For more information on Brian H. Rolfe click here.
Category: Firm News & Announcements
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
Kemp Klein Has Been Recognized in the 2026 Edition of Best Law Firms®
Troy, MI, United States, November 6, 2025 — Kemp Klein has been recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Law Firms® , a testament to its unwavering commitment to legal excellence. Ranked by Best Law Firms regionally in 19 practice areas, Kemp Klein has distinguished itself in the legal industry, earning this prestigious accolade.
Firms included in the 2026 Best Law Firms® list are recognized for professional excellence with impressive ratings from clients and peers. To be considered for this milestone achievement, at least one lawyer in the law firm must be recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.
“At Best Lawyers, we are proud to recognize law firms that show an unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction,” said Philip Greer, Chief Executive Officer of Best Lawyers. “In the legal arena, credibility is earned through consistent quality, which has propelled these firms to the forefront of the legal industry.”
Achieving a ranking in Best Law Firms signifies high-quality legal practice and a depth of legal proficiency. Recognized firms, categorized into three tiers, receive acclaim on both national and metropolitan levels, reflecting the extent of their practice and geographic reach. Receiving a tier designation represents an elite status, reflecting the integrity and reputation earned by law firms.
The 2026 edition of Best Law Firms® includes rankings in 75 national practice areas and 127 metropolitan-based practice areas. The highest-rated firm in each national practice area attains the prestigious “Law Firm of the Year” honor. The transparent, collaborative research process employs qualitative and quantitative data from peer and client reviews, supported by proprietary algorithmic technology, to produce a tiered system of industry-led rankings of the top 4% of the industry.
Kemp Klein received the following rankings in the 2026 Best Law Firms®:
- Regional Tier 1
- Regional Tier 2
- Regional Tier 3
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About Kemp KleinAbout Kemp Klein: Kemp Klein is a full-service law firm dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of legal services, for both individuals and businesses, with the highest professional standards of excellence, integrity and efficiency. Spanning more than 50 years in business, its Midwest based practice has grown to serve clients locally, nationally, and internationally in areas such as estate planning, business/corporate law and litigation, probate and trust law and litigation, family law, bankruptcy and collections, employment, real estate, landlord/tenant, and tax law. For a list of all of Kemp Klein Practice Areas, please visit https://kkue.com/practice-areas/. For more information about Kemp Klein Law Firm, please visit https://kkue.com/.
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About Best Law Firms®
Best Law Firms®, ranked by Best Lawyers® and respected for over 14 years, is the most credible ranking of exceptional law firms globally. It is rooted in a rigorous, peer-to-peer, industry-driven evaluation. A ranking from Best Law Firms signifies a high-quality practice and a breadth of legal expertise. Ranked firms, presented in three tiers, are recognized on a national and metropolitan scale, providing legal professionals with an elevated stature from the Best Law Firms recognition. For more information, visit www.bestlawfirms.com.
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About Best Lawyers®
Best Lawyers® is the oldest and most respected peer-review research and marketing company in the legal profession. Best Lawyers compiles extensive recognitions by conducting exhaustive peer-review surveys in which tens of thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate the work of their fellow legal professionals within their local market and specialty. Lawyers are not required or allowed to pay a fee to be listed; therefore, recognition by Best Lawyers is considered a singular honor. For more information, visit www.bestlawyers.com.
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Kemp Klein Honored with Common Ground's Kay White Legacy Award
Kemp Klein was honored by Common Ground with the Kay White Legacy Award at the Celebration of Hope Gala. Ralph Castelli, CEO Emeritus, accepted the award on behalf of the firm.
The Kay White Legacy Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose leadership and commitment embody Common Ground’s mission to help move people from crisis to hope. Recipients demonstrate exceptional dedication through leadership, business expertise, volunteerism, and community engagement.
Common Ground is a nonprofit organization based in Michigan that provides critical crisis intervention and support services to individuals and families in need. The organization operates a 24-hour crisis and resource helpline, a crisis residential unit, and a wide range of programs offering mental health support, shelter, victim assistance, and youth services. Common Ground is also a key partner in the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, ensuring that Michiganders have immediate access to compassionate, life-saving help whenever they need it.
Kemp Klein is proud to be a Legacy Society Benefactor and an active member of Common Ground’s Circle of Hope. To date, the Kemp Klein Foundation has contributed more than $200,000 in pro bono legal services to support Common Ground’s vital work. In addition to our legal and financial support, we have partnered on several community initiatives, including the Adopt-A-Family program, The Ride 2 End Suicide, and multiple blanket-making and volunteer events that benefit individuals and families in need.
In his remarks at the event, Mr. Castelli shared, “We look forward to continuing our relationship with Common Ground as it continues to provide much-needed services to those in crisis. In two more years, that relationship will hit the 20-year mark.”
We are deeply grateful for this recognition and remain committed to supporting Common Ground’s mission of compassion, hope, and community service.
For more information on the Common Ground: https://commongroundhelps.org
Kemp Klein is Supporting Oakland Literacy Council’s 2025 Ex Libris Event
The 36th annual Ex Libris fundraising dinner will celebrate literacy and the accomplishments of students and Oakland Literacy Council volunteers.
The 2025 Ex Libris Keynote Speaker is Rob Edwards who has written two classic animated films for Walt Disney Feature Animation: the Academy Award, and Golden Globe-nominated THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG and the Academy Award-nominated TREASURE PLANET. In 2025, he has had three films release on the big screen, including Marvel’s CAPTAIN AMERICA: BRAVE NEW WORLD, SNEAKS, and the THE KING OF KINGS. Edwards’ extensive film credits also include consulting on TANGLED, WRECK-IT RALPH, and FROZEN. He is a 20-year veteran of television, where he wrote and produced several television shows, including THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR, FULL HOUSE, A DIFFERENT WORLD, STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP, ROC, and IN LIVING COLOR.
Kemp Klein is an Epic Sponsor of the event. We believe literacy is vital, and in alignment with that belief, the Kemp Klein Foundation has supported Oakland Literacy Council for 31 years. To learn more about the Kemp Klein Foundation: https://kkue.com/kemp-klein-foundation
The event takes place October 23, 2025 at the Village Club in Bloomfield Hills, MI. Cocktails are at 5:30 and Dinner is at 6:30.
To purchase tickets and for more information about the event: https://www.oaklandliteracy.com/exlibris2025
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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Published: https://www.openpr.com/news/4212697/kemp-klein-s-4th-annual-charity-golf-outing-benefiting-first-tee
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.