Matthew Aneese

Daniel L. Buckfire earned his undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Michigan Business School in 1989.Mr. Buckfire was Phi Beta Kappa and graduated in the top 10% of his class. He graduated cum laude from the prestigious University of Michigan Law School in 1991 and has been engaged in the private practice of law since his successful completion of the bar exam. Daniel L. Buckfire specializes in Michigan car accident cases, no-fault insurance claims, dram shop liability, and...

Paul Thursam is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law and Corporate Law. Paul practices law in Troy, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized Paul Thursam since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Paul Thursam is held by other lawyers.

Brendan G. Best is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Brendan G. practices law in Birmingham, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized Brendan G. Best since 2020. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Brendan G. Best is held by other lawyers.

Julius H. Giarmarco, J.D., LL.M., is chair of the firm's Trusts and Estates Practice Group. Julius received his law degree from Wayne State University, and his master of laws from New York University. He is licensed to practice law in both Michigan and New York. Julius' primary practice areas include estate planning, business succession planning, wealth transfer planning, and life insurance applications. He is a former instructor in both the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Certified Fina...

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...

Kenneth B. Chapie is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Litigation - Labor and Employment. Kenneth B. practices law in Troy, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized Kenneth B. Chapie since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Kenneth B. Chapie is held by other lawyers.

Evan Pappas is an attorney with Giroux Pappas Law in Farmington Hills, Michigan. He represents individuals and families in matters involving Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs throughout Michigan. Evan has been recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs since 2024. Prior to that recognition, he was included in the publication’s “Ones to Watch” category. Best Lawyers recognition is based on peer review within the legal prof...

Gary Fealk is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management and Labor Law - Management. Gary practices law in Troy, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized Gary Fealk since 2023. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Gary Fealk is held by other lawyers.

James B. Cunningham is a resident in our Nashville, Tennessee and Troy, Michigan offices and focuses his national practice in four primary areas: 1. Commercial real estate acquisition, divestiture and development matters, 2. Real estate finance and capital markets transactions, 3. Commercial loan workouts, resolutions and enforcement actions, specifically in the CMBS industry and 4. Corporate matters, with an emphasis on corporate mergers and acquisitions. James' commercial real estate practi...

Ken Sachs is the Chair of Bodman’s Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Practice Group and is based in the firm’s Troy and Detroit offices. He has over 20 years of experience advising clients regarding their employee benefit plans, executive benefit programs and business planning. He also represents public and private entities concerning their corporate, fiduciary, and governance responsibilities. He designs, drafts, and establishes retirement plans, welfare plans, medical...