Battle Creek Animal & Dog Lawyers

Michelle McLean received her Bachelors of Science from Cornerstone University in 2002. She later received her Juris Doctorate Cum Laude from Michigan State University College of Law in 2007. While earning her law degree, Ms. McLean served both on the Inns of Court (Lansing) and also worked as an extern for Kent Countyâs 17th Circuit Judicial Court. Prior to practicing law, Ms. Mclean worked for a national mortgage lender and has over fifteen years experience in this capacity. She worked as an underwriter, collector, manager, and finally as an account executive. By combining her...

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...

M. Timothy Gergely focuses his practice in the areas of personal injury and accident law. Mr. Gergely concentrates his practice on helping individuals who have sustained injuries as a result of automobile and semi-truck accidents (No-Fault automobile accident and insurance claims), dog bites, medical malpractice, premises liability, wrongful death, dram shop (bar/tavern liability), and workmen's compensation. Mr. Gergely has handled numerous cases involving serious personal injury in which he has recovered millions of dollars of compensation for his injured clients. Several of Mr. Gergely's significant recoveries for his clients have been featured in Michigan Lawyers Weekly.

Eric Steinberg has almost 20 years of experience litigating personal injury cases throughout Michigan. He has handled all types of cases, including auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, Michigan no-fault benefit denials, medical malpractice, dog bite, slip and fall injury, premises liability, construction accidents and others. Mr. Steinberg is proud to have obtained millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for his clients. He is the managing partner of the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, P.C., which has offices located throughout Michigan. The Lee Steinberg Law Firm has been representing Michigan clients for almost 50 years. Mr. Steinberg is currently the...

Robert J. Lantzy received his undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University in 1993 and graduated cum laude from Michigan State University College of Law in 1997. Mr. Lantzy is an experienced trial attorney and has concentrated his practice in several areas of civil litigation, including lead paint exposure, trucking accident cases, premises liability cases, and wrongful death lawsuits. Robert is licensed to practice law in Michigan and Ohio. He is a member of the American Bar Association, Michigan Association for Justice, and the Macomb County Bar Association.

Lawrence J. Buckfire earned his undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Michigan in 1986 and his juris doctor degree from Wayne State University School of Law in 1989. He is admitted to practice law in the State of Michigan and the State of Ohio. He was recently named a "Best Personal Injury Lawyer" by a Detroit business magaizne. Lawrence is a highly skilled trial attorney with a reputation for meticulous trial preparation and presentation. Mr. Buckfire has achieved the highest possible rating for ability and integrity in the legal profession. He specializes in child lead paint poisoning, wrongful...

Franci Silver graduated from Oakland University, with a degree in Political Science. After graduating Oakland University, she attended the Detroit College of Law, receiving her Juris Doctorate in 1988. She immediately went to work for a personal injury law firm before coming to work for the Law Offices of Lee B. Steinberg in 1991. During her law practice, she has obtained several jury verdicts and awards against numerous defendants. Ms. Silver specializes in social security disability (SSD) appeals, helping numerous clients obtain SSD awards after initially being denied by the Social Security Administration. She also specializes in premises liability law and...

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.

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...

Tom Kuiper is an experienced litigator with proficiency in a variety of cases and forums. He practices in State district, circuit, probate, federal and appellate courts, and in arbitration and mediation settings. He represents a variety of clients, from billion-dollar corporations in commercial litigation disputes to the individual involved in a personal dispute or family breakup. He also mediates a wide variety of cases. Although the issues and forums may differ, Tom's approach remains the same: To relate to people, to communicate difficult legal concepts and information in a clear and simple manner, and to work on a personal...

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.

As a research and writing attorney, Debra Garlinghouse has dedicated herself to the representation of persons who have been seriously injured due to the negligence of others. Ms. Garlinghouse has authored numerous appellate briefs on cases decided by Michigan’s various appellate courts. She is also a member of the Michigan Association for Justice amicus committee, writing and submitting briefs to the Michigan Supreme Court on important issues in personal injury law. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and Michigan Association for Justice, and is a founding member of the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Cooley Alumni...

Eric Steinberg graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor in Business Administration in 2001. After graduating, he worked as a financial consultant in Chicago. Not satisfied with spending his days in the financial field, Eric turned to the law. He attended the Chicago-Kent College of Law and earned a law degree in 2006. While receiving his legal education, Eric worked in the employment discrimination law clinic at Chicago-Kent, helping victims of discrimination receive just compensation and peace of mind. Eric joined the Law Offices of Lee B. Steinberg, P.C. full time in 2006. As a member of the Michigan...

