For more information on Brian H. Rolfe click here.
Author: Adam Diemond
 
Ralph A. Castelli Named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame, Class of 2026
TROY, MI — Kemp Klein Law Firm is proud to announce that Ralph A. Castelli has been named to the 2026 Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame, an honor recognizing Michigan’s most accomplished legal professionals for their career-long excellence and contributions to the legal profession and the community.
The Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame program recognizes legal leaders who have practiced law for 30 years or more and who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement, leadership, and service. Honorees are selected for the lasting impact they have made in the courtroom or boardroom, within their firms or legal departments, through community involvement, and in local, state, and national bar associations.
Ralph Castelli’s legal practice has spanned decades and involves a wide range of sophisticated business matters, including business planning and structuring, exit planning, shareholder and partner separations, and the full spectrum of real estate and business transactions. He is widely respected for his strategic insight, sound judgment, and steady leadership in complex matters.
In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Castelli successfully served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Kemp Klein Law Firm for 26 years, playing a central role in guiding the firm through significant growth while reinforcing a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and integrity.
Mr. Castelli is also a board member and former president of the Kemp Klein Foundation, which sponsors Common Ground and supports numerous local and national charitable causes, reflecting his long-standing commitment to community service.
The Hall of Fame induction event will take place on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. EDT, at The Mint at Michigan First Conference Center in Lathrup Village, Michigan.
For more information about Kemp Klein Law Firm, visit:
https://kkue.com
Learn more about Michigan Lawyers Weekly and the Hall of Fame program: https://milawyersweekly.com/event/hall-of-fame-up-coming-lawyers
Kemp Klein Law Firm congratulates Ralph A. Castelli on this well-deserved honor and thanks him for his decades of leadership, mentorship, and service to the firm, the legal profession, and the community.
 
 
In Re Plank Revocable Living Trust
 
 
In Re Ladney 1992 Trust
 
 
Kemp Klein Proudly Participates in Oakland County Foster Closet’s 2025 Holiday Initiative for Children
This holiday season, Kemp Klein was proud to support the important work of Oakland County Foster Closet through its 2025 Holiday Initiative for Children. As part of this community effort, our firm fulfilled holiday wish lists for eight children in Oakland County, helping bring joy, comfort, and meaningful moments to local foster youth during the holidays.
Oakland County Foster Closet is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children in foster care by providing essential items such as clothing, shoes, personal care products, and comfort items at no cost to families and caregivers. By meeting immediate needs and easing transitions into foster homes, the organization helps children feel supported, confident, and cared for. In 2025, Oakland County Foster Closet sponsored 298 children, making a significant impact on families across Oakland County during the holiday season.
In addition to supporting foster children, members of the Kemp Klein team also contributed hygiene products to the Victims Assistance Program at Common Ground, extending our holiday outreach to individuals and families facing crisis.
Common Ground provides vital crisis intervention services throughout Southeast Michigan, including emergency shelter, counseling, advocacy, and support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other traumatic situations. The Victims Assistance Program focuses on addressing urgent needs while promoting dignity, safety, and healing. Donations of hygiene supplies help ensure individuals seeking assistance have access to basic necessities during times of uncertainty.
For more information about Oakland County Foster Closet, visit https://ocfostercloset.org.
For more information about Common Ground, visit https://commongroundhelps.org.
Community involvement and service are core values at Kemp Klein. We are grateful for the opportunity to support organizations like Oakland County Foster Closet and Common Ground that strengthen our local communities and make a lasting difference for children and families throughout Oakland County. To learn more about Kemp Klein’s community involvement, visit https://kkue.com/communityinvolvement.
 
 
IRC Section 1014 SLAT – Basis Step Up
–Published in LISI Financial Products Planning Newsletter – Archive Message #3255
 
 
Brian Jenney Sponsors The 2025 Mighty Gobbler 5k and 1 Mile Run / Walk
On behalf of Kemp Klein, attorney Brian Jenney is proud to support the 2025 Mighty Gobbler 5K and 1 Mile Run and Walk. Now entering its eleventh year, the Mighty Gobbler has become a cherished Thanksgiving tradition in Troy. Kemp Klein is honored to serve as a Silver Sponsor once again. Since 2015, this event has raised more than sixty five thousand dollars to support meaningful services throughout our community, and we are grateful to have been part of its impact for many years.
The 2025 Mighty Gobbler 5K and 1 Mile Run and Walk will take place on November 27. The one mile fun run and walk begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by the 5K at 9:00 a.m. The race starts at 3290 West Big Beaver Road in Troy, and the course winds through nearby neighborhoods and commercial areas using a combination of roads and sidewalks.
This year’s event benefits three important local charities: Micah 6 Community, Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, and Troy People Concerned. Micah 6 Community serves Pontiac residents by increasing access to fresh food, promoting economic development, stabilizing neighborhoods, and offering spiritual and emotional support. Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers empowers older and disabled adults to maintain independence and quality of life through a network of trained and dedicated volunteers. Troy People Concerned supports Troy residents in times of need by providing assistance, information, and referrals.
Kemp Klein is proud to champion organizations that strengthen our region and support our neighbors.
For more information about the event: https://www.mightygobbler.com
Learn more about Kemp Klein’s Community Involvement here: https://kkue.com/communityinvolvement
 
