John F. Birmingham, Jr.

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.

With a practice focus on Banking and Financial Services, William Shield, Jr. has served as counsel to agent bank and bank groups in numerous commercial lending transactions, including restructurings and other refinancings, secured and unsecured credits, acquisition and spin off financings, international multiple borrower financings, general working capital facilities, start up and joint venture financings and construction lending. He has extensive experience in asset based and other secured l...

Ted Sylwestrzak has more than thirty-five years’ experience representing lenders. As a member of both Dickinson Wright’s Banking and Finance Group and Bankruptcy Group, he advises lenders in all areas of lending and in all aspects of their lending relationships. He is well-known by clients for his proactive approach, practical business judgment, and getting the deal closed with creative solutions. His representation includes structuring and documenting secured loans (with an empha...

Keith P. Felty is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Medical Malpractice Law - Defendants. Keith P., who practices law in Southfield, Michigan, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Keith P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Katherine J. Van Dyke 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. Katherine J., who practices law in Southfield, Michigan, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Katherine J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mr. Kochanek represents lenders in secured and unsecured loan originations, including multi-currency loan facilities, syndicated credit arrangements, and loans secured by stock and other assets located outside the United States, principally in Europe, Mexico, South America, and the Pacific Rim. He also has substantial experience in commercial mortgage financings, both construction and end loans, and other real estate transactions, and in commercial financing and real estate transactions in no...

Mr. Bakst represents clients in the areas of creditors' rights, bankruptcy, reorganization, and insolvency. He regularly represents secured and unsecured creditors, debtors, trustees, and creditors' committees in loan workout and other negotiations and in state and federal courts. Upon graduation from Wayne State University Law School, Mr. Bakst clerked for a U.S. Bankruptcy Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan. He is a former two-term board member of the Detroit Chapter of the Turnarou...

Trey Brice is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Land Use and Zoning Law. Trey, who practices law in Southfield, Michigan, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Trey is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mark G. Cooper is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law and Litigation - Insurance. Mark G., who practices law in Southfield, Michigan, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mark G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.