T.J. was born and raised in Central Michigan, where he lives with his wife and three children. He is a proud Michigander, who was raised in a blue collar family and taught from the beginning the importance of hard work and giving back to the community. T.J. is a life member of the VFW, Military Order of Purple Heart and sits on the board of directors of a local non-profit organization. Shortly after graduating high school, T.J. enlisted in the Army where he would serve for nearly 11 years, retiring as a Staff Sergeant. Some of the more notable highlights...

Attorney Michael J. Morse is the founder of The Mike Morse Law Firm in Southfield, Michigan. Morse focuses his practice on personal injury law, representing clients who have been injured due to car accidents, truck accidents or other catastrophes caused by negligence in the metropolitan Detroit area as well as Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Canton, Mount Clemens, Troy, Warren and Southeast Michigan. He also handles a variety of Social Security matters. After earning a bachelor’s degree in business from The University of Arizona, Morse attained his law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, where he graduated cum laude....

Donald J. Cummings graduated from Truman State University with a Bachelor of Science in 2001. While at Truman, he was on the varsity wrestling team and was selected to be a member of the Academic All-American Wrestling Team. After Truman, Mr. Cummings attended the University of South Carolina School of Law. He graduated with honors and was chosen to be a member of the Order of the Wig and Robe and the Order of the Coif. Mr. Cummings is a trial lawyer and has dedicated himself to helping injured victims. He has lectured and taught other lawyers how to try cases....

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...

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.

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...

Matt Bates has spent his entire career helping individuals injured in personal injury accidents. He pursued his undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University. He graduated from Wayne State University Law School in 2008. While at Wayne State, he won numerous mock trial competitions and served as the President of the Student Bar Association Board of Governors as well as Law School Representative to the University Student Counsel. Following graduation, Matt served on the Executive Board for the Wayne State Law School Alumni Association. In 2008, Matt joined the Mike Morse Law Firm as a litigation attorney. He currently specializes in auto,...

Austin Bruce graduated from Michigan State University in 2015 with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a minor in Economics. He then attended Wayne State University Law School, where he graduated in 2019 with his Juris Doctor. While attending law school, Austin clerked at law firms throughout Metro Detroit gaining experience in a variety of fields including criminal defense, medical malpractice, and personal injury. He also participated in a year long civil rights clinic offered through Wayne State. Austin joined the Mike Morse Law Firm in 2021, where he works in personal injury. In his free time, Austin enjoys spending time...

Attorney at The Mike Morse Law Firm.

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...

Eakta Dave is a litigation attorney who loves to work hard for her clients. She graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and earned her law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. While in law school, she worked as a Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable Judge Terrance Berg at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Eakta joined the Mike Morse Law Firm in 2022 and is eager to work hard to be the best advocate for her clients. She takes pride in the fact...

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.

Howard Eisenshtadt is a 1986 graduate from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and earned his Juris Doctor from The University of Detroit in 1989. He began his legal career as a No-Fault automobile negligence attorney in Southfield, Michigan. He’s secured large settlements for victims of car accidents, motorcyclists, defective products, dog attacks, and premises injuries. Howard’s legal experience also includes two decades in the title insurance and settlement services industry. He is a licensed title agent in several states, served as general counsel, and lead national enterprise sales executive with Detroit’s Amrock. Outside of the office Howard enjoys Michigan Football and...

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...

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.

Adrienne Brown graduated from Cleveland State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. While there she was actively involved in community outreach by volunteering throughout the city of Cleveland. She then earned her Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University-Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where she oftentimes was recognized on the Dean’s List. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, reading, shopping, event planning and traveling to new places. She is also a die-hard basketball fan.

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...

John Nachazel, Jr. graduated from the Honors College at Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Economics. John graduated from Michigan State in just three years with two majors. While at Michigan State, John worked as a Research Assistant in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department of the College of Engineering and as one of only three Philosophy Department Tutors. He then attended the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona on a full tuition scholarship. While at the University of Arizona, John was the 2017-2018 Chester E. Smith Fellow and the 2019-2020...

Julia F. Opiela graduated from Michigan State University, James Madison College in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy. During her undergraduate studies, she was one of ten U.S. students selected as a President Clinton Scholar and spent one year of international study at American University Dubai. Thereafter, she attended law school at Michigan State University College of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor in May 2015. While in law school, Julia was a member of the international law society and recipient of the Trustee Fieldman and Weiner Endowed Scholarships. She spent a semester...

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.