Tawas City Lawyers

Patrick Derkacz grew up in Warren, Michigan where he attended public school. He graduated from Warren Mott High school in 1984 where he played football. He then went to Eastern Michigan University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry in 1988. After graduation he worked as an analytical chemist for the Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical Research Division in Ann Arbor, Michigan for several years.

Mr. Derkacz went back to law school at the Detroit College of Law (now Michigan State University Law School) in 1990. He graduated from DCL with Honors in 1993. While in Law School he participated in the...

My practice is focused on estate planning, family law, and probate. I assist clients with various matters such as preparing trusts and wills, estate planning administration, guardian and conservatorship, health care directives, divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and prenuptial agreements.

Mr. Samouris has been a part of the winning criminal defense team at Grabel & Associates for over a decade. During that time he has gotten favorable results for clients in an endless list of types and degrees of criminal offenses in counties all over the state of Michigan. Mr. Samouris credits his success with his client’s criminal cases to his thorough preparation and hardworking attitude. At Grabel & Associates, we understand being prepared is half the battle when getting the best possible results for our clients. Meticulous preparation along with exceptional knowledge and application of the laws that apply...

Raymond A. Harris is a shareholder with Buhl, Little, Lynwood & Harris, PLC in East Lansing, Michigan. He practices in the areas of estate planning, elder law, probate and trust administration and litigation, guardianships and conservatorships, special needs planning, and Medicaid planning. Raymond is licensed to practice in both Michigan and Florida. He is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and serves on the board of directors for the Michigan NAELA chapter. Raymond is a frequent speaker and author on topics relating to Medicaid planning, special needs planning, elder law, probate,...

Meet Hannah Roberts, a formidable defender of justice specializing in criminal defense. Armed with a Bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University in 2015, she honed her legal skills at Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a concentration in Litigation. As a proud member of the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, Hannah's commitment to her craft shines brightly. She gained invaluable experience interning at the William Booth Legal Aid Clinic, the Family Law Assistance Project, and under Judge Maureen McGinnis at the 52-4 District Court in Troy. With specialized training in litigation, Hannah navigates the complexities...

Derek Howard was a longtime Judicial Staff Attorney in Oakland County’s Business Court. In 2019, Derek launched his own business law firm and has quickly enjoyed a string of business litigation success, including multiple cases featured in legal publications. Derek has also published articles on various topics including, software disputes, fraud, and mediation. In 2023, Derek teamed up with Joseph Doerr and Sara MacWilliams to form a firm that offers clients a deeper bench of expertise and legal support, while maintaining the individualized, attentive service the partners are known for. Doerr MacWilliams Howard PLLC offers highly skilled, personalized legal services...

Wedad Ibrahim is an attorney in our correctional practice group where she focuses on defending correctional medicine physicians and mid-level practitioners in civil rights and medical malpractice cases, practicing both in federal and state court. Wedad also has experience in litigating consumer protection cases and advocating in employment discrimination cases.

Wedad was a graduate of Michigan State University College of Law in May of 2017. While in law school, Wedad was the recipient of multiple oral advocacy awards and competed on the law school’s Trial, Negotiation, and Mediation competition teams. She served as the President of the Middle Eastern Law Student...

Ron has achieved received a significant number of notable high-profile acquittals and dismissals for physicians and health care entities facing allegations of improper prescribing and health care fraud.

Ron is the managing shareholder of Chapman Law Group’s Michigan Office and represents clients nationally in the areas of health care fraud and abuse, federal investigations, DEA registration matters, and physician licensing defense. As a former prosecutor, Ron also has a significant amount of experience dealing with state and federal agencies during high-level criminal investigations, criminal trials, and administrative proceedings.

In his most recent trial, United States v. Dr. A, two physicians were...

I have been practicing for over thirty-five years. My practice is limited to specializing in issues concerning disability, estate, probate, long term care, nursing home, Veterans, Medicaid and special needs planning. I am the immediate past President/Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Alzheimer’s Association - Greater Michigan Chapter (after having served for the last 6 years) and member of the Association's executive committee and an Assembly Delegate to Alzheimer’s Association – National Chapter, Chicago, Illinois. I am also a Member of National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and have been listed since 1991 in...

I am Michael Cronkright, the owner and founder of Cronkright Law, PLLC. I represent parents, daycare workers, foster parents and other license holders against false allegations. Because of that, I practice criminal defense, family law, CPS defense and administrative law. I hold firmly to the belief that every parent, every criminal defendant and every person accused or suspected of misconduct deserves the best possible defense. Our legal system seems to be trending toward treating the accused poorly and lowering the quality of defense. Unfortunately, many clients are represented poorly by attorneys who don’t give them the time and...

Shannon Smith is one of the most respected attorneys in Michigan. She is known for her zealous and effective representation of clients facing allegations of criminal sexual conduct and child abuse throughout the state. Shannon has represented numerous men, women and juveniles accused of sex crimes and child abuse. She also has extensive experience representing parents who face termination of their parental rights after allegations of sex abuse have been made.

