Wrongful Death

Attorney Richard L. Williams provides legal services for driver’s license restoration, expungement of criminal records, domestic assault, civil infractions, misdemeanors and felonies, including OWI (DUI, DWI) drug possession, and other related issues and offenses. He also provides services for wills, trusts, businesses, and corporations. Richard L. Williams is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, license #P-29583. He has been actively practicing law since his acceptance into the Bar in October 1978. The principal areas of law that he has focused on during his four-plus decades of experience have been trial advocacy and business organizations. Mr. Williams attained Diplomate status with the Court Practice Institute in Chicago, Illinois, in 1978. He has worked at the Michigan Department of Commerce, Corporation and Securities Division, Franchise Registration for two years prior to admittance into the State Bar of Michigan. During that time, he was also the chief legal clerk for Circuit Court Judge Paul Mahinske in Howell, Michigan. He has also taught upper-division level contracts and business organizations at Michigan State University as well as Lansing Community College and Thomas M. Cooley Law School. In September 2021, he began his 44th year as a lawyer in private practice. He has represented more than 7,000 individuals and business entities in matters ranging from divorce, real estate, wills, corporations, and personal injury/wrongful death to defending those who are criminally accused. Today, he focuses on driver’s license restoration, expungement of criminal records, criminal defense, and setting up new businesses via corporate form or otherwise. Personal & Educational History Attorney Williams was born in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn, New York in 1947. His father owned his own newspaper and was an investigative journalist by trade; his mother was a hospital dietitian with a Master’s in food chemistry. He attended high school in Thompson, Connecticut at Marianapolis Preparatory School and graduated with a classical and a scientific diploma. Thereafter, he attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and received a BA degree with majors in history and chemistry, minors in economics. He attended and graduated from Thomas Cooley Law School in May 1978. He’s married with seven children, which include six sons and one daughter. His outside interests include gardening, wilderness camping, playing and teaching music, cooking, writing, and competitive league bowling during the winter months.

Leno P. Thomas, is an attorney with an uncommon breadth of skills and experience that go well beyond his practice of law. Mr. Thomas was born in Ranni, Kerala, India, and speaks and understands Malayalam and English. Mr. Thomas graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy in 1992 then received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1996. Mr. Thomas graduated with honors and received his Juris Doctor Cum Laude degree from Michigan State University in 2002. Mr. Thomas' practice is focused on personal injury cases, including medical malpractice, product liability, premises liability, auto accidents, and wrongful death. Mr. Thomas also handles a significant amount of criminal and family law cases. Mr. Thomas has tried and arbitrated hundreds of cases to successful verdicts and awards. Mr. Thomas has also negotiated and settled countless claims procuring millions of dollars in settlements for his clients. Mr. Thomas is licensed to practice law in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania as well as Michigan. Mr. Thomas is an active member of the American Association for Justice, the Pennsylvania Association for Justice and the Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Thomas is also a member of Michigan Bar Association and the Pennsylvania Bar Association. When someone has an accident or unfortunate occurrence, Mr. Thomas and his staff are prepared to investigate every aspect of the situation in order to discover not only what happened, but why. Using cutting edge technology, Mr. Thomas evaluates every option until he makes a determination as to who was responsible. Mr. Thomas is an aggressive litigator, as well as a skilled negotiator. Mr. Thomas is well known for employing innovative strategies and ground breaking courtroom techniques. He regularly consults with leading experts so that he can provide his clients with the most effective and efficient representation. Please allow Mr. Thomas and his staff to evaluate your case and get you the proper compensation that you deserve. As always, the initial consultation is free and there is never a fee unless Mr. Thomas recovers money for you.

