Susan S. Westerman

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 ...

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...

Colleen Shevnock has extensive experience as counsel to banks and other institutional lenders in commercial lending matters. She is accomplished in the negotiation and documentation of all types of loan transactions, from single-bank middle market credit facilities to lead counsel to agent bank in multibank, syndicated credit facilities, including secured and unsecured credits, leveraged buyouts, construction lending, foreign currency facilities and letters of credit. Ms. Shevnock has served ...

Shalini Nangia is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Collaborative Law: Family Law, Family Law and Family Law Mediation. Shalini, who practices law in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Shalini 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 ...

Daniel L. Buckfire earned his undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Michigan Business School in 1989.Mr. Buckfire was Phi Beta Kappa and graduated in the top 10% of his class. He graduated cum laude from the prestigious University of Michigan Law School in 1991 and has been engaged in the private practice of law since his successful completion of the bar exam. Daniel L. Buckfire specializes in Michigan car accident cases, no-fault insurance claims, dram shop liability, and...

Throughout his career, spanning more than 30 years, Mr. Simon has tried hundreds of criminal cases throughout the state of Michigan. He has established a reputation for providing vigorous and successful defenses to individuals throughout Washtenaw, Wayne, Jackson, Lenawee and Livingston counties in a wide range of criminal defense cases, including those involving OWI and DUI charges, domestic assault, assault & battery, theft offenses, traffic offenses, homicide allegations and alleged dr...

Thomas J. Vitale is a litigator and business lawyer whose practice centers on the construction, manufacturing, and real estate industries. He represents clients in both state and federal courts in a wide range of commercial disputes and also serves as outside counsel to businesses across Michigan. Tom regularly works with national and local construction companies on litigation and contract matters. His experience includes handling lien and bond notices/filings, negotiating construction agreem...

Rich is a partner in the trial law group where the focus of his practice is on construction law and litigation, business litigation, contracts and sports law. Rich has extensive experience with construction claims, complex business litigation and a variety of contract related matters. Rich's experience includes handling shareholder disputes, copyright and trademark litigation and licensing arrangements. He also has extensive experience representing sports and entertainment clients, and in per...

Jennifer Oertel provides strategic business advice and practical legal guidance to a broad range of tax-exempt organizations. She has an extensive business law background in securities, private equity, mergers & acquisitions, and corporate governance, which she leverages to further the business interests of her tax-exempt clients and the investors who support them. Jennifer’s clients include impact funds, individual impact investors, social enterprises, family and corporate foundati...