William J. Kliffel

Julius H. Giarmarco, J.D., LL.M., is chair of the firm's Trusts and Estates Practice Group. Julius received his law degree from Wayne State University, and his master of laws from New York University. He is licensed to practice law in both Michigan and New York. Julius' primary practice areas include estate planning, business succession planning, wealth transfer planning, and life insurance applications. He is a former instructor in both the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and Certified Fina...

Geoffrey S. Wagner is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Geoffrey S. practices law in Troy, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized Geoffrey S. Wagner since 2025. 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 Geoffrey S. Wagner is held by other lawyers.

Leslie Banas is a business and real estate attorney with Kemp Klein in Troy, Michigan . Her practice focuses on Corporate Law and Real Estate Law , advising companies, investors, and individuals on a wide range of transactional and operational matters. She works with entrepreneurial and established businesses across industries including real estate, housing, service, health care, manufacturing, and hospitality. In her corporate practice, Ms. Banas assists clients with forming and structuring ...

Michael Costello concentrates his practice in commercial and corporate law and litigation. He provides his clients with deep expertise and insight into a broad range of legal and business issues having served for 23 years as general counsel to a publicly-traded company. Mr. Costello leverages this experience to provide efficient and effective counsel to large businesses in a variety of industries as well as high net worth individuals and their closely-held companies. He frequently advises boa...

Joanne advises clients on a wide range of state and local tax matters, with a focus on tax controversy, litigation, and planning. She represents businesses of all sizes—from closely held companies to Fortune 500 corporations—in disputes involving Michigan’s corporate income tax, sales and use tax, withholding, and individual income tax. Her practice also includes handling multistate tax issues and helping clients understand and respond to audits, assessments, and refund clai...

Michael J. Lusardi provides counsel to companies and individuals in the acquisition, disposition, leasing, development, construction, and financing of office, retail, industrial, mixed-use, and residential projects throughout the United States. He frequently works as real estate counsel for corporate clients, representing them in the acquisition, development, and leasing of real estate and assisting in day-to-day real estate affairs. Prior to joining Dickinson Wright, Michael practiced in Kat...

Daniel P. Aleksynas represents clients in patent law matters involving chemical, electrical, medical device, and mechanical technologies. Based in Troy, Michigan, he works with startups, established businesses, and innovators on intellectual property strategy, patent prosecution, and related litigation support. His practice includes Litigation - Intellectual Property, Litigation - Patent, and Patent Law at Young Basile Hanlon & MacFarlane PC . Mr. Aleksynas is responsible for drafting and...

Evan Pappas is an attorney with Giroux Pappas Law in Farmington Hills, Michigan. He represents individuals and families in matters involving Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs throughout Michigan. Evan has been recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs since 2024. Prior to that recognition, he was included in the publication’s “Ones to Watch” category. Best Lawyers recognition is based on peer review within the legal prof...

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...

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...