 
Kemp Klein Attorney Margaret Lindauer Participated in Oakland County Bar Association's Youth Law Conference
Kemp Klein Attorney Margaret Lindauer participated in the Oakland County Bar Association’s 2025 Youth Law Conference.
The Youth Law Conference educates high school juniors and seniors about career options in the legal profession, the general legal process, and provides tools for better decision making. By tailoring the program to the interests and issues of a teen audience, the OCBA and its volunteer attorneys deliver an engaging experience that is well received by students and teachers alike.
During the conference, students and educators attended breakout sessions featuring prominent speakers from both the bench and the bar. Margaret Lindauer served as a guest participant, offering insight into the profession and her experience as an attorney.
The keynote speaker was Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Kwamé L. Rowe. Topics discussed included the roles and responsibilities of a judge, pathways to a legal career, searches, seizures, student rights, and an opportunity to meet the Oakland County Sheriff’s K9 and comfort dogs.
The event took place at the MSU Management Education Center in Troy, Michigan on November 18, 2025.
For more information about OCBA’s Youth Law Conference: https://www.ocba.org/?pg=youth-law-conference
Photos from the event
 
 
Brian H. Rolfe, President & CEO of Kemp Klein, Recognized in Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2025 Managing Partners Spotlight
Kemp Klein is proud to announce that our President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Rolfe, has been featured in the Michigan Lawyers Weekly 2025 Managing Partners Spotlight. This recognition highlights accomplished law firm leaders from across the state who demonstrate exceptional guidance, strategic vision, and a steadfast commitment to advancing the legal profession.
The Managing Partners Spotlight is designed to showcase individuals who set the tone for excellence within their firms. Those selected are recognized for their ability to navigate complex challenges, support the professional growth of their teams, and strengthen the quality of legal service in Michigan. The feature provides readers with insight into how these leaders approach management, innovation, community involvement, and the long term health of their organizations.
Mr. Rolfe’s inclusion in this year’s Spotlight reflects his ongoing dedication to the values that define Kemp Klein. His leadership continues to support the firm’s mission to serve clients with excellence, integrity and efficiency, while fostering a workplace culture that encourages collaboration, accountability, and a deep commitment to the communities we support. Under Mr. Rolfe’s direction, Kemp Klein continues to grow its capabilities and uphold its reputation as a trusted and respected full service law firm.
We congratulate Mr. Rolfe on this well deserved honor.
The Managing Partners Spotlight issue of Michigan Lawyers Weekly can be accessed here (Mr. Rolfe’s spotlight is on page 14) or viewed below.
 
 
24 Kemp Klein Attorneys Have Been Recognized As 2026 DBusiness Top Lawyers
Kemp Klein is honored to announce that twenty-four of our attorneys have been recognized in the DBusiness Magazine 2026 Top Lawyers list. This achievement reflects the exceptional talent, dedication, and client-focused service our attorneys bring to the firm and the communities we proudly serve.
Amanda Afton Martin was recognized for Tax Law
Robert S. Zawideh was recognized for Trust and Estates
Richard C. Bruder was recognized for his work in Mergers & Acquisitions Law and Securities Law
Raymond L. Morrow was recognized for his work in Litigation – Construction
Ralph A. Castelli was recognized for his work in Corporate Law
Norman D. Orr was recognized for his work in Bankruptcy and Creditor / Debtor Rights Law
Neal Nusholtz was recognized for Tax Law
Ronald. S. Nixon was recognized for Appellate Law
Matthew W. Frank was recognized for Mergers & Acquisitions Law
Mark R. Filipp was recognized for Labor and Employment Law
Joseph P. Buttiglieri was recognized for Trust & Estates
James P. Davey was recognized for Litigation – Construction
Faith M. Gaudaen was recognized for Litigation – Construction
Edward M. Nahhat was recognized for Appellate Law
David D. Marsh was recognized for Real Estate Law
Cynthia L. Umphrey was recognized for Corporate Law
William E. Haines II was recognized for Trusts & Estates
C. Leslie Banas was recognized for Real Estate Law
Brian H. Rolfe was recognized for Litigation – Commercial
Brian R. Jenney was recognized for Trusts and Estates
Austin W. Probst was recognized for Trusts and Estates
Amy W. Stawski was recognized for Family Law
William B. Acker was recognized for his work in Tax Law
Alan A. May was recognized for Trusts and Estates
The DBusiness Top Lawyers list is determined through an extensive online peer-review survey distributed to certified attorneys across the metro Detroit region. Inclusion is based entirely on a lawyer’s reputation, expertise, and standing within the legal community as recognized by their peers.
To view the complete DBusiness Magazine Top Lawyers 2026 list, click here: https://www.dbusiness.com/top-lawyers/top-lawyers-2026
 
 
In Re Wessels Family Trust
 








