Of Counsel
Experienced Attorneys
Selecting the right law firm to help you efficiently and successfully navigate complex legal matters is the first step to winning.
Of Counsel
Alan M. Kanter
Alan M. Kanter is a practicing lawyer and a neutral ADR provider serving on many neutral panels as an arbitrator, mediator, facilitator and case evaluator. Alan practices law, arbitrates and mediates matters and disputes involving many different areas of law. In addition, Alan is an educator of ADR, and an author, focusing primarily on the fields of arbitration and mediation.
Alan engages in a significant amount of arbitration and mediation for the American Arbitration Association (AAA), the CPR Institute, FINRA, the American Health Lawyers Association and many more arbitration and mediation panels, working as an arbitrator, mediator and case evaluator from the early 1980’s to the present. He is currently AAA-certified as an active arbitrator and mediator panelist on the regular and large complex Commercial, Employment Law, Health Law, Securities and Franchise Panels.
- Court Certified:
- Alan is also Court certified to mediate in the Courts in the State of Michigan. A case evaluator for the Oakland County Circuit Court since 1984, he participated in the creation of the Oakland County Circuit Court Early Case Evaluation Program. He regularly serves as a neutral throughout the United States, on Large Complex Disputed Matters involving corporate & commercial transactions, mergers and acquisitions, health care law, employment law, franchise law, computer & technology, software development, E commerce law and IT issues, entertainment law, intellectual property, telecommunications and securities law.
- Education:
- Alan received his undergraduate degree from Wayne State University, with a BA, with high distinction in 1976 and his juris doctorate degree from Wayne State University Law School, J.D., in 1979. Advanced education includes participation in ADR educational programs at the Strauss Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California and the Program on Negotiation (PON) at Harvard Law School in Boston, Massachusetts.
- Qualifications:
- Qualifications include being a FINRA Dispute Resolution Services Arbitrator, Michigan Medical Surprise Billing Arbitrator, an Arbitrator and Mediator of Large Complex Cases for the American Arbitration Association, an Attorney Disciplinary Panelist for the Michigan Supreme Court, a Distinguished Arbitrator and Mediator for the CPR (Dispute Resolution Institute), a Certified Mediator for Civil Disputes in Michigan Courts, and a Case Evaluator and Discovery Master Mediator for the Oakland County Circuit Court.
- Memberships:
- Alan is a member of the American Bar Associations Litigation, ADR, Health Law, Employment Sections and Franchise Forum. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan (numerous sections), and served as the Chairperson of the State Bar of Michigan Alternative Dispute Resolution section in 2005-2006. Alan is a sustaining member of the Oakland County Bar Association, a Distinguished Fellow of the International Academy of Mediators, a Fellow and Director of the College of Commercial Arbitrators, a Fellow of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals, a Master of the American Inn’s of Court (OCBA), a Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a Charter Donor of the American Arbitration Association/ICDR Foundation.
- Honors:
- Over the course of his career, Alan has been awarded and has earned many honors and recognitions including being named a Best Lawyer In America from 2005 to the present, and a Best Lawyer’s, “Lawyer of the Year” in the field of Arbitration in 2019. He has been named a Michigan Super Lawyer each year from 2008 to the present, a Best Lawyer in Detroit (2012, 2013), a Best ADR Business and Contract Lawyer by Detroit Business Magazine (“dbusiness”), and a Top Business Lawyer by the New York Times, Crains Detroit Magazine, the American Lawyer Publication, and as a “Leading Lawyer”.
Ratings & Awards
Alan is rated Preeminent (AV) by Martindale-Hubbel (peer reviewed) and is rated as a “Superb Attorney” with a 10/10 rating by AVVO. Alan has been included in “Who’s Who in American Law” and “Who’s Who in America”.
Alan was awarded membership in the Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society in 1976 and is a member of the Detroit Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa (Gamma of Michigan).
248-646-8375
Of Counsel
Marc K. Shaye
Marc practices in the areas of environmental law, natural resources and occupational safety and health. He has concentrated on occupational safety and health matters since 1971 and represents employers involved with serious workplace injuries and fatalities. Mr. Shaye is a member of the District of Columbia Bar, the State Bar of Michigan, the Ohio State Bar Association and the American Bar Association. He was general counsel and executive director of the Spill Control Association of America (SCAA) from 1972 to 2005 and in 2000 he received the SCAA’s Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his outstanding service to the spill response industry. Mr. Shaye has served as legal counsel to the International Spill Control Organization since 2004 and has been elected an honorary fellow in the London-based organization. He has authored numerous articles and was an author and a general editor of “Michigan Environmental Law.”
