For more information on Brian H. Rolfe click here.
Tag: estate planning
 
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
 
 
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 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 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.
 







