La Salle Lawyers

Paul Wheatley graduated from Michigan State University in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a concentration in environmental journalism. During his time at MSU he worked as a reporter for the state news. He later worked as a city reporter for the Petoskey news-review in Petoskey, MI., and the Vindicator newspaper in Youngstown, Ohio. Paul earned a scholarship to the Thomas m. Cooley law school and earned his law degree with a concentration in environmental law. He interned, clerked, and worked as an attorney for the Liblang law firm, pc where he aided clients with consumer law –...

Chris Filiatraut has been an expert trial lawyer for his entire 26 year career. He has personally tried over 100 cases in the area of personal injury and No-Fault. He has numerous million and multi-million dollar verdicts to his credit and is widely known and respected by both plaintiff and defense counsels for his accomplishments in the courtroom. He has several of the largest trial verdicts in the state since joining the Mike Morse Law firm in 2010. Chris has testified before the Michigan Legislature on No-Fault issues and is a regular speaker at seminars around the state ranging on issues...

Alex Kassa graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelor of Science in General Management. He went on the earn his law degree from University of Detroit Mercy School of Law where he graduated cum laude. At Detroit Mercy, Alex earned a CALI Excellence for the Future Award in U.S. Basic Federal Income Tax and received the Ayar Law Group Scholarship for Tax Excellence. As an attorney at the Mike Morse Law Firm, Alex has dedicated his career to protecting accident victims across Michigan. In his free time, Alex enjoys spending time with family, golfing, and playing basketball.

Jeffrey (Jeff) C. Kerby attended Wayne State University Law School, where he was an active member of the Wayne Law Moot Court team. He argued against law students from across the country, participating in two nationwide competitions held in New York City. Jeff was also a member of the Wayne Law Review, where he was responsible for reviewing and editing scholarly articles written by prominent attorneys, judges, and law professors. During his summer break, Jeff obtained a fellowship assisting attorneys at the Michigan State Appellate Defender’s Office, where he researched and drafted appeals for criminal defendants across the state. Following...

Following completion of his undergraduate degree, Jim elected to stay in East Lansing for his legal studies. During law school he worked with the Washtenaw County Public Defender’s Office and Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. Since 2010 his practice has focused on civil litigation, specifically premises liability, automobile negligence and No-Fault law. In his free time Jim enjoys playing sports, going to movies, and spending time with family and friends.

Daresha McCloud graduated from Bowling Green State University with honors in 2007. She went on to earn her law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. During law school, Daresha was awarded a Certificate of Merit for receiving the highest grade amongst her peers in Torts II and Civil Procedure II. She graduated from law school cum laude in 2012. Since graduating law school, Daresha has primarily devoted her practice of law to representing individuals who have been involved in auto accidents, slip and falls, and dog bites. Daresha also had an opportunity to work as an insurance defense attorney....

Lewis decided to become personal injury attorney because he enjoys protecting the rights of the seriously injured. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor Science in Biology. While at the University of Michigan, Lewis developed an interest in the areas of anatomy and physiology. He then attended Loyola University’s School of Law in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he graduated Cum Laude. After law school, Lewis lived and practiced law in San Francisco and San Diego before returning home to Detroit. He has experience in the areas of personal injury litigation, insurance defense litigation and patent prosecution. He is...

Joshua B. Farr graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy and Political Science in December of 2003. He attended Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where he graduated Cum Laude in January of 2010. He began his career in general practice with the Landau group where he had interned during Law School. From there he was hired as an Assistant General Counsel of an International Property Ownership and Management company. He was moved into the General Counsel role managing the legal affairs and overseeing litigation throughout the country. He served a dual role during this time as...

Cole Schmidt graduated from Northern Michigan University in 2009, and went on to earn his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law in 2014. While attending law school, Cole interned with the Owosso city attorney and performed criminal prosecution in accordance with Michigan’s court rules; he also assisted with many matters both municipal and civil. After law school, Cole clerked for Oakland County’s corporation counsel before joining a small private practice firm specializing in home/auto insurance defense and dram shop actions. As a social security attorney at the Mike Morse Law Firm, Cole has successfully helped hundreds of...

Joshua Shope earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Michigan, Magna Cum Laude, in 2006. He went on to earn his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 2010. During his time at the University of Michigan Law School, he was an Associate Editor on the Michigan Journal of Race and Law, and he interned at the Chippewa County Prosecutor’s Office. Prior to joining the Mike Morse Law Firm, Joshua worked for a large firm handling civil litigation cases. In his free time, Joshua enjoys spending time with family and reading.

Robert S. Silverman graduated with High Distinction from the University of Michigan, obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology in 1992. He earned his Juris Doctor Degree Magna Cum Laude from The Detroit College of Law in 1995. While a law student, Robert was on Law Review and was a published author in The Detroit College of Law Review. He is currently licensed in Michigan, New York, and the Federal District Court, Eastern District of Michigan. At the beginning of his legal career, Robert represented local hospitals and physicians in medical malpractice litigation. Later, Robert worked for State Farm Insurance for 10...

