Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2013 
Ralph A. Castelli Jr. is an attorney with Kemp Klein in Troy, Michigan. His practice focuses on Corporate Law, Real Estate Law, and Trusts and Estates, with an emphasis on advising businesses and individuals on planning, transactions, and long‑term business and ownership strategies.
Mr. Castelli works with closely held and family-owned businesses on a wide range of corporate matters, including business planning and structuring, exit planning, shareholder and partner separations, and complex business transactions. His work also includes matters related to business expansion or contraction, loan transactions, acquisitions and sales of companies, and corporate reorganizations.
In addition to his corporate practice, Mr. Castelli represents clients in a variety of real estate transactions, assisting with the purchase, sale, development, financing, and leasing of commercial and business-related property. He also counsels clients in Trusts and Estates matters, helping individuals and families address succession planning and the transfer of business and personal assets.
Because many of his clients are family-owned businesses, Mr. Castelli frequently assists with issues that arise when business operations and family relationships intersect. His work often involves coordinating business planning, ownership transitions, and estate planning considerations to help clients manage both business continuity and family objectives.
Mr. Castelli has also been active in public service. On November 12, 2013, he retired from the office of Mayor of the City of Pleasant Ridge, Michigan, a position he held for more than 20 years. During his tenure, he served on the City Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals. Earlier in his public service, he served on the Pleasant Ridge Planning Commission from 1985 to 1988, including a term as chair, and was elected to the Pleasant Ridge City Commission in 1988. He has also served as a member and past president of the South Oakland County Mayors’ Association and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Woodward Avenue Action Association.
Mr. Castelli has received a number of professional recognitions. He was named to the “Leaders in the Law” Class of 2018 by Michigan Lawyers Weekly and holds an AV peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Since 2006, he has been recognized by Michigan Super Lawyers magazine and has appeared in the Super Lawyers Corporate Counsel Edition and Super Lawyers Business Edition. He has also been listed in Who’s Who in American Law since 2005.
In addition, Mr. Castelli has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America for Corporate Law and Real Estate Law and was named the 2019 Corporate Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Troy by the same publication. He has also been recognized through a statewide attorney recognition program for his work in Closely and Privately Held Business Law, Commercial Real Estate Law, and Trust, Will, and Estate Planning Law.
