I've been practicing law for 40 years and have found that our clients truly appreciate the time and effort we put into every aspect of the legal matters entrusted to us. We're here to help you solve your legal problems and that's something we don't take lightly. At Cotner Law Offices we are here to listen to your needs and zealously help you accomplish your goals in any way we can within the bounds of the law. We know that legal representation can be tough on your wallet, and we've got a number of different options that you can review to keep costs as low as possible, including telephone consultations.

Kira Damusis grew up in Southeastern Michigan as the oldest of three children and maintains a close relationship with her parents and two younger brothers. Kira attended Washtenaw Community College and later transferred to Central Michigan University, where she graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in 2008. Kira then earned her Juris Doctorate from Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University. While awaiting the Michigan Bar results, Kira began working as a law clerk for a personal injury firm in Southfield. In 2019, Kira switched from personal injury to family law and never looked back. Since 2019, Kira has practiced exclusively divorce and family law in Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw, Livingston, Lenawee, Macomb and Monroe counties. Having experienced her own parents’ several years’ long divorce when she was just 12 years old, Kira is dedicated to helping clients navigate the complexities of divorce and child custody cases to reach a place of peace and resolution during difficult times. She was very fortunate that both of her parents found wonderful partners and is grateful to her “parents” collectively as she calls them, her father and stepmother and mother and stepfather, for always being supportive and for instilling in her the belief that she could accomplish anything she put her mind to, and for showing her that, indeed, 'Through darkness comes light, through fear comes love, and through pain comes triumph.' -Lilly Atlas As a family law attorney and mother of two wonderful boys herself, Kira provides personalized, compassionate and effective legal guidance, and works tirelessly to advocate for the well-being and best interests of her clients and their families and children, and to find practical solutions that suit each client’s unique circumstances. Above all, Kira prefers spending quality time with her family and exploring the great outdoors. When she is not in the courtroom, Kira enjoys hiking, disc golfing, camping, and sharing the beauty of Michigan's natural landscapes with her boys. Kira loves to cook and explore new foods, is an avid gardener, and even raises chickens to share fresh eggs with family and friends. She believes in the power of nature to rejuvenate and inspire and brings that same passion and creative energy to her work. Family is at the heart of everything Kira does, and she would be honored to be your guide through the complexities of your Michigan family law case.

Many individuals hesitate to create an estate plan, as they believe it isn’t necessary until they grow older. This, however, isn’t true; anyone over 18 should have an estate plan in place, just in case something happens to them. Conversations around estate planning can be emotionally difficult but are no less necessary. That’s why attorney Steven G. Cozart is committed to helping families and individuals create solid estate plans that will help preserve their assets and protect those they love. His goal is to provide you with a comprehensive, affordable estate planning service that’s presented in an easy-to-understand fashion. He is a compassionate lawyer and will use his 25 years of professional experience to guide you throughout the estate planning process.

Michael R. Shaffer earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1995 from Michigan State University. He earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1999 from Wayne State University Law School. Shaffer joined Buckfire Law in September 2022 with extensive experience in Michigan’s No-Fault Law and auto accident litigation. Prior to joining Buckfire Law, he worked for 17 years for a well-known plaintiff firm specializing in auto law. Shaffer’s primary focus will be on first-party automotive claims, third-party auto negligence, and motorcycle, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents. He also handles other personal injury claims including dog attacks, slip and falls, and wrongful death lawsuits.

For more than 25 years, Evan P. Shaw has provided a full range of effective legal services to address the various challenges faced in the personal injury and healthcare space. Shaw, who has spent nearly 30 years as a litigation attorney, earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1989 from Michigan State University. He earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1993 from Wayne State University School of Law and is admitted to practice law in the State of Michigan and the United States District Court of the Eastern and Western District of Michigan. Shaw joined the firm in September 2023 and focuses mainly on first-party auto claims, third-party auto negligence, and motorcycle, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents. He has tried countless personal injury trials and has extensive experience handling a wide variety of personal injury case types, including dog bites, slip and fall claims, medical malpractice and birth injuries. Prior to joining Buckfire & Buckfire, P.C., Evan worked as a trial attorney at a personal injury law firm in metro Detroit.

Mr. Balberman graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Economics in 1978 and was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 1983 after attending the University of Detroit School of Law. He is licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan, in both state and federal courts

Brad is a partner and member of the firm’s Litigation Practice Team, concentrating in commercial litigation in state and federal courts. He focuses his practice on commercial contract disputes, creditor’s rights and collections, landlord/tenant matters, construction lien litigation and other real estate disputes.

Melvin J. Babi serves as managing partner of Babi Legal Group, P.L.L.C., a respected general practice law firm in Birmingham, Michigan. In his private practice, Melvin advises consumers and small businesses in areas including business law, bankruptcy, debt-resolution, real estate law, corporate law, and criminal and civil litigation. Melvin also consults for various business clients providing expert advice on a broad range of legal, business, and compliance matters. As a business consultant Melvin oversees legal issues and best-practices for all departments, including consulting services, marketing, sales, finance, human resources, corporate governance, and business policy. Melvin's business consulting practice involves navigating through the complex legal landscape to achieve highly favorable outcomes. A trusted advisor and skillful advocate, he is known for impeccable ethics and astute handling of time-sensitive, business-critical, and confidential Information.

Kevin Heinl is an experienced patent attorney who is diligent in advising his clients in all aspects of the patent prosecution process. With 30 years of experience in patent enforcement and protection, Kevin prosecutes and litigates intellectual property cases in the mechanical arts. He counsels clients on a full range of patent and intellectual property matters, including trademark, prosecution, and enforcement as well as licensing and copyright issues. Kevin believes the best way to represent a client is to develop an in-depth understanding of how an invention works and how it impacts the business to which it pertains. To that end he tries, whenever possible, to visit clients at their plants, observing manufacturing processes and learning the intricacies of mechanical devices. This helps him develop a detailed understanding of an invention and the problem the invention has solved, which in turn allows him to more fully meet the client`s needs. The desired outcome is a clear, understandable description of an invention, which streamlines the examination process and makes the issued patent more easily understood by a judge or jury. Kevin also encourages his clients to actively participate in the patent prosecution process, which helps to assure enforceability of the patents eventually obtained. Kevin's prior industry work experience as a supervisor in a metal fabrication plant allows real-world insight into manufacturing operations. This background has proven especially helpful to clients in the automotive industry for whom Kevin has prosecuted patents involving manufacturing processes, vehicle interior components, transmissions, and convertible tops. He has also secured patent protection for clients in other industries, including for mechanical components in computer systems. Kevin's litigation clients benefit from his broad range of experience, as well. As in his patent practice, Kevin strives to take whatever reasonable measures are necessary to thoroughly understand the impact of an infringement or invalidity claim on its business. He advises clients to fully consider all possible dispute resolution options available, so they do not rush into litigation. Kevin has successfully represented a variety of clients in both asserting patent infringement claims and defending against such claims made by others, at both the trial court and appellate court level.

An experienced trial lawyer, Brian Keck, represents clients in high-stake cases. He specializes in personal injury cases involving catastrophic injuries and accidental deaths throughout the State of Michigan. His hard work and legal skill results in substantial settlements for his injured clients and their families.