Category: Firm News & Announcements
Kemp Klein Named One of Crain’s 2026 Best Places to Work in Michigan
Kemp Klein is proud to have been recognized by Crain’s Detroit Business as one of the 2026 Best Places to Work in Michigan. The firm joins 100 companies from across the state selected for their commitment to employee satisfaction, workplace culture and creating an environment where people can thrive.
Each year, Crain’s Detroit Business recognizes Michigan companies that demonstrate a meaningful commitment to their employees. The selection process is conducted in partnership with Best Companies Group, an independent workplace research firm, and consists of an employer questionnaire and an employee survey. Together, these evaluations consider company policies, benefits, workplace practices and the experiences of employees throughout the organization.
This recognition is especially meaningful because the strength of Kemp Klein begins with its people. Our attorneys and staff bring talent, experience and dedication to their work while supporting one another and collaborating across the firm. Their shared commitment to our clients, colleagues and community has created a workplace where people can build lasting relationships, grow professionally and take pride in the work they do.
Kemp Klein’s culture has been shaped over many years by the contributions of individuals throughout the firm. From working together to serve clients to supporting charitable organizations and community initiatives, our people continue to demonstrate the values that define Kemp Klein.
This latest honor continues the firm’s record of workplace recognition. Kemp Klein was also recognized by BridgeTower Media and Best Companies Group as one of the Best Places to Work: Law Firms in both 2024 and 2025.
We are grateful to every member of the Kemp Klein team for helping make this recognition possible. We also congratulate all of the organizations recognized by Crain’s Detroit Business this year and are honored to be included among Michigan’s leading workplaces.
Learn more about Crain’s 2026 Best Places to Work in Michigan and explore Kemp Klein’s additional honors and recognition.
24 Kemp Klein Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers for 2027 with Robert Zawideh Named “Lawyer of the Year”
Twenty Kemp Klein attorneys have been recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, and four additional attorneys have been recognized in the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. Robert S. Zawideh was also named the 2027 Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” for Litigation – Trusts and Estates in Troy.
Best Lawyers selections are based on peer-review evaluations within specific practice areas and geographic regions.
The Best Lawyers in America Honorees
Kemp Klein’s recognized attorneys span 21 practice areas:
- William B. Acker – Litigation and Controversy – Tax, Real Estate Law, Tax Law, and Trusts and Estates
- C. Leslie Banas – Corporate Law and Real Estate Law
- Richard C. Bruder – Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, and Venture Capital Law
- Joseph P. Buttiglieri – Family Law and Litigation – Trusts and Estates
- Ralph A. Castelli, Jr. – Commercial Finance Law, Corporate Law, and Real Estate Law
- James P. Davey – Commercial Litigation and Litigation – Construction
- Mark R. Filipp – Commercial Litigation, Employment Law – Management, and Litigation – Labor and Employment
- Faith M. Gaudaen – Commercial Litigation
- Brian R. Jenney – Elder Law, Tax Law, and Trusts and Estates
- David D. Marsh – Corporate Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, and Real Estate Law
- Alan A. May – Litigation – Trusts and Estates, Tax Law, and Trusts and Estates
- Edward M. Nahhat – Appellate Practice
- Ronald S. Nixon – Commercial Litigation
- Neal Nusholtz – Litigation and Controversy – Tax, Tax Law, and Trusts and Estates
- Norman D. Orr – Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Corporate Law
- Brian H. Rolfe – Commercial Litigation and Corporate Law
- Amy A. Stawski – Family Law
- Michael D. Umphrey – Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, and Trusts and Estates
- Cynthia L. Umphrey – Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, and Trusts and Estates
- Robert S. Zawideh – Arbitration, Commercial Litigation, and Litigation – Trusts and Estates
Robert S. Zawideh Named “Lawyer of the Year”
Robert S. Zawideh has been named the 2027 Best Lawyers® “Lawyer of the Year” for Litigation – Trusts and Estates in Troy.
The award is presented to one attorney in each practice area and geographic region based on peer-review evaluations. Zawideh is also recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® for Arbitration, Commercial Litigation, and Litigation – Trusts and Estates.
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch Honorees
Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch recognizes early-career attorneys in private practice through a peer-review process. The following Kemp Klein attorneys were recognized across seven practice areas:
- Casey W. Callahan – Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law, and Trusts and Estates
- William Haines II – Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Elder Law, Litigation – Trusts and Estates, and Trusts and Estates
- Tyler Knurek – Litigation – Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates
- Margaret Lindauer – Elder Law, Tax Law, and Trusts and Estates
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About Kemp Klein
Kemp Klein is a full-service law firm that advises businesses, municipalities, organizations and individuals on a wide range of legal matters. The firm handles matters involving business and corporate law, litigation, labor and employment, real estate, estate planning and other areas affecting companies, public entities and families.
