Palo Lawyers

Practicing for Over 23 years in various fields, allowing me to understand the impact of your matter, not just immediately, but in many other areas of your life. I will explain honestly, fully and forthrightly your legal situation, and the options available to you.

Located in Troy, Michigan (near Detroit), I am a litigation attorney with an emphasis on probate litigation (will and trust contests, guardianships, beneficiary rights, estate administration, undue influence, fraud, elder abuse and related litigation), as well as commercial litigation, business planning, real estate, and personal injury. I am co-author of Trial & Heirs: Famous Fortune Fights!

Gary Safir is a personal injury trial lawyer who specializes in fighting for victims of car accidents and motorcycle accidents, including “low speed” or “low-impact” accidents with minimal vehicle body damage. Gary believes that, no matter the speed of the crash, if a client’s injury has affected their life, their case is worth the fight. He is currently the senior trial attorney at Scott Goodwin Law, P.C., in Birmingham, MI. Gary has recovered millions of dollars for his clients and has been recognized as a top-rated personal injury attorney by nationally recognized legal rating services. Gary considers it a privilege to...

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

Top 40 under 40 Lawyers in Illinois and Michigan. Experienced Personal Injury Trial Lawyer Specialized in Uber and Lyft car accidents and assaults, and federal matters of Maritime/Admiralty Law. Sean represents injured parties in Michigan, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Boston, New York, and many more states. In terms of federal courts, he is a member of the Northern District of Illinois and Eastern District of Michigan. He holds a certification in the law of taxation.

Mr. O'Bryan is a member of the Ride-Sharing Committee in the American Association for Justice, discussing the legal matters involving UBER and LYFT, and is a member...

Steven A. Harms is a partner in Muller, Muller, Richmond, Harms & Myers, with offices in Birmingham, Grand Rapids and Traverse City, Michigan.Steve is a frequent lecturer and an author in addition to being a full time collection attorney. He also teaches in the MBA program at Walsh College, Troy, Michigan, live and online (winning an outstanding instructor award for online).Publications include many articles and seminar materials plus chapters of books including Michigan Basic Practice Handbook and Michigan Business Formbook. He co-authored International Commercial Secured Transactions with David Franklin, published 2010 by Thomson Reuters Publishing, a look at...

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...

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...

Tom Ludden is the head of the Appellate Law Practice group at Lipson Neilson P.C. He regularly argues before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Michigan Court of Appeals and has also appeared in the United States and Michigan Supreme Courts. Mr. Ludden has been counsel of record in published decisions resolving issues related to due process, medical and legal malpractice, defamation, class action certification, judicial ethics, the priority of interests in real property, estate planning and the statute of limitations.

I am an attorney located in Kalamazoo Michigan. I practice in criminal law, appeals, and aviation law. At the moment, I am free to take consultations and new clients. I offer affordable hourly rates.

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,...

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...

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...

Matthew R. Conklin joined Jay Trucks & Associates in 2025. Matt received his law degree from the University of Detroit-Mercy Law School in 2007 and his undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University in 2003. Matt is a respected litigator. His peers elected him to two terms on the State Bar of Michigan Workers’ Compensation Section Council.

For over 30 years, the Hamo Law Firm has provided excellent counsel specializing in negotiation and litigation of wrongful death, serious injuries, and matters involving personal or business disagreements. Getting the results their clients want is why the Hamo Law Firm is consistently referred clients by other attorneys. “The best accomplishments are the success stories we achieve for our clients,” says attorney George Hamo. “We are committed to turn the tables in favor of our clients, and we truly care about them.” The Hamo Law Firm is dedicated to see that clients receive proper compensation and works passionately...

Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science degree in political science in 1991 from Michigan State University where she gave the commencement address upon graduation. She earned her Juris Doctor degree in 1994 from the University of Detroit – Mercy School of Law where she was a member of the Law Review. Jennifer is admitted to practice law in the State of Michigan and the United States District Court of the Eastern and Western District of Michigan. She is an experienced trial attorney and concentrates her practice in many areas of civil rights litigation, including sexual abuse, police misconduct, and wrongful prisoner...

