My clients know they can call on me at any time – I’m with them through thick and thin.
Contact: P /313.318.9203E /[email protected]
Administrative Contact: Erin O'Brien P /612.604.6631E /eo'[email protected]
Education
University of Michigan Law School, J.D., 2001
Yale University, B.A., 1998
Bar Admissions
Michigan, 2001
Minnesota, 2022
U.S. Court of Appeals, 3rd Cir., 2013
U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Cir., 2002
U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Cir., 2018
U.S. Court of Appeals, Fed. Cir., 2012
U.S. District Court, E.D. Mich., 2001
U.S. District Court, W.D. Mich., 2002
U.S. District Court, C.D. Ill., 2010
I provide solutions for closely-held businesses and high net worth clientele—whether helping them through a commercial transaction, a real estate investment, a tricky tax issue, or litigation. It’s exciting to help clients put transactions together, help them grow or seek out the best opportunities, or bring dollars to the table through the creative use of tax credits and other resources. I find the most efficient solution for my clients—all businesses have problems that need solving, and I enjoy utilizing all the skills I have developed over more than two decades to do just that. Sometimes the issues can be resolved through constructive negotiations, but other times the only resort is for aggressive judicial review. Relying on my two decades of experience, I find the best tailored solution for each client.
I’m proud to have the trust and confidence of my colleagues in the legal community. I’ve been named as an expert witness in legal malpractice matters, and as a licensed mediator in Michigan, enjoy helping parties try to resolve their disputes. I have also been retained by trustees and other close family advisors in contested and uncontested estate matters, to assist with the orderly, discreet, and smooth estate and trust administration and disposition.
I am passionate about my home state of Michigan, and using my skills to contribute to its continued success, and the constructive redevelopment of its urban centers. I have provided pro bono legal representation for those who most need it, and I have developed creative funding solutions for the most difficult developments in underserved areas.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my wife and kids, and if work and family allow it, reading a good book.
I represent closely held businesses and high-net-worth families in a wide variety of transactions, including the acquisition and redevelopment of real estate, opportunity zone fund development, and tax incentive strategies.
I advise closely-held businesses and high net worth families in connection with all aspects of business, corporate and tax matters, including day-to-day business concerns, long-term tax strategies, contracts and transactions, investment opportunities and succession planning. I work alongside these businesses and families to solve problems and help set them up for future success by understanding their goals, and using all the tools available to achieve them.
I represent clients in both private arbitration and public litigation, emergency injunctive actions and precedent-setting appellate cases. I also have experience in probate and trust & estate litigation, representing both trustees and beneficiaries in contested trust actions for high-net-worth probate estates. I have also assisted trustees in the negotiation and disposition of complicated estates, frequently requiring unique solutions and significant judicial oversight.
I also have experience in defamation law in Michigan, and am proud of my involvement in establishing the standards for anonymous online defamation lawsuits in the Michigan Court of Appeals. I also regularly represent parties in free speech litigation in state and federal courts.
dbusiness, 2013
Pro Bono Service, 2022-2023
Board of Advisors, 2022-2024; Chair 2024
Board of Trustees, 2011-2017
Board Chair, 2016-2018
Board of Governors, 2024