Mike Morse Injury Law Firm

Attorney Mike Morse

Mike Morse is the founder of Mike Morse Law Firm, the largest personal injury law firm in Michigan. Since being founded in 1995, Mike Morse Law Firm has grown to 150 employees, served 25,000 clients, and collected more than $1 billion for victims of auto, truck and motorcycle accidents.

Mike lectures across the country on the practice of law and how to build a successful law firm. Recently, he was named a #1 Amazon Best-selling author for his book on this topic, FIREPROOF. He is a member of the Michigan Association for Justice, the State Bar of Michigan, and the American Association for Justice. He is also involved in many organizations and charities including Project Backpack, a program he founded that provides free backpacks and school supplies to students most in need.

Mike has received many awards and accolades including Lawyer’s Weekly Leader in the Law, DBiz Top Lawyer, Super Lawyer’s Top Rated Lawyer, and 21st Century Innovator. He has also garnered coverage from prominent news outlets and renowned publications such as The Today Show, Huffington Post, and Lawyers Weekly. Mike is often featured as a legal advisor on local news broadcasts in metro Detroit.

Mike is a native of Detroit, Michigan and a graduate of Harrison High School in Farmington, Michigan. He began his college education at the University of Arizona where he earned a Bachelors-of-Science in business. He graduated with honors in 1989, and then earned a Juris Doctor Degree Cum Laude from the University of Detroit School of Law.

Attorney Allen Ayoub

Allen Ayoub graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn with high distinction in 2010. He went on to earn his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School where he graduated third in his class of 329. At Cooley, Allen earned eight Certificates of Merit, served as a teaching and graduate assistant, and was senior associate editor of the school’s law review. As an attorney at the Mike Morse Law Firm, Allen has dedicated his career to protecting accident victims across Michigan. 

Attorney NJanieasha Freelove-Sewell

 Janieasha graduated from Georgetown University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish and English. She then taught Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade for six years, while at the same time, training new teachers and community leaders how to support students and families. Thereafter, she attended Michigan State University College of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor in 2017.

While in law school, Janieasha was a member of the Volunteer Advocates of Mid-Michigan, Associate Editor of the Journal of Animal and Natural Resources Law and a research assistant to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. She also interned for Justice Victoria Roberts of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan and Judge Sheila R. Johnson of the 46th District Court, clerked at both a large-sized and mid-sized firm, externed at the Michigan Department of Attorney General in the Civil Litigation, Employment and Elections Division in Lansing and was a Student Clinician in the Housing Law and Chance at Childhood Legal Clinics. Throughout her experiences, Janieasha developed a passion for ensuring that all people have equitable treatment under the law. She uses this passion to help people involved in personal injury claims. 

Attorney Eric Simpson

Eric M. Simpson has been dedicated to protecting the rights of the seriously injured and their families for his entire legal career. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts. He then graduated Cum Laude from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1997 with his Juris Doctor.

Not only is Eric a licensed member of The State Bar of Michigan, but also The North Carolina State Bar and The State Bar of Texas. He has practiced law in many different States and throughout the State of Michigan. He has extensive knowledge of the Michigan No-Fault Laws and numerous other areas of Michigan Personal Injury Law. In his free time, he loves spending time with his wife and children, golfing, fishing and MSU athletics.

Attorney Keith Banka

Keith is an associate attorney who primarily handles the firm’s appellate practice. He is a graduate of Central Michigan University where he was a Centralis Scholarship and a State of Michigan Competitive Scholarship recipient. Keith then attended Wayne State University Law School where he achieved Honors Distinction in Legal Research and Writing and received a WSU Board of Governors’ Scholarship. Since 2001, He has been a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, the Michigan Court of Appeals, and the Michigan Supreme Court. Over the course of his 15-plus year appellate career, Keith has had numerous successes in the Michigan Court of Appeals and has also argued successfully in front of the Michigan Supreme Court. In his spare time, he enjoys trail running, movies, and shooting pool.

Attorney  Paige Stiger

Paige Stiger graduated from Howard University in Washington, DC with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She then earned her law degree from Wayne State University Law School as a recipient of the Judge Damon Keith Scholarship. While in law school Paige not only was a full time student, she was also a part of the Black Law Student Association, Moot Court, was an extern at the State Appellate Defender Office and was an employee at the Mike Morse Law Firm. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and binge watching her favorite shows.

