Avoca Lawyers

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.

I take a hands on approach to my clients. When you call in to this firm, you will speak with me. You will have your questions answered by an attorney and no one else. I will never have a paralegal call you back or answer your question. I understand that filing bankruptcy, being charged with a crime, or filing for divorce can be terrifying and nerve wracking. I understand you want a straight and correct legal answer to your questions. That is why I make myself available to you. I will return you phone calls within 24 hours (right away...

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...

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...

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...

Alan T. Ackerman is the managing partner of Michigan-based Ackerman & Ackerman, P.C. Alan has been aggressively fighting for the rights of displaced and undercompensated condemnation and eminent domain victims for more than 30 years. Over the past three decades, he and his firm have tried 45 monetarily significant cases at both the state and federal level which have resulted in Just Compensation each exceeding the original offer by more than $1 million. He has been an adjunct professor teaching eminent domain law at the University of Detroit Law School since 1983, and now serves as an adjunct professor at Michigan State...

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.

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,...

David has practiced law in the Michigan for over 24 years. He joined the firm of Donald E. McGinnis, Jr., J.D., P.C. in September 1999. Prior to his admission to the State Bar of Michigan, he attended both Michigan State University and Elmira College, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. David then went on to attend the Detroit College of Law where he graduated Magna Cum Laude earning his Juris Doctorate degree. David has concentrated his practice in the broad spectrum of felony and misdemeanor criminal defense law and specializes in driver's license restoration. David has amassed great expertise and...

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...

I am a licensed attorney in the state of Michigan, who practices criminal and family law in Genesee County and Metro Detroit. I am an experienced attorney that consistently wins favorable outcomes for clients across southeast and mid-Michigan.

Marisa is an attorney at Varnum providing support across several practice areas. As a member of the Litigation Practice Team, she focuses her practice on commercial business disputes and general litigation matters, including contract disputes, business torts and construction or property-related issues. Marisa also supports the firm’s Privacy and Mobility Practice Team, working with children’s privacy issues and helping clients address regulatory and compliance challenges in the evolving mobility sector. Within the Family Law Practice Team, Marisa has experience with cases involving divorce, custody disputes, minor guardianships, stepparent adoptions and parental rights termination. She is actively building a fertility law practice,...

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...

Don’t take a risk in court. Roberto Bihar and his skilled, dedicated team will fight for you. Whether you need criminal defense, have a probate issue, or are facing a DUI charge, we are ready to protect your rights. With over 1,000 criminal cases in 10 years, we have the knowledge and experience to successfully represent you. We are proud to serve clients in communities throughout Holly, Clarkston, White Lake, and Waterford Township, MI, and beyond.

When you come to The Law Offices of Stuart Lee Sherman, you can have confidence that your case can receive the help you need from an estate planning lawyer in Oakland County. Attorney Sherman has earned his highly-respected reputation, and he is ready to stand beside you and support you today. He attended Indiana University in Bloomington, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree. From there, he went on to earn his Juris Doctorate at Wayne State University, before continuing on in his education and receiving his LL.M. in Taxation from New York University School of Law. Attorney Sherman has a...

Representative cases: $1.9 Million settlement - Trip and fall down defective stairway causing spinal cord injury. $610,000.00 jury verdict - Contractor left open hole at worksite causing fractured ankle. $535,000.00 jury verdict - Car crash causing head injury. $1,500,000.00 jury verdict - No fault claims for injured child. $195,000.00 settlement - Slip and fall on ice at hotel causing fractured foot. $150,000 settlement - Slip and fall on clear water at restaurant causing rotator cuff tear.

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...

Attorney Shiraz K. Khan is a licensed Attorney and Counselor admitted to practice law in the State of Michigan, admitted to practice in the United States District Court - Eastern District of Michigan, a member of the State Bar of Michigan and registered with the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) under the United States Department of Justice. Attorney Shiraz Khan stands firmly for justice. He has been featured on CBS In The Morning and interviewed for CNN Newsroom with Brooke Baldwin. His legal opinions and statements have been cited in various articles of the New York Times, the...

Ashley graduated from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2019, and went on to pass the bar as a first-time test taker. Ashley has a strong passion for Family and Criminal law and began her legal career as an intern at the Genesee County Courthouse in the Criminal/Civil Division, before moving on to become a Judicial Law Clerk for the Family Division – after which she entered practice and went on to establish Birka Law PLLC.

Mr. Karian has represented individuals and businesses throughout the United States in complex federal and state matters, audits and appeals, income tax, payroll tax and sales tax issues.
He is a veteran attorney who is also highly proficient in bankruptcy and estate planning. Mr. Karian obtained his Master of Laws in Taxation from New York University, annually ranked as the top tax law program in the country.
Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Karian served as CEO of a large national health and wellness company. He brings unique experience that has proved invaluable to individuals, business owners and...

Robert M. Meisner has been a practicing attorney since 1969 and is the founding member of the community association law firm, The Meisner Law Group, P.C., in Bingham Farms, Michigan. Mr. Meisner is a Fellow of and Michigan’s first inductee into Community Association Institute’s College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL). He has been selected in multiple years as a Michigan Super Lawyer by Thomson Reuters, has been selected in multiple years as a Top Metro Detroit Attorney in the field of Condominium Law and Real Estate Law by DBusiness Journal, and has been honored as one of only 30...

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

Born Detroit, Michigan, December 14, 1942; Admitted to Bar 1969, Michigan,
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit,U.S. Supreme Court; 1970, District of Columbia; 1996, Ohio.
University of Michigan (B.A., 1965); Wayne State University, 1965-6 MBA Program, Wayne State University School of Law (J.D., 1969)
Member:; Oil Spill Response Plan
Negotiation Committee to Develop Federal Regulations Pursuant to
The Oil Pollution Act of 1990;
Certified by the State of California as an Environmental Assessor;
Lecturer, Master of Science Program, Hazardous Waste Management,
Wayne State University;
Guest lecturer HAZWOPER course Wayne State University 2014
Member: The District of Columbia Bar;...

John Kelsey is a shareholder at Goldberg, Persky & White, P.C and has represented hard-working men and women who are victims of asbestos exposure for over 20 years. Mr. Kelsey began his career as an assistant prosecuting attorney and his extensive trial experience led him to Goldberg, Persky, & White, where he put his skills to work representing those suffering from lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-caused diseases. John Kelsey manages the firm’s Indiana asbestos docket and assists in the firm’s Michigan asbestos docket. Mr. Kelsey is a Top 10 Asbestos/Mesothelioma Trial Lawyer and a top 100 Trial Lawyer recognized...

Andrea has over a decade of courtroom experience in civil, criminal, family law, and juvenile matters. She devoted a significant portion of her caseload to tackling family law matters, helping her clients face the complex family court systems and working hard to resolve their family issues. She understands that family law matters are emotional and often stressful. Her goal is always to provide compassionate, caring representation that keeps in mind her clients’ best interests. Through her dedicated advocacy, she gives her client a voice and makes sure their side of the story is hear through the legal system.