Theresamarie Mantese

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...

Brian R. Jenney is an attorney with Kemp Klein in Troy, Michigan who advises individuals and families on matters involving Elder Law , Trusts and Estates , and Tax Law . His practice focuses on helping clients plan for the future while addressing the legal and financial considerations that arise as families age or experience major life changes. Mr. Jenney works with clients on estate planning strategies designed to protect assets, address health care and financial decision-making, and provide...

Experience Ryan Lee Perry is a shareholder in the law firm of Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton, P.C. Ryan received his undergraduate degree from Kalamazoo College, his law degree from Wayne State University, where he was twice named the top oralist in its Moot Court Program, served as the Associate Editor for the Michigan International Lawyer from 1995 through 1997, and was a judicial intern for the Honorable Gerald E. Rosen for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Mich...

Barbara D. Urlaub is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Individuals and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Barbara D., who practices law in Farmington Hills, Michigan, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Barbara D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

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...

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.

Heather G. Ptasznik is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Heather G., who practices law in Birmingham, Michigan, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Heather G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

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...