Attorney Cole Schmidt

Cole Schmidt graduated from Northern Michigan University in 2009, and went on to earn his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law in 2014. While attending law school, Cole interned with the Owosso city attorney and performed criminal prosecution in accordance with Michigan’s court rules; he also assisted with many matters both municipal and civil. After law school, Cole clerked for Oakland County’s corporation counsel before joining a small private practice firm specializing in home/auto insurance defense and dram shop actions. As a social security attorney at the Mike Morse Law Firm, Cole has successfully helped hundreds of clients pursue and secure their vital disability benefits.

Attorney Steven Batsikouras

Steven Batsikouras graduated from Michigan State University, James Madison College with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy. He then earned his law degree from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

During law school, Steven graduated top in his class with honors, earned numerous Certificate of Merit awards, served as Associate Editor on the Law Journal, President of the Intramural Sports Organization, Founder of the Cooley Golf Group, Board Member of the Grade Appeals Board, Board Member and First Year Chair of Moot Court, and as coach of the Cooley Softball Group.

Additionally, while in law school, he worked as a Judicial Law Clerk for the Honorable Judge Mark S. Switalski of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court in Macomb County, at a boutique personal injury law firm, and with a criminal defense solo practitioner. Steven participated in various Pro Bono services, such as assisting JAG officers and volunteer attorneys with drafting wills and power of attorney for deploying soldiers at Camp Grayling (Service to Soldiers). He also successfully presented and argued to set aside criminal convictions in front of the Third Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan through the Detroit Metro Bar Association Expungement Program.

Fun facts: Steven has ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, gone skydiving over the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, toured the cities of Rome and Athens, snowboarded down the Rocky Mountains, rafted the Gauley River in West Virginia, sailed off the coast of Key West, and scaled ancient ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula. Also, he looks forward to one day swimming with great white sharks off the coast of South Africa.

Attorney Ryan VanStone

Ryan VanStone is a trial attorney who focuses his practice on Michigan No-Fault and Personal Injury Law. Ryan joined the Mike Morse Law Firm in 2015. Prior to joining Mike Morse, Ryan completed a public service externship with the Kent County Office of the Defender, handling the cases of criminal defendants charged with serious felonies. He graduated from Notre Dame Law School in 2014.

Since joining the firm, Ryan has negotiated millions of dollars in settlements on behalf of our clients. Notably, he has extensive experience with cases involving dog bites, premises liability, contested automobile liability, and catastrophic injury. 

Attorney Jake Yeater

In 2005, Jake Yeater graduated cum laude from the University of Findlay, where he attained bachelor degrees in Law and Liberal Arts and Criminal Justice. That fall, he attended Thomas M. Cooley School of Law where he later graduated in the top 5% of his class, cum laude. While a law student, Jake participated in Law Review as the Scholarly Writing Editor, Law Journal, Moot Court, and Mock Trial. He was also awarded the Eugene Krasicky Award for his significant contributions to the publication of the Law Review.

Before coming to the Mike Morse Law Firm, Jake spent several years clerking for several Michigan law firms where he primarily assisted in the areas of premises liability, bankruptcy, and criminal law. Presently, Jake works in the areas of automobile negligence, premises liability, and social security disability. In his free time, he enjoys going to concerts, reading, working out, and spending time with family and friends.

Attorney Paul Wheatley

Paul wheatley graduated from michigan state university in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a concentration in environmental journalism. During his time at msu he worked as a reporter for the state news. He later worked as a city reporter for the petoskey news-review in petoskey, mi, and the vindicator newspaper in youngstown, ohio. Paul earned a scholarship to the thomas m. Cooley law school and earned his law degree with a concentration in environmental law. He interned, clerked, and worked as an attorney for the liblang law firm, pc where he aided clients with consumer law – namely, lemon law, rebuilt auto wrecks, and wrongful debt collections.
Paul enjoys legal research and writing. He is a litigation attorney and his proudest moment is obtaining a multimillion dollar settlement for one of his clients injured in a catastrophic crash.

