Kenneth Essad

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.

Mr. Shannon helps corporate and individual clients resolve large, multifaceted business disputes through negotiation, litigation, or alternative dispute resolution processes. He has served clients in nearly every major industry with a particular focus on the automotive and industrial sectors, construction companies, and financial institutions. Mr. Shannon has served as lead counsel in complex matters requiring the management of large litigation teams, dozens of witnesses, millions of pages of...

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...

Mr. Deitch focuses his practice in corporate law, real estate law, and government relations. He has substantial experience in corporate governance matters, mergers and acquisitions, and structuring joint venture relationships, with a particular focus on the automotive and general industrial sectors. He also advises clients on all of the legal issues arising out of real estate development, leasing, and finance. As chair of Bodman's Automotive and Industrial Team, Mr. Deitch oversees the firm&r...

Melissa K. Bridges represents banks and other financial institutions in a broad range of operational, regulatory compliance, and lending matters. She represents depository institutions and other financial companies in matters before regulatory and licensing agencies. She also assists financial services clients in connection with the development of new products and the implementation of new technologies. Her clients include national, regional, and community banks, credit unions, and mortgage c...

Aimee Guthat is a principal in the Detroit, Michigan, office Jackson Lewis P.C. Her practice is focused on partnering with clients to develop strategic and operational planning for matters related to employment-based immigration and corporate compliance. Aimee has built her practice representing a wide range of corporate clients, from small and mid-size companies to large multinational organizations in a variety of industries, including original equipment manufacturers in the automotive indus...

Michael J. Morse is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Michael J., 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 Michael J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kathryn Wood focuses her practice on employment litigation, commercial litigation and appellate practice, including discrimination, harassment and whistleblower/retaliation claims, class actions, non-compete/non-solicitation matters, defamation clams, contract disputes, fraud claims, and business tort claims. She is also an experienced advisor to employers regarding employment issues that arise outside of the litigation context.

Mr. Deason concentrates his practice in corporate and business law including corporate governance, finance, organization, mergers and acquisitions, and commercial transactions. He is an expert in local government law and served as a director and as president of the Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys. Mr. Deason has extensive experience in aviation law. He counsels individuals and corporations in the acquisition of private aircraft and represents the owner of a major fixed base operat...

Sarah is the managing partner at Christensen Law, where she recently celebrated her 12th anniversary. Integral to the successful operations of the firm, Sarah has been working alongside founder David Christensen since 2009, partnering on major trials protecting the rights of accident victims. Sarah is responsive and compassionate when it comes to her clients, and a strong litigator with a history of successful verdicts won in challenging court situations. Sarah has far more trial experience t...