Vermontville Lawyers

Melanie grew up in Dexter, graduating in 1996. She attended Western Michigan University for undergrad (1996-1999), majoring in political science-public law and then Michigan State University for Law School (2000-2003). After graduation and passing the bar exam she began her law practice in Grand Rapids at RizzoBryan. For the first 5 years, she practiced in the areas of both insurance defense and family law. Melanie moved back to South east Michigan and practiced primarily family law with Harris and Literski (Brighton) for over 12 years. She is a certified trained mediator. She opened MKS...

Geoffrey has been practicing law in western Michigan now — and previously in the Detroit metro area (and beyond) — since 2005. In that time, he has consulted thousands of clients, and took part in many bankruptcy cases (both Chapter 7 and 13) for individuals and small businesses and helped numerous individuals and small businesses with all their legal needs. In addition, Geoff has volunteered at Freedom House Detroit practicing immigration and asylum law, teaches test preparation classes, and tutors students for standardized tests. Geoff grew up on a dairy farm in western Michigan — in his free time he enjoys...

Evan has always shown tremendous dedication and empathy for his clients and the catastrophic issues they face. His rapid trajectory to partner is due to his hard work, excellent handling of cases and high praise from his clients. His leadership at the firm and his quick and enthusiastic handling of responsibilities have led him to be named a Partner in 2021. He handles complex cases including those heading to trial. He has experience in a wide range of personal injury cases including medical malpractice, sex abuse and harassment, auto and trucking cases. Evan is a committed attorney who fights and succeeds...

Robert graduated from Western Michigan's Thomas M. Cooley Law School Cum Laude in 2016. He has devoted his practice to personal bankruptcy since then. We help people get control of their financial life with free case evaluations, free consultations, and easy payment plans.

I am an attorney at an insurance law firm that helps clients turn claim denials or delays into payments. We are based in Brighton, MI and handle real property insurance (home, commercial, etc.) cases throughout the state. You can reach me at 734-648-8030 or find out more about our practice at https://www.mccraylawoffice.com.

I graduated summa cum laude from Michigan State University College of Law, which I attended on a full scholarship. While there, I served on two journals, worked at the Ingham County Probate Court, was a property teaching assistant, and volunteered with the Animal Legal Defense Fund. I currently volunteer...

ISAAC S. STERNHEIM is an associate attorney at The Health Law Partners, P.C. Mr. Sternheim concentrates his practice on regulatory and transactional matters including federal (Stark) and state self-referral laws, federal and state anti-kickback laws, reimbursement regulations, entity formation and healthcare-related transactional agreements.

Mr. Sternheim’s prior experience includes representing healthcare entities and individuals in contract and shareholder disputes.

Robert O. Chessman focuses his work on automobile accidents, personal injuries, wrongful death, and medical and professional malpractice. He also works as a state-certified mediator to resolve disputes in civil cases of all types. Mr. Chessman graduated from the University of Michigan Law School and holds a cum laude degree from Harvard University.

Mr. Chessman is a past president of the Muskegon County Bar Association, and is a member of the Michigan State Bar Association and the Michigan Association for Justice.

Before joining McCroskey Law, Mr. Chessman spent three and one-half years in the Peace Corps, in Togo, West Africa. He also...

Kevin has been a truck accident lawyer for close to 25 years. He litigates cases involving large commercial vehicles and semi-trucks, Michigan No-Fault laws and insurance coverage disputes. Kevin has argued complex legal issues before the Michigan Court of Appeals and achieved victories for his clients every time. Kevin has obtained millions of dollars for his injured clients and is a tenacious fighter both inside and out of the courtroom.

Ilana S. Wilenkin is a Michigan native who grew up in a family of attorneys. She always possessed a strong motivation to assist others, so she cultivated that motivation by becoming an attorney herself. She graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, with honors, in 2000.

Ms. Wilenkin joined attorney Stuart M. Feldheim at Feldheim & Wilenkin, P.C. in 2004. She became a partner at the firm in 2008. Her practice is exclusively devoted to ERISA and non-ERISA short and long-term disability claims and life insurance denials. Ms. Wilenkin is admitted to practice before the Michigan state...

Jessica Coulter earned her Bachelors in Social Policy from the James Madison College at Michigan State University. She then earned her J.D. from Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where she was awarded the Trial Advocacy Award from the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. She was actively involved in numerous trial advocacy competitions, and at the National Pretrial Competition, received the Best Brief Award. Other activities included volunteering with groups including Concerned Women for America, the Negotiations Board, the Moot Court Board and the Public Interest Law Advocates of Regent. Ms. Coulter is admitted in Michigan and the U.S. District...