He is a music and movie buff, a fantasy sports nerd, and an msu and detroit sports fan. He recently started refinishing reclaimed live edge wood from around michigan to make furniture. He and his wife christine have three children, lana, finn, and lucas. They enjoy cooking, traveling together, and kayaking.

Attorney James Wendt

James Wendt graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2007. While at Eastern Michigan, James was recognized as “Most Outstanding Junior Class Business  Student” as well as “Most Outstanding Senior Class Business Student.” Thereafter, he attended Wayne State University Law School, where he graduated in the top 15% of his class and received honors for his work in legal research and writing. Prior to joining the Mike Morse Law Firm in January of 2012, he maintained a private practice, serving clients in the areas of domestic litigation and criminal defense. In his free time, James enjoys spending time with family, trying new unique beers at breweries throughout Michigan, fishing and spending time outdoors.

At the Mike Morse Law Firm, James Wendt initially worked on litigation aspects of cases including depositions, court hearings, and mediation proceedings. However, James has shifted his efforts to the pre-litigation aspects of cases where he now strives to prepare cases for a lawsuit and when possible, he seeks to settle cases without a lawsuit. In fact, James has settled cases without a lawsuit for as much as $500,000.00! Mr. Wendt also serves as a mentor and trainer of new paralegals in the firm within the pre- litigation department – something that he is quite passionate about.

Attorney Brent Thomas

Brent Thomas graduated from Northeastern University in Boston, MA in 2000 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a Pre-Law concentration. Also, while at Northeastern University he was a member of the Northeastern University, Division I Men’s Ice Hockey team. After college, he attended Suffolk University Law School, in Boston, where he earned his Juris Doctor, Cum Laude in 2003. During law school, Brent worked with the Michigan State Appellate Defender’s Office and the Environmental Protection Agency where he honed his writing and advocacy skills. After law school, Brent has spent his entire career fighting insurance companies and helping the injured get justice. In addition to automobile negligence cases, Brent has specialized in premises liability cases over the last ten years and continues to receive referrals from attorneys around the state. He is dedicated to helping injured people thorough supportive consultation and aggressive advocacy. In his spare time, Brent enjoys spending time with his Wife, Ginger and their two young kids, Marion and Zane. Brent is also an avid hockey player and outdoorsman. 

Attorney Robert Silverman

Robert S. Silverman graduated with High Distinction from the University of Michigan, obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology in 1992. He earned his Juris Doctor Degree Magna Cum Laude from The Detroit College of Law in 1995. While a law student, Robert was on Law Review and was a published author in The Detroit College of Law Review.

He is currently licensed in Michigan, New York, and the Federal District Court, Eastern District of Michigan. At the beginning of his legal career, Robert represented local hospitals and physicians in medical malpractice litigation. Later, Robert worked for State Farm Insurance for 10 years, defending personal injury lawsuits. Today, Robert enjoys representing the victims of personal injury accidents.

While concentrating his practice in no-fault insurance, automobile negligence, slip and falls, and dog bite claims, Robert litigates any personal injury claims including watercraft negligence, snowmobile negligence, and construction liability. As a 1992 U.S. Olympic Team candidate for ten meter tower diving, 17 time U.S. National Championships competitor, and N.C.A.A. Division I All-America, Robert still enjoys athletics with his wife and children. You will find him water skiing and wakeboarding in the summers, snowmobiling in the winter, and swimming and diving year round.

Attorney Joshua Shope

Joshua Shope earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of Michigan, Magna Cum Laude, in 2006. He went on to earn his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 2010. During his time at the University of Michigan Law School, he was an Associate Editor on the Michigan Journal of Race and Law, and he interned at the Chippewa County Prosecutor’s Office. Prior to joining the Mike Morse Law Firm, Joshua worked for a large firm handling civil litigation cases.

Attorney Perry Schneider

Perry is originally from West Branch, Michigan. He attended Michigan State University where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with honors in 1992. He subsequently obtained his Juris Doctor Degree from Wayne State University while clerking at the Oakland County Circuit Court. Over the course of his 20-year legal career, he has specialized in Personal Injury, Real Estate, Michigan No-Fault, and Social Security Disability. He manages the Social Security Disability Practice Group in addition to providing assistance and oversight throughout the Mike Morse Law Firm to ensure client satisfaction. 

