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Michigan lawyers weekly Influential Women of Law C. Leslie Banas Kemp Klein Law Firm Troy Michigan Attorney Lawyer Business Real Estate

Kemp Klein Attorney C. Leslie Banas Was Chosen as One of the 2025 Michigan Lawyers Weekly Influential Women of Law Honorees

Michigan lawyers weekly Influential Women of Law C. Leslie Banas Kemp Klein Law Firm Troy Michigan Attorney Lawyer Business Real Estate

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 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.

 


 

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.

 


 
Robert Zawideh SMB Litigation Section Excellence Award State Bar of Michigan Robert S. Zawideh Estate and Trust Litigation Award Winning Attorney Kemp Klein Law Firm SBM Awards

Kemp Klein Attorney Robert S. Zawideh Chosen as The State Bar of Michigan - Litigation Section’s Inagural Litigation Excellence Award Winner

Robert Zawideh SMB Litigation Section Excellence Award State Bar of Michigan Robert S. Zawideh Estate and Trust Litigation Award Winning Attorney Kemp Klein Law Firm SBM Awards

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

 


 
Community Impact Award Nominee Kemp Klein Law Firm TC Biz Awards Troy Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards 2025 Presented By Horizon Bank Community Service Kemp Klein Foundation Troy Lawyer Law Firm Attorney Probate Estate Planning Tax Business Estates Litigation

Kemp Klein Has Been Nominated for the Community Impact Award in the 2025 Troy Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards

Community Impact Award Nominee Kemp Klein Law Firm TC Biz Awards Troy Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards 2025 Presented By Horizon Bank Community Service Kemp Klein Foundation Troy Lawyer Law Firm Attorney Probate Estate Planning Tax Business Estates Litigation

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.”

Kemp Klein Foundation Golf Outing Forgotten Harvest Donation - $33,000
Kemp Klein Shareholder Robert S. Zawideh Presenting Forgotten Harvest with the Proceeds from the 3rd Annual Kemp Klein Golf Outing

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

The Troy Chamber Business Excellence Awards Presented by Horizon Bank took place on March, 6, 2025 at the MSU Management Education.
The Troy Chamber Business Excellence Awards took place on March, 6, 2025 at the MSU Management Education Center.
Gina Cetnar from Financial Solutions of Michigan and Amanda Afton Martin - 2025 Troy Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards
TC Biz Chamber Advocate Award Nominee Gina Cetnar from Financial Solutions of Michigan (left) and Kemp Klein Attorney Amanda Afton Martin (Right) – 2025 Troy Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards
 


 
Kemp Klein Attorney Ralph A. Castelli Named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly's 'Go To Lawyers' Commercial Real Estate List

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"

Ralph Castelli Go To Lawyers Commercial Real Estate -25 Michigan Lawyers Weekly Troy Attorney
 




 

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

 


 

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.

 


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Kemp Klein
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.