Shannon K. Smith

Ms. Slaven focuses her practice on intellectual property law, particularly in the area of patents. She has significant experience in the chemical arts, especially material science and metallurgy, as well as the mechanical and electrical arts, particularly inventions related to the automotive industry. On behalf of the firm’s clients, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to individual entrepreneurs, she handles patent application preparation and prosecution, including original filings, res...

Experience Mr. Horton has been trying lawsuits for over 25 years. He primarily practices in the areas of business and commercial disputes, employment law, and real estate cases. Many cases are related to the automobile industry. Bill is certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, the foremost national organization to certify trial skills. In business litigation, Bill has tried numerous shareholder disputes, claims of misappropriation of trade secrets, breach...

Cynthia L. Umphrey works with individuals, families, and business owners on legal matters that affect both their personal lives and their companies. Based in Troy, Michigan, Ms. Umphrey advises clients through Kemp Klein on estate planning, estate and trust administration, and business planning matters. Her practice includes Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law , and Trusts and Estates . She assists clients in structuring p...

Marc is the Co-Chair of Brooks Kushman's intellectual property litigation practice. He has been instrumental in building, developing, and growing the team. Throughout his career, Marc has successfully tried patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright cases in Federal Courts nationwide. Marc has successfully argued appeals before the Federal Circuit including a leading decision on 101 jurisprudence, Ancora Techs., Inc. v. HTC Americas, Inc. , 908 F.3d 1343 (Fed. Cir. 2018). Marc, as lead cou...

John Chau is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Litigation - Intellectual Property and Patent Law. John practices law in Royal Oak, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized John Chau since 2026. 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 John Chau is held by other lawyers.

Rebecca Cantor is a registered patent attorney with an extensive background in patent litigation as well as trademark protection and enforcement. Rebecca serves as the Chair of Brooks Kushman's life science practice group. She concentrates her practice on intellectual property litigation, with a focus on patent litigation involving a wide range of technologies including pharmaceuticals and other life sciences technologies. Rebecca also has experience in trademark disputes, both in Federal Cou...

Wayne Roberts is the co-chair of Bodman’s Business Tax Group. His practice is focused on corporate, business and individual tax planning and federal, state and local tax controversies. He has been a recognized state and local tax (SALT) lawyer for more than 20 years. He has been involved in a majority of the significant legislative, administrative and case law developments that have taken place in Michigan taxation.His broad tax practice includes all aspects of federal and state tax pla...

Samuel Kokoszka is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Corporate Law and Real Estate Law. Samuel practices law in Birmingham, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized Samuel Kokoszka 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 Samuel Kokoszka is held by other lawyers.

Richard C. Bruder is a business attorney in Troy, Michigan with Kemp Klein who works with entrepreneurs, investors, and closely held companies on complex business transactions and long-term growth planning. His practice focuses on Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law , Mergers and Acquisitions Law , and Venture Capital Law . Richard represents growing companies, angel investors, venture capital funds, and second-stage busin...

Robert Lantzy is a graduate of the Central Michigan University and graduated cum laude from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University in 1997. Robert is an experienced trial attorney and concentrates his practice in many areas of civil litigation, including truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, motor vehicle accidents, dog attacks, lead paint exposure and child lead poisoning, mold exposure and cases involving other general environmental contamination. He is a member of the Ame...