Ralph F. Valitutti

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...

Christopher Smith is a distinguished intellectual property attorney specializing in patent litigation, IP counseling, licensing, and patent and trademark prosecution, with extensive experience representing Fortune 500 companies and startups across diverse industries. Christopher Smith is a highly regarded intellectual property attorney, recognized for his work in IP litigation, especially in patent litigation. His practice encompasses patent and trademark prosecution and the preparation of co...

Prior to beginning his legal career, Mr. Rettig worked in the automotive industry and held various product engineering and sales positions. He joined an intellectual property law firm in 1988, and concentrated his practice on obtaining and enforcing patents, trademarks and copyrights for clients in various fields, with a particular emphasis in the automotive industry. After practicing for 11 years, he joined a Tier I automotive supplier as Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secreta...

Christopher C. Hunter is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Christopher C. practices law in Farmington Hills, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized Christopher C. Hunter 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 Christopher C. Hunter is held by other lawyers.

Paul has extensive experience in in all facets of intellectual property law. Paul’s practice involves assisting individuals, small businesses, and Fortune 500 companies in building and managing IP portfolios. He provides counseling with regard to invention development and harvesting, worldwide enforcement, patent and trademark procurement, intellectual property landscaping, clearance, and litigation matters, working to craft strategies that enable clients to work toward their unique goa...

Richard Rattner has more than thirty years of experience in real estate law, with specialties in real estate acquisition, sale and loan transactions, land use development, zoning, and corporate law. Mr. Rattner is a member of the Oakland County Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan, the American Bar Association and the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation. He served on the Governing Council of the Real Property Law Section (RPLS) of the State Bar of Michigan and remains an active parti...

Deborah (“Deb”) Grace advises private companies, non-profits, colleges, universities, and governmental entities on the complex tax and labor laws that impact the benefits that these entities offer to their employees. She counsels private companies and equity funds on the benefit plan implications of business acquisitions and dispositions, including due diligence review and advising on the integration of benefit programs based on the structure of the business deal. Her experience i...

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...

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...

Lawrence (Larry) J. Buckfire is the managing partner and lead trial attorney at Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C. The Michigan personal injury law firm has six attorneys who specialize in serious injury, accident, and medical malpractice cases. The firm represents clients throughout the State of Michigan, and has offices in both Southfield and Ann Arbor. Lawrence earned his undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Michigan in 1986 and his juris doctor degree from Wayne State Unive...