his law career at a large firm and immediately became involved with community association law. In 2010, he joined Mark Makower and Nathaniel Abbate to start a firm focused on providing specialized legal services to community associations. Managing partner since 2013, Stephen is known for approaching problems methodically, ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and that all viewpoints are heard and respected. When not at work, he likes to spend time with his family, play guitar and go boating and skiing.

I'm a former electrical engineer who focuses on patent preparation and prosecution in the electrical and computer arts, particularly in autonomous vehicles. My technical background is computers, digital signal processing, and communications. I am a co-inventor on ten issued U.S. patents. I am currently accepting new clients.

Since 2016, I have been serving as an expert witness and assisting in trials dealing with hazing and Risk Management engendered lawsuits involving fraternities. I have been involved in over 25 matters in the past four years primarily involving hazing and substance abuse related tragedies. I am primarily working on behalf of plaintiffs, but have represented a national fraternity, and two individual defendants.

I am an “anti-hazing and risk management Specialist”. I was the Executive Director of Delta Kappa Epsilon International Fraternity for over 29 years. In such role, I became familiar with just about all conduct by undergraduate young men...

JEELANI LAW FIRM, PLC is an immigration law practice which provides legal services to individuals and businesses throughout the U.S. The Firm handles all immigration matters including family based adjustment of status/green card cases, citizenship filings, waivers, appeals, K-1 Fiance visas, asylum, humanitarian parole, U and T-visas, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, employment authorization applications, travel permits, representation of businesses and employees when filing L1A/B Petitions, H1B petitions, and Permanent Labor petitions. In the case of investors who wish to receive status as an E1/E2 Treaty Trader/Investor or an EB-5 Investor, our office can help you...

Professional Affiliations: Michigan Bar Association Wayne County Family Law Bar Association Oakland County Bar Association Livingston County Bar Association Washtenaw County Bar Association Michigan Association for Justice (formerly Michigan Trial Lawyers Association) Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan Professional Accreditations: Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rated AV (Highest possible Rating in both Legal Ability and Ethical Standards) 2005-2023 Michigan Super Lawyers 2010-2023 Family Law Certificate recipient, Institute for Continuing Legal Education (I also teach the Custody and Parenting Time segment for this program)

Danielle B. Mayoras is a shareholder at Barron, Rosenberg, Mayoras & Mayoras. She is an estate, elder law and special needs attorney who is passionate about helping individuals and families plan for their future generations to come. She applies her considerable knowledge and experience (almost three decades) to help clients and their families. Danielle and her husband are co-authors of the best-selling book, Trial & Heirs: Famous Fortune Fights! and are co-hosts of the TV show Fortune Fights airing on the REELZ Channel as well as Trial & Heirs: Protect Your Family Fortune! airing on PBS affiliates. She is also a...

In June, 1989, I was appointed an assistant prosecuting attorney with the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office. While an assistant prosecutor, I tried over 150 cases to verdict and was assigned to the office’s Special Narcotics Unit, prosecuting mid to upper level drug traffickers. In 1997, I was promoted to the position of Chief of the Narcotics Unit, a position I held until leaving the office in August, 2000. As Chief, I was responsible for overseeing the work of four assistant prosecutors, presented large scale drug investigations to the Oakland County Citizen’s Grand Jury and taught numerous courses to cadets at...

I focus on serving the needs of businesses in the food, beverage and hospitality industry, including regulatory compliance (TTB, FDA, USDA and FTC), commercial real estate (acquisition, disposition, leasing, tax credits, development and financing), finance, commercial transactions (licenses, contracts and agreements), intellectual property protection, and business entity structuring and governance matters.

30 + years experience serving injured people in west Michigan. Single-handedly generated over $200 million in results for my local clients. Specializing in car accident injury claims and the toughest workers comp claims. Other personal injury services include: • big rig and motorcycle accident injury claims • bicycle and pedestrian injury claims • medical malpractice • ATV/OTR and watercraft injury claims • animal attack injury claims • wrongful death claims Personal injury is ALL I DO because I am passionate about helping injured people get the compensation they deserve! My extensive courtroom success puts your claim in prime position with insurance adjusters from the very start. Tough...

When consider Divorce Lawyers in Michigan make sure to choose a lawyer whose primary practice is divorce and family law and not one that dabbles in each. Robert J. Stelmock is a Divorce Lawyer that does not dabble in family law but whose practice is focused on Divorce and Family Law. Mr. Stelmock is the founder of Stelmock Law Firm, PC, also the managing attorney for the firm and is a certified mediator for divorce, custody and all family law matters. As a Divorce Lawyer, his primary practice is Family Law and Divorce. Since 1998 he...

Mr. Wright is general counsel to numerous corporations both in the United States and abroad, advising senior management regarding general corporate affairs, finance, business planning and the resolution of business disputes.
Mr. Wright is often called upon to negotiate complex business and legal issues, including the purchase or sale of a client company or its assets, and the resolution of contentious disputes between clients and suppliers, competitors, or government regulators. Mr. Wright frequently lectures to lawyers and business executives on the topics of international business transactions, enforcement of commercial agreements, and business financing.
Mr. Wright is a member of the American Bar...