Attorney John Little is an accomplished attorney and the founder of Little & Boylan PLLC. He practices in a variety of areas including criminal defense, business law, and real estate law. Mr. Little is a member of the American Bar Association, the Oakland County Bar Association, and the Incorporated Society of Irish American Lawyers. He earned his J.D. from Wayne State University in 2001 and is admitted to practice in Michigan and the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan. When representing clients, Mr. Little is dedicated to developing winning strategies and achieving positive results.

Originally from northern Michigan, graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Pre-Law from Lake Superior State University. I then attended Michigan State University College of Law, where I graduated Cum Laude. While in law school, I became an editor for the prestigious MSU Law Review. My professional memberships have included the Michigan Association for Justice, the State Bar of Michigan, as well as the Young Trial Lawyers Association. In addition to being licensed to practice in all Michigan courts, I am also licensed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan and the United...

Over three decades ago, Douglas E. Fierberg expanded his commercial trial practice in Washington D.C. to establish the only national legal practice focused on representing school violence victims and survivors nationwide. The work began on behalf of a high school student who survived brutal sexual assaults in Washington, D.C. by two assailants, and a college student hospitalized after being hazed at Omega Psi Phi Fraternity at the University of Maryland. From there, the practice went to Texas on behalf of 4 college students killed outside a fraternity house whose chapter president ignored a direct warning from the police the night...

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,...

Rachel M. Sexton has spent her entire career as an attorney representing people who find themselves in difficult financial situations. Rachel’s passion is helping people get out from underneath crushing debt and harassing creditors. She has helped hundreds of clients find solutions through bankruptcy. Whether that is saving their homes from foreclosure, getting their cars back after repossession, lowering their car payments, eliminating credit card debt, or dealing with overwhelming IRS debt. Rachel chose to practice bankruptcy because she enjoys helping people in some of the most stressful times of their lives. Rachel’s goal is to help clients move toward...

Lee Hornberger is a member of the National Academy of Arbitrators. He is a former Chair of the SBM Alternative Dispute Resolution Section, Editor Emeritus of The Michigan Dispute Resolution Journal, former member of the SBM Representative Assembly, former President of the Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association, and former Chair of the Traverse City Human Rights Commission. He is a member of the Professional Resolution Experts of Michigan (PREMi), an invitation-only group of Michigan’s top mediators, and a Diplomate Member of The National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. He is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a Fellow of the...

I began my legal career in Los Angeles practicing financial restructuring and corporate bankruptcy. I started off with a small boutique and then went to a large national firm. I worked with all kinds of complex businesses—from Idaho to Chicago, Las Vegas to New Jersey. When my wife and I moved back to Michigan in 2011, I started a solo practice. I use my experience and expertise to advise businesses and individuals in Northern Michigan and across the country. I work directly and personally with clients in every instance. You won’t be passed off to another attorney or an assistant—I...

Josh Traeger is the Founding Attorney of both True North Legal Group and The Military Defense firm. He is a graduate of Wake Forest University (B.A. 2006) and Loyola University Chicago School of Law (J.D. 2009). After law school, Josh joined the United States Air Force and served on active duty for ten years. His primary role was as a Senior Trial Counsel, prosecuting criminal matters and handling the military's most difficult cases worldwide. After separating from active duty, Josh moved home to Northern Michigan and established two businesses. True North Legal Group is a community-centered law...

I am rated AV by Martindale Hubbell. I completed my Certificate of Completion for the Probate and Estate Planning Certificate Program in Michigan in 2010. I practiced in the area of insurance defense litigation from 1989 through 2012. I have tried over 60 civil jury cases. My practice now focuses on estate planning, probate, and trust administration.

I live in Northern Michigan, married with two adult children and a dog. I play guitar in 3 different rock n roll cover bands. I also attempt to sing...

Nick Roumel is a trial lawyer with over 30 years experience in state and federal courts. He focuses on plaintiff's employment and civil rights litigation, as well as educational law matters, such as Title IX sex harassment, assault, and retaliation, as well as serious personal injury in the educational setting. He is recognized as a Thompson-Reuters "Super Lawyer" in employment litigation, reserved for the top 5% of attorneys in that field. Mr. Roumel has represented numerous high profile athletes and artists; victims of domestic and sexual violence; and students expelled for exercising constitutional rights. He has been appointed for various matters...

Kevin has devoted his practice to representing the hardworking residents of Michigan as an experienced personal injury attorney. Bashore Green Law Group specializes in fighting for victims injured in car crashes, commercial trucking and motor vehicle accidents. His team provides excellent client service and proven results to ensure our clients receive maximum compensation. Kevin was determined to be a lawyer that helps those in need who would not otherwise have access to the court system and a fair chance. Throughout his legal career, he has achieved an impressive level of success with several high-profile cases that received local, national, and international...

