From his earliest days of legal practice, Steve Couch’s approach to advocacy has been marked by two consistent qualities: fearlessness and creativity. Within his first six months in private practice, he helped his clients hold a Massachusetts police department accountable in a wrongful death case before a jury that only needed ninety minutes to reach its verdict. While Steve’s litigation practice would evolve over time, this event set the tone for the rest of his career. Born and raised near Detroit, Steve grew up in a family of small business owners, giving him insights into the challenges that entrepreneurs face daily. He internalized these early lessons, which informed his approach to getting to know his clients as well as possible when working with them to address their legal needs. After graduating from the University of Michigan, he attended Boston University School of Law. While at Boston University, he devoted himself to honing his skills in trial and appellate advocacy through the school’s clinical litigation programs and its National First Amendment Moot Court team. Over the years, clients have entrusted Steve with significant matters in that required unconventional strategies and tenacious advocacy to achieve the necessary results. In one case, Steve successfully defended a national insurance carrier against a $45,000,000 claim, guiding the client to a zero-dollar settlement. Steve was also a pioneer of tapping into the wealth of third-party data collections as a litigation tactic for investigating opposing parties’ fraud, perjury and other misconduct. In recent years, Steve worked with a boutique law firm litigating on behalf of clients across the country. He has successfully represented individuals and companies in both trial and appellate courts from coast to coast. He is excited to bring that base of experience to Cronkhite Counsel.

Born into a family with ties to the intelligence community, Greg developed a strong sense of service early in life. This background also shaped Greg’s ability to identify patterns, uncover insights, and notice details that others overlook. Greg pursued his undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech, where he further sharpened his investigatory, analytical, and problem-solving skills through his role as an Associate in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence’s (ODNI’s) Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence (IC CAE). His work culminated in a formal written and oral briefing presented to a representative of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Greg is also a graduate of The Heritage Foundations Young Leaders Program, where he gained deep insights into the federal government’s inner workings and regulatory landscape, while also contributing to the collection and analysis of data assessing military capabilities of foreign nations. Greg later returned to his home state of Michigan to contribute to the startup phase of a company that leveraged artificial intelligence and autonomous systems initially designed for military and intelligence applications to the highly regulated field of autonomous passenger vehicles. It was during this time that he realized his skills in investigation, analysis, and problem-solving would be best utilized in service to his community through a career in law. While in law school, Greg received the CALI Award in his Business Organizations class, an honor given to the student with the highest grade in the course and was elected as Secretary of the Hellenic Bar Association of Michigan. He refined his investigatory and regulatory skills as a Compliance Extern at the University of Michigan Athletic Department amid a nationally notorious and closely scrutinized NCAA investigation, where he researched and enforced internal compliance with NCAA bylaws and HIPAA regulations, drafted legislative relief waivers, and conducted Title IX audits to ensure internal policies and procedures complied with federal legislation. After law school, Greg began his practice as an attorney serving corporate clients in matters of civil litigation including special investigations and fraud. Today, he channels his commitment to service into effective advocacy for clients in business and employment disputes. His background has shaped his approach as an aggressive, tenacious, and diligent trial attorney who leaves no stone unturned in pursuing his clients’ interests.

Sheldon L. Miller has defended the rights of Michigan residents as a top litigator and expert counsel for more than 40 years. Mr. Miller graduated from Wayne State University Law School in Detroit, Michigan, in 1961. In 1971, he originated the idea for what is called "mediation" in the state of Michigan. As a pioneer in this area of law, Mr. Miller was asked to form a committee to put the concept into rule form. He also served as the first mediator on behalf of the Plaintiff's Bar in the State of Michigan. In 1979, Mr. Miller served as president of the newly founded Mediation Tribunal Association, a non-profit corporation, formed to oversee the mediation process in Wayne County ( Detroit ). He served as president until 1992. With the Association of Trial Lawyers of America (ATLA), Mr. Miller served as a former vice-president, parliamentarian and secretary, and he was also president of the Detroit chapter of the ATLA. He also received the prestigious Champion of Justice award from the ATLA in 1998, and he has served on the Board of Governors of the ATLA since 1977. Mr. Miller served as president of the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association (MTLA) and also received the Champion of Justice award from the MTLA. As a trial lawyer, Mr. Miller introduced new concepts to the legal community. In Placek v. City of Sterling Heights, he served as trial and appellate counsel and brought pure comparative negligence to Michigan. This case was cited 13 times by the Illinois Supreme Court when it threw out contributory negligence and adopted comparative negligence as the standard. Mr. Miller is a frequent lecturer and author on trial strategies and also teaches trial practice as an adjunct professor of law. Mr. Miller's other accomplishments include testifying on Federal No-Fault before the U.S. Congress, founding Trial Lawyers for Public Justice, and authoring several well-received legal articles. Mr. Miller was profiled in the books The Million Dollar Lawyers and Detroit's Powers and Personalities, and he was also rated by the New York Law Journal as "one of the top tort litigators in the United States." To find out more about Sheldon L. Miller or any of our other personal injury lawyers, contact our firm near Detroit today.

