Maple Rapids Lawyers

Julie A. Gafkay graduated from Michigan State University in 1992 with a dual major in criminal justice and political theory. She graduated from Whittier Law School in 1995 with honors. Her first position was in Flint, Michigan focusing on civil rights and employment discrimination. In 2003, Attorney Gafkay opened her own statewide practice in Frankenmuth, Michigan. The practice's attorneys provide a general practice to the local area providing legal services in Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, Elder Law, Business Planning, contract review, landlord/tenant issues, real estate, employment issues and other general practice areas. Attorney Gafkay has...

- Act as general counsel/legal adviser to a variety of service and manufacturing businesses, including M&A, supply agreements, real estate leases and purchase agreements, employment policies/handbooks, contracts, financing documentation, terms and conditions, privacy notices, and compliance/governance documents.
- Represent businesses in complex commercial litigation, such as inter business disputes, contract disputes, shareholder/member conflicts, and employment matters.
- Aggressively assist individuals in contract disputes, real estate transactions/disputes, high conflict divorce matters and sales representative litigation.
- Very experienced in all forms of ADR, including Collaborative Divorce.
- Handle all matters with honesty, integrity and discretion.

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.

S. Christopher Hunter is the founding member of Hunter Law Offices, PLLC. Prior to opening his own practice, Mr. Hunter was an associate attorney with Garrison Lawhouse, PC in Dearborn, Michigan, served as a staff attorney at the Elder Law and Advocacy Center, and most recently managed and supervised the Great Lakes Legal – Elder Law Division’s reduced-fee program. Mr. Hunter focuses his practice in the areas of Elder Law, Long Term Care Planning, Estate Planning, Probate, Trusts, Guardianship/Conservatorships, and Social Security Disability. Mr. Hunter graduated from the University of Maine School of Law with a...

Amir practices Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, VA Planning, Probate, Estate Planning, and Business Transactions. He has an extensive background of helping the elderly through his family-owned Licensed Assisted Living Homes. At Serenity Assisted Living, Amir assisted the elderly in their medical needs. Now, he hopes to help even more elderly in their legal and planning needs.

I am Xavier E. Prather, a skilled and versatile lawyer with a current focus on entertainment, sports, and family law through my practice, LawyerLike, PLLC. Before establishing my law practice, I spent several years as an attorney at a top 200 law firm. I am currently barred in Wisconsin and Michigan.

Attorney Steven R. Simkins has been licensed by the State Bar of Michigan since 2003, and he is a member of the Criminal Law, Family Law, and General Practice sections. Mr. Simkins is admitted to practice in all Michigan state courts as well as the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan and the United States Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit. He also serves as a court-appointed attorney in the Kent County Circuit Court for Juvenile Delinquency cases and family neglect cases. Mr. Simkins provides aggressive, personalized representation in the following areas: Criminal...

Stephanie began her legal career learning the “behind the scenes” of trial work by working for judges in Kent and Allegan Counties. In those positions, Stephanie was able to observe numerous jury trials and talk with jurors after trial. This invaluable experience awarded her a wealth of knowledge known to few. Stephanie has dedicated her practice to professional negligence, including medical, legal and accounting malpractice, for over ten years. She began her practice as a defense attorney – defending doctors, hospitals, nurses and lawyers when they were sued. That experience provided additional “behind the scenes” knowledge of...

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...

I pride myself in communicating well with clients and always keeping their familes' best interests in mind.

Daniel L. Buckfire earned his undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Michigan Business School in 1989, where he was Phi Beta Kappa and graduated in the top 10% of his class. In 1991, he graduated cum laude from the prestigious University of Michigan Law School. Daniel specializes in Michigan car accident cases, no-fault insurance claims, dram shop liability, and general negligence cases. He is rated as a "Superb" lawyer by the top internet lawyer rating service and "Best Personal Injury Lawyer" by a Detroit business magazine. Daniel's adept knowledge of these areas of law has resulted in...