John has dedicated over 30 years, to serving the needs of personal injury clients in Michigan, and across the country. Some of his resilience may have come from playing Big Ten Football for coaching legend Duffy Daugherty at Michigan State University, where he was also a Rhode Scholar Candidate. He then went on to the University of Notre Dame Law School and passed the Michigan bar exam and hung out his shingle as a Personal Injury Sole Practitioner, a first for Livingston County Michigan. He is licensed in both State and Federal Court in Michigan and is a member of the Bar in California. Mr. Schalter views Personal Injury Law as his life calling. His father experienced a massive heart attack and stroke due to carbon monoxide poisoning at his job. For 11 years John’s father, once a healthy man, sat in a wheelchair watching his family suffer and feeling constant confusion and despair. He never thought about talking to a personal injury lawyer, or realized he could even afford one. Since then, John has made it his life’s mission to help bring justice to innocent victims of reckless conduct. Consequently, Jon is constantly trying to bridge the gap between law and the people it was designed to protect. The evolution of OurAdvocate is the product of these efforts. He sees this firm as a "work in progress," constantly evolving into a "better way" of protecting his clients and serving their unique needs in Michigan, and throughout our country. He has been a long-standing member of almost all state and local bar associations. In his free time, he writes screenplays for major studios in Hollywood. Also, he and his wife Carrie have spent the last year building schools in Kenya, Africa. OurAdvocate has a network of lawyers throughout the state who we think are the “best in the business.” This gives our clients the unparalled service at no extra cost to our clients!

Merrill Gordon is an honest, aggressive, tough attorney with more than 35 years of experience in fighting for clients in divorce and family court proceedings along with all manners of civil actions, including personal catastrophic injuries, wrongful death claims, auto accidents, drunk driving representation, insurance coverage disputes, dog bites , slip-and-fall cases, medical malpractice and civil litigation matters. Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire How did you build a successful practice? By always being responsive to clients needs and effectively communicating with clients What should clients look for in a lawyer? Some one who is tough, aggressive and puts their needs first, it is also important to look for someone who can effectively coomunicate with them How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases? It is very important to have someone who knows the court, judges and court system well so that effective representation can be provided What information can you provide in a free phone consultation? I always provide information about the family law process and an evaluation of the facts of the clients particular case and my thoughts on a proposed plan of action What information do you need in a free phone consultation? Any information the client wishes to share although the more information that I have the more targeted my response can be What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community? I am a sole practionar who can give all of my clients individual attention. I work extensively with divorce, custody, support and other family law cases so that my personal service to my clients us unmatched What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? Helping clients navigate a difficult period of their life and seeing that they maintain personal relationships with their children and remain healthy financially following the conclusion of their case What are your other interests in addition to law? Bicycle riding, cross country skiing, hiking, and all forms of outdoor activity Are you involved in your community? I am involved in both my Temple and other community activities

Deborah has helped hundreds of people achieve the justice they deserve due to her dedication to personal injury law. She practiced in the personal injury field for more than 15 years, initially as a paralegal and as an attorney for the past eight years. Debbie has been involved in the investigation, litigation and resolution of matters ranging from general negligence and wrongful death to automobile negligence, premises liability, and trucking accident cases. She is a member of the American Burn Association and the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. She has developed a growing Social Security law practice to assist people with disabilities in obtaining disability benefits and qualifying for Medicaid or Medicare.

Since 2003, Allaben & Bandeen Attorneys at Law has provided a range of legal services in Grand Rapids, MI, and communities across Michigan. Our attorneys have 60+ years of combined skills and experience. They practice in a number of areas and take a client-first approach to every case. We represent clients in a variety of legal matters including personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, workers’ compensation, Michigan No-Fault law, divorce, and child custody cases.

Attorney Charles Ali Everage has more than 20 years of experience as a civil litigator. He is a passionate advocate for injured workers, the disabled applying for Social Security Disability benefits, and families experiencing a wrongful death. Originally from Montgomery, Alabama, he was admitted to practice in Alabama in 1998 before relocating to Charlotte in 2003. Mr. Everage is a proud graduate of Florida A&M University in 1995 and graduated law school from Georgetown University Law in 1998. In addition to being licensed in Alabama and North Carolina, Mr. Everage is admitted to practice in all three federal courts in North Carolina and Alabama, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