I am a former prosecutor who began my legal journey as a partner at Kassab Arabo, PLLC, before transitioning to work for the government. My time at the prosecutor's office was invaluable, allowing me to hone my skills in handling criminal cases. I am committed to providing my clients, who I treat as if they were family, with the highest quality legal counsel. Fighting vigorously on their behalf is my top priority.

Jason Wapiennik was in the field of Customs law even prior to his graduation from Ave Maria School of Law in 2008. From January 2007 until September 2009, he clerked for Edmund Maciorowski, P.C., a customs law firm and since leaving there, has been in private practice at Great Lakes Customs Law. Before attending law school, Jason began his undergraduate education at Purdue University and later transferred to Loyola University Chicago. At Loyola, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science graduating magna cum laude, and with departmental honors in political science. He is a member of Alpha Sigma...

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.

ROBERT DINDOFFER has practiced in almost all areas of healthcare law but has focused his practice on regulatory and transactional matters related to healthcare practice arrangements (including captive practice arrangements), payor contracting, managed care, and audit compliance. Specializing in health care and insurance laws and related regulations, Mr. Dindoffer frequently advises clients regarding physician/practice/hospital transactions, privacy and security matters, and arrangements with payors. Mr. Dindoffer provides advice to clients regarding federal and state self-referral laws, federal and state anti-kickback laws, and information technology issues. Mr. Dindoffer counsels clients regarding the corporate practice of medicine doctrine and other related...

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...

Expert specializing in divorce, custody, child support, parenting time, spousal support, name changes, relocation, enforcement of judgments, personal protection orders, property division, and shared parenting schedules. Let my firm make this difficult time for you and your family a smoother transition. We distinguish ourselves by giving each client the respect and delicacy they deserve. The family's concerns are a primary focus of the litigation.

Associate attorney Ryan Ballard educates and empowers clients who are charged with all types of criminal charges including drunk driving, drug crimes, criminal sexual conduct, domestic violence, white collar crime, and fraud. He is passionate about guiding clients of the Barone Defense Firm through the complexities of the legal system. He is also passionate about listening to clients' concerns and worries, and talking them through possible solutions to those issues. Mr. Ballard holds a political science degree from Western Michigan University and a law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. As a law student, he worked as a judicial...

Anne Buckleitner puts her more than 30 years in government and law to work for clients in the areas of civil rights, employment law, criminal defense, facilitative mediation and neutral workplace investigations. She litigates in both federal and state courts. Anne is an accomplished litigator and counselor, an experienced problem solver, and a strong advocate. Through negotiation, litigation, and mediation, Anne identifies and obtains the best possible results for her clients. Anne makes good communication with her clients a priority.

Anne was born and raised in St. Joseph, Michigan. She spent the first chapter of her career working for the federal...

Julie A. Gafkay graduated from Michigan State University in 1992 with a dual major in criminal justice and political theory. She graduated from Whittier Law School in 1995 with honors. Her first position was in Flint, Michigan focusing on civil rights and employment discrimination. In 2003, Attorney Gafkay opened her own statewide practice in Frankenmuth, Michigan. The practice's attorneys provide a general practice to the local area providing legal services in Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, Elder Law, Business Planning, contract review, landlord/tenant issues, real estate, employment issues and other general practice areas. Attorney Gafkay has...

Michael Wooley has 23 years of experience in employment-based immigration and his practice focuses solely on immigration. Mike specializes in working with C-level corporate officers and general counsels to formulate long-term immigration plans and short-term solutions for U.S. and international companies. Mike regularly speaks on immigration topics to various professional organizations and enjoys training clients’ HR teams. His expertise encompasses non-immigrant and immigrant business visas, including PERM filings and National Interest Waivers. Mike has exceptional success defending USDOL PERM audits and interfacing with immigration-related federal agencies. He has successfully represented clients in immigration appeals and immigration court. He also assists...

Mr. Fleming obtained his Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University School of Law. Upon his admission to SIU School of Law, Mr. Fleming was granted the Dean's Scholarship, which he was able to retain for the full three years of law school. While in Law School, Mr. Fleming had the distinction of interning with the Missouri State Public Defenders office for both summers of law school. Mr. Fleming additionally holds a B.B.A. from Eastern Michigan University in Management. In his spare time, Mr. Fleming likes to volunteer within the community and play adult-league hockey.

Sunjay Sterling practices in all areas of tax and corporate law.

Tax Law

Sunjay has represented corporations, partnerships, LLCs, nonprofit organizations and individuals as a tax attorney in a wide variety of tax law matters including audit defense and resolution of tax controversies, tax compliance, tax planning, and structuring business transactions to minimize taxable impact. Sunjay Sterling is a tax attorney adept at identifying and resolving tax issues and audit risks in addition to formulating and implementing tax strategies and practical tax planning to further personal and business objectives.