Attorney Julia Opiela

Julia F. Opiela graduated from Michigan State University, James Madison College in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy. During her undergraduate studies, she was one of ten U.S. students selected as a President Clinton Scholar and spent one year of international study at American University Dubai. Thereafter, she attended law school at Michigan State University College of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor in May 2015.

While in law school, Julia was a member of the international law society and recipient of the Trustee Fieldman and Weiner Endowed Scholarships. She spent a semester in Washington, D.C. where she served as legal, political, and economic intern for the U.S. Department of State. In 2014, Julia completed a 21st Century Lawyering program at Westminster Law School in London, UK and delivered a speech on technology and modern law practice at the ReInvent Law Conference. Additionally, Julia has participated annually in the Clinton Global Initiative University as a Global Ambassador for the Clinton Foundation.

As a recent addition to the Mike Morse Law Firm, Julia is enthusiastic about using her legal education and unique experiences to better help injury victims in their claims against insurance companies.

Attorney Marc Mendelson

Marc Mendelson graduated from Michigan State University in 1987 with a degree in General Business Administration. He then went on to law school where he graduated Magna Cum Laude from the prestigious Detroit College of Law in 1994 with a Juris Doctor Degree. After that, Mr. Mendelson worked for a large business firm and then for State Farm Insurance Company, where he was employed as an attorney. After several years of working for the insurance industry, he decided to become an advocate for injury victims, instead of helping insurance companies defend these lawsuits.

Attorney Lewis Melfi

Lewis decided to become personal injury attorney because he enjoys protecting the rights of the seriously injured. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor Science in Biology. While at the University of Michigan, Lewis developed an interest in the areas of anatomy and physiology. He then attended Loyola University’s School of Law in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he graduated Cum Laude. After law school, Lewis lived and practiced law in San Francisco and San Diego before returning home to Detroit. He has experience in the areas of personal injury litigation, insurance defense litigation and patent prosecution.
He is licensed to practice law in California and in Michigan. 

Attorney Laura McLeod

In 2005, Laura graduated with distinction from the University of Michigan with a Bachelors in Political Science and a Minor in English. She then attended the Detroit Mercy School of Law and graduated with a Juris Doctorate in 2008. Before joining our intake team, Laura worked in real estate and insurance. In her spare time, Laura enjoys traveling and spending time with her two little girls.

Attorney Katrina Martin

In 2005, Katrina graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelors in Political Science. She then enrolled in Thomas M. Cooley Law School at their Grand Rapids campus.

While at law school, Katrina was awarded the Certificate of Merit for her Advanced Trial Skills course. She was also on the Deans list for 4 consecutive terms. She participated in Moot Court and Mock Trial. She also did an externship with the Kent County Prosecutor’s office.
After graduating law school and being sworn in to the bar, Katrina worked in a general practice firm for two years before moving to the Detroit area.

Since joining the Mike Morse Law Firm, Katrina has worked in personal injury. In her free time, Katrina enjoys reading, cooking, and taking her dog for walks. She loves weekend trips, and often visits West Michigan, where her family lives.

Attorney Helen Casey

Helen Casey is a member of the firm’s Social Security team, but also has experience with No-Fault, Premises Liability, and Dog Bite litigation. In 2007, Helen graduated with honors from Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame IN earning a BA in Political Science, German, with a minor in Philosophy. She was inducted into the Pi Sigma Alpha and Delta Phi Alpha honors societies. In 2010, Helen graduated from Wayne State University Law School where she was an Assistant and Associate Editor on The Wayne Law Review. She interned at the Michigan Attorney General’s Office and Wayne County Prosecutors Office, gaining valuable courtroom experience. She also clerked at the busy personal injury firm of Hastings & Feldman. 

Attorney James Lane

Following completion of his undergraduate degree, Jim elected to stay in East Lansing for his legal studies. During law school he worked with the Washtenaw County Public Defender’s Office and Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. Since 2010 his practice has focused on civil litigation, specifically premises liability, automobile negligence and No-Fault law. 

