Ithaca Lawyers

Matt Borgula is a seasoned trial attorney who has defended and prosecuted hundreds of criminal and civil cases. Prior to joining SBBL Law, he was one of the lead federal prosecutors for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan. As the Deputy Criminal Chief and head of the financial crimes unit and drug unit, Mr. Borgula handled every type of federal charge from investigation, to Grand Jury indictment through trial. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, he worked in Chicago for the law firm of Jenner & Block, where he represented clients in matters relating to...

Renee founded WN Law in 2011 in order to provide individuals with quality, affordable legal representation. Renee focuses her practice on both criminal law and family law. In her years of practice, Renee has gained extensive knowledge on how to most effectively represent her clients in order to provide the best possible outcome.

Renee has successfully represented individuals all over the State of Michigan. In her criminal practice, Renee has represented defendants facing everything from a civil infraction to a felony charge. Renee's experience includes crimes in the arena of drug crimes, theft and property crimes, juvenile crimes, violent crimes, sex...

Wyatt Wells is a partner attorney at Kimball & Wells, PLLC. He currently services clients in Grand Rapids and its surrounding areas, focusing on estate planning, probate, and other related issues. Wyatt graduated Magna Cum Laude from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Before attending law school, he earned a B.S. in Neuroscience from the University of Michigan, as well as a Masters of Public Health from the University of South Florida.

John Bursch (www.burschlaw.com) represents Fortune 500 companies, governments, top public officials, and industry associations in high-profile cases, primarily on appeal. John has argued 12 U.S. Supreme Court cases since 2011 and 34 state supreme court cases, including 32 cases argued in the Michigan Supreme Court. John has successfully litigated hundreds of matters around the country, including six with more than $1 billion at stake. Recent matters include:

-Securing a 6th Circuit victory reinstating a multi-million-dollar commercial case on behalf of 5-hour ENERGY®
-A Michigan Court of Appeals ruling vindicating a Certificate of Need for DTE Energy's billion-dollar, natural-gas plant
-Obtaining a win...

EMPLOYMENT LAW. Over 35 years of experience in the field of complex employment litigation and employment law matters, including EEOC investigations, wrongful discharge, sexual harassment and discrimination claims, wage-hour violations, FMLA, ADA, defamation, breach of contract, retaliation, whistleblower and a variety of other employment-related claims.
SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS. We have successfully negotiated numerous severance agreements on behalf of employers as well as key employees in a variety of industries throughout West Michigan.
NONCOMPETE, NONSOLICITATION AGREEMENTS. We have extensive experience in the enforcement and/or defense of noncompete, nonsolicitation and other restrictive agreements.
TRADE SECRETS, CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. We also have significant expertise with preparing...

I live in the world of ideas and strategic planning. I value intelligence, knowledge, and competence, I have high standards in these regards, which I continuously strive to fulfill. I can objectively see the reality of a situation, and I’m adaptable enough to change things which aren’t working well. I am a strategist – always scanning available ideas and concepts and weighing them against my current strategy, to plan for every credible contingency. I am ready to work for you.

K.C. Baran, P.C. was established in 2003. K.C. Baran has been practicing law for over seventeen years. His areas of practice include, bankruptcy, estate planning, civil and criminal litigation, collections, contracts, employment law, family law and corporate practice.

K.C. is a graduate of the United States Military Academy, West Point and Michigan State University College of Law, cum laude. K.C. is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the Genesee County Bar Association. He is admitted to practice in the State of Michigan, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and the United States Court...

My practice is concentrated in four principal areas: consumer rights, lender liability, estate planning, and probate litigation. In the field of consumer rights, I have represented individuals and classes in litigation under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. Most frequently my clients are individuals or businesses pursuing or defending their legal rights against banks, financial institutions, mortgage servicers and other large corporations. Westbrook Law PLLC also provides services to clients in the areas of estate planning and probate and trust administration...

I've been helping clients through challenging legal situations for over 24 years. Sometimes that means working intensely through hotly contested litigation. Sometimes that means working towards compromise and repose. It always means working with passion and conviction and bringing a thoughtful approach to the process, which is something I strive to do.

Tessa K. Muir is an accomplished trial attorney as a former federal prosecutor and former Army JAG officer. As an Assistant US Attorney in the Western District of Michigan, Tessa served as the lead prosecutor in hundreds of federal criminal cases and Sixth Circuit appeals. She worked closely with and trained federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies on search warrants, computer investigations, and human trafficking — including the Michigan State Police, FBI, DEA, ATF, Homeland Security, police departments, and sheriffs’ offices throughout Michigan. Now, she uses that knowledge to understand weaknesses in an investigation and areas where law enforcement...

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...

