May, Simpson & Strote joins Butzel Long
DETROIT, Mich. - The attorneys of the Bloomfield Hills-based May, Simpson & Strote law firm have joined Butzel Long, one of Michigan's leading law firms, effective September 1, 2014, according to Butzel's President and Managing Shareholder Justin G. Klimko.
"The addition of these fine lawyers is an excellent fit for our firm as we continue to grow," added Klimko. "They are leaders in their fields with a depth and breadth of experience that complement many of our practices."
Notably, May, Simpson & Strote received the designation of Tier 1 law firm for 2014 in the areas of construction law, litigation-construction and litigation real estate by Best Lawyers® Best Law Firms.
According to Butzel Long Vice President and Board member responsible for recruitment, Louis Theros, "The lawyers of May, Simpson and Strote enhance Butzel's expertise in franchise and distribution, construction, antitrust, real estate, civil litigation and alternative dispute resolution. We are excited about such a prominent group of practitioners joining our Firm."
The attorneys joining Butzel Long include: Richard May, Thomas C. Simpson, Ronald P. Strote, Steven M. Raymond, John A. Forrest and Beth I. deBaptiste. They will be based in Butzel Long's Bloomfield Hills office located at 41000 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304. (248) 258-1616.
Richard May focuses his practice in the areas of franchise, antitrust and corporate law. He is a past Chair of the Antitrust Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan and past Chair of the Michigan Franchise Law Advisory Committee. May earned his J.D. from The University of Michigan Law School and his A.B. cum laude from Princeton University.
Thomas C. Simpson concentrates his practice in real estate law, title insurance, civil litigation and corporate law. He is a member of the Oakland County Bar Association; Real Property Law Section, State Bar of Michigan (Ex. Officio counsel member and past Chair); Land Title Standard Committee; and, American College of Real Estate Lawyers. Simpson earned a J.D. from Michigan State University School of Law and a B.S. from Michigan State University.
Ronald P. Strote focuses his practice in the areas of alternative dispute resolution, civil litigation, construction and real estate law. He is a member of the Oakland County Bar Association, American Arbitration Association, International Mediation Institute; Real Property Section, State Bar of Michigan (Chair 1988 - 1993); Michigan State Bar Foundation and ICLE Real Estate Advisory Board (past member). Strote earned his J.D. from Northwestern University and his A.B. from the University of Michigan.
Steven M. Raymond concentrates his practice in the areas of franchise law, title insurance, real estate law, business civil litigation, business and corporate law and probate and estate law. He is a member of the Oakland County Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan - Real Property Section and Probate Section. He serves on the Board of Directors of Marian High School; Director, Robert E. Burke Trust Fund; Finance Council and SEED Director, Holy Name Church. Raymond earned his J.D. from the University of Detroit and his B.S. from Western Michigan University.
John A. Forrest focuses his practice in the areas of franchise and distribution law, commercial contracts and business planning and corporate law. He is a member of the Oakland County Bar Association, American Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, Antitrust, Franchising and Trade Regulation Section (Past Chair); Member of Franchise Committee; American Bar Association Forum Committee on Franchising. Forrest earned an L.L.M. in Taxation from Wayne State University; a J.D from the University of Detroit Mercy; and, an A.B. with high distinction from the University of Michigan.
Beth I. deBaptiste concentrates her practice in construction law, construction and title insurance litigation, real estate law and litigation and civil business litigation. She is a member of the Oakland County Bar Association, Macomb County Bar Association, Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, and Real Property Law Section, State Bar of Michigan - Construction Law Committee. deBaptiste earned her J.D. from the University of Detroit Mercy and her B.A., magna cum laude, from Albion College