- Environmental Law
- Natural Resources
- Occupational Safety and Health
- Entertainment Law
- General Corporate
- Trademark
- State Bar of Michigan
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- U.S. Supreme Court
- District of Columbia
- Ohio
- University of Michigan (B.A., 1965)
- Wayne State University, (1965-6 MBA Program, transferred to law school program before completion)
- Wayne State University School of Law (J.D., 1969)
- Recipient of the 2000 Howard E. Stanfield Distinguished Service Award Presented by the Spill Control Association of America in Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Spill Response Industry
- Recipient of the 2000 Howard E. Stanfield Distinguished Service Award Presented by the Spill Control Association of America in Recognition of Outstanding Service to the Spill Response Industry
- Named to the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers for 2014
- Member: Environmental Auditing Roundtable; Oil Spill Response Plan Negotiation Committee to Develop Federal Regulations Pursuant to The Oil Pollution Act of 1990
- Certified by the State of California as an Environmental Assessor, Lecturer Master of Science Program, Hazardous Waste Management, Wayne State University
- Member: The District of Columbia Bar; State Bar of Michigan and Ohio Bar
- Member, ASTM, Committee F-20, 1974-
- State Bar of Michigan (Member, Board of Commissioners, 1979-1981)
- Chairperson, Young Lawyers Section, 1979)
- American Bar Association (Vice-Chair, General Practice Section, Natural Resource Committee, 1987-1994)
- Certified-Board of Environmental Auditors
- Counsel to environmental remediation contractor at DOE uranium enrichment facility in Piketon, OH
- Counsel to real estate development partnership involving methane issues litigation at 150 acre site in Auburn Hills, MI
- General Counsel and Executive Director, Spill Control Association of America, 1972-2005
- Co-Chair, Inland Spills Conference, 1976-2002
- Certified Michigan State Police 2002, 18.5 hours Emergency Management Member, Partnership Action Team, United States Coast Guard
- Co-Chair, Homeland Security Great Lakes Region Conference, 2003
- Invited Member, National Mutual Aid Working Group, 2003
- IMO/ISCO Workshop Delegate, London, 2003
- OSRO Panelist at Clean Gulf 2004
- Co-Chair Homeland Security Conference, 2005
- Legal Counsel to the International Spill Control Organization, 2004-
- OSHA counsel to international steel erection firm
- Representation of film productions slated for filming in Michigan since enactment of the 2008 film incentive laws
- Presented papers at the 2002 and 2004 Freshwater Spills Conferences
- Invited for Presentation to United States Coast Guard, D-9 Meeting, 2010
- “A Safety Valve for Oil and Hazardous Substance Cleanup Costs,” Michigan Environmental Law Journal, Winter, 1988
- “Analysis of Federal Standard Covering Safety and Health Measures for Hazardous Waste Remediation and Emergency Response Workers,” Spill Control Association of America Press, 1992 (ISBN 0-929253-00-0)
- “Wayne Law Review Environmental Law,” Vol. 35, No. 2, winter, 1989
- “Executives Who Cheat on OSHA Can End Up in Jail,” The Complete Lawyer, American Bar Association, Winter, 1990
- “Spill Response Planning – A Contractor’s Perspective” March 2002
- “Analysis and Commentary Regarding Pending or Enacted Oil Spill Legislation.”
- “Protecting Our Region” article published in 2003 by Great Lakes Seaway Review.
- County of Wayne v Hancock et al., 2004 amicus brief
- “Liability Legislation Since the Exxon Valdez Spill,” Conference Proceedings, 7th National RCRA/Superfund Conference, May 1990
- “Business Interruption Presents Challenges For CFO’s,” The Business Edge, vol. 1, no. 1, November 10, 2004
- “Occupational Safety and Health: Minimum Standards Are Just Never Enough,” The Business Edge, vol.2, no.11, May 25, 2005
- OSHA/MIOSHA Chapter, Employment Law in Michigan, ICLE, 1997-2014
Areas of Expertise
Bar Admissions
Education & Academic Honors
Honors
Memberships & Appointments
Published Works & Presentations
248-646-8375
Of Counsel
David J. Simonelli
David has extensive experience in all aspects of domestic and international intellectual property law. His expertise includes the prosecution of patent, trademark, and copyright applications; clearance and infringement opinions; preparation and negotiation of licenses and assignments; and advising clients on trade secret issues.
A delegate to the United Nations for the World Summit for the Information Society (WSIS), David authored a treatise that was presented at the 2005 WSIS Tunis Summit. He also attended the Geneva Summit in 2003. He has made presentations on patent and copyright laws and has participated in panel discussions with European patent attorneys on the harmonization of intellectual property laws between the United States and other countries worldwide.
His experience also includes the position of Electronics Engineer with the U.S. National Security Agency. David received his law degree from the Michigan State College of Law, and a B.S.E.E. from the University of Michigan.
