Tag: Kemp Klein
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.
Ed Nahhat Involved with Shakespeare Royal Oak's Macbeth
Kemp Klein Attorney Edward Nahhat founded Shakespeare Royal Oak in 2001. Shakespeare Royal Oak was originally founded to enhance the quality of life in the community and to provide an opportunity for emerging professional theater artists a place to call home.
Throughout the years, Shakespeare Royal Oak has entertained thousands, and employed hundreds of local artists, many of whom have gone on to succeed in theater, television and film. Edward Nahhat has maintained a leadership role with this community-based organization for the past 25 years. We are proud of the work our team does in the community.
Something wicked has coming to Royal Oak – with not one witch, but three! This summer Shakespeare Royal Oak has unveiled a devilishly original streampunk-style Macbeth from visionary Detroit director Jeffrey Michael Nahan, with all the spirited spells, plots, and revenge the Bard could conjure up right in the middle of Starr Jaycee Park, July 24 through August 3.
Steampunk Macbeth will fill your eyes and mind with its unique style, music, and moves to keep you guessing till you cheer its glorious end! So, stab your calendar now to plan your night under the stars with the area’s finest professional theater artists as they reveal the plot of Shakespeare’s finest villain in one of the most feared and loved plays of all time.
For tickets and information: https://shakespeareroyaloak.com/
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 Law Firm is Sponsoring Oakland County Bar Foundation's 2025 Signature Event
Oakland County Bar Foundation’s highly anticipated annual fundraising event is celebrating its 26th year. Kemp Klein Law Firm is a Silver Sponsor for the event.
The Signature Event is the primary fundraising initiative of the Oakland County Bar Foundation. The OCBF funds many worthy non-profit organizations in order to meet its mission of ensuring access to justice and an understanding of law in our community.
In 2024, OCBF raised over $193,000. These funds are vital for supporting local nonprofits dedicated to helping those in need. This achievement was made possible by the generous contributions of sponsors and donors.
The event takes place Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, from 6-9pm at the Orchard Lake Country Club.
For more information and registration: https://www.ocba.org/?pg=signature-event
Kemp Klein Attorneys who are OCBF Fellows:
Austin Probst – Fellow
Margaret Lindauer – Fellow
Tyler Knurek – Fellow
Amanda Afton Martin – Fellow
Amy Stawski – Life Fellow
Brian Rolfe – Philanthropist Fellow
Robert Zawideh – Life Fellow
C. Leslie Banas – Life Fellow
Ralph Castelli – Life Fellow
Brian Jenney – Life Fellow
For more information about the Oakland County Bar Foundation: https://www.ocba.org/?pg=ocbf
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
Kemp Klein Has Been Nominated for the Community Impact Award in the 2025 Troy Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards
Kemp Klein is honored to be nominated for the second straight year in the Troy Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards presented by Horizon Bank for the Amour Women Community Impact Award. The Troy Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards celebrates and give recognition to the achievements of organizations and working professionals in the Troy business community.
The Amour Women Community Impact Award recognizes organizations and companies that are positively impacting their communities in ways that inspire integrity and respond creatively to needs in underserved communities.
The nomination reads, “Over the past year, Kemp Klein Law Firm has made a significant impact in the community through active support and participation in local initiatives like the Troy Stage Nature Center’s Nature Uncorked Fundraiser, Troy Historic Village’s Scarecrow Row, and the Mighty Gobbler 5K. Their commitment extends beyond participation, as shown by the Kemp Klein Foundation’s third annual golf outing, which raised $33,000 for Forgotten Harvest—providing meals for approximately 129,000 people.”
Many of the activities for which Kemp Klein has been recognized have been made possible by the Kemp Klein Foundation. The Kemp Klein Foundation was started in 1994. Everyone at Kemp Klein is encouraged to be involved from hands-on volunteer opportunities to paying to participate in casual Fridays. The Kemp Klein Foundation is funded via proceeds from casual Friday donations and contributions from the firm. Since its inception, the Foundation has contributed over $1,000,000 to hundreds of worthwhile causes which reflect the shared values of the individuals at Kemp Klein.
Read more about Kemp Klein’s dedication to Community Involvement: https://kkue.com/community_involvement
Kemp Klein Attorneys Austin W. Probst, Margaret Lindauer and Tyler Knurek join the Oakland County Bar Foundation as Fellows
Austin W. Probst, Margaret Lindauer and Tyler Knurek join several other Kemp Klein attorneys by joining the Oakland County Bar Foundation. The Oakland County Bar Foundation promotes and funds programs designed to increase access, affordability, and understanding of the law and legal system. The Fellows program provides critical support for OCBF programs. It also provides a setting for dedicated individuals to come together in professional camaraderie to support the cause. Membership in the Oakland County Bar Foundation Fellows program is evidence of professional distinction and constitutes a professional honor.
On Monday January, 27th, 2025 The Oakland County Bar Foundation held their Annual Fellows Reception. The event took place at The Iroquois Club in Bloomfield Hills, MI. This event was exclusively open to members of the OCBF.
The Fellows Reception honors those who support the charitable works of the OCBF. Membership in the Fellows program is evidence of professional distinction and constitutes a professional honor. The number of Fellows is limited to less than 10 percent of the total active membership of the State Bar of Michigan who practice in Oakland County. In order to become a Fellow, you must be nominated by a current OCBF Fellow.
Kemp Klein Attorneys who are OCBF Fellows:
Austin Probst – Fellow
Margaret Lindauer – Fellow
Tyler Knurek – Fellow
Amanda Afton Martin – Fellow
Amy Stawski – Life Fellow
Brian Rolfe – Philanthropist Fellow
Robert Zawideh – Life Fellow
C. Leslie Banas – Life Fellow
Ralph Castelli – Life Fellow
Brian Jenney – Life Fellow
For more information about the Oakland County Bar Foundation: https://www.ocba.org/?pg=ocbf
