Brian R. Watkins

Lawrence (Larry) J. Buckfire is the managing partner and lead trial attorney at Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. The Michigan personal injury law firm has six attorneys who specialize in serious injury, accident, and medical malpractice cases. The firm represents clients throughout the State of Michigan, and has offices in both Southfield and Ann Arbor. Lawrence earned his undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Michigan in 1986 and his juris doctor degree from Wayne State Unive...

John S. Artz, a partner with Dickinson Wright PLLC has more than twenty-five years of experience and practices in all areas of intellectual property litigation. He also has extensive experience with the acquisition, management, and prosecution of patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret assets. He serves and has served as lead counsel for many companies in federal courts across the country, including the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. John also has served as lead counsel in 25+ IPRs ...

Shawn Strand is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Shawn practices law in Ann Arbor, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized Shawn Strand since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Shawn Strand is held by other lawyers.

Thomas J. Vitale is a litigator and business lawyer whose practice centers on the construction, manufacturing, and real estate industries. He represents clients in both state and federal courts in a wide range of commercial disputes and also serves as outside counsel to businesses across Michigan. Tom regularly works with national and local construction companies on litigation and contract matters. His experience includes handling lien and bond notices/filings, negotiating construction agreem...

Paul R. Fransway concentrates his practice on franchise, distribution, trademark and unfair competition law. He serves as primary franchise counsel for a number of national franchisors, and he helps them comply with disclosure and registration requirements under the Federal Trade Commission and various state laws. Mr. Fransway is also an expert in all aspects of franchise contract enforcement, including covenants not to compete, trademark infringement, and post-termination remedies, both in c...

Joseph R. Morrison, Jr. is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Corporate Law. Joseph R. practices law in Ann Arbor, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized Joseph R. Morrison, Jr. since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Joseph R. Morrison, Jr. is held by other lawyers.

Julia A. Perkins is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Julia A. practices law in Novi, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized Julia A. Perkins since 2018. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Julia A. Perkins is held by other lawyers.

Colleen Shevnock has extensive experience as counsel to banks and other institutional lenders in commercial lending matters. She is accomplished in the negotiation and documentation of all types of loan transactions, from single-bank middle market credit facilities to lead counsel to agent bank in multibank, syndicated credit facilities, including secured and unsecured credits, leveraged buyouts, construction lending, foreign currency facilities and letters of credit. Ms. Shevnock has served ...

Daniel L. Buckfire earned his undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Michigan Business School in 1989.Mr. Buckfire was Phi Beta Kappa and graduated in the top 10% of his class. He graduated cum laude from the prestigious University of Michigan Law School in 1991 and has been engaged in the private practice of law since his successful completion of the bar exam. Daniel L. Buckfire specializes in Michigan car accident cases, no-fault insurance claims, dram shop liability, and...

Jordan Schreier represents clients in the area of ERISA, employee benefits and executive compensation. His practice primarily involves advising profit and nonprofit employers on planning and compliance issues involving all aspects of employee benefits, including welfare benefits, qualified retirement and other deferred compensation plans. His experience includes counseling on executive compensation programs, controlled group planning, participation in multiemployer fringe benefits funds and w...