Tag: best law firm
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 is Sponsoring Common Ground's 2025 Celebration of Hope Gala
The 2025 Celebration of Hope Gala is Common Ground’s annual fundraiser that supports their mission of helping people move from crisis to hope.
Kemp Klein is Table Sponsor of the 2025 Celebration of Hope Gala through our Resiliency Partnership. Kemp Klein is a proud Legacy Society Benefactor for Common Ground and current member of their Circle of Hope. We have provided in excess of $200,000 in pro bono work to Common Ground. In addition to the pro bono work and financial contributions, we have hosted joint events for staff and clients of Common Ground, participated in Common Ground’s Adopt-A-Family initiative, sponsored The Ride 2 End Suicide, and we have held blanket making and other events to help those in need.
This year, two Common Ground advocates will be honored with the Kay White Legacy Award; Gary Dembs (Common Ground ambassador and Advisory Board member), and Kemp Klein (long-time supporter of Common Ground services in several capacities). The Kay White Legacy Award recognizes dedication and leadership to Common Ground and its mission to help move people from crisis to hope. Honorees embody the selfless commitment and inspirational spirit, in one or more of the following areas: leadership, business savvy, fundraising, volunteerism, and recruitment.
The Gala will shine with warmth, elegance, and the energy of like-minded supporters, sponsors and guests. Attendees will celebrate what has been accomplished and what is yet to come with fine dining, music, silent auction, and a program highlighting Common Ground’s mission of helping people move from Crisis to Hope.
The Celebration of Hope Gala takes place on October 24th, 2025.
Royal Park Hotel, 600 E. University Drive, Rochester, MI 48307
6:30pm – 9:30pm
Click here for information and registration: https://commongroundhelps.org/event/celebration-of-hope
For more information on the Common Ground: https://commongroundhelps.org
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 is Sponsoring Common Ground's 2025 Ride 2 End Suicide
The 2025 Ride 2 End Suicide is the 10th annual bicycle ride fundraiser to raise money for suicide awareness, prevention, education and community support.
This ride brings together survivors of suicide loss, their families and friends, mental health advocates, and local biking enthusiasts. It’s an opportunity to move for something that matters! Whether you ride for mental well-being, recovery, in memory of a loved one, or general support, the outcome is the same – to come together as a community to be there for one another and raise money for life saving suicide prevention programs.
Kemp Klein is the Finish Line Sponsor of the 2025 Ride 2 End Suicide through our Resiliency Partnership. Kemp Klein is a proud Legacy Society Benefactor for Common Ground and current member of their Circle of Hope. We have provided in excess of $200,000 in pro bono work to Common Ground. In addition to the pro bono work and financial contributions, we have hosted joint events for staff and clients of Common Ground, participated in Common Ground’s Adopt-A-Family initiative and we have held blanket making and other events to help those in need.
The Ride 2 End Suicide takes place May 17, 2025
Macomb Orchard Trail – Stony Creek Metropark (Up to 14 miles)
Wheels down at 10am
Click here for information and registration: https://ride2endsuicide.com
For more information on the Common Ground: https://commongroundhelps.org
Kemp Klein Attorney Brian Jenney is Sponsoring Marine Pollution Control's Riding Team at the 35th Zoo-De-Mack
The Zoo-de-Mackinac is a collection of outdoor enthusiasts (2,500-4,000) who want to enjoy a little physical exercise together in one of the most beautiful areas in the state of Michigan. The bike ride starts Saturday morning at The Highlands Resort (Formerly Boyne Highlands) and spans 51 miles along Lake Michigan on a paved road with very little automobile traffic. Riders pedal through rolling countryside and trillium covered forests, along sandy beaches, and are surrounded by breathtaking views of Lake Michigan from 400′ high bluffs. The ride continues on to Mackinaw City, where Arnold Transit Ferry (purchased additionally during registration) will take riders over to Mackinac Island for more festivities
From May 16-18, 2025, Team Marine Pollution Control will ride past breathtaking vistas of Lake Michigan as it raises funds for a clean water future right here in Metro Detroit with Friends of the Rouge.
Brian Jenney is a silver sponsor of the MPC Riding Team. His sponsorship empowers area residents to plant trees; monitor frog, toad, fish & bugs; participate in hands-on science at the river, build land & water trails; experience river recreation; create new rain gardens; and plant new wildlife habitat. All for cleaner air, less flooding, and a cleaner Rouge River.
For more information on this cause and how to donate: https://therouge.org
For more information on the Zoo-de-mack: https://zoo-de-mack.com
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
