Paul W. Coughenour

Gary C. Ankers is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Gary C., who practices law in Detroit, Michigan, has been recognized since 2016. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gary C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

With a practice focus on Appellate and Commercial & Business Litigation, Scott Hamilton has first-chaired more than 20 federal and state bench and jury trials and argued over 30 cases in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second, Sixth and Tenth Circuits, Michigan Supreme Court and Michigan Court of Appeals. With a strong background in Insurance & ERISA Litigation, Scott has represented large insurers in dozens of ERISA benefits actions in trial court and on appeal and has rep...

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...

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.

Ted Sylwestrzak has more than thirty-five years’ experience representing lenders. As a member of both Dickinson Wright’s Banking and Finance Group and Bankruptcy Group, he advises lenders in all areas of lending and in all aspects of their lending relationships. He is well-known by clients for his proactive approach, practical business judgment, and getting the deal closed with creative solutions. His representation includes structuring and documenting secured loans (with an empha...

Thomas J. Rheaume, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Thomas J., who practices law in Detroit, Michigan, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Thomas J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Brian R. Trumbauer focuses his practice in the area of debtor-creditor rights and bankruptcy, with a particular emphasis on representing banks and other financial institutions in loan workouts, commercial bankruptcy cases and troubled credit situations. He has represented secured and unsecured creditors, debtors, trustees, creditors’ committees and other interested parties in bankruptcy cases and debtor-creditor disputes. Mr. Trumbauer has served as a member of a standing Advisory Commi...

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...

Shirley A. Kaigler is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Shirley A., who practices law in Southfield, Michigan, has been recognized since 2007. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Shirley A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.