Dudley Witt is the attorney that other attorneys want as a partner in the courtroom. He’s adept at civil, criminal and business cases, and he possesses deep talent, an extraordinary work ethic and a wide-ranging knowledge of the law. Throughout his exceptional legal career, he’s been an attorney who thrives on handling complex cases and devising and delivering strategies that help clients in difficult situations. Dudley oversees the firm’s civil practice, ensuring that every client gets the benefits of his vast experience in preparing for trial or in negotiations for settlements. He has handled wrongful death suits, business disputes and civil racketeering cases, among others, representing clients in state and federal court. He is a gifted legal strategist who has successfully argued cases before the N.C. Court of Appeals and the N.C. Supreme Court. He also has an active practice representing attorneys before the N.C. State Bar and working with the firm’s other attorneys handling cases before the N.C. Judicial Standards Commission. Dudley was born in Napoleon, Ohio, where both his parents were attorneys. He received his undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University in 1980 and his J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1983. He joined the firm in 1988 and became a partner in 1990. He has an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and was selected as a Top-Rated Lawyer by Top Lawyers of North Carolina for 2014. Dudley is a frequent lecturer on legal ethics, disciplinary matters, and the interplay between civil and criminal proceedings. He has also been a supervising attorney for the clinical program at Wake Forest University School of Law.

James Moore is a true Wilmington native. His parents, who own a construction company, have been building in the area for decades. A graduate of Hoggard High School, James decided to stay close to home and attend the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. While an undergraduate, James kindled a passion for law by taking a part-time job at Shipman & Wright as an office clerk. After earning his degree in business administration in 2003, James became a paralegal at the firm, and two years later entered Campbell University School of Law where he received numerous awards and honors. Upon graduation, James returned to his Wilmington roots and rejoined the Shipman & Wright team as an attorney. James focuses his practice in the areas of Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Business Litigation, Construction Litigation and Mass Torts in both the state and federal courts. James’ impact as a lawyer and professional hasn’t gone unnoticed. He has been recognized by his peers as a “Super Lawyer Rising Star” in the legal profession and is also ranked as one of the Top 40 Lawyers under the Age of 40 by the National Trial Lawyers. James was recently recognized as one of the Top 10 Attorneys under the Age of 40 in North Carolina by the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys. James is also a registered Athlete Agent in North Carolina and a certified contract advisor for the NFL. He has represented and advised numerous professional athletes in contract negotiations and litigation matters. James is married to his beautiful wife, Rebekah. Outside of the office, James enjoys traveling, sports and spending time with his family.

Ralph Kennedy Frasier, Jr., is one of the founding partners with Frasier & Griffin, PLLC, a successful legal practice with a proven track record serving clients all over North Carolina. Attorney Frasier has been in private practice since 1996 and is a skilled litigator who concentrates in criminal, traffic, wrongful death and personal injury law. Prior to forming Frasier & Griffin, Attorney Frasier practiced as an Associate attorney to his mentor Attorney "Butch" Williams at The Law Offices of James D. Williams, Jr., and the national law firm of Porter Wright Morris and Arthur, LLP in their Columbus, Ohio, office. Attorney Frasier earned his B.S. in Business Administration and Accounting from Hampton University and his Juris Doctor Degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law. He is admitted to practice in North Carolina State Court as well as the Middle, Eastern and Western Federal District Courts of North Carolina. He is a member of the North Carolina State Bar, the North Carolina Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the 14th Judicial District Bar Association and the North Carolina Black Lawyers Association. Attorney Frasier has deep family ties to the region and as a result is proud to be an active member of the Durham County and Columbus County, NC, communities. Attorney Frasier served on numerous community boards including the Board of Directors of the John Avery Boys and Girls Club, the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, in which he served as the Legal Vice Chair, the NCCU School of Law Alumni Association, the NCCU School of Law Board of Visitors and he was a Board Member of the Museum of Durham History. He has also served as an adjunct professor at NCCU School of Law. Attorney Frasier is also an advisor and investor in numerous small businesses and ventures throughout the region. Attorney Frasier is the proud father of three children, Lauren Kennedy Frasier-Jeffries, Ralph K. Frasier, III, and Steven Alexander Frasier.