Steven J. Cernak

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

Frank J. Manley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Frank J., who practices law in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Frank J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Paul R. Fransway concentrates his practice on franchise, distribution, trademark and unfair competition law. He serves as primary franchise counsel for a number of national franchisors, and he helps them comply with disclosure and registration requirements under the Federal Trade Commission and various state laws. Mr. Fransway is also an expert in all aspects of franchise contract enforcement, including covenants not to compete, trademark infringement, and post-termination remedies, both in c...

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

Mr. Berman concentrates his practice in construction, contracts, real estate and business matters including claims and alternative dispute resolution. He also focuses on "green" building and "lean" construction matters. Mr. Berman is active in several major construction industry associations. He a member of the Forum on the Construction Industry of the American Bar Association, the Washtenaw Contractors Association, and the Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Ann Arbor. Mr. Berman ...

Joseph R. Morrison, Jr. is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law. Joseph R., who practices law in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joseph R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Michael Romaya is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law. Michael, who practices law in Novi, Michigan, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joshua E. Ney is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Patent Law. Joshua E., who practices law in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joshua E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Paul’s practice focuses upon representation of business and individual taxpayers in federal tax planning as well as in controversies at administrative levels and the tax court and before federal courts. Paul has served as a past Adjunct Professor in the Graduate Tax Program at Walsh College and is also a committee chair and frequent speaker at the American Bar Association Taxation Committee meetings. He is a regular contributor to the Michigan Business Law Journal on tax matters. Paul i...

Timothy R. Damschroder is the co-chair of the Business Practice Group. He specializes in middle market M&A transactions (typically ranging from $30 million to $1 billion) and corporate finance. He has substantial experience serving as outside general counsel to automotive, industrial and technology companies. He manages many major client accounts with responsibility for quality control, staffing, workflow, and overall client satisfaction. His middle market activities involve companies in ...