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.

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...

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...

Estate Planning and Elder Law is not an area for a “generalist.” Your quality of life and your life’s work is more important than that. It is important to work with a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA). The CELA designation is the GOLD STANDARD in estate planning and elder law. The clients that we work with value the peace of mind, that their goals are being met with the absolute latest in legal strategies to protect assets and preserve quality of life and care. These are only available when working with a Certified...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

James T. Haadsma has practiced with the McCroskey Law since August, 1987. He specializes in representing injured workers in workers’ disability compensation disputes before the Michigan Workers’ Compensation Agency, and in representing injured workers before the Social Security Administration’s Office of Disability Adjudication and Review. Mr. Haadsma also occasionally represents a partially disabled employee in controversies with employers under the Americans with Disabilities Act/Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act. He represents clients from Washtenaw to Berrien Counties, but predominantly in Calhoun County.

Before joining the McCroskey firm in August, 1987, Mr. Haadsma practiced with the Muskegon office of Legal Aid...

Geoffrey has been practicing law in western Michigan now — and previously in the Detroit metro area (and beyond) — since 2005. In that time, he has consulted thousands of clients, and took part in many bankruptcy cases (both Chapter 7 and 13) for individuals and small businesses and helped numerous individuals and small businesses with all their legal needs. In addition, Geoff has volunteered at Freedom House Detroit practicing immigration and asylum law, teaches test preparation classes, and tutors students for standardized tests. Geoff grew up on a dairy farm in western Michigan — in his free time he enjoys...

Robert graduated from Western Michigan's Thomas M. Cooley Law School Cum Laude in 2016. He has devoted his practice to personal bankruptcy since then. We help people get control of their financial life with free case evaluations, free consultations, and easy payment plans.

I am a former prosecutor who began my legal journey as a partner at Kassab Arabo, PLLC, before transitioning to work for the government. My time at the prosecutor's office was invaluable, allowing me to hone my skills in handling criminal cases. I am committed to providing my clients, who I treat as if they were family, with the highest quality legal counsel. Fighting vigorously on their behalf is my top priority.

The Law Office of John D. Harrington, PLLC is a Tax Controversy firm that offers its clients outstanding legal representation with a personal touch. We offer the following services to resolve tax problems: Offers in Compromise, Installment Agreements, Currently Non-Collectible Status, Tax Levy/Garnishment Releases; Tax Lien Releases, Audit Representation, Tax Return Preparation, Bankruptcy, and Business Entity Formation. If you currently have a tax problem, come see us for a free consultation. At the free consultation, we will devise an in-depth resolution plan for you. You need an attorney when you have a tax problem with the IRS, or...

I am an attorney at an insurance law firm that helps clients turn claim denials or delays into payments. We are based in Brighton, MI and handle real property insurance (home, commercial, etc.) cases throughout the state. You can reach me at 734-648-8030 or find out more about our practice at https://www.mccraylawoffice.com.

I graduated summa cum laude from Michigan State University College of Law, which I attended on a full scholarship. While there, I served on two journals, worked at the Ingham County Probate Court, was a property teaching assistant, and volunteered with the Animal Legal Defense Fund. I currently volunteer...

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,...

Melanie grew up in Dexter, graduating in 1996. She attended Western Michigan University for undergrad (1996-1999), majoring in political science-public law and then Michigan State University for Law School (2000-2003). After graduation and passing the bar exam she began her law practice in Grand Rapids at RizzoBryan. For the first 5 years, she practiced in the areas of both insurance defense and family law. Melanie moved back to South east Michigan and practiced primarily family law with Harris and Literski (Brighton) for over 12 years. She is a certified trained mediator. She opened MKS...