Vestaburg Lawyers

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...

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...

We opened our office in Manistee, Michigan in 1995 and have been providing excellent, affordable legal services ever since. We have experienced a variety of challenges that have assisted us in developing a law practice that is particularly suited for the needs and desires of Manistee residents and visitors. We offer free initial consultations for criminal matters and personal injury cases, we only charge $100 for initial consultations for all other matters. Admitted to Practice in the State of Michigan in 1995 and Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Court in 2004. If you...

Matthew Benedict is a Traverse City native. He worked for nine years with his father, Hon. Richard L. Benedict, serving clients from all of northern Michigan. Matthew Benedict is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Thomas Cooley Law School.

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...

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.

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 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...

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'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.

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.

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 Horowitz is a trial and appellate lawyer in Northern Michigan. He is licensed in Michigan, Alaska, and New York. He primarily practices criminal defense.

University of Detroit School of Law (1979); Western Michigan University (BBA 1976); Practicing exclusively in the field of Social Security disability. Partner in one of the largest and most successful firms in southwest Michigan that focuses exclusively in this field. Our attorneys are local and have high success rates with the judges who will decide your case. We have worked with many of the areas treating physicians and meet and consult with you from the beginning of the process and as often as needed. Our unique knowledge of the process involved, physicians, and thorough preparation of your case...

My practice is focused on Immigration Law. I represent clients seeking family-based petitions, asylum, special immigrant juvenile visas, naturalization, obtaining Provisional Waivers for Unlawful Presence, preparing documents for consulate interviews, removal proceedings, and the appellate process. I have represented clients in Immigration Court, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Michigan State University 1986
Detroit College of Law 1989

Scott J. Sumner, J.D. is a graduate of Michigan State University, (1986) and Michigan State University/Detroit College of Law, (1989). He is a founding member of Sumner & Associates, P.C., and is its President and principal shareholder. Scott was the President of the Rochester Bar Association (2004-2005). He is a member of the State Bar Association and a member of the Oakland and Macomb County Bar Associations, since 1990, and is licensed to practice in the United States Federal Court. He is also a licensed and experienced Real Estate Broker and Residential Builder.

Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney Matthew L. Norwood is located in downtown Flint, directly across from the Genesee County local and state federal courts.

This prime location allows him to act quickly and aggressively in representing his clients’ cases. Having a statewide practice gives Mr. Norwood the opportunity to defend clients all over the state of Michigan.

Matthew’s law practice is devoted exclusively to Michigan criminal law and driver’s license restoration. Matthew has been working in mid-Michigan’s criminal court as a driver’s license attorney and a DUI lawyer since 2002. His favorite courts to practice out of is Grand Blanc and Fenton, although...

Jason Barrix founded the Barrix Law Firm in 1993 after Graduating from Thomas Cooley School. He was admitted tot he Michigan State Bar in 1993 as well as the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan. Prior to Law School Jason Barrix attended and Graduated from Central Michigan University. There he majored in Political Science receiving his Bachelor's of Science in 1988. Mr. Barrix has focused his practice on Representing those injured do to the negligence of others including Personal Injury, Auto Accident, Dog Bite, Food Poisoning, Medical Malpractice, Trip and Fall, Social...

My practice is focused on family law and estate planning. I assist clients with various matters such as divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, prenuptial agreements, civil litigation, preparing trusts, and wills. I have worked on hundreds of family law cases with excellent results for my clients.

My practice is focused on business and estate planning. I regularly counsel business clients on operations and legal concerns, including drafting, reviewing, and advising on contractual matters, such as employment, buy-sell, and other corporate related documents. I place a strong emphasis on counseling my clients on risk management strategies ensuring their interests are met. Frequently, I speak to other professionals and professional groups, assisted living centers, hospitals, and government agencies across Michigan on various business, estate planning, and health related topics.

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...

The Kregelka Law Firm, PLLC in East Lansing, is a general-practice law firm focusing on criminal defense, police civil liability, family law, estate planning, personal injury, and helping victims of stalking. The owner and managing member, Garry Kregelka, is a former Michigan State Police trooper, undercover officer, detective sergeant, and post commander at Gladstone and Ypsilanti. He also served as chief of police in Beloit, WI and as the Meridian Township (Michigan) Prosecutor. He is currently a licensed private detective and an adjunct professor at Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Garry received his J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in...

Kevin has fought for the rights of Michigan's injured since 2000. For him, every case deserves his best effort, no matter how big or small. He joined the Sinas Dramis Law Firm Michigan personal injury team in 2017. Kevin prides himself in being available to his clients, for any matter. He's the first one in the office every day, and he's not intimidated by any task. Recognizing that all cases have their differences, Kevin makes it a priority to ensure his clients understand the legal system and their rights.

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...

Matthew’s practice focuses on all aspects of both criminal defense and family law, including divorce, child custody and support issues, paternity, parenting time disputes and spousal support modifications. Specifically, Matthew ‘s talents are best utilized in high conflict family situations for professionals, especially cases involving mental health and substance abuse issues, dealing with narcissistic personality disorders and special needs children. Matthew is a proud Howell High School graduate and is a lifelong resident of Livingston County. Matthew is the recipient of: American Institute of Legal Advocates “Rising Star 2019” award, and the “Top Ranking Attorney” award for both 2020 and 2021 from...

Mr. Migala is a licensed attorney serving clients in Southwest Michigan for over 20 years. A former Michigan State Trooper, Berrien County Deputy Sheriff, and Benton Harbor Patrolman, he brings all of his knowledge and expertise to the courtroom. As an experienced attorney, he works hard to insure that his clients receive the compensation they deserve.

"My firm represents those injured or killed in accidents and criminal defense. I have been responsible for all areas of my practice, not just legal representation management, but business management as well, including developing and implementing the firm advertising and marketing plan with a...

Michigan Attorney Kathryn Wayne-Spindler has built a full-service law firm that is pleased to be successfully helping clients with all their divorce, family law, adoption, child custody, change of domicile, estate planning, minor criminal defense and probate needs. She is an experienced and aggressive fighter in the courtroom. She is also known for being a compassionate counselor to her clients. She understands that her clients' cases are not just legal battles to be won, but life-changing events that can potentially be emotionally traumatic. She listens and advises with her client's best interests in mind. Years ago, Wayne-Spindler realized that...

Bill Webster has been representing hard working men and women of Southwest Michigan for over 16 years in social security disability, workers' compensation, personal injury and domestic relations matters.

Lise Spresser focuses her entire practice on all aspects of family law, with over a decade of practice before the Circuit Court Family bench in Oakland, Lapeer, Macomb, Genesee, Wayne and St. Clair. Her goal is to educate, support and passionately advocate for her clients while helping them navigate through the difficult legal process. Lise earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and graduated from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, where she received top accolades in the Legal Studies Program. Lise is a member of the Family Law Section of the State Bar...