We are proud to announce that twelve Kemp Klein attorneys have been recognized on the 2026 Michigan Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

The following attorneys were named 2026 Michigan Super Lawyers:

C. Leslie Banas – Business / Corporate Law
Joseph P. Buttiglieri – Estate & Trust Litigation
Ralph A. Castelli, Jr. – Business / Corporate Law
Mark R. Filipp – Employment Litigation: Defense
Brian R. Jenney – Estate & Probate Law
Alan A. May – Estate & Probate Law
Brian H. Rolfe – Business Litigation
Amy A. Stawski – Family Law
Cynthia L. Umphrey – Business / Corporate Law
Robert S. Zawideh – Estate & Trust Litigation

Brian R. Jenney was also recognized among the Top 100: 2026 Michigan Super Lawyers.

The following attorneys were named 2026 Michigan Rising Stars:

Casey W. Callahan – Estate & Probate Law
Austin W. Probst – Estate & Probate Law

Super Lawyers recognizes attorneys across a wide range of practice areas and firm sizes through a selection process that includes independent research and peer evaluation. The annual lists are intended to highlight attorneys who have attained a high degree of professional achievement and peer recognition.

Kemp Klein congratulates each of our recognized attorneys on this well-deserved honor and their continued commitment to excellence in serving our clients and communities.

For more on Kemp Klein’s recognition click here.

On June 23, 2026, Kemp Klein welcomed students from First Tee – Greater Detroit to our Troy office for a special Lunch and Learn focused on the legal profession, leadership, integrity, and community service.

Kemp Klein was joined by John Page, Program Director of First Tee – Greater Detroit, along with a group of First Tee students who had the opportunity to hear from Kemp Klein attorneys Robert S. Zawideh, Neal Nusholtz, and Austin W. Probst. The panel shared insight into their personal career paths, what led them to become attorneys, and how their work at Kemp Klein allows them to help clients and serve the community.

During the discussion, the students asked thoughtful questions about the law and what it takes to become a successful lawyer. When asked what qualities make a good attorney, Robert S. Zawideh emphasized the importance of communication, asking good questions, writing, studying, and having a community-focused mindset. He also shared that practicing law requires a true calling and a desire to help others, stating, “My favorite question to ask is: How can I make it so you are better off after having met me?”

Neal Nusholtz spoke about his early exposure to the legal profession through his father, who was a tax attorney, and how that experience helped inspire his own career in tax law. He also emphasized the importance of helping others, regardless of financial gain.

Austin W. Probst shared that his interest in the law was sparked while working under a senator during college, where he helped address concerns involving a negligent nursing home. That experience moved him toward the legal profession and helped shape his interest in areas such as elder law and environmental law. Austin also spoke about the importance of honesty and integrity, relating those values to the game of golf. As he explained to the student golfers, golf is a mental game, and learning to accept the result of each swing can help build the kind of character and accountability that also makes someone a better lawyer.

The students also asked about topics such as intellectual property, video games, and the growing role of technology in the legal world. Austin explained how intellectual property can involve creative works, ownership rights, and disputes over ideas and expression. He also discussed how licensing agreements play a major role in today’s video game industry. Robert Zawideh spoke about the rise of artificial intelligence in the legal field, explaining that while AI can be a useful tool, it should not be relied upon without careful review because it can make critical mistakes and has already caused serious legal complications.

The Lunch and Learn gave students a chance to connect lessons from First Tee’s golf-based personal growth programs with real-world professional skills, including honesty, discipline, leadership, communication, and service to others.

Kemp Klein was proud to welcome First Tee – Greater Detroit and is grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting an organization that helps young people build life and leadership skills that extend far beyond the golf course. First Tee – Greater Detroit was the beneficiary of the 2025 Kemp Klein Charity Golf Outing, which raised $50,000 for the organization. Students also left with Kemp Klein swag as a reminder of their visit and the important conversation shared with our attorneys.