Michael J. Cook

William Kohler, founder of VELN Legal, has been recognized as a top national and international business lawyer for many years. In addition to recognition by Best Lawyers, he has been similarly recognized by several other organizations. Mr. Kohler primarily supports businesses in transactions with other businesses. He is expert in virtually all types of commercial arrangements, including those involving important supply chain relationships, manufacturing, technology, software, services, and jo...

Allison is a corporate attorney with experience in matters spanning a range of complex commercial transactions and business issues, with a particular focus on mergers and acquisitions. Allison is known for her pragmatic and creative approach to assisting clients in navigating their business and legal issues. She also brings her background in insolvency and restructuring to the table and routinely advises her clients on finance and insolvency-related matters. Allison works primarily with priva...

James Plemmons provides counsel to secured lenders, unsecured lenders, bankruptcy trustees, debtors, shareholders, and investor groups in all nature of bankruptcy, restructuring, and workout proceedings, including corporate and individual reorganization and liquidation proceedings. He has represented insurance companies such as Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company, Travelers Insurance Company and Nationwide Insurance Company with regard to workout, foreclosure and bankruptcy matters. I...

Brandon joined Christensen Law in 2023, taking on a full docket of matters both in early investigation and heading into trial. A 10-year veteran litigator with a successful record of winning verdicts and settlements, he brings extensive experience to the team. As a trial attorney, he considers himself fair but aggressive in defending plaintiff’s rights. Open, honest communication throughout the process is essential to building client trust and productive relationships, he believes. He e...

Stuart M. Schwartz is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Stuart M. practices law in Southfield, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized Stuart M. Schwartz since 2027. 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 Stuart M. Schwartz is held by other lawyers.

Michael J. Morse is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Michael J. practices law in Southfield, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized Michael J. Morse 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 Michael J. Morse is held by other lawyers.

Ms. Hickey represents lenders in loan originations. Her practice encompasses secured transactions, loan workouts, and counseling lenders on lender liability and loan structure issues. Ms. Hickey’s practice also includes middle market lending, asset based loans, healthcare, educational institution and religious organization financing, international lending, captive insurance financing, private lending, real estate financing, multi-rate, multi-currency loans and facilities, agented and sy...

Tripp Lake is a seasoned trial lawyer with a focus on intellectual property and commercial litigation. His career is highlighted by successfully leading over 70 jury trials to verdict, including approximately 65 as the primary attorney. His legal proficiency is evident in his representation of clients in complex patent and trade secret litigation across various fields, including medical devices, LED technology, electrical systems, fluid dynamics, and mechanical engineering. Tripp also has a s...

Gary C. Ankers is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Gary C. practices law in Detroit, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized Gary C. Ankers since 2016. 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 C. Ankers is held by other lawyers.

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...