MIKE MORSE LAW FIRM - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Top Rated Personal Injury Attorney
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.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Top Rated Personal Injury Attorney
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. Allen has represented accident victims for his entire legal career, recovering millions for his clients. He recently obtained a large trial verdict in Macomb County Circuit Court for over $300,000.00.
In his free time, Allen enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and working out.
Job Titles:
- SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LAWYER
Andrew Kata graduated Cum Laude from Western Michigan University in 2007 with a degree in Political Science: Public Law. In 2010, Andrew graduated from the Michigan State University College of Law. During his time in law school, Andrew volunteered at the MSU College of Law Rental Housing Clinic and also served as a law clerk for a general practice law firm in Okemos, MI. He is a licensed member of the State Bar of Michigan.
Andrew previously practiced as a Workers Compensation, Social Security and Tax attorney prior to joining the Mike Morse Law Firm. Now Andrew focuses his practice solely on Social Security Disability cases.
In his free time, Andrew enjoys playing ice hockey and spending time with his wife, Nicole, and their daughters, Alex and Avery.
Job Titles:
- SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LAWYER
Angelina Ulisse graduated Cum Laude from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She was admitted to the Michigan Bar in 2015, and she is currently a member of both the Italian American Bar Association and the Macomb County Bar Association.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Top Rated Personal Injury Attorney
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.
Ayanna D. Hatchett was selected by Michigan Lawyers Weekly to be amongst the 2021 class of Women in the Law and in 2023 she was identified as a Super Lawyers Honoree. Her interest in personal injury started early in her career and she has worked exclusively on behalf of plaintiffs for the life of her 17-year career as an attorney.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Top Rated Personal Injury Attorney
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.
Canon graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies. During Canon's undergraduate studies, Canon was very involved in his community where he co-founded the organization, ReliveTheBAR, which is dedicated to strengthening the community between Black students and alumni of U of M through book drives and apparel and was also awarded the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Spirit Award.
Canon then graduated Magna Cum Laude from Western State College of Law with his Juris Doctor degree. During law school, Canon was a Dean's Fellow, the inaugural Thurgood Marshall Bar Association Law School Ambassador, and a note-taker for students with disabilities. He was the recipient of the Witkin Award for Academic Excellence for Legal Writing & Research I and II, as well as Criminal Trial Practice. Canon served as the President of the Student Bar Association and the Business Editor of the Western State Law Review Journal. Additionally, he was a competing member of the College's Mock Trial and Moot Court team, where he served as the Director of National Competitions. Canon was also a member of the Black Law Students Association where he served as the President for his local chapter and as the Attorney General for the western region and was awarded the Agent of Social Change at the 51st Annual Regional Convention for his work in the organization. Outside of law school, Canon was the co-founder of the Young Black Professionals of Orange County, California.
Not only is Canon a licensed member of the State Bar of Michigan, but also the State Bar of California. Prior to joining the Mike Morse Law Firm, Canon led a solo law practice dedicated to helping people protect their family and finances in Michigan and California. Now Canon works in the Mike Morse Law Firm's Litigation Department and helps injured people become whole again.
In his free time, Canon enjoys curating music as a DJ, staying active with basketball and running, and Michigan Wolverines Football!
Charlie Kersten graduated from Drake University in 2015, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.
He went on to earn his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law, where he graduated cum laude.
During law school, Charlie was a member of the Board of Advocates and participated in moot court competitions, where he gained valuable knowledge and experience and took home several awards for his advocacy.
When he's not hard at work representing our clients, you can find Charlie taking on home improvement projects, searching for hidden gems at local record stores, or spending time with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Top Rated Personal Injury Attorney
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.
In his free time, Cole enjoys spending time with his family, playing video games, and listening to podcasts.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Top Rated Personal Injury Attorney
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.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Executive Litigation Attorney and Member
- Top Rated Personal Injury Attorney
Eric Simpson is an Executive Litigation Attorney and member of the Executive Team. Eric leads the CAT Team (Catastrophic Injury & Loss Team) and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. Eric has dedicated his career to protecting the rights of the seriously injured and their families. His passion for representing clients and tireless work ethic, help level the playing field for clients who have been injured by trucking companies, large corporations and municipalities.
Eric has extensive knowledge of Michigan No-Fault and personal injury law. He shares his expertise mentoring and educating lawyers throughout the firm, helping achieve the best results for our clients.
Eric is a licensed attorney in Michigan, North Carolina and Texas. He has handled cases in numerous States and throughout the State of Michigan. He graduated from Michigan State University and Cum Laude from Thomas Cooley Law School. In his free time, he loves spending time with his wife and children, fishing, traveling, golfing and MSU Basketball and Football.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Member of the Firm
- Top Rated Personal Injury Attorney
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.
In her free time, Helen enjoys reading, playing golf, and spending time with her family.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Top Rated Personal Injury Attorney
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.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Top Rated Personal Injury Attorney
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.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Top Rated Personal Injury Attorney
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.