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...

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...

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...

Reesa counsels a wide variety of health care providers and entities including: physicians, nurses, chiropractors, dentists, podiatrists, physical therapists, pharmacies, laboratories, home health agencies, hospices, hospitals, health systems, DMEPOS providers, physician-owned distributorships (PODs), ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), diagnostic testing facilities, substance abuse providers and facilities, and wellness providers. In addition, Reesa advises non-healthcare entities that are important players in the health care industry including: group purchasing organizations, physician organizations, physician hospital organizations, management service organizations (MSOs) and management companies, and private equity/venture capital investors in health care entities.

Reesa has successfully counseled clients on a variety of federal and state...

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.

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...

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.

Originally from Muskegon, Jacob studied economics at the University of Michigan and law at the University of Minnesota. Now, he practices law, focusing on business and real estate transactions, with the experienced attorneys at the Norton Shores based firm Gielow Groom Terpstra & McEvoy.

Robert O. Chessman focuses his work on automobile accidents, personal injuries, wrongful death, and medical and professional malpractice. He also works as a state-certified mediator to resolve disputes in civil cases of all types. Mr. Chessman graduated from the University of Michigan Law School and holds a cum laude degree from Harvard University.

Mr. Chessman is a past president of the Muskegon County Bar Association, and is a member of the Michigan State Bar Association and the Michigan Association for Justice.

Before joining McCroskey Law, Mr. Chessman spent three and one-half years in the Peace Corps, in Togo, West Africa. He also...

Gary T. Neal specializes in the areas of workers' compensation, Social Security, and unemployment benefits. Mr. Neal received his law degree from the University of Wisconsin. He also graduated from Michigan State University with high honors, receiving a B.A. in criminal justice.

Mr. Neal is a dedicated advocate for his injured and disabled clients. He also has been a guest lecturer at many labor union and disability advocacy events, focusing on both workers' compensation and Social Security law.

He is a member of the Michigan Association for Justice and the Muskegon County Bar Association. He also coaches the North Muskegon High School...

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...

Susan Elkouri is a trial lawyer, certified Collaborative Divorce Law practitioner, and certified mediator. Ms. Elkouri has practiced divorce law for over 23 years. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit Law School in 1994 and is licensed to practice in Michigan and Federal Courts.

Susan is a member of the Michigan State Bar Association, Oakland County Bar Association, Wayne County Family Law Bar Association, and the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. She is an active participant in the Michigan Family Law Certification program and a past University of Detroit Law School Moot Court Judge.

Susan Elkouri is...

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...

Attorney Symantha Heath has practiced law for over 23 years. She earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Law School in 1993 and is licensed to practice in Michigan and U.S. Federal Court. She is a member of the Michigan State Bar Association, Oakland County Bar Association, Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, and Wayne County Family Law Bar Association.

Symantha is a past president of the Wayne County Family Bar Association and was an executive board member for six years. She is also a past County Chairwoman of the WCRC and the Northville Township Trustee. She currently serves on...

Justin began his legal career in insurance defense where he gained experience handling complex litigation matters. Justin continued to build his litigation acumen by working on cases across a wide spectrum of legal issues including personal injury, no-fault PIP claims, wrongful death, contract disputes, property disputes, and premises liability. Since starting at Herbert Machnik in 2022, Justin has been a valuable asset on the civil litigation team in addition to assisting in matters related to estate planning and business planning and formation. Justin is an active member of his church and gives back to his community by working with the...

Matthew C. McManus is the founder and principal member of Ann Arbor Legal PLLC. McManus brings a wealth of knowledge derived from diverse life experiences, participation in business entrepreneurship and over 13 years of exposure within the legal community. McManus is guided under the strong belief that serving every client is our number one prerogative.

