Erik VanderWeyden

Bethany Sweeny is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Bethany, who practices law in Birmingham, Michigan, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Bethany is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mark Filipp, shareholder and director at Kemp Klein, has over 30 years of litigation experience. During his career he has been involved in a broad range of business disputes, with extensive experience defending companies in employment litigation cases filed in state and federal courts throughout Michigan, as well as employment claims before the EEOC and MDCR. He also has significant experience defending companies, directors, and officers against claims of shareholder oppression, breach of fid...

Mr. Gonway specializes in real estate, mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, family offices and secured lending. His experience includes the acquisition, financing, construction, development and leasing of all types of commercial real estate (with particular expertise in multi-family housing), as well as the representation of clients in all aspects of corporate law, mergers and acquisitions and commercial transactions, including complex franchise acquisitions and private equity s...

Andrea DeFrain has moved to of-counsel status after practicing since 1981 and as a member of the Bodman High Net Worth Practice Group since 2005. Ms. DeFrain concentrated her practice in the areas of estate planning, estate and gift taxation, and probate administration. During her career, she was an adviser to individuals and families on a variety of personal and related tax matters. She continues to participate in the firm’s representation of certain clients. In addition, Ms. DeFrain h...

Sara K. MacWilliams is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Sara K., who practices law in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sara K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael J. Lusardi provides counsel to companies and individuals in the acquisition, disposition, leasing, development, construction, and financing of office, retail, industrial, mixed-use, and residential projects throughout the United States. He frequently works as real estate counsel for corporate clients, representing them in the acquisition, development, and leasing of real estate and assisting in day-to-day real estate affairs. Prior to joining Dickinson Wright, Michael practiced in Kat...

Mark’s practice primarily focuses on patent preparation and prosecution in the mechanical and electromechanical arts. Mark works with domestic clients and Multinational Corporations based in Asia and Europe. He works with clients in various industries, including automotive, consumer products, computer and display panel technology, and commercial/construction equipment. Mark’s practice extends beyond patent prosecution and includes global patent portfolio development, technical des...

Mahesh K. Nayak concentrates his practice in litigation and business law. He regularly engages in international and cross-border matters. Prior to joining private practice in 1999, Mahesh served both as Assistant Attorney General with the Michigan Attorney General's Office and as a criminal prosecutor with the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office in Detroit, Michigan. Mahesh had the advantage of trying many cases at a young age. Corporate Counsel Mahesh serves as a trusted advisor to business own...

Ken Sachs is the Chair of Bodman’s Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Practice Group and is based in the firm’s Troy and Detroit offices. He has over 20 years of experience advising clients regarding their employee benefit plans, executive benefit programs and business planning. He also represents public and private entities concerning their corporate, fiduciary, and governance responsibilities. He designs, drafts, and establishes retirement plans, welfare plans, medical...

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