Arthur (Art) A. Garton handles all matters of complex criminal law, family law, personal injury and business/civil litigation. He is one of two Macomb County attorneys who completed the National Criminal Defense College Trial Practice Institute. He regularly attends the Defense of Drunk Driving Seminars sponsored by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He has also attended national seminars on Defending Allegations of Sexual Abuse.Mr. Garton is a graduate of Detroit College of Law and has practiced in the State of Michigan for over twenty years. He received his B.A. from the American International College in 1974 and his M.A. from Central Michigan University in 1978. He also served in the United States Air Force from 1971 to 1975.Mr. Garton is a member of the State Bar of Michigan where he has served on the Character and Fitness Committee. He is currently president of the Macomb County Bar Association. He is also a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Association of Trial Lawyers and the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association.Mr. Garton received recognition as a Super Lawyer in 2007 and 2008. He is well-respected and recognized among his peers as an outstanding attorney. 

My name is Bob Rubin. I have represented individuals involved in automobile accidents for over 40 years. This is how my clients describe their experience with my office: “I have highly recommended Mr. Rubin to other people and will continue to do so. There is no other attorney I would call, and in fact, I still call him today for advice because Mr. Rubin will go out of his way to help.” “Mr. Rubin explained the no-fault law so well to me that I felt I could teach it to someone else.” “He was always prompt in returning calls, answered all my questions and kept me updated as to what was going on.” When you call my office, I am the attorney you will speak to; you will not be transferred to an associate. I will personally explain your rights to you under the Michigan No-Fault Law. There are a number of potential claims that you may pursue following an automobile accident. Under the Michigan No-Fault Law, your automobile insurance company or another insurance company may be responsible to pay a number of very important benefits. These include medical expenses, lost wages, mileage reimbursement, household help expenses, attendant care, and other allowable expenses as a result of your accident. To receive these benefits, it is necessary that the proper automobile insurance company be placed on notice of the claim in a timely fashion. Time limits under the No-Fault Law can be short, and it is a very good idea for you to obtain appropriate legal assistance so that all of your rights might be fully explained and protected as soon as possible. Certainly, insurance companies use their resources to quickly investigate accidents and take steps which may limit your right to receive certain benefits. This is why proper legal representation is so important. In addition to these no-fault benefits, you may seek compensation from the at fault driver or owner involved in the accident for pain, suffering, and other injury and damage suffered as a result of the accident. I would be pleased to meet with you at any mutually convenient time and place, without charge, to discuss your rights and potential claim(s). The meeting is free. The advice may prove priceless in safeguarding your rights. I handle automobile accident cases on a contingent fee basis. This means if there is no recovery, there is no attorney fee. If I do recover money on your behalf, my attorney fee is one-third (1/3) of the amount recovered.

Harry Steven Ellman was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 1971 and practices law in Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties. From 1971 to 1987 he was actively engaged in the general practice of law with a strong emphasis on real estate, secured transactions and business matters. From 1987 until 2006 he owned and operated a title insurance agency, Fidelity Title Company, specializing in commercial transactions insuring over Five Billion Dollars in closings. Since 2006 he has resolved many legal matters without the need to litigate. Harry recently settled a $3 Million Dollar breach of contract matter within 5 months without filing a lawsuit. Located in Bingham Farms, Michigan, we work with clients in the Detroit Metro area, including Farmington Hills.