Forceful advocacy. Creative solutions.

Maxwell Goss represents businesses and individuals in all stages of federal and state court litigation and provides strategic advice on intellectual property and business law matters. Max has represented clients throughout Michigan and across the country. Experienced in a broad range of matters, his practices focuses chiefly on intellectual property, non-compete, and shareholder litigation.

Licenses & Certifications: State Bar of Michigan U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit Certified Brain Injury Specialist Education: - J.D., Juris Doctor, 1978 - Detroit College of Law (now Michigan State University College of Law) - B.A., 1972 - Stanford University, Dual Major in Psychology and Journalism Additional expertise obtained from: - American Association for Justice - American Trial Lawyers Association - Brain Injury Association of Michigan - Cleary University - Eastern Michigan University - Michigan Association for Justice - Michigan Head Injury Alliance - Michigan Trial Lawyers Association - Real Estate One Academy - The Institute for Continuing Legal Education - Wayne State University School of Law Honors & Awards: - Law Review...

Mr. Serra concentrates his practice on tirelessly representing the needs of Michigan businesses and business owners. Reese Serra has counseled businesses ranging from a wide variety of industries with an expertise in representing technology clients of all sizes.
As a civil litigator, Mr. Serra has procured victories for his clients at all levels of State and Federal courts, including numerous successful appeals.

Mr. Serra focuses his practice in the areas of real estate matters, business and financial transactions, including: mergers, acquisitions and reorganizations of business entities; complex commercial and real estate lending and restructuring transactions; international business transactions; real estate sale...

Joshua Blanchard is a trial lawyer who holds a BBA in Accounting from Northwood University and a Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He operated a solo law practice representing clients in criminal trial matters throughout the state of Michigan. He has tried a number of jury trials to verdict and has obtained “not guilty” verdicts for his clients in both bench and jury trials. Mr. Blanchard is admitted to practice in Michigan state courts as well as in Federal Court for the Eastern and Western districts of Michigan. Mr. Blanchard represents people in need...

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...

When it comes to dealing with family law, it can develop into an emotional rollercoaster, bringing about a traumatic experience entering your life. With Charles P. Ferrar, he understands the stress and heartache such legal matters can be, which is why he works closely and patiently with his clients, achieving a successful resolution in each legal case. A seasoned attorney with 20 years of experience, Attorney Farrar offers a wealth of expertise in all aspects of family law. Personalizing each case to its best suit, Farrar offers free one-on-one personal consultations. From creating a full detailed evaluation towards recommending different...

I am the founder of the Michigan Law Center, P.L.L.C. located in Sterling Heights, Michigan. The practice focuses on elder law, special needs planning, Veteran’s Administration planning and settlement planning, including a national practice establishing Qualified Settlement Funds. I am involved in several national organizations. I am an Advisory Board Member of the Academy of Special Needs Planners (ASNP), served as Chair of the 6th Annual conference, in addition to being a frequent presenter at their annual conferences and webinars. I am also a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and I am serving my...

Spencer is an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney. He has a passion for identifying, developing, and creating innovative solutions in order to ensure the best possible result for each and every client. Most of all, Spencer is an effective communicator with prosecutors, opposing counsel, and judges. He takes great pride in developing a rapport with all members of the criminal justice system and legal community. When facing serious legal issues, it is vital that your attorney is available to address your concerns and, is not only willing to, but also ensures that you are educated on...

Originally raised on the shores of Lake Superior, I have been a member of the State Bar of Michigan since 1999 and the New Hampshire Bar Association since 1985. I maintain a statewide OWI defense practice in New Hampshire for 14 years but now concentrates on all types of serious Michigan criminal cases. I have conducted hundreds of administrative hearings, bench trials, and jury trials. I am licensed to practice in Michigan courts as well as the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. I...

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.

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...

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...

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...

In 2005, Katrina graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelors in Political Science. She then enrolled in Thomas M. Cooley Law School at their Grand Rapids campus. While at law school, Katrina was awarded the Certificate of Merit for her Advanced Trial Skills course. She was also on the Deans list for 4 consecutive terms. She participated in Moot Court and Mock Trial. She also did an externship with the Kent County Prosecutor’s office. After graduating law school and being sworn in to the bar, Katrina worked in a general practice firm for two years before moving to the Detroit area. Since...

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.

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...

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...

Perry graduated from Michigan State University in 1992 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. While attending Wayne State University Law School, he clerked for the Hon. Alice L. Gilbert who handled a diverse civil and criminal docket at the Oakland County Circuit Court. During that clerkship, he gained immeasurable courtroom experience assisting the judge with trials that ranged from complex contract disputes to first-degree felonies. That experience informed his decisions as an attorney and has led to a 20-plus year career working as an advocate for people in such areas as: real estate law including landlord tenant; personal injury law...