Tag: Tax Law
IRC Section 1014 SLAT – Basis Step Up
–Published in LISI Financial Products Planning Newsletter – Archive Message #3255
Neal Nusholtz
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
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
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 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/.
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.
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.
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
Double Basis Step-Up Alternatives
–Published in LISI Financial Products Planning Newsletter – Archive Message #261
Neal Nusholtz
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 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 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