Rami D. Fakhoury is the Founder and Managing Director of Fakhoury Global Immigration USA, PC (FGI), one of the largest independently owned business-based immigration law firms in the United States and a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rated firm. Based in Troy, Michigan, FGI has provided comprehensive legal immigration services to leading and innovative companies in such verticals as architecture, automotive, IT, and health care, among others for over twenty-five years. FGI was recently named a Tier 1 Immigration Best Law Firm by Best Lawyers/U.S. News and World Report. Rami has received numerous commendations as an immigration thought leader. These include being named a Fellow of the American Bar Association, a Leading Lawyer and Equity Member of the Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers (ABIL), an AV Preeminent Lawyer from Martindale-Hubbell, a Best Lawyer recognition from Best Lawyers, and a member of Leading Lawyers. He has also been recognized as a Global Immigration Thought Leader by Who’s Who Legal – Corporate Immigration, recognitions from Super Lawyers and from Lawyers of Distinction, a Top Business Attorney from Crain’s Detroit Business, and a Top Lawyer from DBusiness and Hour Detroit magazines. He has received a Global Detroit Champion Award (2016), and as Immigration Attorney of the Year from Detroit Lawyer Monthly (2011). Rami is also affiliated with the American Bar Association, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers (ABIL), the State Bar of Michigan (International Law Section), and the Immigration Law Committee of the International Business Association. He has served on the CEO Panel of MICHauto, an affiliate of the Detroit Regional Chamber. Rami is a Steering Committee member for Global Michigan and was a longtime board member for Global Detroit, a southeast Michigan economic development organization focused on immigrant inclusion. He is a VIP Member of the Detroit Economic Club. Rami was an immigration policy advisor to former Michigan governor Rick Snyder and served as one of thirty managers for the Michigan for Biden campaign. Rami’s publications comprise several immigration law books including, as editor, The Consular Posts Book, 2015-2016 ed. (ILW.com: 2016) and USCIS Immigration Procedures and US State Department Consular Processes (ILW.com: 2009); and, as author, The Immigration Practitioner’s Guide to U.S. Export Control Regulations (ILW.com: 2011) and The PERM Book, 3rd ed. (ILW.com, 2018). He has also written a regular column on global IT and US immigration law for the Financial Times of India, authored numerous policy articles and white papers, contributed articles to Lexology, Mondaq, and Crain’s Detroit Business, among others, and is a frequent presenter at immigration and trade group conferences. Rami has organized informational sessions and webinars for businesses, universities, and other stakeholders worldwide, and has presented to the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) on several occasions. A Detroit native, Rami earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Wayne State University and his J.D., cum laude, from Michigan State University, with a specialization in international law. In addition, he is a Licensed Foreign Legal Consultant with the Law Society of Ontario, Canada.

Zeenat Phophalia knows firsthand the challenges immigrants face when moving to a new country. As she says, it is “a life-altering decision that often entails its share of rewards, challenges, and self-discovery.” Through her own experiences, she has developed an empathic approach to helping others to achieve their mobility goals. “Being a part of that process that helps toward realizing someone’s aspirations and dreams,” she says, “has been truly enriching and fulfilling for me.” In her practice, Zeenat advises clients on multiple visa categories including H-1B, L-1, EB-1, E-2, and O visas. Zeenat possesses an in-depth understanding of the legal landscape: She has represented clients in consular matters, naturalization, and waivers of inadmissibility. In addition, she has represented corporate clients including large and medium-sized companies and startups across sectors such as IT, consulting, consumer goods, manufacturing, and telecommunications. Zeenat has worked closely with multi-national companies and their employees to facilitate the transfer of key personnel and their dependents to the U.S. Zeenat earned her Master of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Georgia, United States, and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from the University of Mumbai in India. In her past role, she was an associate partner at a leading immigration law firm in India where, in addition to advising on U.S. immigration law, she also assisted clients on Indian commercial and employment law matters, and spearheaded the firm’s content creation process. Zeenat has also authored immigration-related articles for major Indian newspapers – The Economic Times and the Times of India. In addition, she has also been a frequent contributor of immigration articles to Mondaq – a global platform that curates and publishes legal, regulatory, and financial information for professional services firms. She is also a member of many organizations including the New York State Bar Association, the Law Society of England and Wales, the Bar Council of Goa and Maharashtra (India), and the American Immigration Lawyers Association. In her spare time, Zeenat likes to read and write poetry. Asked to summarize her approach to immigration law, she says, “no matter how good of an immigration counsel I may be, if my services are devoid of empathy, I do not think my clients would be well-served. The human aspect is deep seated in the practice of immigration law.”

formed her decision to focus on immigration law; they “still remind me how vital it is for every client to have not only skillful but compassionate help.” Michal focuses on multinational IT, automotive, and robotics clients and has developed her expertise in business-based nonimmigrant and immigrant cases. As an immigrant herself, she knows the important role that they have had in building America’s prosperity and enjoys aiding her clients in building new lives. “I love the human aspect,” she says, “and the rewards that come from being able to help others navigate this complex system and achieve their goals.” She sees her practice as “not only to have each case approved but to reduce clients’ stress and to educate and empower them.” Michal also serves as the firm’s Director of Technology and Legal Processes, developing strategic plans and execution strategies to drive improved operations throughout the organization. She is passionate about driving the use of technology to bring about optimization of outdated processes, streamlined operations, and increased efficiencies. She thrives on partnering with different stakeholders at all levels to help them continuously evolve. Michal earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of Michigan, her J.D. from the Wayne State University Law School, and was admitted to the Michigan State Bar in 2008. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the Michigan Immigrant Rights Commission. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband and two kids.