Luzerne Lawyers

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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.

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,...

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...

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...

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...

Matthew M. Walton P.C. focuses primarily on criminal cases and family law. However, my firm handles a variety of related legal area including probate planning, contract and business-related matters, personal injury, etc.

I represent clients who have been charged with drug possession, drunk driving, minor in possession, marijuana offenses, all types of assault charges, criminal sexual conduct, larceny, probation violations, juvenile offenses and many more. I will explain what the charges mean and what you can expect based upon your particular circumstances.

I have represented hundreds of divorce clients, from the simple to the most complex cases. I also represent...

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.

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...

Erin R. Solaiman (Erin Randall) is a senior partner at Schock Solaiman Ramdayal, PLLC, with several years of experience in Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate, Trust Administration, Wealth Preservation, and Veteran’s Benefits. Prior to founding Schock Solaiman Ramdayal, PLLC, Erin R. Solaiman earned her Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University and her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Erin’s career focuses on Elder Law and Estate Planning. For the past several years, she has been representing individuals and families while guiding them through some of the most difficult times of their lives. Erin’s...

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....

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

Lawrence Kajy is the founder and managing attorney at the Kajy Law Firm, PLLC. He earned his undergraduate degree from Wayne State University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. While at UDM Law, Lawrence was a member of the school’s Law Review program, in which he published The Future of Michigan’s No-Fault Act: Assessing the Devastating Impact of Change, and was also a member of the school’s Moot Court program, where he achieved a Pass with Distinction in the G. Mennen Moot Court Competition. He received book awards for the...

Ray's practice is mainly involved with divorce, custody, alimony and collections. Raymond Pater was born in the Netherlands and is one of eight children. After his family immigrated to the United States, and although of modest means, six of his siblings attended college and two went on to obtain PhDs, later becoming college professors. An older sister never attended high school, but was admitted to college because of a nearly illegible transcript and ironically went on to become a high school teacher. While attending grade school and high school, Ray worked in the family business selling eggs and chickens...