Category: Firm News & Announcements
Kemp Klein's 4th Annual Charity Golf Outing Benefiting First Tee - Greater Detroit Smashes Fundraising Records
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Troy, Michigan 10/7/2025 — The Kemp Klein Foundation’s 4th Annual Charity Golf Outing was a tremendous success, raising $50,000.00 for First Tee-Greater Detroit, almost doubling donations raised in previous years’ outings. First Tee-Greater Detroit uses golf-based personal growth programs to help area youth build golf, growth, and leadership skills that empower them in all areas of life, including school, friendships and, eventually, careers. This year’s event, held at beautiful Links of Novi Singh Golf Course in Novi, Michigan on September 8, 2025, featured a silent auction and a delectable dinner after a sunny day on the course.
“It’s just an honor to be part of this event to work with a charity like First Tee-Greater Detroit. They strive every day to improve the health and wellness of local youth and their families by developing in these kids the strength of character that empowers them throughout their lives. It’s been a privilege to do what we can to support First Tee,” says Vice-President and Director Robert Zawideh, co-chair of Kemp Klein’s Litigation Group. “We’re so proud of our sponsors, volunteers and all the golfers who came together to ensure its success.”
The Kemp Klein Foundation’s mission is to provide support to charitable organizations and promote volunteerism throughout the firm and community. Since its inception, the Foundation has contributed over $1,000,000 to hundreds of worthwhile causes which reflect our shared values.
For more information on First Tee-Greater Detroit, go to: https://firstteegreaterdetroit.org/
For more information regarding the event, go to: kkue.com/golf2025
Event Contact: Robert Zawideh – (248) 619-2599 / robert.zawideh@kkue.com
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Alan A. May Recognized as One of the Michigan Lawyers Weekly Leaders in the Law
Congratulations to Kemp Shareholder Alan A. May on being recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a 2025 Leader in the Law!
The Leaders in the Law honorees set the standard for the legal profession in Michigan through their exceptional contributions to the practice of law and the justice system. Each year, Michigan Lawyers Weekly celebrates attorneys whose leadership, expertise, and service have made a lasting impact on their clients, their communities, and the legal field.
Mr. May’s recognition reflects more than four decades of distinguished service to Michigan’s legal community. A respected authority in probate, trust, guardianship, and conservatorship matters, he has served as a Wayne County Public Administrator since 1980—protecting vulnerable individuals and ensuring integrity in fiduciary matters. In addition to his extensive litigation experience, Mr. May is a prolific author and educator, having published numerous articles and taught courses at Wayne State University and Oakland University.
Throughout his career, Mr. May has been consistently honored for his excellence in practice, including recognition by Best Lawyers in America, Michigan Super Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell’s Register of Preeminent Lawyers. His scholarship, leadership, and mentorship have strengthened Michigan’s legal community and inspired generations of attorneys.
Click here to learn more about Mr. May
Michigan Lawyers Weekly will celebrate the 2025 Leaders in the Law honorees at a special awards ceremony on Friday, November 14, 2025, in Lathrup Village, MI. Kemp Klein is proud to support this event as a Bronze Sponsor.
For more information on this honor: https://milawyersweekly.com/event/leaders-in-the-law
Kemp Klein Attorney C. Leslie Banas Was Chosen as One of the 2025 Michigan Lawyers Weekly Influential Women of Law Honorees
Congratulations to Kemp Klein Shareholder C. Leslie Banas on being recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly for the 2025 Women of Law Award!
The Michigan Lawyers Weekly Influential Women of Law award honors women attorneys and judges for their excellent work on behalf of the justice system and for their clients, their commitment to their communities and their service to the profession. These honorees are inspiring and accomplished leaders, serve as mentors to others, and contribute significant time and effort to volunteerism and/or pro bono initiatives.
Leslie Banas counsels companies and individuals in business and real estate matters. She assists clients in organizing business entities, acquiring assets, negotiating contracts, and satisfying regulatory requirements. Her clients include entrepreneurial and established companies in real estate, housing, service, health care, manufacturing, hospitality and other industries. In addition, Ms. Banas works with non-profit educational, health care and community organizations in organizational and governance matters, applying for grants and entering into joint venture arrangements.
Michigan Lawyers Weekly will hold a ceremony to honor the award winners on Friday, September 26th, in Southfield, MI. Kemp Klein is a Bronze Sponsor of the event.
For more information on this honor: https://milawyersweekly.com/event/influential-women-in-law
KEMP KLEIN SHAREHOLDER ALAN A. MAY'S LATEST NOVEL REVIEWED BY WASHINGTON LAWYER MAGAZINE
Kemp Klein is pleased to announce that Kemp Klein Shareholder Alan A. May‘s latest novel, “The Past is a Foreign Country,” has been reviewed by Washington Lawyer Magazine. Washington Lawyer Magazine is the official, flagship publication of the District of Columbia Bar, or D.C. Bar. The review is featured on page 38 on the September – October issue.