Kemp Klein focuses on practical guidance, clear communication and strategies aligned with each client’s legal and business objectives.
Kemp Klein Law Firm and its attorneys have been recognized by peers and leading legal organizations for excellence in the practice of law. These recognitions reflect our long-standing commitment to professional integrity, legal skill, and client service across a wide range of practice areas. The honors and awards listed below highlight both firm-wide achievements and individual attorney distinctions earned through peer review, professional evaluation, and community involvement.
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About Best Lawyers
Best Lawyers® uses a peer-review process to recognize attorneys within specific practice areas and geographic regions. Launched in 2020, Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch applies that process to attorneys who are earlier in their private-practice careers.
To search for recognized attorneys by location and specialty, visit www.bestlawyers.com.
Austin W. Probst and Matthew W. Frank Named 2026 Crain's Detroit Business Notable Leaders
Kemp Klein is proud to announce that Shareholders Austin W. Probst and Matthew W. Frank have been named 2026 Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Leaders in Accounting, Consulting & Law.
The annual recognition honors professionals who are making a meaningful impact within their organizations, industries, and communities. Honorees are nominated by their peers and selected through an editorial review process, recognizing leadership, professional excellence, and service. This year’s class includes 36 professionals from across Michigan.
Austin W. Probst
Austin concentrates his practice in probate, estate and trust administration and litigation, elder law, estate planning, commercial litigation, and appeals. He represents individuals, families, and fiduciaries throughout Michigan in complex probate and trust disputes while also advising clients on estate planning and administration matters.
In addition to being recognized by Crain’s Detroit Business, Austin was recently named a 2026 Up & Coming Lawyer by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. He has also been recognized by The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, DBusiness Top Lawyers, and Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Stars for his work in trusts and estates and probate law.
Learn more about Austin’s recognition by visiting his Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Leaders profile: https://www.crainsdetroit.com/recognitions/notables/accounting-consulting-law/2026/cdb-austin-probst-20260803/
Matthew W. Frank
Matthew focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, aviation, real estate, and corporate law. He advises privately held businesses on acquisitions, dispositions, financing, corporate governance, and other complex business transactions, helping clients navigate sophisticated legal and business matters.
Matthew’s latest recognition builds upon a distinguished list of professional honors. He was previously named a 2025 Crain’s Detroit Business Notable M&A Dealmaker, a 2025 Michigan Lawyers Weekly Go To Lawyer for Business Litigation, and a 2026 DBusiness Top Lawyer in Mergers and Acquisitions Law.
Learn more about Matthew’s recognition by visiting his Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Leaders profile: https://www.crainsdetroit.com/recognitions/notables/accounting-consulting-law/2026/cdb-matthew-frank-20260803/
These recognitions reflect Austin’s and Matthew’s commitment to delivering exceptional legal counsel, providing strategic guidance to their clients, and making meaningful contributions to the legal profession and the communities they serve.
Congratulations to Austin, Matthew, and all 36 professionals recognized as 2026 Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Leaders in Accounting, Consulting & Law.
View the complete list of 2026 honorees from Crain’s Detroit Business: https://www.crainsdetroit.com/recognitions/notables/accounting-consulting-law/2026/
Kemp Klein Shareholder Amy A. Stawski Named One of Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2026 Influential Women of Law
Kemp Klein is proud to announce that Shareholder Amy A. Stawski has been named one of Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2026 Influential Women of Law.
Influential Women of Law is an annual recognition program celebrating exceptional women attorneys and judges who are making a lasting impact on Michigan’s legal profession and communities. Honorees are recognized for excellence in the practice of law, leadership within the profession, commitment to mentoring others, and dedication to improving the justice system.
Amy has more than 40 years of experience in family law and appellate litigation. She represents clients in complex family law matters and advises individuals on a wide range of domestic relations issues, including divorce, annulment, separate maintenance, paternity, custody, change of domicile, child and spousal support, parenting time, division of marital estates, grandparenting time, and appeals.
Her experience also includes international family law matters involving the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. Throughout her career, Amy has remained dedicated to protecting her clients and working closely with them to pursue the best possible outcome.
Earlier in her career, Amy served as a research attorney for the Michigan Court of Appeals from 1986 to 1987 and as a law clerk to the Honorable Martin M. Doctoroff from 1987 to 1988. She has also authored numerous articles addressing family law and related issues.
Amy and the other members of the 2026 Influential Women of Law class will be recognized on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Mint at Michigan First Conference Center in Lathrup Village. Kemp Klein is proud to support the event as a Bronze Sponsor.
For additional information about the 2026 Influential Women of Law and the complete list of honorees, visit Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
TWELVE KEMP KLEIN ATTORNEYS NAMED 2026 MICHIGAN SUPER LAWYERS & RISING STARS
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.
