Auburn Lawyers

Harold Leo Emelander was raised in Newaygo, Michigan. After graduating from Newaygo High School, he attended Grand Valley State University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. He then went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2006. To further his education he then moved to Florida where he attended The University of Florida College of Law and received his LLM in Taxation in 2007. Mr. Emelander began his legal career in Miami, Florida at an accounting firm. He utilized his degree in taxation law by advising clients on individual,...

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.

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...

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,...

Matthew I. Paletz is the Chief Executive Officer of Paletz Law. He oversees all operations of the Firm, as well as its future trajectory and growth. As CEO, he promotes the core values and spirit behind Paletz Law, and fosters its innovative culture. Matthew is also responsible for the financial and capital management of the Firm, and heads all marketing and promotional efforts. He strives to consistently ensure that the needs of his clients are met while being a leading advocate and supporter of legislative efforts on behalf of the real estate industry.

Matthew practices in the area of general civil...

Attorney Matthew Van Steenkiste is committed to excellence. Mr. Van Steenkiste offers creative and practical solutions to complicated legal issues. Mr. Van Steenkiste offers a plethora of experience. In just the past year alone, Mr. Van Steenkiste has made over 200 court appearances in various District and Circuit Courts including the counties of Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, and Lapeer. Many attorneys do not make this many court appearances in their career. The law offices of Garmo & Kiste have a proven record of success throughout the entire state of Michigan including but not limited to the counties of...

Michael Ricciardello is a practicing criminal defense attorney. He handles all types of criminal cases all around the State of Michigan. Typical cases range from misdemeanors and Drunk Driving cases in the Michigan District Courts to felonies within the Michigan Circuit Courts. Mr. Ricciardello offers a free consultation to review your case either in person or over the phone.

I've been helping clients through challenging legal situations for over 24 years. Sometimes that means working intensely through hotly contested litigation. Sometimes that means working towards compromise and repose. It always means working with passion and conviction and bringing a thoughtful approach to the process, which is something I strive to do.

From working in big law to opening his own practice, Sean has represented the intellectual property needs (e.g., patents, copyrights, and trademarks) of clients large and small for nearly a decade. He has drafted applications and performed opinion work for numerous large clients, such as IBM, Applied Materials, Toyota, Nvidia, Air Liquide, CareFusion, and Western Digital, as well as smaller clients and institutional clients. He has experience drafting and prosecuting applications for a broad variety of technologies including nanotechnology, automotive, artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacture, photolithography/maskless lithography, plasma physics, magnetic hard drive architecture, analog automation, bionic implants, bionics, chemistry, medical devices,...

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...

A third-generation plaintiff attorney, Kimberly Steinberg Goodman has provided injured persons incomparable assistance since her admission to the State Bar of Michigan. From the initial interview through the appellate process, Kimberly devotes the utmost care and attention to every case in order to get the most favorable result for her clients. Kimberly earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in History of Art from the University of Michigan in 1992 and entered the workforce for several years before earning her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit School of Law in 1997. Since then, Kimberly has litigated in state, federal, and...

Michael Simon earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Wayne State University in 1987 and his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1990. While receiving his college and graduate education, he remained active in numerous organizations, including the Helenic Bar Association and the Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity. After obtaining his law degree, he worked as a law clerk at the U.S. Attorney’s office, the Department of Justice in Grand Rapids and later at several metropolitan law firms. As a Trial/Litigation attorney, he has dedicated himself to the representation of persons who have been seriously injured...

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...

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...

Kristen Robinson concentrates her practice in domestic relations litigation. She also has the capability to assist clients who desire to settle their cases on the terms that work for their respective families, rather than allowing the court process to dictate the important decisions in their lives. In addition to representing clients as an advocate, Kristen is a trained neutral mediator, chosen by other lawyers and appointed by the court to assist other parties in settling their family law matters. Kristen represents clients who have cases in Oakland County, Macomb County and Wayne County. She was elected by her peers...

My practice is concentrated in four principal areas: consumer rights, lender liability, estate planning, and probate litigation. In the field of consumer rights, I have represented individuals and classes in litigation under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. Most frequently my clients are individuals or businesses pursuing or defending their legal rights against banks, financial institutions, mortgage servicers and other large corporations. Westbrook Law PLLC also provides services to clients in the areas of estate planning and probate and trust administration...

Mr. Boroja focuses his practice on Probate Administration, Litigation, Estate Planning, and Elder Law. He prides himself on his comprehensive and detailed approach to each client. He works diligently to find solutions to every situation. Mr. Boroja was selected for inclusion in Michigan’s Super Lawyer list and as a Rising Star in 2016, and he has maintained this rating ever since. No more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in each state are selected by the research team to receive this honor. He performs best in high-risk, high-rewards, high-pressure systems, which makes him perfectly suited for the courtroom. Progressive,...

Josh works in the law firm’s litigation division, where he focuses on No-Fault insurance lawsuits and helps auto accident victims receive their first-party personal injury protection (PIP) benefits.