Click here to read the full review.
In the review Jeremy Conrad of Washington Lawyer discussed how Mr. May’s novel is a reflection on 20th-century America’s moral complexity. “May’s own thoughts and reactions to the social problems of the period that his character visits are apparent. He looks on with disgust at the racial violence and rhetoric, and he is filled with hope at the signs of progress he knows will come in the decades ahead. “All I wanted to do was go back in time and see some of the greatest sporting events in history,” he says. “Everywhere we go it’s bigotry, antisemitism, and hate.”
Click here to purchase The Past is a Foreign Country by Alan A. May.
Thirteen Kemp Klein Attorneys Named Michigan Super Lawyers
We are proud to announce that thirteen of Kemp Klein’s attorneys were recognized as 2025 Michigan Super Lawyers.
The following attorneys were named 2025 Michigan Super Lawyers:
C. Leslie Banas – Business / Corporate Law
Joseph P. Buttiglieri – Estate & Trust Litigation
Ralph A. Castelli, Jr. – Business / Corporate Law
Mark R. Filipp – Employment Litigation: Defense
Brian R. Jenney – Estate & Probate Law
Alan A. May – Estate & Probate Law
Brian H. Rolfe – Business Litigation
Amy A. Stawski – Family Law
Cynthia L. Umphrey – Business / Corporate Law
Robert S. Zawideh – Estate & Trust Litigation
Brian Jenney was also added to the Top 100: Michigan Super Lawyers: 2025 list.
The following attorneys were named 2025 Michigan Rising Stars:
Casey W. Callahan – Estate & Probate Law
William E. Haines II – Estate & Probate Law
Austin W. Probst – Estate & Probate Law
Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor.
Super Lawyers recognizes the top attorneys nationwide, across a variety of practice areas and firm sizes, using a patented process of independent research and peer input. The lawyers selected include those with many years of experience, as well as the Rising Stars of the profession.
Super Lawyers is a resource designed to aid those needing an attorney and has grown over three decades with an unparalleled reach in print magazines and online.
For more on Kemp Klein’s recognition click here.
Kemp Klein Attorney Matthew Frank Is Featured as a 2025 Notable M&A Dealmaker by Crain’s Detroit Business
Kemp Klein is pleased to announce that Kemp Klein Senior Attorney Matthew Frank was named as a 2025 Notable M&A Dealmaker by Crain’s Detroit Business. These experienced attorneys and executives lead complex merger and acquisition deals between companies that span the country and the globe. Collectively, they have overseen billions of dollars in transactions, from private equity roll-up mergers to expansions and major exits.
Crain’s Detroit Business Notable M&A Dealmakers know what it takes to close, navigating tight deadlines, business regulations and financial interests — all while contributing to their personal and professional communities through mentorship, board service and volunteerism.
With over two decades of legal experience, Matthew Frank focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, and general corporate counsel. Known for his strategic thinking and practical approach, Matthew represents business owners, investors, and management teams in structuring, negotiating, and closing complex business and real estate deals. In addition to transactional work, Matthew serves as outside general counsel to a variety of privately held companies, providing guidance on corporate governance, shareholder matters, contract negotiation, and strategic planning. His background in bankruptcy and commercial litigation further enhances his ability to assess risk, resolve disputes, and deliver pragmatic solutions to business challenges.
DBusiness Magazine recognized Matthew Frank as a 2025 DBusiness Top Lawyer for his work in Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Michigan Lawyers Weekly selected Mr. Frank as a 2025 ‘Go To Lawyer’ for his work in Business Litigation. Matthew Frank maintains a 10.0 Superb Top Attorney score with Martindale-Avvo. Mr. Frank was recognized for his work in Bankruptcy Law in 2018 by Lawyers of Distinction. Mr. Frank was selected for inclusion in the 2013 issue of Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Stars featuring the top 5% of attorneys in Michigan.
To see Matthew Frank’s feature in Crain’s Detroit Business: https://www.crainsdetroit.com/Reprint-CD25099KempKleinLawFirm
Crain’s Detroit Business Notable M&A Dealmakers list released on August 11, 2025.
Kemp Klein Attorney Matthew W. Frank Named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly's 'Go To Lawyers' Business Litigation List
Kemp Klein is pleased to announce that Kemp Klein Attorney Matthew W. Frank was named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s ‘Go To Lawyers’ Business Litigation List. The “Go To Lawyers” program identifies and recognizes the top lawyers for business litigation across Michigan.
To be considered for this award one must be the following:
- A lawyer who is well respected in his or her field, well-versed in the nuances of the case law, statutes and regulations clients will encounter.
