Lynn M. Brimer

Mr. Contis is a shareholder in the firm’s Business Practice Group, and Real Estate Practice Group. Mr. Contis concentrates his practice in the areas of, real estate acquisition and development, construction, mortgage and end-loan lending, participation loans, commercial and industrial leasing for landlords and tenants (including master leases, ground leases and subleases) and business planning. Mr. Contis regularly works with lenders, owners and court appointed receivers in the sale of ...

Ms. Piper specializes in workplace law, education law, and litigation. She represents and counsels employers on contemporary employment law issues, such as workplace bullying; social media issues; background checks; and employee privacy; as well as traditional employment law issues such as discrimination, sexual and other forms of illegal harassment, and retaliation issues; accommodating employees with disabilities; FMLA issues; wage and hour issues; reductions-in-force, discipline and discha...

Cynthia L. Umphrey works with individuals, families, and business owners on legal matters that affect both their personal lives and their companies. Based in Troy, Michigan, Ms. Umphrey advises clients through Kemp Klein on estate planning, estate and trust administration, and business planning matters. Her practice includes Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law , and Trusts and Estates . She assists clients in structuring p...

Mr. Zatz represents financial institutions and other clients in real estate and lending transactions.He has over 30 years of in-house and law firm experience providing lending and real estate related legal services. He is skilled in drafting, negotiation, risk identification, management, and process development and implementation. Before joining Bodman, Mr. Zatz served as a senior vice president and associate general counsel for Comerica Bank. At Comerica Bank, Mr. Zatz managed the legal depa...

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...

Isaac’s practice focuses on the preparation and prosecuting of patent applications, primarily in the computer science and electrical arts. Isaac provides counseling to clients of all sizes, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to small start-ups. Isaac has a deep understanding of various technologies in computer science and electrical systems. He has worked with clients in a broad range of industries including computer software, consumer electronics, telecommunications, automotive, and me...

Michael Vogt helps clients resolve complex real estate issues and disputes. Whether guiding clients through the zoning entitlement process or representing clients in disputes related to the purchase, sale, development, leasing, and management of commercial real estate, Michael works hand in hand with clients to understand their goals and then form practical strategies to reach them. In his national zoning practice, Michael counsels clients throughout the entire zoning process—from the i...

Paul Thursam is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law and Corporate Law. Paul, who practices law in Troy, Michigan, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Paul is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joan Skrzyniarz, a member in Dickinson Wright’s Nashville and Troy offices, focuses her practice on Trusts, estate planning, and probate law. She has served as counsel to personal representatives, trustees, and beneficiaries in probate, trust administration, and litigation and has advised individuals and families about guardianship and conservatorship matters.

Erin Pawlowski focuses her practice on complex corporate transactions. She has a diverse M&A practice and serves as outside general counsel for businesses in a variety of industries and stages of growth. Erin represents private equity sponsors, portfolio companies, venture capital funds, strategic buyers and sellers, and other privately held businesses. As a part of her M&A practice, Erin advises both buyers and sellers in complex domestic and cross-border transactions of all types an...