Wexford County Lawyers

I founded my own firm in 2022 following admittance into the State Bar of Michigan. I graduated from Ferris State University and Western Michigan's Cooley Law School. I have always been passionate about helping others in their time of need, so I chose estate planning as my profession. I am committed to helping clients navigate planning for the future and the uncertainty it brings. Before law school, I was an elder law and estate planning paralegal for over 10 years. My passion for that area of law drove me to become an estate planner to assist clients with all their...

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...

My practice is concentrated in representing employers and entrepreneurs in all aspects of employment and business law including severance, termination issues, non-compete disputes and in issues involving the protection of proprietary information.

I also represents employers in Fair Labor Standards Act disputes, including those with the Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division. I represent clients in complex commercial litigation regarding these issues at both the trial and appellate levels. A significant portion of my litigation experience has been in business breakups, corporate and partnership dissolutions, securities and shareholder disputes, and related valuation issues. My business litigation experience allows me to...

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.

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.

Jane A. Bassett has been practicing for over 20 years and is the principal of Bassett Law in Ann Arbor. Her practice focuses on probate, elder and disability law, LGBT law, and adoptions, including estate planning, special needs trusts, Social Security benefits, Medicaid, probate administration, vulnerable adult abuse and exploitation, and adoption. Ms. Bassett sits on council for the Elder Law and Disability Rights Section of the Michigan State Bar Association and is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Bassett Law is a firm of five attorneys, a full-time care manager, two masters...

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've focused my career on building successful businesses. Over the past decade I created several nationally recognized organizations in the technology, marketing and real estate industries. By accurately evaluating market opportunities, targeting customer needs, and developing differentiated solutions, Industry focus includes: -Law and Accounting Firms -B2B private corporations -Information Technology -Investment Banking, Venture Capital & Private Equity Selected Highlights: -Co-founder - Instadium.com -Co-founder - Website4you.com -Co-founder - GoWebBaby USA, LLC

I was a law clerk coming out of school, then a trial lawyer, then a general practice and criminal defense lawyer. My practice somehow evolved into focusing on business issues, asset protection, debt work outs, and bankruptcy. I've been practicing for 39 years. I know a little about a lot.

Thomas D. Pascaris, Esq., is CEO of Pascaris Law Firm, PLLC. He received his bachelor’s in Finance, Business administration, and a minor in Political Science from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and his Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Thomas specializes in many legal areas including Divorce, Bankruptcy, Estate Planning, and Business Formation and Transactions. Thomas holds a board seat on the City of Farmington Downtown Development Authority, and was recently selected as Dbusiness Magazine’s 30 in their 30 for 2018.

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.

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...

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.

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....

I'm a former electrical engineer who focuses on patent preparation and prosecution in the electrical and computer arts, particularly in autonomous vehicles. My technical background is computers, digital signal processing, and communications. I am a co-inventor on ten issued U.S. patents. I am currently accepting new clients.

Emily graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law Scool in 2014. Emily’s practice emphasizes in family law, including dissolutions, parenting and support issues, paternity, adoptions, and mediation. Emily regularly accepts appointments as a guardian ad litem representing the best interests of children in family law cases. Emily practice also includes general law, such as: criminal law, juvenile law, property law including land disputes and landlord tenant litigation, Wills, Power of Attorney, Emily is licensed to practice in the state of Michigan

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,...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

Mark Bank’s legal career has focused on complex matrimonial matters for more than 20 years. Every year since 2009, he has been named as one of the “Top 100 Lawyers in Michigan” by Michigan Super Lawyers. Annually, he has been listed by his peers in Best Lawyers in America as “one of the top family law attorneys” in the country, and in Michigan Super Lawyers as one of the premier family law attorneys in Michigan. He is also a Fellow in the nationally distinguished American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, where he serves as the Co-Chairperson of the Continuing Legal Education...

Kevin Kijewski is a practicing attorney and the owner of KDK Law located in Birmingham, Mich. The attorneys at KDK Law proudly serve clients throughout Metropolitan Detroit in the areas of divorce, family law, criminal defense, and civil litigation. Kijewski is committed to getting his clients results, and he is relentless to that end. He's known for the unparalleled level of energy and expertise he brings into cases, and the long lasting results he wins for his clients.

Professional Affiliations: Michigan Bar Association Wayne County Family Law Bar Association Oakland County Bar Association Livingston County Bar Association Washtenaw County Bar Association Michigan Association for Justice (formerly Michigan Trial Lawyers Association) Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan Professional Accreditations: Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rated AV (Highest possible Rating in both Legal Ability and Ethical Standards) 2005-2023 Michigan Super Lawyers 2010-2023 Family Law Certificate recipient, Institute for Continuing Legal Education (I also teach the Custody and Parenting Time segment for this program)

When consider Divorce Lawyers in Michigan make sure to choose a lawyer whose primary practice is divorce and family law and not one that dabbles in each. Robert J. Stelmock is a Divorce Lawyer that does not dabble in family law but whose practice is focused on Divorce and Family Law. Mr. Stelmock is the founder of Stelmock Law Firm, PC, also the managing attorney for the firm and is a certified mediator for divorce, custody and all family law matters. As a Divorce Lawyer, his primary practice is Family Law and Divorce. Since 1998 he...

With over 25 years of extensive experience as the founding partner of the Oliver Bell Group, attorney Alyson Oliver possesses a robust foundation for tackling intricate litigation challenges. She can assist clients nationwide with locations in both Troy, Michigan, and Dallas, Texas. Her determination, meticulous preparation, and comprehensive discovery processes have secured leadership positions in infamous cases such as Phillips CPAP, MOVEit, Exactech, and more. Oliver boasts a well-documented history of representing a diverse clientele, ranging from corporations and class action plaintiffs to individuals and the broader community. Her expertise encompasses multiple types of litigation such as: Product liability Class action litigation Mass tort...

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Oakland University (2004) Honors: Graduated Cum Laude; Dean’s List; Golden Key International Honour Society. Juris Doctor from Wayne State University (2008) St. Thomas More Legal Society, President Honors: Graduated Cum Laude Associations: Member, State Bar of Michigan Member, Federal Bar Association Member, Chaldean American Bar Association