- A lawyer who is experienced and enjoys a record of success, with many cases and/or transactions that give testimony to the quality advice he or she can provide.
- A lawyer to whom other lawyers make referrals because of his or her expertise and accomplishments.
- A lawyer who can think creatively and identify all options for a client.
- A lawyer you would name when a friend from another state calls and says she has a client who needs some legal help in a given part of our state.
- A lawyer you might call yourself if you needed legal help in his or her field.
Matthew Frank routinely advises clients through asset and stock sales, corporate restructurings, joint ventures, and commercial real estate acquisitions and dispositions. He is particularly adept at navigating transactions involving closely held businesses, where practical experience and sound judgment are key to closing deals efficiently and protecting client interests. He serves as outside general counsel to a variety of privately held companies, providing guidance on corporate governance, shareholder matters, contract negotiation, and strategic planning. His background in bankruptcy and commercial litigation further enhances his ability to assess risk, resolve disputes, and deliver pragmatic solutions to business challenges.
DBusiness Magazine recognized Mr. Frank as a 2025 DBusiness Top Lawyer for his work in Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Matthew Frank maintains a 10.0 Superb Top Attorney score with Martindale-Avvo. Mr. Frank was recognized for his work in Bankruptcy Law in 2018 by Lawyers of Distinction.
Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s “Michigan’s Go to Lawyers Business Litigation” issue released on July 28, 2025.
Ed Nahhat Involved with Shakespeare Royal Oak's Macbeth
Kemp Klein Attorney Edward Nahhat founded Shakespeare Royal Oak in 2001. Shakespeare Royal Oak was originally founded to enhance the quality of life in the community and to provide an opportunity for emerging professional theater artists a place to call home.
Throughout the years, Shakespeare Royal Oak has entertained thousands, and employed hundreds of local artists, many of whom have gone on to succeed in theater, television and film. Edward Nahhat has maintained a leadership role with this community-based organization for the past 25 years. We are proud of the work our team does in the community.
Something wicked has coming to Royal Oak – with not one witch, but three! This summer Shakespeare Royal Oak has unveiled a devilishly original streampunk-style Macbeth from visionary Detroit director Jeffrey Michael Nahan, with all the spirited spells, plots, and revenge the Bard could conjure up right in the middle of Starr Jaycee Park, July 24 through August 3.
Steampunk Macbeth will fill your eyes and mind with its unique style, music, and moves to keep you guessing till you cheer its glorious end! So, stab your calendar now to plan your night under the stars with the area’s finest professional theater artists as they reveal the plot of Shakespeare’s finest villain in one of the most feared and loved plays of all time.
For tickets and information: https://shakespeareroyaloak.com/
William B. Acker and Norman D. Orr Celebrate 50 Years with Kemp Klein
Congratulations to William B. Acker and Norman D. Orr who celebrated 50 years of their careers with Kemp Klein Law Firm.
- Graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with high distinction (first in class) in 1972.
- Graduated from the University of Michigan School of Law in 1975.
- Began his career at Kemp Klein on 6/2/1975.
- Is an expert in business and taxation matters, Mr. Acker has authored numerous articles on tax and estate planning strategies for owners of real property; workouts and debt restructuring; tax deferred like-kind exchanges of property; partnership; state property tax and other tax matters for the Journal of Taxation, and the State Bar of Michigan Real Property Section’s professional journal, The Real Property Review.
- Mr. Acker was named Lawyer of the Year for his work in Tax Law by The Best Lawyers in America® in 2019. Mr. Acker has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® for his work in Tax Law, Trust & Estates and Real Estate Law since 2012.
- Graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science Degree, cum laude.
- Graduated from the University of Michigan School of Law in 1975, cum laude.
- Began his career at Kemp Klein on 6/1/1975.
- Mr. Orr’s career has centered around commercial and corporate legal work. This includes the purchase and sale of businesses, formation of businesses, financing transactions, shareholder/partner disputes, and negotiating and drafting various types of business agreements.
- Norman Orr maintains an “AV” peer review rating with Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, and was chosen as a 2025 Top Lawyer by DBusiness for his work in Creditor/Debtor Rights Law.
John B. Kemp gives a speech on William B. Acker, Norman D. Orr and the culture of Kemp Klein Law Firm:
Images from the event:
Kemp Klein is Hosting the Troy Chamber of Commerce Women's Business Forum's June Mixer
The Women’s Business Forum is focused on empowering women in business, the Women’s Business Forum meets to plan programs that are relevant to women in business.
Why Attend?
- Learn from top female leaders about the tools and strategies that helped them stay focused in their careers.
- Engage in meaningful conversations about the critical decisions women in leadership face on a daily basis.
- Network with like-minded professionals and gain inspiration from the stories of success and perseverance.
Event Information:
For more information about the Troy Chamber of Commerce Women’s Business Forum: