James Swaim

Ms. Aref represents financial institutions in commercial lending transactions, including the structuring, negotiating and documenting of loan transactions, including syndicated loans, bilateral loans, subordinated loans and participations. She also has experience assisting corporate clients, including private equity firms, with borrowing and re-financing transactions, including secured and unsecured credit facilities, asset-based lending facilities, leveraged lending facilities, mezzanine fin...

Christopher A. Cornwall focuses his practice on complex Commercial and Business Litigation and Construction law. With a depth of experience in litigation, Mr. Cornwall represents corporations in business disputes, including breach of contract, tortious interference, fraud, non-compete provisions, shareholder claims and buy-sell agreements. He counsels business and private owners in real estate matters, including adverse possession, zoning issues, restrictive covenants, variances, boundary dis...

Kerry Lynn Rhoads is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Kerry Lynn, who practices law in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kerry Lynn is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

As a mediator, investigator, consultant, litigator, negotiator and arbitrator, Patricia Nemeth, Of Counsel, at Nemeth Law, P.C., which specializes in management, labor and employment law. Certified by the American Arbitration Association as a Commercial and Employment Certified Arbitrator, she is also a Certified Mediator for the International Mediation Institute and the state of Michigan. Ms. Nemeth is certified as an investigator for the Association of Workplace Investigation and ATIXA Civi...

Ms. Lentz concentrates her practice in representing high net worth individuals in estate planning, probate, and trusts. She regularly advises nonprofit and tax exempt organizations regarding obtaining and maintaining exempt status, corporate governance, and general operational issues. Ms. Lentz has been named 2016 "Lawyer of the Year" for Trusts and Estates by The Best Lawyers in America. She is listed in The Best Lawyers in America 2008-2017 under Trusts and Estates and in Michigan Super Law...

James W. Rose is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. James W., who practices law in Southfield, Michigan, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ethan R. Holtz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Construction. Ethan 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 Ethan 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...

Ms. Machnik represents financial institutions in Canada and the United States in cross-border transactions, acting on behalf of agents and lenders in multi-jurisdictional asset-based, acquisition, commercial, and equipment finance transactions involving public and private debtors. She also advises financial institutions seeking to expand their operations across the border on applicable laws, regulations, and market dynamics. Ms. Machnik holds law degrees from the United States and Canada and ...

Mr. Burgess currently serves as Dickinson Wright’s Chairman. From 2010 through 2018, Mr. Burgess served as Dickinson Wright’s Chief Executive Officer, overseeing all aspects of the Firm’s professional and business operations, strategic planning, client relations and business expansion. For more than 20 years, served as counsel to secured lenders (including banks, insurance companies, lending syndicates, administrative agents, collateral agents and loan servicers) in all aspe...