For more information on Brian H. Rolfe click here.
Tag: Awards
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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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.
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.
Kemp Klein Attorney Amy A. Stawski Named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly's 'Go To Lawyers' Family Law List
Kemp Klein is pleased to announce that Kemp Klein Shareholder Amy A. Stawski was named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s ‘Go To Lawyers’ Family Law List. The “Go To Lawyers” program identifies and recognizes the top lawyers for family law 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.
Amy Stawski has more than 30 years of experience in Family Law and Appellate Litigation. Her substantial expertise includes litigating and settling complex, high profile family law cases as well as advising individuals on a full range of domestic relations issues arising from marriage, divorce and custody. These issues include divorce, annulment, separate maintenance, paternity, custody, change of domicile, child and spousal support (alimony), parenting time, division of marital estates, grandparenting time, and appeals, among others. Additionally, she has experience with cases involving international issues concerning the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of Child Abduction. Ms. Stawski remains dedicated to protecting her clients and working with them to achieve the best possible outcome.
Ms. Stawski maintains an “AV” peer review rating with Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, the highest peer review rating for attorneys. She has also been recognized for inclusion in other top peer-reviewed directories, including The Best Lawyers in America© 2018 – 2025 in the field of Family Law, DBusiness magazine’s list of Top Lawyers in 2013, 2014 and 2025 in the practice area of Family Law, and the 2014 – 2024 issues of Michigan Super Lawyers magazine, (which features the top 5% of attorneys in Michigan in the practice area of Family Law). Additionally, she has been designated a “Leading Lawyer” in Family Law for the years 2013 to the present (a distinction granted to the top 1% of attorneys in Michigan).
Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s “Michigan’s Go to Lawyers Family Law” issue released on March 24, 2025.
Kemp Klein Attorney Robert S. Zawideh Chosen as The State Bar of Michigan - Litigation Section’s Inagural Litigation Excellence Award Winner
Kemp Klein is pleased to announce that Kemp Klein Vice President and Shareholder Robert S. Zawideh was chosen as the Inaugural Recipient of the State Bar of Michigan – Litigation Section’s Litigation Excellence Award.
The Litigation Excellence Award recognizes litigators that embody the following qualities:
- Involvement in significant legal matters
- Depth of legal knowledge
- Superior written and oral advocacy skills
- Commitment to civility and professionalism
- Outstanding reputation among peers and commitment to improvement of the legal profession.
Recipients of this award effectively represent their clients, achieve favorable outcomes, and uphold the principles of justice that sets them apart as leaders in the legal community. This award celebrates their commitment to excellence and their significant contributions to the practice of law.
Mr. Zawideh primarily represents interested persons in high net worth trust and estate disputes. For more than 34-years Robert has successfully resolved complex litigation and business matters on behalf of individuals, businesses and municipalities. Robert has appeared in Michigan’s trial and appellate courts, including the Michigan Supreme Court, as well as before federal courts, state courts and arbitration panels across the United States. He has appeared in state and federal, trial or appellate courts in Michigan, Ohio, California, Illinois, Louisiana, and Washington, D.C., and has successfully argued before the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.
The reception to honor the State Bar of Michigan – Litigation Section’s 2025 award winners took place on April 9th, 2025, at The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.
Congratulations to all of those honored by the State Bar of Michigan Litigation Section.
Listen to Edward Nahhat’s story about first impressions, receiving an award together, being on opposite sides of a case, and why Robert Zawideh is deserving of this award.
Photos from the Event