Corporate/Business Law

Sunjay has represented and counseled C corporations, S corporations, general and limited partnerships,...

Attorney Symantha Heath has practiced law for over 23 years. She earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Law School in 1993 and is licensed to practice in Michigan and U.S. Federal Court. She is a member of the Michigan State Bar Association, Oakland County Bar Association, Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, and Wayne County Family Law Bar Association.

Symantha is a past president of the Wayne County Family Bar Association and was an executive board member for six years. She is also a past County Chairwoman of the WCRC and the Northville Township Trustee. She currently serves on...

Susan Elkouri is a trial lawyer, certified Collaborative Divorce Law practitioner, and certified mediator. Ms. Elkouri has practiced divorce law for over 23 years. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit Law School in 1994 and is licensed to practice in Michigan and Federal Courts.

Susan is a member of the Michigan State Bar Association, Oakland County Bar Association, Wayne County Family Law Bar Association, and the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. She is an active participant in the Michigan Family Law Certification program and a past University of Detroit Law School Moot Court Judge.

Susan Elkouri is...

Alo Legal, a boutique law firm, representing Immigration clients from all over the world. Helping reunite families since 2008.

Ron Weiner represents consumers in their claims against large corporations and insurance companies. He is a devoted advocate who assures that his clients have the same legal firepower as their opponents. Ron received his B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1983. He received his law degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 1987. Ron then became an assistant prosecuting attorney for Macomb County. He has represented plaintiffs in many personal injury cases for more than 30 years. Ron has also authored articles and presented seminars. Annually, he co-moderates the Michigan Association for Justice’s Seminar in the Snow in...

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...

Tony Chapman graduated from the University of Michigan in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education. He was awarded the Maize and Blue Scholarship, the highest honor bestowed upon a graduating senior, for outstanding academic achievement and community service. Tony then graduated Cum Laude from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2006 with his Juris Doctor. He is our Senior Intake Attorney and keeps very busy interviewing and meeting with new clients every day. Tony joined the firm in 2010, and he has a vast understanding of personal injury law. He takes pride in helping our new clients...

Parisa Sadrnia is a first-generation American born from Vietnamese and Iranian parents, who immigrated to the United States in the 1970's. Parisa grew up in Troy, Michigan, and graduated from Wayne State University in 2013 with a degree in Psychology and several Dean's List honors. After completing her undergraduate studies, Parisa attended Western Michigan's Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Auburn Hills, Michigan. While in law school, Parisa received several awards and was an Academic Resource Graduate Assistant, a Teaching Assistant, an Associate Editor on Law Review, and the Editor-In-Chief of Cooley's Law Journal of Practical and Clinical Law. In addition,...

Rod Johnston is a member of the Complex Litigation Group, participating in the firm’s direct and class action litigation on behalf of those harmed as a result of wage and overtime violations and consumer fraud.

After earning his Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and MBA from Wayne State University, Rod had an extensive career in the commercial real estate industry and was responsible for various development, leasing, and investment activities. He then pursued his Juris Doctor at WMU Cooley Law School, where he also served as a student attorney in the Estate Planning Clinic before graduating magna cum laude in 2015.

George G. Burke, III is a licensed attorney in the State of Michigan and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He earned his undergraduate degree in political science from Syracuse University where he graduated cum laude in 1989. He graduated from Boston College Law School in 1992. George's practice focuses on personal injury litigation, with an emphasis on automobile negligence and Michigan no-fault insurance cases. He is a member of the Michigan Association for Justice. Email: george@buckfirelaw.com

Rob Ash is an associate in Sommers Schwartz’s Complex Litigation groups. A substantial portion of Rob’s practice is devoted to collective and class actions arising under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and similar state laws, and he appears in state and federal courts across the United States to represent employees against their corporate employers.

Rob also represents clients involved in personal injury actions and other kinds of employment disputes apart from wage and overtime abuse. Over the course of his career, he has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for people who have been seriously injured as the...

Joe Bourgon serves as the firm’s Chief Executive Officer, overseeing the firm’s operations and stewarding its continued growth and profitability. Under Joe’s guidance, Sommers Schwartz has renewed its focus on litigation by strengthening the Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice groups, establishing national presence and notoriety for the Mass Tort and Class Action departments, and expanding the Complex Business, Employment, and Wage & Hour Litigation practices. In addition, he has successfully spearheaded efforts to streamline various back-office functions and navigated the many challenges associated with the firm’s recent office relocation. Joe began his career in commercial banking before becoming a...