Attorneys & Counselors

Meet Our Team

Principal Members

MARK J. EBY

Professional Experience

Mark is a highly experienced attorney and lifelong resident of Michigan who has focused on business law and real estate matters throughout his career. He graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 1980 and began working for the predecessor of this law firm…

MUNEER ISSA​

MUNEER ISSA

Professional Experience
Muneer Issa is a dedicated attorney and Ann Arbor native who is committed to serving his community. Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, he developed a passion for small businesses at a young age. He owns and operates several small businesses in Southeast Michigan, which has given him firsthand experience in understanding the unique challenges that small businesses face…

Of Counsel

ARI D. GOLDSTEIN

Professional Experience
Ari D. Goldstein brings a wealth of experience in regulated industries to the firm, advising clients on their business needs. He began his legal career serving business clients in the emerging legal cannabis market, and has been recognized as a thought leader in this space. Ari’s extensive knowledge of government policy and its impact on stakeholders in diverse industries allows him to provide valuable counsel on a range of issues…
MARGARET J. KRASNOFF

MARGARET J. KRASNOFF

Professional Experience
MARGARET J. KRASNOFF is a lifelong Michigan resident and has practiced law in Ann Arbor since 1999. She joined the firm in 2015 and is of counsel to the firm. Margaret limits her practice to real estate transactions and estate planning and administration. Her experience includes litigation in the areas of residential and commercial real estate…

KEITH O. SMILLIE

Professional Experience

Keith Smillie is a highly experienced attorney who brings over 36 years of legal expertise to his practice. A native of Ann Arbor, Keith is dedicated to providing personal attention and prompt communication to each of his clients. His practice focuses on three main areas: real estate, small business, and wills and probate…

Keith O. Smillie
SAMUEL L. ESTENSON

SAMUEL L. ESTENSON

Professional Experience
Samuel L. Estenson is a highly skilled and dedicated litigator known for his creative problem-solving abilities in a range of business and property disputes. He is passionate about representing his clients’ interests and works tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome, whether that involves reaching a sensible pre-litigation resolution or fighting vigorously in court…

THOMAS E. DEW

Professional Experience
Thomas E. Dew is an accomplished tax attorney with over 35 years of experience in federal tax law. He has extensive expertise in income tax, corporate tax, partnership tax, employee benefits, estate and gift taxation, and tax-exempt organizations. Mr. Dew has a proven track record in handling tax disputes…
THOMAS E. DEW

THOMAS B. BOURQUE

Professional Experience
Thomas Bourque has been a stalwart in the legal community for over 35 years, providing steadfast representation to individuals and businesses embroiled in litigation matters. As a trusted advocate, he understands the privilege and responsibility of representing others, and approaches every case with a sense of gravity and care…

Of Counsel - Retired

PETER H. DELOOF

Professional Experience

PETER H. DeLOOF is a founder of the firm who specializes in the areas of real estate, commercial lending and finance, business entity formation and operation, business law, and structured workouts. Peter has handled numerous property acquisition, disposition and financing transactions throughout the State…

DANA A. DEVER

Professional Experience
Dana A. Dever, known generally as Dan, retired from the practice of law as a general practitioner and problem solver with a broad range of experience and expertise. He practiced law for nearly fifty years, having been admitted to the Michigan Bar in 1974 after graduating from Harvard Law School. He was Ann Arbor born and bred…
DANA A. DEVER
THOMAS M. WRIGHT​

THOMAS M. WRIGHT

Professional Experience
THOMAS M. WRIGHT is a principal member of the firm with a practice focused on insurance defense and commercial litigation. With over 30 years of legal experience, Tom is a seasoned litigator with a successful trial and appellate record, including the published case of Taylor v Mobley, 279 Mich App 309, 760 NW2d 234 (2008)…

MARK J. EBY

Professional Experience

Mark is a highly experienced attorney and lifelong resident of Michigan who has focused on business law and real estate matters throughout his career. He graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 1980 and began working for the predecessor of this law firm.

As a business law generalist, Mark regularly advises small to medium-sized businesses, with annual sales ranging from $1.00 to $50 million, on a wide range of legal matters that arise during their business lives. He assists clients with business formation documents, capitalizing business entities, contract negotiation, drafting and enforcement, real estate, employment, purchase and sale of businesses, and business finance.

Mark represents clients in most industries where small businesses exist, including health care, manufacturing, software development and information technology, real estate development and finance, research and development, non-profit enterprises, retail, restaurant and service businesses.

