Samuel C. "Sam" McKnight

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...

Robert Labe ’s trusts and estates and business law practice is among the most highly regarded in the state. He possesses extensive experience in estate planning, estate and trust administration, contested estate and trust matters, business law, business succession planning and tax planning. Robert is a frequent lecturer and prolific author. He speaks at seminars before legal and professional groups, including as a lecturer at the Institute of Continuing Legal Education at the University...

Nationally recognized trial attorney John Joseph (J.J.) Conway has legally navigated the complexities of disability, employee health benefits, and ERISA law since 1999. Founding J.J. Conway Law on the principle of helping people secure the employee benefits rightfully owed to them, Conway has recovered more than $100 million for his clients and won landmark class-action lawsuits in favor of families and retirees. Among his focus areas, Conway is a trailblazer in advocating for children’...

Ziyad I. Hermiz is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Trade Secrets Law. Ziyad I., who practices law in Birmingham, Michigan, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ziyad I. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John LeRoy is a highly skilled litigation professional. He uses his electrical and mechanical engineering background, and two decades of intellectual property litigation experience, to represent his clients in high-tech legal disputes and complex licensing negotiations. John’s practice focuses on patent, trade secret and copyright litigation involving software, electronics, and mechanical systems. With over 20 years of experience, a Master’s degree in electrical engineering, and a...

Mr. Zatz represents financial institutions and other clients in real estate and lending transactions.He has over 30 years of in-house and law firm experience providing lending and real estate related legal services. He is skilled in drafting, negotiation, risk identification, management, and process development and implementation. Before joining Bodman, Mr. Zatz served as a senior vice president and associate general counsel for Comerica Bank. At Comerica Bank, Mr. Zatz managed the legal depa...

Edward M. Nahhat is a Troy, Michigan attorney with more than 30 years of legal experience representing individuals, families, and businesses in complex disputes and advisory matters. At Kemp Klein , he focuses on litigation and appellate matters involving trusts and estates, while also drawing on a broad background that includes criminal law, personal injury, real estate matters, and entertainment-related issues. His practice emphasizes careful preparation, practical problem solving, and clea...

Mr. Fishman has over 25 years of experience in trademark law, related licensing and litigation and other disciplines of Intellectual Property law. He has substantial experience in a wide range of industries, including banking, insurance, automotive, packaged foods, contract furniture, publishing, sports, entertainment, building products, certification programs, computer hardware and software, telecommunications, restaurant, medical products, and scientific and laboratory products. He manages ...

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

J. Thomas MacFarlane works extensively with individuals on estate planning, tax planning and probate matters and with businesses on succession planning and corporate restructuring. Thomas counsels clients on the various wealth preservation strategies which are available to high net worth individuals. He is also frequently asked to represent beneficiaries or fiduciaries in complex estate contests and trust disputes. Tom has represented clients in all aspects of corporate law and has counseled ...