Utica Lawyers

Lisa Screen practiced criminal law for over ten years before transitioning into the auto insurance arena in 2012. Screen has aggressively tried over 250 cases to a jury, and while as an assistant prosecuting attorney, she litigated several high-profile cases and was specially assigned to the Homicide Division for most of her tenure at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office in Detroit, MI. She successfully convicted two individuals of murder despite the victim’s body never being located. Prior to working at the Prosecutor’s Office, she was an associate at a medical malpractice insurance defense firm. Up until she joined...

Melanie graduated from the Detroit College of Law Cum Laude in 1986. She received her BS in Business Management from Detroit College of Business Magna Cum Laude in 1982. She then practiced at corporate law firms and insurance defense law firms for the next 35 years. Over that time, she managed an insurance defense law firm for one large insurance company. She has also tried more than 100 lawsuits to a jury verdict. She was one of the prominent trial attorneys for a large national insurance company. Melanie is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, an invitation...

Dan Hohf graduated from Western Michigan University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History. While at WMU, he served as a Museum Technician at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Pennsylvania as well as at the Kingman Museum in Battle Creek, Michigan. He joined the Mike Morse Law Firm team in 2011 as a paralegal and eventually went on to earn his law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 2019. While attending law school, he remained employed at the Mike Morse Law Firm as well as served as a Judicial Extern for the Honorable Edward...

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...

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....

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...

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.

Bjornrae Kemp is an associate attorney at the Mike Morse Law Firm. He graduated from the University of Houston in 2009. He went on to earn his law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Since 2020, he has been a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is also admitted to practice law in Texas. Bjornrae has represented accident victims for his entire legal career, recovering millions for his clients. In his free time, Bjornrae enjoys spending time with family, cooking, and reading.

James has been with the Mike Morse Law Firm since 2014. He grew up in Troy Michigan and has been a lifelong Michigan resident. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and won regional competitions as a member of Moot Court and Commercial Arbitration as well as individual awards in trial and appellate advocacy. He earned his law degree from the Michigan State University College of Law, from which he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He has extensive experiencing in handling auto litigation cases. In his spare time, James is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hiking, hunting, and fishing.

I am driven to assist my client's in any possible way. Dealing with legal issues is stressful and time consuming. Let me help obtain a positive outcome so you can move on with your life. I try to connect with my clients and show the highest level of persistence and dedication.

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...

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.

Phil was admitted to practice law in 1991 and he is now in his 28th year as an attorney. Phil is one of the founding partners of Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz and Associates, P.C. and he focuses his practice in the areas of personal injury, automobile accident claims, no-fault claims also known as personal injury protection benefits, third party automobile negligence claims, slip and fall injuries, motorcycle injuries, trucking accidents and general civil litigation. Phil grew up in St. Clair Shores and Royal Oak and he has been fortunate to return to Macomb County to practice law.

From 1995 to present, Phil...

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 –...

Patrick Derkacz grew up in Warren, Michigan where he attended public school. He graduated from Warren Mott High school in 1984 where he played football. He then went to Eastern Michigan University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry in 1988. After graduation he worked as an analytical chemist for the Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Research Division in Ann Arbor, Michigan for several years.

Mr. Derkacz went back to law school at the Detroit College of Law (now Michigan State University Law School) in 1990. He graduated from DCL with Honors in 1993. While in Law School he participated in the...

In 2005, Jake Yeater graduated cum laude from the University of Findlay, where he attained bachelor degrees in Law and Liberal Arts and Criminal Justice. That fall, he attended Thomas M. Cooley School of Law where he later graduated in the top 5% of his class, cum laude. While a law student, Jake participated in Law Review as the Scholarly Writing Editor, Law Journal, Moot Court, and Mock Trial. He was also awarded the Eugene Krasicky Award for his significant contributions to the publication of the Law Review. Before coming to the Mike Morse Law Firm, Jake spent several years clerking...

Keith is an associate attorney who primarily handles the firm’s appellate practice. He is a graduate of Central Michigan University where he was a Centralis Scholarship and a State of Michigan Competitive Scholarship recipient. Keith then attended Wayne State University Law School where he achieved Honors Distinction in Legal Research and Writing and received a WSU Board of Governors’ Scholarship. Since 2001, He has been a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, the Michigan Court of Appeals, and the Michigan Supreme Court. Over the...