Attorney Jeff Kerby

 Jeffrey (Jeff) C. Kerby attended Wayne State University Law School, where he was an active member of the Wayne Law Moot Court team. He argued against law students from across the country, participating in two nationwide competitions held in New York City. Jeff was also a member of the Wayne Law Review, where he was responsible for reviewing and editing scholarly articles written by prominent attorneys, judges, and law professors. During his summer break, Jeff obtained a fellowship assisting attorneys at the Michigan State Appellate Defender’s Office, where he researched and drafted appeals for criminal defendants across the state. Following law school, Jeff worked at a small general practice firm, assisting clients in personal injury, divorce, landlord-tenant and criminal cases.

Jeff has a wealth of experience in personal injury litigation. Prior to joining the Mike Morse Law Firm, Jeff worked for a small personal injury firm, handling cases throughout the discovery process, settlement and trial. Jeff holds both a Michigan and federal bar license and has litigated personal injury cases in both venues. Jeff is highly capable of handling your case from start to finish. 

Attorney Andrew Kata

Andrew was born and raised in southeast Michigan. He attended Western Michigan University where he earned a degree in Political Science and graduated Cum Laude in 2007. He subsequently obtained his Juris Doctor Degree from Michigan State University College of Law in 2010 while law clerking for the State of Michigan in Lansing and a general practice law firm in Okemos. Over the course of his legal career, he has specialized solely in Social Security Disability. He manages the Social Security Disability Practice Group and zealously represents clients in Social Security hearings all over the state of Michigan 

Attorney Dan Hohf

Dan Hohf graduated from Western Michigan University in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History. While at WMU, he served as a Museum Technician at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Pennsylvania as well as at the Kingman Museum in Battle Creek, Michigan. He joined the Mike Morse Law Firm team in 2011 as a paralegal and eventually went on to earn his law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 2019. While attending law school, he remained employed at the Mike Morse Law Firm as well as served as a Judicial Extern for the Honorable Edward Ewell, Jr. in the Wayne County Circuit Court. He currently works in the litigation department with a primary area of focus on Michigan No-Fault Auto Law and Automobile Negligence, Premises Liability, General Negligence and Dog Bite Liability. 

Attorney Kelli Hawkins

Kelli Hawkins graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2011 from MSU College of Law. She has been working in personal injury law since 2010, and has interned at the Michigan Supreme Court. Kelli has been with the Mike Morse Law Firm since 2014, and is an attorney in the firm’s litigation department. She specializes in legal writing and works to protect the rights of personal injury victims. In her free time, Kelli enjoys spending time with her husband two sons, cooking, and traveling.

Attorney Chris Filiatraut

Chris Filiatraut has been an expert trial lawyer for his entire 23 year career. He has personally tried over 100 cases in the area of personal injury and No-Fault. He has numerous million and multi-million dollar verdicts to his credit and is widely known and respected by both plaintiff and defense counsels for his accomplishments in the courtroom.

He has several of the largest trial verdicts in the state since joining the Mike Morse Law firm in 2010. Chris has testified before the Michigan Legislature on No-Fault issues and is a regular speaker at seminars around the state ranging on issues from premises liability, coverage issues and No-fault claims to trial tactics such as developing damage claims, voire dire and defense tactics. He has been voted a top lawyer by his peers for many years which demonstrates his widespread respect in the legal community.

Attorney Joshua Farr

 Joshua B. Farr graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy and Political Science in December of 2003. He attended Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where he graduated Cum Laude in January of 2010.

He began his career in general practice with the Landau group where he had interned during Law School. From there he was hired as an Assistant General Counsel of an International Property Ownership and Management company. He was moved into the General Counsel role managing the legal affairs and overseeing litigation throughout the country. He served a dual role during this time as the Chief Human Resources Officer as well, before leaving to open his own practice. Prior to joining the Mike Morse Law Firm in October of 2013, he maintained clients in domestic litigation, criminal defense, contract law, and landlord tenant law. 

Attorney Patricia Dooley

Patricia Dooley graduated from Michigan State University in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics and Psychology. Thereafter, she attended law school at Detroit College of Law and received her Juris Doctorate Cum Laude degree in 1991. She has been licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan since 1991 and the State of Illinois since 1992. Following graduation, Patty began practicing personal injury law on behalf of accident victims for a period of ten years. She then spent the next 9 years defending personal injury cases as a shareholder in a very large defense firm. She has now rededicated her career to helping accident victims. 

