Tag: Lawyers
Austin W. Probst Named a 2026 Michigan Lawyers Weekly Up & Coming Lawyer
TROY, MI — Kemp Klein Law Firm is proud to announce that Austin W. Probst has been named a 2026 Up & Coming Lawyer by Michigan Lawyers Weekly, an honor recognizing outstanding attorneys in their first 10 years of practice who are establishing themselves as future leaders in the legal profession.
The Michigan Lawyers Weekly Up & Coming Lawyers program highlights attorneys who have demonstrated exceptional ambition, accomplishment, and dedication to the practice of law early in their careers. Honorees are selected based on their professional achievements, leadership potential, and the meaningful impact they are making for clients and within the legal community.
Austin represents families, individuals, and fiduciaries in a wide range of probate, estate, and trust matters, including estate planning, Medicaid planning, and complex probate and trust disputes. His practice encompasses guardianships, conservatorships, estate and trust administration, and litigation, and he regularly appears before both trial and appellate courts.
Known for his thoughtful and client focused approach, Austin advises clients through some of the most financially and emotionally challenging moments of their lives. He brings a balance of technical knowledge, sensitivity, and precision to his work, helping clients navigate disputes and long term planning with clarity and confidence.
This recognition reflects Austin’s strong professional trajectory and his growing reputation as a trusted advocate and advisor. His commitment to high quality legal work and service aligns with Kemp Klein’s longstanding values of excellence, integrity and efficiency.
For more information about Kemp Klein Law Firm, visit
https://kkue.com
Learn more about Michigan Lawyers Weekly and the Up & Coming Lawyers program
https://milawyersweekly.com
Kemp Klein Law Firm congratulates Austin W. Probst on this well deserved recognition and looks forward to his continued success and leadership within the firm and the legal profession.
Ralph A. Castelli Named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame, Class of 2026
TROY, MI — Kemp Klein Law Firm is proud to announce that Ralph A. Castelli has been named to the 2026 Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame, an honor recognizing Michigan’s most accomplished legal professionals for their career-long excellence and contributions to the legal profession and the community.
The Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame program recognizes legal leaders who have practiced law for 30 years or more and who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement, leadership, and service. Honorees are selected for the lasting impact they have made in the courtroom or boardroom, within their firms or legal departments, through community involvement, and in local, state, and national bar associations.
Ralph Castelli’s legal practice has spanned decades and involves a wide range of sophisticated business matters, including business planning and structuring, exit planning, shareholder and partner separations, and the full spectrum of real estate and business transactions. He is widely respected for his strategic insight, sound judgment, and steady leadership in complex matters.
In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Castelli successfully served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Kemp Klein Law Firm for 26 years, playing a central role in guiding the firm through significant growth while reinforcing a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and integrity.
Mr. Castelli is also a board member and former president of the Kemp Klein Foundation, which sponsors Common Ground and supports numerous local and national charitable causes, reflecting his long-standing commitment to community service.
The Hall of Fame induction event will take place on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. EDT, at The Mint at Michigan First Conference Center in Lathrup Village, Michigan.
For more information about Kemp Klein Law Firm, visit:
https://kkue.com
Learn more about Michigan Lawyers Weekly and the Hall of Fame program: https://milawyersweekly.com/event/hall-of-fame-up-coming-lawyers
Kemp Klein Law Firm congratulates Ralph A. Castelli on this well-deserved honor and thanks him for his decades of leadership, mentorship, and service to the firm, the legal profession, and the community.
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
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 Attorneys Amanda Afton Martin and Margaret Lindauer are Featured in OCBA Laches
Amanda Afton Martin and Margaret Lindauer are featured in the June/July edition of Oakland County Bar Association’s Laches. They volunteered for PALS Senior Law Day at the Active Adult Center in Madison Heights, MI. This was the first time that the event was held at the Madison Heights Active Adult Center.
The article can be viewed at this link: https://issuu.com/hour_media/docs/laches_june_july_2025/25
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 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 Attorneys and Staff Craft No-Sew Blankets for Common Ground
For the sixth consecutive year, the attorneys and staff of Kemp Klein Law Firm collaborated and crafted hand-tied fleece blankets for Common Ground’s clients. Common Ground distributes these blankets as comfort items for children, victims of trauma, homeless, and other families and individuals in need of assistance. We thank the Columbia Center for donating the space for our blanket making event free of charge.
The Kemp Klein Foundation is a proud Legacy Society Benefactor for Common Ground. Kemp Klein has provided more than $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, partnered in their Resiliency Initives like the Ride 2 End Suicide, sponsored their Celebration of Hope Gala, held blanket making and other events to help those in need.
Since its inception, the Kemp Klein Foundation has contributed over $1,000,000 to hundreds of worthwhile causes. Everyone in the firm is encouraged to be involved from hands-on volunteer opportunities to paying to participate in casual Fridays. It is our belief that by working with and giving back to our local communities, everyone succeeds.
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