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 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...

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...

Allen Ayoub graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn with high distinction in 2010. He went on to earn his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School where he graduated third in his class of 329. Allen has represented accident victims for his entire legal career, recovering millions for his clients. He recently obtained a large trial verdict in Macomb County Circuit Court for over $300,000.00. In his free time, Allen enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and working out.

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...

Canon J. Thomas graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies. During Canon’s undergraduate studies, he was very involved in his community. He co-founded the organization ReliveTheBAR, which is dedicated to strengthening the community between Black students and alumni of U of M through book drives and apparel. Canon was also a recipient of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Spirit Award. Canon received his Juris Doctor degree from Western State College of Law, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. During law school, Canon was a Dean’s Fellow, the inaugural Thurgood Marshall...

One of the founding partners of Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz and Associates, P.C., Jeff focuses his practice in the areas of elder law, estate planning, trust administration, probate administration, and corporate law. Jeff grew up in Sterling Heights and is happy to have returned to Macomb County to practice law.

Prior to establishing Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates, P.C., Jeff worked with a large regional accounting and business consulting firm, an insurance defense law firm and a business law firm specializing in corporate law, business formation, business consulting and private equity matters. After working with an elder law and estate planning firm...

Darren K. Legato is a dedicated Personal Injury Attorney at Serafini, Michalowski, Derkacz & Associates. His practice areas include Personal Injury, Premises Liability, and General Litigation. Prior experience defending insurance companies, has afforded Darren with unique and valuable legal insight. He is dedicated to providing aggressive advocacy, always focusing on the outcomes that his clients need and deserve.

Darren received his B.A. from Michigan State University. In 2012, he earned his J.D. from Florida International University College of Law. He is admitted to practice in the State of Florida, State of Michigan, and the United Stated District Court for the Eastern...

Timothy Smith graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science/Pre-Law. He then earned his law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in downtown Detroit. During law school, Tim clerked for a metropolitan Detroit-based insurance defense firm. He was also fortunate to complete a federal judicial externship with the Honorable Bernard A. Friedman in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Prior to joining the Mike Morse Law Firm in 2022, Tim was a successful litigator with more than 25 years of experience in...

Mark Carlson attended Defiance College where he competed in track and field for three years, graduating in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. He then went on to attend Thomas M. Cooley Law School, receiving his Juris Doctor in 2010. Mark has been a licensed member of the Michigan Bar Association since 2012. Mark was a sole practitioner focusing on criminal law from 2012 until 2022, when he joined the Mike Morse Law Firm. In his spare time, Mark enjoys spending time with his family, friends, and dogs. He is also a big fan of movies...

Gregory C. Hamilton, a nationally recognized speaker on Estate and Business Planning, has been bringing peace of mind to his Clients for over twenty five years and has been nominated in a blind survey as one of the top seven percent of estate planning attorneys in Michigan by Hour Magazine, for the last four consecutive years. With an emphasis on thorough consultation to build long term professional relationships with his Clients, Greg creates an estate or business plan uniquely designed to meet each Client’s goals, aspirations and desires.
A graduate of Michigan State University, Greg holds a Masters degree from...

University of Michigan - BBA (Accounting)
Certified Public Account - Michigan
University of Detroit Law School - JD
Wayne State University - LL.M Taxation
Attorney Licenses in Michigan and California

Mike's passion is helping people. Whether it’s his career in estate planning, business coaching, or the gym he runs out of his garage, helping others gets him out of bed everyday (at 4:30am!). Mike’s legal career started in workers’ compensation insurance defense, where he would focus the majority of his practice until 2010, when many people in Mike’s life began having children. Out of this change, bore his love for estate planning, where he was able to use his skills as an attorney to help others plan for the future. From there, Mike’s passion expanded into Elder Law, where he...

For more than 34 years, attorney Gary Sanfield has delivered outstanding results in all Michigan courts in the areas of bankruptcy, divorce and family law, criminal defense, drunk driving, drivers’ license restorations, probation violations, and traffic tickets.

Wide array of experience in 40 years of practice.