Eric M. Simpson has been dedicated to protecting the rights of the seriously injured and their families for his entire legal career. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts. He then graduated Cum Laude from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1997 with his Juris Doctor. Not only is Eric a licensed member of The State Bar of Michigan, but also The North Carolina State Bar and The State Bar of Texas. He has practiced law in many different States and throughout the State of Michigan. He has extensive knowledge of...

Madeline “Maddy” Sinkovich studied history and played softball at Kalamazoo College. While at K, Maddy studied abroad at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, Hungary. She then received her law degree from Wayne State University Law School. While at WSU, Maddy was the Chair of the Damon J. Keith Students for Civil Rights and awarded the Outstanding Law Student award by the Detroit chapter of the National Lawyers Guild. Maddy is a passionate advocate who believes in using the law for positive social change. Maddy is on the appellate team at the Mike Morse Law Firm where she uses her skills in...

Brent Thomas graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, MA in 2000 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a Pre-Law concentration. Also, while at Northeastern University he was a member of the Northeastern University, Division I Men’s Ice Hockey team. After college, he attended Suffolk University Law School, in Boston, where he earned his Juris Doctor, Cum Laude in 2003. During law school, Brent worked with the Michigan State Appellate Defender’s Office and the Environmental Protection Agency where he honed his writing and advocacy skills. After law school, Brent has spent his entire career fighting insurance companies and helping...

James Wendt graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2007. While at Eastern Michigan, James was recognized as “Most Outstanding Junior Class Business Student” as well as “Most Outstanding Senior Class Business Student.” Thereafter, he attended Wayne State University Law School, where he graduated in the top 15% of his class and received honors for his work in legal research and writing. Prior to joining the Mike Morse Law Firm in January of 2012, he maintained a private practice, serving clients in the areas of domestic litigation and criminal defense. In his free time, James enjoys...

Perry graduated from Michigan State University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. While attending Wayne State University Law School, he clerked for the Hon. Alice L. Gilbert who handled a diverse civil and criminal docket at the Oakland County Circuit Court. During that clerkship, he gained immeasurable courtroom experience assisting the judge with trials that ranged from complex contract disputes to first-degree felonies. That experience informed his decisions as an attorney and has led to a 20-plus year career working as an advocate for people in such areas as: real estate law including landlord tenant; personal injury law...

I have been practicing law in Metro Detroit since 1993. My expertise is in civil litigation. I am in courts all over the tri-county area a few times each week. I am well versed in law and procedure and we can make a comprehensive strategy that will get you the best resolution possible for your difficult situation.

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.

Howard H. Collens, as an attorney and counselor, listens to his clients, understands their goals and offers creative, effective solutions to meet their needs. He advises clients in estate planning for estates of every size. Focusing on the unique aspects of each representation, Mr. Collens tailors trusts, wills and powers of attorney to meet the present and changing needs of his clients. Mr. Collens is a trusted counselor for those seeking representation for estate administration. He helps families following the death of a loved one as they navigate the complexities of the probate process or trust administration. He regularly guides...

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...

Lee Steinberg graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1967. After graduating Wayne State University, he taught in the Detroit School System while going to night school at the Detroit College of Law. After graduating from the Detroit College of Law, he worked for personal injury firms before opening his law practice 1976. Lee has obtained substantial jury verdicts and awards against defendants, both local and national including British Petroleum, the City of Detroit and numerous insurance companies. He also tried cases in the State of Texas and obtained the first medical malpractice verdict in San...

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...

Kevin has been a truck accident lawyer for close to 25 years. He litigates cases involving large commercial vehicles and semi-trucks, Michigan No-Fault laws and insurance coverage disputes. Kevin has argued complex legal issues before the Michigan Court of Appeals and achieved victories for his clients every time. Kevin has obtained millions of dollars for his injured clients and is a tenacious fighter both inside and out of the courtroom.

For the past 30 years, Mike Cunningham has been enormously successful in representing injured plaintiffs in medical malpractice, auto accident, and premises liability matters, obtaining many verdicts and settlements in excess of $1 million. He has also pursued cases with similar outcomes in other states including California, Ohio, and Illinois.

Outside of the office, Mike’s hobbies include playing guitar and golf.

Evan has always shown tremendous dedication and empathy for his clients and the catastrophic issues they face. His rapid trajectory to partner is due to his hard work, excellent handling of cases and high praise from his clients. His leadership at the firm and his quick and enthusiastic handling of responsibilities have led him to be named a Partner in 2021. He handles complex cases including those heading to trial. He has experience in a wide range of personal injury cases including medical malpractice, sex abuse and harassment, auto and trucking cases. Evan is a committed attorney who fights and succeeds...

