RALPH A. CASTELLI, JR.

Ralph Castelli’s practice involves him in a wide variety of business planning and structuring situations, exit planning, shareholder and partner separations and the entire gamut of real estate and business transactions. In addition, Mr. Castelli successfully served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Kemp Klein for 26 years.

Mr. Castelli represents many closely-held businesses and he has developed expertise in transactions involving business expansion or reduction, loan transactions, acquisitions and sales, and reorganizations. Due to the nature of his practice and clientele, he has become adept at representing family businesses and addressing complex issues that the intertwining of family and business often entail.

Mr. Castelli is a board member of the Kemp Klein Foundation which sponsors Common Ground and many other local and national charitable causes. 

Ralph Castelli was named to the “Leaders in Law” Class of 2018 by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. Michigan Lawyers Weekly also named Mr. Castelli as one of Michigan’s Go To Lawyers for Commercial Real Estate.

Mr. Castelli maintains an “AV” peer review rating with Martindale-Hubbel Law Directory, the highest peer review rating for attorneys. He has also been listed as one of the top 5% of attorneys in Michigan by Super Lawyers Magazine. In 2025 The Best Lawyers in America® recognized Ralph Castelli as a Best Lawyer for his work in Corporate Law, Real Estate Law and Trusts and Estates. Mr. Castelli has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® since 2013. Mr. Castelli was named Lawyer of the Year by The Best Lawyers in America® in 2019. Mr. Castelli was recognized by DBusiness Magazine as a 2025 DBusiness Top Lawyer for his work in Corporate Law.

Because Language Matters – Sixth Circuit Reverses Tax Court and Applies the Language of Code; Commentator, Summer 2017

IRS Viewpoint of the Tax Treatment of Crowdfunding; Commentator, Fall 2016

IRS hot button issue – Attacking S Corporations for paying unreasonably low wages; Commentator, Winter 2012

The “Super Committee” and its effects; Commentator, Fall 2011

Many recent tax developments may affect you;
co-authored with Gloria M. Chon, Commentator, Winter 2010

The Changing Face of the Delivery of City Services, Michigan Privatization Report, Winter 2008

A step by step guide to selling your business, co-authored with Cynthia E. Brazzil, Commentator, Summer 2006

Cyber Squatting Damages Affirmed, Commentator, Winter 2003

The Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 — Highlights at a Glance, Commentator, Fall 2003

Is Your Worker an Independent Contractor or Employee? Commentator, Summer 2003

“By way of background, please be aware that my business practice for 45 years has been almost exclusively representing various financial institutions, including almost every state and federally chartered bank based and/or having major offices in Michigan, as well as a multitude of outside banks.

In the course of representation of various lenders, not only have I have dealt with numerous counsel for borrowers, including many of the largest local money center area firms, but with Ralph Castelli of Kemp Klein for about 37 years on some of the largest and most complicated loan transactions involving some of the most prominent businesses in the state of Michigan.

Without hesitation, I can only state that Mr. Castelli, in his capacity as borrower’s counsel, is singularly the most responsive, knowledgeable, focused, detailed, and best drafter I have ever had the opportunity to work with. Understanding that we are always in opposite roles, he is always able to assist in resolutions and expeditiously consummate transactions, while protecting his clients’ interests. My respect for his abilities, diligence, astuteness and collegiality is unparalleled”.

• From Lender’s Counsel

“I want to reach out personally to express my gratitude for the working relationship we have had, beginning almost a decade ago. You played a key role in every financing as well as several other transactions during this time. I have worked with many lawyers in my career, but you are almost without peer. Your broad expertise, attention to detail and dedication to client service have been a great complement to my skills, and for that I am grateful”.

• A Client CFO

“It has been an honor to know and work with you the last few months!

Your thorough attention to detail has been very inspiring and I will approach future deals aiming for a Ralph Castelli level of care”.

• From Buyer’s Counsel