I practice all areas of criminal defense in both state and federal courts. I have a strong passion for helping our youth when they are charged with crimes. Most people that are charged with crimes have underlying issues that need to be addressed. We work closely with healthcare professionals through substance abuse counseling, mental health counseling, sexual deviancy counseling, and general counseling. Our approach is making sure the client gets their life back on track, all while helping them navigate their legal challenges through their court case. I love what I do. I thoroughly enjoy working with people through their...

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...

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.

Michael Z. Zavier PLC is a specialized practice, dedicated to providing victims of all types of personal injury, as well as employment and civil rights cases with dignified, personalized and professional legal representation. Without any advertising, the goal has been to build a thriving, highly successful practice by performing high quality work and developing an excellent reputation within the legal community and with clients. Nearly all of the firm's clients are referred by past or existing clients and by other attorneys and law firms.

I am a shareholder at Rhoades McKee, P.C. I help individuals and businesses facing real estate disputes, land development challenges, condemnation, real estate transactions and construction matters achieve their objectives through a defined and realistic strategy. I can provide a detailed understanding of the emerging legal issues in green building and the LEED rating system. I am the only attorney in West Michigan that has achieved the LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) designation through the United States Green Building Council, and an environmental certification from Green Advantage®. I understand the issues faced by those individuals and businesses in the real...

Practicing law has been a long-term goal for me ever since participating in a mock trial exercise in middle school. With that goal in mind, I pursued a degree in political science at Grand Valley State University with the intent of going to law school immediately following my undergraduate studies. I graduated cum laude from Michigan State University College of Law and joined the team at Kraayeveld Law.

I have always had a passion for working with kids. Throughout my time in college and law school, I worked as a high school marching band instructor and as a recreational gymnastics coach....

JENNIFER FERRO is an associate with WACHLER & ASSOCIATES, P.C. She graduated with Distinction from the University of Michigan in 2004. Ms. Ferro graduated Cum Laude from Wayne State University Law School in 2008 and was nominated to the Order of the Coif. While in law school, Ms. Ferro was also a senior member of the Moot Court program. Ms. Ferro practices in all areas of healthcare law and devotes a substantial portion of her practice to representing providers in the Medicare and other third party payor audit appeals process. Ms. Ferro is a member of the American Bar Association...

Ivan is a dedicated Divorce and Family Law attorney that works diligently to fight for fairness for Men and Fathers. He is proud of his affiliation with the American Divorce Association for Men (ADAM).

Experienced criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor. Also experienced in consumer protection matters, such as debt defense, creditor harassment, and fair credit reporting issues.

Clay Wittman served 26 years in the Active Duty US Air Force, retiring as a Colonel in 2009. He is now "retired" in Grand Rapids. He has "been around the block" a few times and knows what it means to serve others. As a Lawyer, Clay Wittman takes a very limited number of clients, so that he can serve those few clients with the care and attention they deserve. Clay is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and the Western Michigan Law School. He graduated Law School Magna Cum Laude and...

Drawing on nearly 20 years of experience, Rod is committed to helping families, small businesses, and nonprofit corporations succeed by providing the best possible legal services in a timely manner and with the greatest possible attention to the details that support client success and satisfaction. Rod has been acknowledged for delivering win-win outcomes in corporate litigation. He has a history of successfully negotiating settlements based upon sound and resourceful pretrial strategies, and winning dismissals in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies. Rodâs thorough knowledge of courts, nonprofit corporations, and closely held businesses arises from...

My law office understands that when people hire an attorney, they are often experiencing very stressful situations. These people need someone who cares about them. As your lawyer, I make sure you receive high-quality legal services, but also the support and resources you deserve. I take the time to listen to your concerns and utilize my considerable skills and experience on your behalf.

For forty years K. Alexander of Alexander & Associates, P.C., has been providing expert legal assistance in diverse practice areas of Criminal law, Home Mortgage Defense and Real Estate law.

Overview: What our legal practice offers
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Jennifer Salvatore is a partner at Salvatore Prescott, PLLC and an AV-rated lawyer, which is the highest Martindale Hubble peer review ranking for ethics and legal ability. She practices in the areas of employment, civil rights, and business litigation and represents a wide range of individuals in difficult employment transitions, including executives and other professionals in employment and contract disputes. Jennifer has a particular interest in sex discrimination cases, and has handled many high profile matters involving sex harassment and other gender issues. She also has a busy practice representing students, including in Title IX litigation and internal...

William A. Lamb is an estate planning and elder law attorney in Chelsea, Michigan. Bill and his wife Amy live in Chelsea with their three daughters.

Loren Dickstein is an aggressive, intelligent and effective criminal defense attorney in Southeastern Michigan. He is well respected by prosecutors and judges. His excellent reputation and advanced trial skills often result in resolutions to cases that other lawyers could not achieve. He deeply cares about his clients and always returns calls. Fields of practice Include: > State and federal criminal offenses (misdemeanors and felonies) > Traffic cases (traffic infractions, reckless driving, accidents, etc...) > OWI (drunk driving) > Child neglect/abuse defense/allegations > Domestic Violence > PPO's (Personal Protection Orders) > Driver License Restoration > Professional Licensing Complaints based upon criminal allegations. > Petitions for Removal of...