Attorney James Demates

James has been with the Mike Morse Law Firm since 2014. He grew up in Troy Michigan and has been a lifelong Michigan resident. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and won regional competitions as a member of Moot Court and Commercial Arbitration as well as individual awards in trial and appellate advocacy. He earned his law degree from the Michigan State University College of Law, from which he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He has extensive experiencing in handling auto litigation cases. In his spare time, James is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hiking, hunting, and fishing.

Attorney Donald Cummings

Donald J. Cummings graduated from Truman State University with a Bachelor of Science in 2001. While at Truman, he was on the varsity wrestling team and was selected to be a member of the Academic All-American Wrestling Team. After Truman, Mr. Cummings attended the University of South Carolina School of Law. He graduated with honors and was chosen to be a member of the Order of the Wig and Robe and the Order of the Coif.

Mr. Cummings is a trial lawyer and has dedicated himself to helping injured victims. He has lectured and taught other lawyers how to try cases. Don was selected as a Super Lawyer Rising Star every year from 2013-2018.

In his free time, Don enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters. He is also a performing oldetime strongman and enjoys bending steel, twisting horseshoes and ripping decks of cards with his hands.

Attorney Tony Chapman

Tony Chapman graduated from the University of Michigan in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Education. He was awarded the Maize and Blue Scholarship, the highest honor bestowed upon a graduating senior, for outstanding academic achievement and community service. Tony then graduated Cum Laude from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2006 with his Juris Doctor. He is our Senior Intake Attorney and keeps very busy interviewing and meeting with new clients every day.

Tony joined the firm in 2010, and he has a vast understanding of personal injury law. He takes pride in helping our new clients by explaining the applicable law and how it applies to their specific case, as well as providing an understanding of what to expect as their case proceeds with the firm. In his free time, he enjoys reading, researching, and staying abreast of changes in the law.

Attorney Tom Calcatera

Thomas Calcatera joined the Mike Morse team in 2016 as an attorney with almost 40 years of experience helping injured clients. Tom grew up on the eastside of Detroit and was the first of eight children to graduate from college. In 1976 He graduated with distinction from Wayne State University. He then attended the University of Detroit Law School and received his Jurist Doctorate degree in May 1979.

Tom began his career at a personal injury firm in Port Huron. He also was an assistant city attorney for the city of  Marysville.

Later, he moved back to the Detroit area and worked for a large personal injury firm. In 2005 he became the senior partner and chief trial attorney for his firm. His extensive knowledge of Michigan No-Fault laws and personal injury law has served his clients well.

In his free time, has coached basketball at various schools and AAU basketball teams. Tom is an avid golfer and loves spending time with his family .

Attorney Matthew Bates

Matt Bates has spent his entire career helping individuals injured in personal injury accidents. He pursued his undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University. He graduated from Wayne State University Law School in 2008. While at Wayne State, he won numerous mock trial competitions and served as the President of the Student Bar Association Board of Governors as well as Law School Representative to the University Student Counsel. Following graduation, Matt served on the Executive Board for the Wayne State Law School Alumni Association.

In 2008, Matt joined the Mike Morse Law Firm as a litigation attorney. He currently specializes in auto, truck and motorcycle accidents, dog bites, and general negligence claims. Matt is a trial lawyer with proven success in courts throughout the state. He has been named a Super Lawyer’s Rising Star numerous times and named to the National Trial Lawyer’s Top 100 in Michigan.

In his spare time, Matt enjoys spending time with his family. They spend most of their time enjoying the outdoors and water at their home on Lake Orion.

Attorney Austin Bruce

Austin Bruce graduated from Michigan State University in 2015 with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a minor in Economics. He then attended Wayne State University Law School, where he graduated in 2019 with his Juris Doctor.

While attending law school, Austin clerked at law firms throughout Metro Detroit gaining experience in a variety of fields including criminal defense, medical malpractice, and personal injury. He also participated in a year long civil rights clinic offered through Wayne State. Austin joined the Mike Morse Law Firm in 2021, where he works in personal injury. In his free time, Austin enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and boating on Lake St. Clair.