I practice all areas of criminal defense in both state and federal courts. I have a strong passion for helping our youth when they are charged with crimes. Most people that are charged with crimes have underlying issues that need to be addressed. We work closely with healthcare professionals through substance abuse counseling, mental health counseling, sexual deviancy counseling, and general counseling. Our approach is making sure the client gets their life back on track, all while helping them navigate their legal challenges through their court case. I love what I do. I thoroughly enjoy working with people through their...

My practice is concentrated in representing employers and entrepreneurs in all aspects of employment and business law including severance, termination issues, non-compete disputes and in issues involving the protection of proprietary information.

I also represents employers in Fair Labor Standards Act disputes, including those with the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division. I represent clients in complex commercial litigation regarding these issues at both the trial and appellate levels. A significant portion of my litigation experience has been in business breakups, corporate and partnership dissolutions, securities and shareholder disputes, and related valuation issues. My business litigation experience allows me to...

Jane A. Bassett has been practicing for over 20 years and is the principal of Bassett Law in Ann Arbor. Her practice focuses on probate, elder and disability law, LGBT law, and adoptions, including estate planning, special needs trusts, Social Security benefits, Medicaid, probate administration, vulnerable adult abuse and exploitation, and adoption. Ms. Bassett sits on council for the Elder Law and Disability Rights Section of the Michigan State Bar Association and is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Bassett Law is a firm of five attorneys, a full-time care manager, two masters...

I've focused my career on building successful businesses. Over the past decade I created several nationally recognized organizations in the technology, marketing and real estate industries. By accurately evaluating market opportunities, targeting customer needs, and developing differentiated solutions, Industry focus includes: -Law and Accounting Firms -B2B private corporations -Information Technology -Investment Banking, Venture Capital & Private Equity Selected Highlights: -Co-founder - Instadium.com -Co-founder - Website4you.com -Co-founder - GoWebBaby USA, LLC

Josh works in the law firm’s litigation division, where he focuses on No-Fault insurance lawsuits and helps auto accident victims receive their first-party personal injury protection (PIP) benefits.

Thomas D. Pascaris, Esq., is CEO of Pascaris Law Firm, PLLC. He received his bachelor’s in Finance, Business administration, and a minor in Political Science from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and his Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Thomas specializes in many legal areas including Divorce, Bankruptcy, Estate Planning, and Business Formation and Transactions. Thomas holds a board seat on the City of Farmington Downtown Development Authority, and was recently selected as Dbusiness Magazine’s 30 in their 30 for 2018.

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,...

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....

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...

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.

Nicolas A. Vesprini earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 2000 from Oakland University. He earned his Juris Doctor degree in 2003 from the University of Detroit – Mercy School of Law where he served as the Executive Director of Moot Court Board, represented the law school in national moot court competition, and was an active member of the Student Bar Association Board of Governors, and a Book Award recipient. Nicolas is admitted to practice law in the State of Michigan, the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Michigan, and the United States District Court for...

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.

Kevin Kijewski is a practicing attorney and the owner of KDK Law located in Birmingham, Mich. The attorneys at KDK Law proudly serve clients throughout Metropolitan Detroit in the areas of divorce, family law, criminal defense, and civil litigation. Kijewski is committed to getting his clients results, and he is relentless to that end. He's known for the unparalleled level of energy and expertise he brings into cases, and the long lasting results he wins for his clients.

Attorney Keilen is licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan, the Federal US District Court for the Western District of Michigan, and the Federal US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Attorney Keilen is a Board Member and Attorney Representative for Kalamazoo Plus; he is an Advisory Board Member for the Michigan Medical Device Accelerator.

Attorney Keilen is a commercial litigator specializing in closely held business disputes; he is also the founder/owner of a local medical device company, giving him a unique appreciation for the legal issues in today’s business environment. Attorney Keilen has been a guest...

Shawn Coppins is an aggressive litigation attorney and is one of the firm’s founding partners. Mr. Coppins was born and raised in the Metro-Detroit area. Prior to establishing Coppins Law Group, he was a litigation attorney at one of Michigan‘s largest law firms. Mr. Coppins also worked as a litigation attorney with one of Michigan's most well renowned Civil Rights Firms. Since his admission to the State Bar of Michigan, Shawn Coppins has represented clients in both State and Federal Court. Although many seem quick to criticize trial attorneys, their criticism ends when they find themselves...

Andrea has over a decade of courtroom experience in civil, criminal, family law, and juvenile matters. She devoted a significant portion of her caseload to tackling family law matters, helping her clients face the complex family court systems and working hard to resolve their family issues. She understands that family law matters are emotional and often stressful. Her goal is always to provide compassionate, caring representation that keeps in mind her clients’ best interests. Through her dedicated advocacy, she gives her client a voice and makes sure their side of the story is hear through the legal system.