Joseph C. Smith

Gillian P. Yee is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Gillian P., 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 Gillian P. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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.

Paul F. Novak is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Antitrust Law. Paul F., 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 Paul F. 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. Curoe concentrates his practice primarily in representing high net worth individuals in estate planning, tax matters and business ventures. He specializes in helping wealthy individuals and business owners protect their assets, grow their businesses, and preserve a legacy for their families and charitable interests. Mr. Curoe also represents financial institutions and individual trustees on trust administration and litigation matters. He is the chair of Bodman's High Net Worth Practice Gr...

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.

David Christensen founded Christensen Law in 2014 to give clients the individualized attention that they need after serious accidents. “I really enjoy taking care of people,” he says. “I like beating large corporations on my clients’ behalf and protecting them when their lives are destroyed.” A native of California, Christensen has a bachelor’s degree in international relations from San Francisco State University. He obtained both his master’s degree ...

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...

Richard A. Zussman is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Real Estate Law. Richard A., who practices law in Southfield, Michigan, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Richard A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...