- Patent Application Preparation and Prosecution
- Trademark and Service Mark Application Preparation and Prosecution
- Copyright Application Preparation and Prosecution
- Trade Secret Guidance
- Assignments and License Agreements
- Non-Disclosure and Confidentiality Agreements
- State Bar of Michigan
- United States Patent and Trademark Office
- United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
- United States District Court, Western District of Michigan
- United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
- United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- Super Lawyer
- DB Magazine Top Lawyers
- Martindale-Hubbel AV® Preeminent Rating
Areas of Expertise
Bar Admissions
Awards
248-646-8375
Of Counsel
Kim Stout
Kimberly W. Stout has been representing metro-Detroit area clients involved in the criminal justice system with skill and compassion since 1985. She was voted a “Top 50” female attorney in Michigan in 2016, Super Lawyers by her peers, and is the only criminal defense attorney in top 50. She is also included in the “Best Lawyers in America” publication, one of the original rating publications voted upon by peers.
Ms. Stout practices in a small firm setting to ensure her clients receive a high degree of personal service. She is always accessible to you and even provides her cell phone number. Part of Kim’s success is her familiarity with the courts in Michigan and the players involved in the system. She is known in Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties, both in circuit and district courts, as well as in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Ms. Stout understands the nuances of the various courts due to her experience.
Having been mentored and associated with prominent criminal defense attorney Neil H. Fink for 25 years, Kimberly W. Stout offers top-notch representation to those involved in the criminal justice system. She is an aggressive, passionate and knowledgeable advocate for those facing criminal charges. She currently works closely with Wade G. Fink, her son with the now deceased Neil H. Fink.
Attorney Stout has practiced criminal defense in the metro-Detroit area for 31 years. Her offices are currently located in Birmingham, where she serves clients in Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, Ingham and Jackson counties as well as others. Due to her extensive experience in both state and federal courts, Stout represents clients in all areas of criminal law.
Most criminal prosecutions are resolved prior to trial. However, sometimes a trial is the only way for a defendant to receive justice. Either way, it is important to have a skilled and experienced litigator by your side as pre-trial matters such as motion hearing preliminary examinations, probable cause hearings, evidentiary hearings, and other judicial determinations can impact subsequent plea negotiations or trial. Attorney Stout excels both in and out of the courtroom.
Ms. Stout is also highly-experienced in post conviction work, including appeals by right and leave, 6.500 motions, and habeas petitions. Her 31 years of experience have made her a formidable appellate advocate in both state and federal courts of appeal. Additionally, her specialization in criminal defense law has given her impressive knowledge to advocate on appeal as she can spot errors made in the trial courts.
- Criminal Defense
- Federal Crimes
- Post-Conviction Appeals
- State Bar of Michigan
- United States District Court – Eastern District of Michigan
- University of Detroit School of Law, Juris Doctor
- Michigan State University, Bachelor of Arts
Areas of Expertise
Bar Admissions
Education & Academic Honors
248-646-8375
Of Counsel
Harvey R. Weingarden
Harvey’s practice emphasizes his understanding and mastery of the intricacies of business law. He has extensive experience in the areas of business litigation, franchise law, and business torts, and is well respected for his legal abilities in those areas of law. Franchise disputes are most central to his practice as is civil, commercial and personal litigation.
Local decision-making in a corporate environment is also a specialty, having served as counsel for automotive related local businesses. Harvey is also available to serve as a private arbitrator in all areas of litigation.
Harvey received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from The University of Michigan. He then attended Michigan State University College of Law (then Detroit College of Law), where he was an associate editor of the Law Review and graduated cum laude.
- Commercial and Business Litigation
- Antitrust Litigation
- Class Action Lawsuits
- Complex Commercial and Business Litigation
- Franchise Litigation
- Limited Liability Company and Corporate Litigation
- Shareholder, Member, and Partner Disputes and Litigation
- Supplier Disputes
- Civil Litigation
- Worker Discrimination – Elliott Larsen Title VII
- Dispute Resolution
- Arbitration
- Mediation
- State Bar of Michigan
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- Michigan State University College of Law, J.D. cum laude
- Associate Editor of Law Review
- University of Michigan, B.A., Economics and Political Science
- Michigan Super Lawyers in Business Litigation, 2015-present
- Business Top Lawyer, 2015-2017
- Michigan Bar Association
- Master Lawyer’s Section
- Business Law Section
- Oakland County Bar Association
- Business Court and Counsel Committee – chair 2023-2024
- Circuit Court Case Evaluation Committee – past chair
- Oakland County Bar Foundation – Life Member
- Detroit Economic Club
- Case Evaluator in Oakland and Wayne Counties
Areas of Expertise
Bar Admissions
Education & Academic Honors
Honors
Memberships & Appointments
248-646-8375