Attorney Alex Kassa

Alex Kassa graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelor of Science in General Management. He went on the earn his law degree from University of Detroit Mercy School of Law where he graduated cum laude. At Detroit Mercy, Alex earned a CALI Excellence for the Future Award in U.S. Basic Federal Income Tax and received the Ayar Law Group Scholarship for Tax Excellence.

As an attorney at the Mike Morse Law Firm, Alex has dedicated his career to protecting accident victims across Michigan.

In his free time, Alex enjoys spending time with family, golfing, and playing basketball.

Attorney John Nachazel Jr.

John Nachazel, Jr. graduated from the Honors College at Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Economics. John graduated from Michigan State in just three years with two majors. While at Michigan State, John worked as a Research Assistant in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department of the College of Engineering and as one of only three Philosophy Department Tutors.

He then attended the James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona on a full tuition scholarship. While at the University of Arizona, John was the 2017-2018 Chester E. Smith Fellow and the 2019-2020 Sol D. Resnick Water Resource Fellow. He was the recipient of the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Water Law. Additionally, he was the Senior Managing Editor of the Arizona Journal of Environmental Law and Policy. He was also the vice president of the Business Law Society and a board member of the Environmental Law Society.

Attorney Allison Lazette

Allison Lazette-Magnan is a trial attorney who focuses her practice on Michigan No-Fault and Personal Injury Law. Allison has a Bachelor’s Degree from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and a law degree from MSU Law. Before coming to MMLF in 2021, Allison did defense work for insurance companies for just under 15 years. Allison is joining the team as a pod leader.

In her spare time, Allison enjoys lake activities with her family, including her 7 year old daughter. Allison also enjoys fitness activities, reading, dinners out, traveling, and wine.

Attorney Keith Banka

Keith is an associate attorney who primarily handles the firm’s appellate practice. He is a graduate of Central Michigan University where he was a Centralis Scholarship and a State of Michigan Competitive Scholarship recipient. Keith then attended Wayne State University Law School where he achieved Honors Distinction in Legal Research and Writing and received a WSU Board of Governors’ Scholarship. Since 2001, He has been a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, the Michigan Court of Appeals, and the Michigan Supreme Court. Over the course of his 15-plus year appellate career, Keith has had numerous successes in the Michigan Court of Appeals and has also argued successfully in front of the Michigan Supreme Court. In his spare time, he enjoys trail running, movies, and shooting pool.

Attorney Daresha McCloud

Daresha McCloud graduated from Bowling Green State University with honors in 2007. She went on to earn her law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. During law school, Daresha was awarded a Certificate of Merit for receiving the highest grade amongst her peers in Torts II and Civil Procedure II. She graduated from law school cum laude in 2012. Since graduating law school, Daresha has primarily devoted her practice of law to representing individuals who have been involved in auto accidents, slip and falls, and dog bites. Daresha also had an opportunity to work as an insurance defense attorney. She has successfully argued cases before the Michigan Court of Appeals. She has also successfully tried a case to verdict in Oakland County Circuit Court.

In her free time, Daresha enjoys spending time with family.

Attorney Melanie Camara

Melanie graduated from the Detroit College of Law Cum Laude in 1986. She received her BS in Business Management from Detroit College of Business Magna Cum Laude in 1982. She then practiced at corporate law firms and insurance defense law firms for the next 35 years. Over that time, she managed an insurance defense law firm for one large insurance company. She has also tried more than 100 lawsuits to a jury verdict. She was one of the prominent trial attorneys for a large national insurance company. Melanie is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, an invitation only association of experienced trial counsel.

In her spare time, she enjoys international travel with her husband and grown children.  Her family keeps a second home in Senegal, Africa. She also enjoys kayaking, art shows and hiking.

Attorney Bjornrae "BJ" Kemp

Bjornrae Kemp is an associate attorney at the Mike Morse Law Firm. He graduated from the University of Houston in 2009. He went on to earn his law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Since 2020, he has been a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is also admitted to practice law in Texas. Bjornrae has represented accident victims for his entire legal career, recovering millions for his clients.

In his free time, Bjornrae enjoys spending time with family, cooking, and reading.