Javon Williams graduated from Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. He then returned home to Detroit to attend the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. While there, Javon represented the Law School in national moot court competitions. Prior to graduating, he also enjoyed an externship with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.
For thirteen years, Javon defended personal injury lawsuits concentrating his practice in automobile negligence, premises liability, and dog bite claims.
After years of working for the insurance industry, Javon felt unfulfilled and decided that it was time to help accident injury victims get the compensation they so deserve.
For years, Javon has been voted a top lawyer by his peers from both sides of the aisle, which is a testament to his professionalism and respect throughout the legal community.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Top Rated Personal Injury Attorney
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.
In his free time, Jeff enjoys watching the Detroit Lions, spending time with friends and family and helping others.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Chief Operating Officer
- Top Rated Personal Injury Attorney
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.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Top Rated Personal Injury Attorney
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.
In his free time, Joshua enjoys camping, hiking, fishing and hunting, as well as playing sports and spending time with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Top Rated Personal Injury Attorney
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.
In his free time, Joshua enjoys spending time with family and reading.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Top Rated Personal Injury Attorney
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.
In May 2022, Julia completed a continuing education Professional Development Program at Harvard University and earned a certificate in Advanced Negotiations. Julia is enthusiastic about using her legal education and unique experiences to better help injury victims in their claims against insurance companies.
Julia Opiela was very prompt, professional and compassionate. It is very difficult to find an attorney who truely cares, and Julia showed me her devotion to me and my case. I recommend Julia.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Top Rated Personal Injury Attorney
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.
Katrina Martin has been amazing through a very difficult time. She is very responsive and never left us guessing or wondering what was going on with our case. She has amazing customer service skills and takes the time to explain things, such as the law in detail all while using simple terms the average person can understand. She earned our trust quickly and I know our case is in good hands with her and the Mike Morris law firm. Thank you to everyone else who has helped us with our case from reception to the rest of our legal team.
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.
Kelly Casper Vogiatzis has been an attorney for over 18 years. Originally from Detroit, Kelly graduated as a Cavanagh Scholar from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law where she was also inducted into the Order of Barristers and active in the moot court program where she won a number of awards for best oral argument. Prior to law school, she graduated cum laude from Wayne State University.
Before attending law school, Kelly worked in the securities industry and held her Series 7 and 63 licenses. Most of Kelly's legal career has involved the handling of insurance related matters, including time spent defending insurance companies in personal injury and homeowner's insurance related matters. She was also an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney where she was assigned cases involving arson, insurance fraud, non-fatal shootings, public integrity, and homicides.
Kelly has brought her litigation experience to the Mike Morse Law Firm to help clients understand and navigate the litigation process and obtain clients the benefits they deserve.
In her free time, Kelly enjoys spending time with her husband, children and extended family and friends, as well as traveling and reading.
Kenny McGrain graduated from Michigan State University in 2017, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management from the Eli Broad College of Business. He then continued his education at the Michigan State University College of Law graduating cum laude in 2021.
During law school, Kenny participated in the Trial Practice Institute, where he gained valuable knowledge and experience about the trial process in both civil and criminal cases. He also earned the Jurisprudence Achievement Award for attaining the top grade in his Health Care Fraud & Abuse course. While in law school, Kenny balanced his academic accomplishment with athletic achievements by helping his team capture an Intramural basketball championship.
Prior to joining the Mike Morse Law Firm team, Kenny was an attorney at a law firm in the East Lansing area, where he primarily represented people injured due to automobile accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, sexual assaults, and medical malpractice. He also practiced criminal law, family law, cannabis law, and general civil law. Kenny's experience practicing criminal law includes a 9-month period as the Assistant City Attorney for the City of East Lansing, where he handled misdemeanors and code enforcement matters.
In his free time, Kenny enjoys golf, basketball, playing pool, listening to music, rooting on Michigan State and Detroit sports teams, coaching his fantasy football teams, and spending time with family and friends.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Top Rated Personal Injury Attorney
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.
Job Titles:
- Attorney
- Top Rated Personal Injury Attorney
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.
In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors as well as spending time with his children Ash and Blake.
Lisa Screen practiced criminal law for over ten years before transitioning into the auto insurance arena in 2012. Screen has aggressively tried over 250 cases to a jury, and while as an assistant prosecuting attorney, she litigated several high-profile cases and was specially assigned to the Homicide Division for most of her tenure at the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office in Detroit, MI. She successfully convicted two individuals of murder despite the victim's body never being located.
Prior to working at the Prosecutor's Office, she was an associate at a medical malpractice insurance defense firm. Up until she joined the Mike Morse Law Firm in 2022, Screen was defending first and third party, as well as uninsured and underinsured motorist claims.
Madeline "Maddy" Sinkovich studied history and played softball at Kalamazoo College. While at K, Maddy studied abroad at Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest, Hungary. She then received her law degree from Wayne State University Law School. While at WSU, Maddy was the Chair of the Damon J. Keith Students for Civil Rights and awarded the Outstanding Law Student award by the Detroit chapter of the National Lawyers Guild.
Job Titles:
- EXECUTIVE
- MANAGING ATTORNEY