I am a partner in the law firm of Lippitt O'Keefe Gornbein, PLLC where I head the family law unit of the firm. I am a leading expert in all aspects of family law including divorce, child custody, pre and postnuptual agreements as well as doing a substantial amount of mediating and collaborative law. I am a former chairperson of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, a former President of the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, former chair of the long range planning committee of the national AAML. Member...

Robert M. Meisner has been a practicing attorney since 1969 and is the founding member of the community association law firm, The Meisner Law Group, P.C., in Bingham Farms, Michigan. Mr. Meisner is a Fellow of and Michigan’s first inductee into Community Association Institute’s College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL). He has been selected in multiple years as a Michigan Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters, has been selected in multiple years as a Top Metro Detroit Attorney in the field of Condominium Law and Real Estate Law by DBusiness Journal, and has been honored as one of only 30...

Neil Rockind is one of Michigan's most recognized criminal defense and medical marijuana lawyers. Named to multiple Top Lawyer and Best Lawyer lists, Rockind's law practice can be summed up simply by referring to his nickname, The Rockweiler. An Oakland Press writer once referred to Rockind as "smooth and savvy" in the courtroom while another referred to him as "Son of Fieger", due to his tenacious, attack style.

Experienced and effective automobile no-fault insurance benefits litigator. My role at Liss, Seder & Andrews is to push through all barriers and litigious complexities to secure my clients with the insurance benefits they are entitled to receive. I have the highest attorney rating by Martindale-Hubbell, have tried numerous complex automobile no-fault cases in state and federal courts, and lecture frequently on insurance and trial practice. I am a member of the American Association for Justice, an Executive Board Member of the Michigan Association for Justice, and the former Chairperson of the Oakland County Circuit Court Committee.

Attorney Michael Haddock earned a Master of Laws in Commercial Real Estate Law and Development and a Juris Doctor JD with an emphasis in litigation and has years of corporate insurance law and litigation experience. His clients are individuals and businesses throughout the U.S. with a large percentage from Saugatuck, Douglas, Holland, South Haven, Chicago, and Kent, Van Buren Ottawa, and Allegan Counties. He serves our expanded community in issues regarding real estate, wills and trusts and litigation defending contractors, developers, real estate holding companies, assisted living communities, condominium associations, businesses and individuals and...

Mr. Karian has represented individuals and businesses throughout the United States in complex federal and state matters, audits and appeals, income tax, payroll tax and sales tax issues.
He is a veteran attorney who is also highly proficient in bankruptcy and estate planning. Mr. Karian obtained his Master of Laws in Taxation from New York University, annually ranked as the top tax law program in the country.
Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Karian served as CEO of a large national health and wellness company. He brings unique experience that has proved invaluable to individuals, business owners and...

Drawing on nearly 20 years of experience, Rod is committed to helping families, small businesses, and nonprofit corporations succeed by providing the best possible legal services in a timely manner and with the greatest possible attention to the details that support client success and satisfaction. Rod has been acknowledged for delivering win-win outcomes in corporate litigation. He has a history of successfully negotiating settlements based upon sound and resourceful pretrial strategies, and winning dismissals in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies. Rodâs thorough knowledge of courts, nonprofit corporations, and closely held businesses arises from...

When you come to The Law Offices of Stuart Lee Sherman, you can have confidence that your case can receive the help you need from an estate planning lawyer in Oakland County. Attorney Sherman has earned his highly-respected reputation, and he is ready to stand beside you and support you today. He attended Indiana University in Bloomington, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree. From there, he went on to earn his Juris Doctorate at Wayne State University, before continuing on in his education and receiving his LL.M. in Taxation from New York University School of Law. Attorney Sherman has a...

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.

Ray Steadmon is an attorney in Kalamazoo, Mich. office. He was born and raised in the Kalamazoo area. .

Ray earned his J.D. degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Ill., in 2008 and his B.A. and B.S. degrees from Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Mich., in 2005.

Over the course of his career, Ray has guided his clients through some of the most difficult times of their lives with genuine concern for their wellbeing. His legal knowledge has led to the the protection of their rights and the recovery of millions of dollars on their behalf....

Joseph Engerer received his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law and a Bachelor of Science in political science from Grand Valley State University. He worked as a litigator in the insurance defense field representing several major carriers before joining the offices of Helmkamp, Ellis, and Abraham in 2017. This experience has given him valuable insight in handling cases against large and often powerful insurance companies. Joseph clerked for the Michigan Supreme Court and worked in the state legislature prior to becoming an attorney.

Mr. Engerer’s areas of practice include personal injury, civil litigation, contracts, real...

Steve Weston has over three decades of experience representing seriously injured clients and their families. Through his extensive knowledge of personal injury law, he understands that his role as an attorney and advocate is crucial to his client’s recovery. Steve advocates for victims suffering from a wide range of accidents and injuries and has dedicated years of study to gain an especially thorough understanding of traumatic brain injuries and severe burn injuries. He has represented victims of defective products, fire and explosions, unsafe premises, and auto accidents in many unique situations. The satisfaction of his clients is how Steve measures his...