Christine L. Phillips

Ms. Sahu concentrates her practice in representing financial institutions in general commercial loan transactions and real estate transactions, including single lender, syndicated and second lien loan transactions and small business administration guaranteed loans. Ms. Sahu has extensive experience structuring, negotiating, and documenting secured and unsecured commercial loans to borrowers in a variety of industries including the technology and life science, manufacturing and service industr...

Eric Bartley specializes in complex commercial real estate finance transactions for national bank and non-bank lenders on both portfolio investments as well as investments intended for securitization in the capital markets. Specifically, Eric has served as lead counsel for clients in commercial mortgage originations – both senior and subordinate lien positions, mezzanine financing, preferred equity investments, and the related negotiation of intercreditor and participation agreements on...

Terry W. Bonnette is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management, Labor Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Terry W., who practices law in Detroit, Michigan, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Terry W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jennifer Hetu’s practice focuses on trademark law and brand protection. She advises businesses of all sizes on a wide range of trademark matters in the U.S. and international markets, collaborates with foreign law firms on worldwide trademark protection, and provides counseling regarding U.S. use and registration. She also counsels businesses in the rapidly growing cannabis industry on how to navigate trademark protection strategies in the current landscape. She is a former trademark at...

Bob has been a defense litigator for over 35 years. He has successfully tried to jury verdict numerous cases before the state and federal courts in Michigan. He focuses his practice representing employers and management in the areas of labor law and employment litigation. He also counsels companies and insurance carriers on employment rights and obligations as well as strategies that avoid lawsuits.

Michael Peterman has more than 30 years of experience as a finance and real estate attorney. He focuses his practice on real estate and commercial loan originations, real estate sales and acquisitions, and commercial leasing. He represents national and regional financial institutions in all areas of commercial lending with an emphasis on bi-lateral and syndicated real estate and construction originations and workouts, commercial and industrial asset-based loans, and international financing. I...

Dondi R. Vesprini is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants and Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Dondi 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 Dondi R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

William Kohler, founder of VELN Legal, has been recognized as a top national and international business lawyer for many years. In addition to recognition by Best Lawyers, he has been similarly recognized by several other organizations. Mr. Kohler primarily supports businesses in transactions with other businesses. He is expert in virtually all types of commercial arrangements, including those involving important supply chain relationships, manufacturing, technology, software, services, and jo...

Sarah L. Cylkowski is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Insurance. Sarah L., who practices law in Detroit, Michigan, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sarah L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mr. Shulman represents lenders in loan originations. His practice also encompasses loan workouts, contract and other general business matters, as well as counseling lenders on lender liability issues. In addition, he represents lenders acting in non-lending capacities such as trustee or escrow agent. Mr. Shulman has extensive experience representing lenders providing credit enhancements for commercial paper back-up facilities and municipal bonds and representing lenders purchasing tax exempt ...