Kemp Klein Welcomes First Tee - Greater Detroit Students for Law and Leadership Discussion
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.
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Kemp Klein Team Volunteers at Capuchin Soup Kitchen
Members of the Kemp Klein team recently volunteered at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen’s Conner location in Detroit, serving the lunch shift and supporting the organization’s ongoing mission to assist individuals and families throughout the community.
During the volunteer event at 4390 Conner Street, attorneys and staff members worked together, serving lunch to guests and helping clean and prepare the dining area by wiping down tables and assisting throughout the facility. The experience provided a meaningful opportunity for the team to give back while supporting an organization that continues to make a lasting impact across Metro Detroit.
Kemp Klein is proud to support Capuchin Soup Kitchen not only through volunteer efforts, but also as the beneficiary of the 2026 Kemp Klein Charity Golf Classic. Proceeds from this year’s outing will directly benefit Capuchin Soup Kitchen and help support the important services and programs they provide to the community every day.
We are grateful to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen team for welcoming our staff and for the incredible work they continue to do throughout Detroit.
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.
Kemp Klein Law Firm Sponsored Oakland County Bar Foundation's 2026 Signature Event
Oakland County Bar Foundation’s highly anticipated annual fundraising event is celebrating its 27th 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.Â
In 2025, The OCBF Signature Event sold out and raised over $218,000. 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 6th, 2026, from 6-9pm at the Orchard Lake Country Club.
For more information: https://www.ocba.org/?pg=events&evAction=showDetail&eid=319840
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
Casey Callahan – Fellow
For more information about the Oakland County Bar Foundation:Â https://www.ocba.org/?pg=ocbf
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Kemp Klein Announces Shareholder Promotions
TROY, Michigan, April 3, 2026 — Kemp Klein Law Firm is pleased to announce the promotion of three attorneys to shareholder positions, reflecting the firm’s continued growth and commitment to developing leadership from within.
Austin W. Probst has been promoted to Class A Shareholder, while Matthew W. Frank and William E. Haines II have been promoted to Class B Shareholders.
“Since joining the firm, Austin, Matt, and William have displayed exceptional dedication to our clients and have played, and will continue to play, vital roles in the growth and future of the firm. As shareholders, they will continue to strengthen our firm’s reputation and deliver outstanding results for our clients,” said Brian H. Rolfe, President and CEO of Kemp Klein Law Firm.
Austin W. Probst – Class A Shareholder
Austin W. Probst focuses his practice on trusts and estates, representing individuals, families, and fiduciaries in estate planning, administration, and complex probate and trust litigation matters. He advises clients on high-level estate strategies, fiduciary disputes, and contested matters, bringing a comprehensive and solutions-driven approach to sophisticated legal issues.
His practice spans both planning and litigation, allowing him to guide clients through all stages of estate matters with consistency and strategic insight. He has been recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as an Up & Coming Lawyer and has been named to DBusiness Top Lawyers. He has also been included in Best Lawyers – Ones to Watch for his work in trusts and estates.
Learn more about Austin W. Probst: https://kempklein.com/austin-w-probst/
Matthew W. Frank – Class B Shareholder
Matthew W. Frank concentrates his practice in mergers and acquisitions, real estate transactions, aviation law, and general corporate counsel, advising business owners, investors, and management teams on complex transactions.
With over two decades of experience, he represents clients in asset and stock sales, restructurings, joint ventures, and commercial real estate matters, and serves as outside general counsel to privately held companies. His background in bankruptcy and commercial litigation enhances his ability to assess risk and deliver practical, business-focused solutions. He was recognized by Crain’s Detroit Business as one of its Notable M&A Dealmakers and has also been named to DBusiness Top Lawyers.
Learn more about Matthew W. Frank: https://kempklein.com/matthew-w-frank/
William E. Haines II – Class B Shareholder
William E. Haines II practices in trusts and estates, advising clients in estate planning, elder law, and trust and estate administration and litigation. He works closely with individuals and families to develop strategies that protect assets and navigate complex probate matters.
He has been named to DBusiness Top Lawyers for his work in trusts and estates and has also been included in Best Lawyers – Ones to Watch.
Learn more about William E. Haines II: https://kempklein.com/william-e-haines/
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.
Located in the Columbia Center in Troy, Michigan, Kemp Klein has helped businesses, families, and individuals since 1969. The firm has guided small businesses and counseled thriving corporations, resolved personal disputes, and supported families through complex and often difficult life decisions and situations.
For more information, visit https://kempklein.com/contact-us/Â or call 248-528-1111.
Kemp Klein announces shareholder promotions. Pictured (from left): Matthew W. Frank, Austin W. Probst, William E. Haines II.
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.
