Charles M. "Chuck" Lax

Scott R. Torpey is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Scott R., who practices law in Southfield, Michigan, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Scott R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brandon joined Christensen Law in 2023, taking on a full docket of matters both in early investigation and heading into trial. A 10-year veteran litigator with a successful record of winning verdicts and settlements, he brings extensive experience to the team. As a trial attorney, he considers himself fair but aggressive in defending plaintiff’s rights. Open, honest communication throughout the process is essential to building client trust and productive relationships, he believes. He e...

Mr. Larsen is vice chair of Bodman's Executive Committee and a member of the firm's High Net Worth Practice Group. He represents individual clients and financial institutions in the areas of estate planning, estate and trust administration, trust litigation, estate and gift tax, real estate transactions, the purchase, sale and lease of aircraft and watercraft, and closely-held business transactions and succession. Mr. Larsen has been named 2016 "Lawyer of the Year" for Litigation- Trusts and ...

Mr. Raphelson focuses his practice on commercial litigation particularly related to the automotive industry, and intellectual property litigation. He also dedicates a substantial amount of time to general commercial cases such as contract disputes, finance and banking litigation, corporate governance and dissolution, dealer and franchise termination, and other corporate law disputes. He is a former member of the State Bar of Michigan’s Ad Hoc Committee on Legislation, ex-officio chairma...

Bonnie Sherr represents financial institutions in lending transactions, including the structuring, negotiation, and documentation of commercial and real estate facilities. She has particular expertise in asset-based loan originations, including loans secured by aircraft, acquisition financing, construction and land development loans, end mortgage loans, and multi-currency, multi-rate loans. She also advises financial institutions on lender liability issues. Ms. Sherr has significant experienc...

Mr. Kemsley represents banks, financial institutions, mortgage lenders and servicers, and other corporations in complex business and corporate litigation, including the defense of class actions. Mr. Kemsley has defended individual and class cases involving claimed violations of state consumer protection and deceptive practices laws, and federal laws and regulations including truth-in-lending laws. He has defended many large law firms in cases involving claims of legal malpractice and other mi...

Michael R. Nye is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Patent Law. Michael R., who practices law in Detroit, Michigan, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Emily M. Mayer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Emily M., who practices law in Southfield, Michigan, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Emily M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

James Plemmons provides counsel to secured lenders, unsecured lenders, bankruptcy trustees, debtors, shareholders, and investor groups in all nature of bankruptcy, restructuring, and workout proceedings, including corporate and individual reorganization and liquidation proceedings. He has represented insurance companies such as Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Travelers Insurance Company and Nationwide Insurance Company with regard to workout, foreclosure and bankruptcy matters. I...

Ralph E. McDowell assists clients primarily in the areas of commercial bankruptcy, debtors’ and creditors’ rights, and workouts. He has represented the interests of banks and other financial institutions in pre-bankruptcy workout situations, commercial bankruptcy cases, and troubled credit situations. His work with banks and financial institutions includes representation in court proceedings, sale of debt transactions, foreclosures, liquidation of assets, and forbearance arrangeme...