Laura believes in compassionate estate planning and estate administration and focuses on the unique needs of each client. She also values mediation for resolving disputes efficiently and cost-effectively for clients. Since 2020 Laura has been with Herbert Machnik assisting clients with their trust and estate needs along with business formations and litigation among other areas of the law. To give back to her community, Laura has served as a court-appointed attorney or guardian ad litem for clients in Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties, and as a judge for several student moot court competitions. Laura is a member of the LGBTQA, Agriculture,...

I began my legal career working for the Workers Compensation Appellate Commission, a body of judges appointed by the governor to hear workers compensation appeals. While working at the commission I gained valuable insight into what proofs are required to win all types of litigated workers compensation cases. This valuable knowledge gives me the edge when representing my clients. From the Appellate Commission I went to work for a prominent insurance defense firm in Grand Rapids, MI., defending big business from claims submitted by everyday hardworking Michigan employees. Not happy with what I saw, I left...

John Karafa has represented corporate and individual clients in federal and state courts throughout Michigan for 40 years. John’s advocacy is fueled by his seasoned trial experience, professional energy, and focused determination to assist clients with their objectives, in both trial and alternative dispute resolution proceedings. Whether presenting for his clients orally or through the written word, John makes sure their voices are heard, and their concerns are expressed. At Tabono Law, John’s practice focuses on divorce, custody, and parenting time in state courts, and criminal defense in both state and federal courts. John earned his Juris Doctor degree from...

Jeanie has been a licensed attorney in Michigan since 1993 and has spent more than two decades utilizing her legal degree at law firms, non-profits, and corporate entities. Jeanie began her practice in 1993 at Culver, Knowlton, Even and Franks, practicing in the areas of corporate and real estate law. After several years in that capacity, Jeanie left private practice to join the Child Abuse Council for Muskegon County, serving as Executive Director for over five years. Jeanie managed a budget of over $600,000 and 10 employees and expanded services for children throughout Muskegon County that had been physically and sexually...

Sunjay Sterling practices in all areas of tax and corporate law.

Tax Law

Sunjay has represented corporations, partnerships, LLCs, nonprofit organizations and individuals as a tax attorney in a wide variety of tax law matters including audit defense and resolution of tax controversies, tax compliance, tax planning, and structuring business transactions to minimize taxable impact. Sunjay Sterling is a tax attorney adept at identifying and resolving tax issues and audit risks in addition to formulating and implementing tax strategies and practical tax planning to further personal and business objectives.

Corporate/Business Law

Sunjay has represented and counseled C corporations, S corporations, general and limited partnerships,...

Alesha's legal career began in Tennessee in 2009 following her graduation from Florida Coastal School of Law. Initially practicing in family law, criminal law, and juvenile law, Alesha decided to focus solely on family law upon moving back to Michigan in 2013. Since then, she has helped hundreds of Michigan families navigate their legal struggles by assisting with issues such as custody, divorce, child support, guardianships, abuse and neglect, and adoptions. Alesha leads the family law Practice at Herbert Machnik Law Firm where she's been an attorney since 2020. Outside the office Alesha's commitment to families is demonstrated in her...

Ron Weiner represents consumers in their claims against large corporations and insurance companies. He is a devoted advocate who assures that his clients have the same legal firepower as their opponents. Ron received his B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1983. He received his law degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 1987. Ron then became an assistant prosecuting attorney for Macomb County. He has represented plaintiffs in many personal injury cases for more than 30 years. Ron has also authored articles and presented seminars. Annually, he co-moderates the Michigan Association for Justice’s Seminar in the Snow in...

Alan T. Ackerman is the managing partner of Michigan-based Ackerman & Ackerman, P.C. Alan has been aggressively fighting for the rights of displaced and undercompensated condemnation and eminent domain victims for more than 30 years. Over the past three decades, he and his firm have tried 45 monetarily significant cases at both the state and federal level which have resulted in Just Compensation each exceeding the original offer by more than $1 million. He has been an adjunct professor teaching eminent domain law at the University of Detroit Law School since 1983, and now serves as an adjunct professor at Michigan State...