Tag: estate planning
Kemp Klein Attorneys Volunteer for Oakland County Bar Association's April 2025 PALS Senior Law Day
Amanda Afton Martin and Margaret Lindauer volunteered at PALS Senior Law Day on April 4th at the Active Adult Center in Madison Heights, MI.
Kemp Klein Attorneys Amanda Afton Martin, Margaret Lindauer and Couzens Lansky Attorney Sara Zivian Zwickl gave the Keynote Address on Estate Planning. They presented their version of “Estate Planning Myth Busters.” Amanda Afton Martin also participated in the Ask a Lawyer portion of the event.
Senior Law Day is designed to help educate senior members of the community on different areas of law and to assist attendees in finding answers to their legal questions. Speakers are experts in areas important to senior citizens. This is intended to be a helpful and informative day which includes Ask a Lawyer Sessions for individual consultations.
Senior citizens and their family members are invited to attend this extremely popular event. Senior Law Day is an invaluable resource that helps to educate senior citizens and/or their adult children on the areas of law that impact seniors. Thanks to the generous support of the Oakland County Bar Foundation, there is no cost to attend and attendees can choose from several informational sessions presented by local attorneys.
The event is hosted by the Oakland County Bar Association’s Providing Access to Legal Services (PALS) Committee. The Pal Committee develops and hosts programs that provide legal assistance and an understanding of the legal system within the community. The activities of this committee help emphasize the positive presence of lawyers in society.
For more information about OCBA Senior Law Day: https://www.ocba.org/?pg=senior-law-day
OCBA PAL's Senior Law Day - Madison Heights, MI April 2025
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.
Double Basis Step-Up Alternatives
–Published in LISI Financial Products Planning Newsletter – Archive Message #261
Neal Nusholtz
Kemp Klein Attorney Ralph A. Castelli Named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly's 'Go To Lawyers' Commercial Real Estate List
Kemp Klein is pleased to announce that Kemp Klein Shareholder and Chairman Emeritus Ralph A. Castelli was named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s ‘Go To Lawyers’ Commercial Real Estate List. The “Go To Lawyers” program identifies and recognizes the top lawyers across the state in a given practice area.
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.
Ralph Castelli is a sought-after attorney for business and real estate transactions as well as estate planning and general corporate law. He is a skilled negotiator who analyzes and problem solves complicated issues and uses his decades of experience to prevail on behalf of his clients.
Mr. Castelli maintains an “AV” peer review rating with Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, the highest peer review rating for attorneys. He has also been listed as one of the top 5% of attorneys in Michigan by Super Lawyers Magazine. In 2025 The Best Lawyers in America® recognized Ralph Castelli as a Best Lawyer for his work in Corporate Law, Real Estate Law and Trusts and Estates. Mr. Castelli has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® since 2013. Mr. Castelli was named Lawyer of the Year by The Best Lawyers in America® in 2019. Mr. Castelli was recognized by DBusiness Magazine as a 2025 DBusiness Top Lawyer for his work in Corporate Law. In Addition, Ralph Castelli was named to the “Leaders in Law” Class of 2018 by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s “Michigan’s Go to Lawyers Commercial Real Estate Law” issue released on January 27, 2025.
Read More About Why Mr. Castelli Was Chosen As A Michigan Lawyer's Weekly "Go To Lawyer"
Kemp Klein Vice President and Director Robert S. Zawideh Recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as one of the 2024 Leaders in the Law
Robert S. Zawideh Recognized As One Of The Michigan Lawyers Weekly Leaders In The Law
Congratulations to Kemp Klein Vice President and Shareholder Robert S. Zawideh on being recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a 2024 Leader in the Law!
The Leaders in the Law honorees are setting the standard for other lawyers through their outstanding contributions to the practice of law and the justice system in Michigan. They have demonstrated tremendous leadership and offer a wealth of expertise in diverse areas of the law. The Leaders in the Law Award is Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s annual salute to leaders in the state’s legal community.
Mr. Zawideh was recognized for his contributions to the practice of law. Robert S. Zawideh represents interested persons in high-net worth trust and estate disputes. He serves as the head of Kemp Klein’s Litigation Practice Group. His litigation practice has taken him before Michigan’s trial and appellate courts, including the Supreme Court, as well as federal courts, state courts and arbitration panels across the country.
Michigan Lawyers Weekly will hold an award ceremony to honor the 2024 Leaders in the Law. The event takes place Tuesday, December 3rd, in Troy, MI. Kemp Klein is a Bronze Sponsor of the event.
For more information on this honor: https://milawyersweekly.com/event/leaders-in-the-law
Kemp Klein Recently Sponsored Impact100 Oakland County's 2024 Annual Grant Awards Ceremony
Kemp Klein was an Event Sponsor of the Impact100 Oakland County 2024 Grant Awards Ceremony. Three organizations who have been making a difference in Oakland County were each awarded $97,333 grants at the event. The three organizations who were awarded grants were Hope Against Trafficking, Hospitality House Food Pantry and CARE House of Oakland County.
The 2024 Impact100 Oakland County Annual Grant Awards Ceremony took place on November 7th, 2024 at the Rust Belt Market in Ferndale, MI.
Impact100 Oakland County is an all female membership philanthropic group which brings women together to engage in impactful, large-scale giving to support nonprofits serving Oakland County. Impact100 Oakland County’s goal is to provide high-impact grants that reach under-served populations, support nonprofits, and highlight unmet needs in our community. Through grant-making, they invest in nonprofits financially and by partnering with them to familiarize themselves with their programs, services, and the communities they serve. There are over 70 Chapters of Impact100 around the globe.
For more information on Impact100 Oakland County please visit: impact100oaklandcounty.org
24 Kemp Klein Attorneys Have Been Recognized As 2025 DBusiness Top Lawyers
Kemp Klein is pleased to announce that twenty four of our attorneys have been selected for inclusion in the DBusiness Magazine 2025 list of Top Lawyers.
Amanda Afton Martin was recognized for Tax Law
Robert S. Zawideh was recognized for his work in Trust and Estates
Richard C. Bruder was recognized for his work in Mergers & Acquisitions 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
Michael D. Umphrey was recognized for Tax 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 Mediation and 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 Trust & Estates and Corporate Law
Casey W. Callahan was recognized for Trusts and 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 selection is based on an online peer-review survey sent out to the certified lawyers within the metro Detroit area. Inclusion in DBusiness Magazine’s Top Lawyers list is based solely upon one’s standing within their peer group.
Kemp Klein Has Been Recognized in Best Lawyers® – 2025 Edition of Best Law Firms®
Kemp Klein has been recognized in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms® , a testament to its unwavering commitment to legal excellence. Ranked by Best Law Firms regionally in 18 practice areas, Kemp Klein has distinguished itself in the legal industry, earning this prestigious accolade.
Firms included in the 2025 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 2025 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.” For more information about Kemp Klein’s recognitions, please visit: https://kkue.com/recognition.
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 2025 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 2025 Best Law Firms®:
- Regional Tier 1
- Regional Tier 2
- Regional Tier 3
About Kemp Klein
About 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 more information about Kemp Klein, please visit https://kkue.com/. .
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.
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.