Tag: Troy
Kemp Klein Attorneys and Staff Craft No-Sew Blankets for Common Ground
For the seventh consecutive year, the attorneys and staff of Kemp Klein Law Firm came together to create hand tied fleece blankets for Common Ground’s clients. Each blanket was carefully crafted by hand, representing more than warmth. It reflects comfort, compassion, and the reminder that no one facing hardship is alone. Common Ground distributes these blankets to children, individuals experiencing trauma or homelessness, and families and individuals navigating crisis. We are grateful to the Columbia Center for generously providing space for this meaningful event.
In 2025, Kemp Klein was deeply honored to receive Common Ground’s Kay White Legacy Award in recognition of our longstanding partnership and shared commitment to serving those in need. As a Circle of Hope member and Legacy Society Benefactor, the firm has provided more than $200,000 in pro bono legal services in support of Common Ground’s mission. Beyond financial and legal contributions, our team has stood alongside Common Ground through resiliency initiatives such as the Ride 2 End Suicide, sponsorship of the Celebration of Hope Gala, and hands on service projects that bring direct comfort to clients during difficult moments.
Common Ground is a Michigan-based nonprofit crisis services organization dedicated to helping people move from crisis to hope. As one of the state’s most comprehensive crisis response agencies, Common Ground provides free, confidential, 24/7 support by phone, text, and online chat, including access to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for anyone facing a mental health, emotional, or behavioral health emergency. Through its Resource & Crisis Hub and trained specialists, the organization listens without judgment, offers emotional support, and connects callers with local resources and immediate assistance. Common Ground meets people where they are, helping individuals, youths, adults, and families in crisis to feel heard, supported, and not alone.
Since its inception, the Kemp Klein Foundation has contributed more than $1,000,000 to hundreds of worthy causes. Every member of the firm is encouraged to participate, whether through hands on volunteer efforts or supporting charitable initiatives in other meaningful ways. It is our belief that by working with and giving back to our local communities, everyone succeeds.
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.
IRC Section 1014 SLAT – Basis Step Up
–Published in LISI Financial Products Planning Newsletter – Archive Message #3255
Neal Nusholtz
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
Kemp Klein's 4th Annual Charity Golf Outing Benefiting First Tee - Greater Detroit Smashes Fundraising Records
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Troy, Michigan 10/7/2025 — The Kemp Klein Foundation’s 4th Annual Charity Golf Outing was a tremendous success, raising $50,000.00 for First Tee-Greater Detroit, almost doubling donations raised in previous years’ outings. First Tee-Greater Detroit uses golf-based personal growth programs to help area youth build golf, growth, and leadership skills that empower them in all areas of life, including school, friendships and, eventually, careers. This year’s event, held at beautiful Links of Novi Singh Golf Course in Novi, Michigan on September 8, 2025, featured a silent auction and a delectable dinner after a sunny day on the course.
“It’s just an honor to be part of this event to work with a charity like First Tee-Greater Detroit. They strive every day to improve the health and wellness of local youth and their families by developing in these kids the strength of character that empowers them throughout their lives. It’s been a privilege to do what we can to support First Tee,” says Vice-President and Director Robert Zawideh, co-chair of Kemp Klein’s Litigation Group. “We’re so proud of our sponsors, volunteers and all the golfers who came together to ensure its success.”
The Kemp Klein Foundation’s mission is to provide support to charitable organizations and promote volunteerism throughout the firm and community. Since its inception, the Foundation has contributed over $1,000,000 to hundreds of worthwhile causes which reflect our shared values.
For more information on First Tee-Greater Detroit, go to: https://firstteegreaterdetroit.org/
For more information regarding the event, go to: kkue.com/golf2025
Event Contact: Robert Zawideh – (248) 619-2599 / robert.zawideh@kkue.com
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Published: https://www.openpr.com/news/4212697/kemp-klein-s-4th-annual-charity-golf-outing-benefiting-first-tee
William B. Acker and Norman D. Orr Celebrate 50 Years with Kemp Klein
Congratulations to William B. Acker and Norman D. Orr who celebrated 50 years of their careers with Kemp Klein Law Firm.
- Graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with high distinction (first in class) in 1972.
- Graduated from the University of Michigan School of Law in 1975.
- Began his career at Kemp Klein on 6/2/1975.
- Is an expert in business and taxation matters, Mr. Acker has authored numerous articles on tax and estate planning strategies for owners of real property; workouts and debt restructuring; tax deferred like-kind exchanges of property; partnership; state property tax and other tax matters for the Journal of Taxation, and the State Bar of Michigan Real Property Section’s professional journal, The Real Property Review.
- Mr. Acker was named Lawyer of the Year for his work in Tax Law by The Best Lawyers in America® in 2019. Mr. Acker has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® for his work in Tax Law, Trust & Estates and Real Estate Law since 2012.
- Graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science Degree, cum laude.
- Graduated from the University of Michigan School of Law in 1975, cum laude.
- Began his career at Kemp Klein on 6/1/1975.
- Mr. Orr’s career has centered around commercial and corporate legal work. This includes the purchase and sale of businesses, formation of businesses, financing transactions, shareholder/partner disputes, and negotiating and drafting various types of business agreements.
- Norman Orr maintains an “AV” peer review rating with Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, and was chosen as a 2025 Top Lawyer by DBusiness for his work in Creditor/Debtor Rights Law.
John B. Kemp gives a speech on William B. Acker, Norman D. Orr and the culture of Kemp Klein Law Firm:
Images from the event:
Kemp Klein is Hosting the Troy Chamber of Commerce Women's Business Forum's June Mixer
The Women’s Business Forum is focused on empowering women in business, the Women’s Business Forum meets to plan programs that are relevant to women in business.
Why Attend?
- Learn from top female leaders about the tools and strategies that helped them stay focused in their careers.
- Engage in meaningful conversations about the critical decisions women in leadership face on a daily basis.
- Network with like-minded professionals and gain inspiration from the stories of success and perseverance.
Event Information:
For more information about the Troy Chamber of Commerce Women’s Business Forum:
Kemp Klein Attorney Austin W. Probst Will Be Presenting at the National Business Institute’s Drafting Essential Estate Planning Documents Seminar
Austin W. Probst will be presenting at National Business Institute‘s Drafting Essential Estate Planning Documents Seminar on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
Mr. Probst’s portions of the event will focus on Creating Guardianships and Legal Ethics in Estate Planning Practice.
Per the event:
This comprehensive legal instruction offers essential knowledge and resources to draft key documents used to plan for clients’ trusts and estates. Establish heirs and plan distributions, choose and prepare fiduciaries, outline medical decisions, and more. With experienced attorney faculty sharing their top approaches and sample documents, you’ll save time drafting and advise clients on the wisest course of action for every unique situation. Register today!
Who Should Attend:
This estate planning guide is designed for attorneys. It will also benefit accountants and CPAs, trust officers, wealth managers, tax professionals, and paralegals.
Presenters:
- Chris Longwell – Barron Peck Bennie & Schlemmer, L.P.A.
- Michael G. Zapson – Certilman Balan Adler & Hyman LLP
- Austin W. Probst – Kemp Klein Law Firm
- Thomas J. Cleary – Cohen Cleary
- Ralph T. Collins III – Reese, Smalley, Wiseman & Schweitzer, LLP
Event:
For more information about the event and registration:
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
