Dowling Personal Injury Lawyers

A staunch champion of injury victims throughout her career, Kira Damusis has a wealth of pre-litigation and litigation experience which she gained working as an attorney at a number of Detroit area law firms before joining The Smith Law Offices, where she has brought her expertise in handling automobile accidents, premises liability, dog bites, and has further expanded into family law, bankruptcy, debt negotiation and collections.

Kira first entered the world of personal injury practice before becoming licensed to practice working as a law clerk while she studied for the Michigan State Bar Exam. With both personal and professional experience of...

Born and raised in St. Joseph, Bob Ehrenberg attended St. Joseph Public Schools before earning both his undergraduate and law degrees from Valparaiso University, Indiana, graduating with honors. At Valparaiso, he earned a varsity letter in swimming, and served as president of Gamma Chi Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon, Student Senate treasurer and Business Editor of the Valparaiso University Law Review.

Bob’s legal practice focuses on all aspects of personal injury law, including motor vehicle collisions, truck accidents, insurance claims, premises liability, animal attacks, product liability and other injury cases.

Bob was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 1978, and...

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.

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...

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.

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...

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.

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...

For over 30 years, the Hamo Law Firm has provided excellent counsel specializing in negotiation and litigation of wrongful death, serious injuries, and matters involving personal or business disagreements. Getting the results their clients want is why the Hamo Law Firm is consistently referred clients by other attorneys. “The best accomplishments are the success stories we achieve for our clients,” says attorney George Hamo. “We are committed to turn the tables in favor of our clients, and we truly care about them.” The Hamo Law Firm is dedicated to see that clients receive proper compensation and works passionately...

Daniel L. Buckfire earned his undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Michigan Business School in 1989, where he was Phi Beta Kappa and graduated in the top 10% of his class. In 1991, he graduated cum laude from the prestigious University of Michigan Law School. Daniel specializes in Michigan car accident cases, no-fault insurance claims, dram shop liability, and general negligence cases. He is rated as a "Superb" lawyer by the top internet lawyer rating service and "Best Personal Injury Lawyer" by a Detroit business magazine. Daniel's adept knowledge of these areas of law has resulted in...

Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science degree in political science in 1991 from Michigan State University where she gave the commencement address upon graduation. She earned her Juris Doctor degree in 1994 from the University of Detroit – Mercy School of Law where she was a member of the Law Review. Jennifer is admitted to practice law in the State of Michigan and the United States District Court of the Eastern and Western District of Michigan. She is an experienced trial attorney and concentrates her practice in many areas of civil rights litigation, including sexual abuse, police misconduct, and wrongful prisoner...

Alyssa Orseck Moss earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Affairs from Lafayette College. Thereafter, she earned her Juris Doctorate degree in 1993 from Michigan State University’s College of Law. A third-generation trial attorney, Moss joined Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. in 2017 and brings over 25-plus years of extensive legal experience. Moss is an experienced trial attorney, representing those who have been injured as a result of all types of accidents, including car accidents, motorcycle accidents and bicycle accidents.

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...

Graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor's of Science in Behavioral Science with an emphasis in Criminal Justice.
Graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Was member of the Dean's List. Studied abroad in Australia and New Zealand.
Paralegal for The Law Office of Craig A. Jenison (6 years)
Prior Litigation Support Analyst for Varnum (2 years)
Prior internship with Ottawa County Prosecutor's Office: assisted prosecution with a cold case murder trial
Prior internship with Kent County Prosecutor's Office Juvenile Division
Established and ran her own law office following graduation for six months before accepting a position as Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Oceana...

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...

I began my legal career working for the Workers Compensation Appellate Commission, a body of judges appointed by the governor to hear workers compensation appeals. While working at the commission I gained valuable insight into what proofs are required to win all types of litigated workers compensation cases. This valuable knowledge gives me the edge when representing my clients. From the Appellate Commission I went to work for a prominent insurance defense firm in Grand Rapids, MI., defending big business from claims submitted by everyday hardworking Michigan employees. Not happy with what I saw, I left...

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,...

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.

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...

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.

Eric Steinberg graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor in Business Administration in 2001. After graduating, he worked as a financial consultant in Chicago. Not satisfied with spending his days in the financial field, Eric turned to the law. He attended the Chicago-Kent College of Law and earned a law degree in 2006. While receiving his legal education, Eric worked in the employment discrimination law clinic at Chicago-Kent, helping victims of discrimination receive just compensation and peace of mind. Eric joined the Law Offices of Lee B. Steinberg, P.C. full time in 2006. As a member of the Michigan...

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...

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.

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 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.

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...

Harold Leo Emelander was raised in Newaygo, Michigan. After graduating from Newaygo High School, he attended Grand Valley State University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. He then went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2006. To further his education he then moved to Florida where he attended The University of Florida College of Law and received his LLM in Taxation in 2007. Mr. Emelander began his legal career in Miami, Florida at an accounting firm. He utilized his degree in taxation law by advising clients on individual,...

Growing up in Genesee County during the 1980's and 1990's really shaped my desire to work for the middle class and blue color sections of society for it was these sections that I most frequently saw receiving unfair treatment. As far back as a Freshman in high school, I remember being forced to play on substantially inferior softball fields, with uniforms that were riddled with holes, while the male students had new uniforms, pristine fields and the most up to date equipment. This unfair and illegal disparity in treatment between the genders has carried on into my adult...

After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan, Beth Bernstein attended Northwestern University School of Law where she participated in various community outreach projects. In choosing a career in the law, Beth aspired to honor the legacy and special relationship she had with her grandmother, Estelle. Estelle was one of the first women lawyers in the state of Michigan. Estelle was creative, smart, independent, witty, artsy, fun, and full of life. Estelle was a true inspiration and role model for all women. By observing her dad, Beth witnessed and experienced the joy that comes from the practice of...

My practice has primarily specialized in representing seriously injured persons in Michigan since 1991. We handle all car accidents, dog attacks, slip and falls which have caused serious personal injuries. We have expanded our litigation expertise into suing banks, debt collectors, debt buyers and credit reporting agencies who defraud or otherwise harm consumers. One of our primary areas of practice is restoring the good credit of identity theft victims or individuals with mixed up credit files. It is our goal to ensure that our clients are able to enforce all their rights against the Insurance and Banking Industry.
We...

Attorney Tim Klisz is a full service lawyer for over 20 years in metro Detroit. Assisting individuals and small businesses in the following areas: personal injury, car accidents, wrongful death, criminal law, probate and estate planning, real estate law and collections. Free phone consultation available for any area of law.

Joseph Engerer received his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law and a Bachelor of Science in political science from Grand Valley State University. He worked as a litigator in the insurance defense field representing several major carriers before joining the offices of Helmkamp, Ellis, and Abraham in 2017. This experience has given him valuable insight in handling cases against large and often powerful insurance companies. Joseph clerked for the Michigan Supreme Court and worked in the state legislature prior to becoming an attorney.

Mr. Engerer’s areas of practice include personal injury, civil litigation, contracts, real...

Christopher Frayer earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Northwood University in 1991. He later earned his Juris Doctor degree in 2001 from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Chris joined the firm in February 2024 and focuses primarily on medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, birth injury, civil rights, and governmental claims. Before joining Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C., Chris served as a medical malpractice attorney at a firm in metro Detroit. He previously represented healthcare companies, professionals, and corporate clients litigating medical malpractice cases in state and federal courts.