Arvin Pearlman is nationally known for the successful outcomes he has obtained on behalf of railroad workers who are injured or killed in the course of their employment. Since concentrating his practice on Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) litigation in 1979, Arvin has tried numerous personal injury cases before judges and juries across the United States, many with multi-million dollar awards. FELA cases arise from many types of railroad workplace negligence including unsafe work environments, exposure to harmful substances and occupational illness, faulty equipment, and off-site injuries. He is designated legal counsel for the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen in...

Ben Wilensky is a member of Sommers Schwartz’s Personal Injury Litigation Group and focuses his practice on representing railroad workers who seek compensation for on-the-job injuries under the Federal Employers' Liability Act.

After graduating from Michigan State University, Ben served as an aide to U.S. Senators Jon Corzine and Frank Lautenberg in Washington, D.C. He then pursued his law degree at Chicago-Kent College of Law, where he was an Executive Articles Editor and a member of the Executive Board of the Law Review, and a professorial research assistant, before earning his Juris Doctor.

In addition to his active FELA practice, Ben has...

Jay Yasso, a senior shareholder with Sommers Schwartz, focuses his practice on medical malpractice, automobile negligence, and personal injury. He has litigated, mediated and facilitated numerous multi-million dollar settlements on behalf of injured victims for over twenty years, and his experience and expertise allows him to sit on mediation panels in Oakland, Wayne and Macomb County Circuit Courts.

In addition, for the last 23 years, Jay’s professional practice has also focused on representing individuals and businesses in the entertainment industry, including representing record companies, recording artists, music and film producers, production companies, artist managers, agents, songwriters, music publishers, models and modeling...

Lance Young is a senior shareholder at Sommers Schwartz, P.C., and co-chairs the firm’s Complex Litigation Department. For almost twenty years, Lance has successfully represented investors, employees, consumers, and other injured parties in high-profile class actions and multidistrict proceedings involving violations of federal and state securities, antitrust, wage and hour, and consumer protection laws. His current cases include the nationally publicized In Re Auto Parts Antitrust Litigation and multi-state Real Estate Transfer Tax litigation, along with several vehicle defect cases pending against major auto manufacturers. He also co-manages and supports the firm’s busy Fair Labor Standards Act practice

ISAAC S. STERNHEIM is an associate attorney at The Health Law Partners, P.C. Mr. Sternheim concentrates his practice on regulatory and transactional matters including federal (Stark) and state self-referral laws, federal and state anti-kickback laws, reimbursement regulations, entity formation and healthcare-related transactional agreements.

Mr. Sternheim’s prior experience includes representing healthcare entities and individuals in contract and shareholder disputes.

Thomas N. Economy received his bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn in 1996, and his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law in 1999. His practice is devoted to representing seriously injured persons in cases involving no-fault insurance, automobile negligence and premises liability. He has successfully handled numerous important cases before the Michigan Court of Appeals and the Michigan Supreme Court. He is an active member of both the American Association for Justice and Michigan Association for Justice. Email: tom@buckfirelaw.com

ROBERT DINDOFFER has practiced in almost all areas of healthcare law but has focused his practice on regulatory and transactional matters related to healthcare practice arrangements (including captive practice arrangements), payor contracting, managed care, and audit compliance. Specializing in health care and insurance laws and related regulations, Mr. Dindoffer frequently advises clients regarding physician/practice/hospital transactions, privacy and security matters, and arrangements with payors. Mr. Dindoffer provides advice to clients regarding federal and state self-referral laws, federal and state anti-kickback laws, and information technology issues. Mr. Dindoffer counsels clients regarding the corporate practice of medicine doctrine and other related...

Steven L. Schwartz is one of the most respected criminal defense attorneys. His comprehensive knowledge of the criminal justice system stems from nearly 30 years in practice. Criminal defense is a family tradition – Steven Schwartz’s father and grandfather were both lawyers and he grew up learning about the law, which grew into a passion for helping people through criminal defense litigation.

The firm has successfully helped clients in metro Detroit and throughout Michigan with aggressive defense and expert due-diligence. They represent clients throughout Michigan in many areas of criminal defense like DUI/OWI, Assault, Sex Crimes, Felony Crimes, Misdemeanor...

Jonathan Roffe is business attorney with significant trial experience in various state and federal courts across the United States, regularly representing businesses of all sizes in the consumer goods, branding, retail and apparel industries with commercial matters involving contractual disputes, corporate governance, regulatory concerns, labor and employment issues, and intellectual property rights. In addition to representing clients in courtroom settings, Jonathan handles all matters necessary for clients, from drafting and negotiating customized business agreements, to overseeing the management and development of clients’ intellectual property portfolio. Jonathan has been recognized as a Rising Star in Business Litigation by Super Lawyers each...

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...