Mark is proud to have received an AV rating under the Martindale-Hubbell rating system, a prestigious recognition given to attorneys who demonstrate the highest level of professional excellence and ethical standards. He has been part of a law firm that has had an AV rating for more than 25 years, demonstrating his consistent track record of providing high-quality legal services to his clients.

Education
  • University of Michigan, J.D.
  • Hillsdale College, B.A.
Practice Areas
  • Business Law
  • Contract Law
  • Employment Law
  • Non-Profit organizations

Memberships, Certifications & Bar Admissions

  • State Bar of Michigan

MUNEER ISSA

Professional Experience

Muneer Issa is a dedicated attorney and Ann Arbor native who is committed to serving his community. Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs, he developed a passion for small businesses at a young age. He owns and operates several small businesses in Southeast Michigan, which has given him firsthand experience in understanding the unique challenges that small businesses face.

After graduating from the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree, Muneer went on to earn his master’s degree in education leadership from Michigan State University and his law degree from Wayne State University in 2014. He is also a proud member of the Washtenaw County Bar Association.

Muneer’s passion for small businesses drives his legal practice, where he advises clients on a wide range of legal matters, including business formation, contract negotiation, and drafting, employment, regulatory compliance, and risk management. He understands that each small business has unique legal and operational needs, and he is dedicated to providing tailored solutions that align with his clients’ goals.

Muneer is committed to providing personalized attention to his clients, and his approach is informed by his experience as a small business owner. He is passionate about helping small businesses reduce risk and implement best practices, and he works closely with his clients to ensure their continued success.

Education
  • Wayne State University, J.D.
  • Michigan State University, M.A.
  • University of Michigan, B.A.
Practice Areas
  • Business law
  • Contract law
  • Employment law
  • Education Law
Memberships, Certifications & Bar Admissions
  • Michigan

ARI D. GOLDSTEIN

Professional Experience

Ari D. Goldstein brings a wealth of experience in regulated industries to the firm, advising clients on their business needs. He began his legal career serving business clients in the emerging legal cannabis market, and has been recognized as a thought leader in this space. Ari’s extensive knowledge of government policy and its impact on stakeholders in diverse industries allows him to provide valuable counsel on a range of issues.

Ari advises companies in all phases of their life cycle, from initial formation to acquisition. He has represented clients in a broad range of commercial transactions, including real estate and business acquisitions. His experience in cannabis licensing and regulatory compliance provides essential insight for companies that are drafting, negotiating, and seeking regulatory approval for service or intellectual property agreements.

Before attending law school, Ari worked in education and education policy. As a former Fulbright grantee and Teach for America corps member, he has taught in a diverse range of educational settings, both domestically and abroad, ranging from elementary special education to undergraduate honors courses. This experience gave him a unique perspective on the impact of government policy on regulated industries, and the importance of effective advocacy to achieve policy goals.

Ari is an active member of the Michigan Bar Association, and serves on the Legislation and Rulemaking Committee of the Michigan Bar’s Cannabis Law Section. He presents frequently to general and professional audiences on cannabis compliance matters.

Education
  • Michigan State University, B.A.
  • University of Michigan Law School, J.D.
Practice Areas
  • Business law
  • Cannabis law
  • Corporate governance and entity formation
  • Commercial transactions
  • Mergers and acquisitions

Bar Admissions

  • Michigan

MARGARET J. KRASNOFF

Professional Experience

MARGARET J. KRASNOFF is a lifelong Michigan resident and has practiced law in Ann Arbor since 1999. She joined the firm in 2015 and is of counsel to the firm. Margaret limits her practice to real estate transactions and estate planning and administration. Her experience includes litigation in the areas of residential and commercial real estate, probate matters including conservatorships and guardianships, and family law matters with an emphasis on mediation and alternative dispute resolution, when possible, to resolve issues.

Prior to attending law school, Margaret was a program director at the University of Michigan, first in an institute focused on the needs of developmentally disabled children and adults, and later, in a program to mentor women students pursuing careers in science, math, technology and engineering.

Margaret is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and the Washtenaw County Bar Association. She is active in the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor Foundation having served as President and chair of several committees. She is currently co-chair of the Kiwanis Environmental Education Preserve (KEEP) located on the Kiwanis Center property in Scio Township.

Education
  • University of Michigan, B.A.
  • University of Illinois, M.A.
  • Detroit College of Law, J.D.
Practice Areas
  • Real estate
  • Probate and estate planning
  • Family law
  • General civil litigation

Memberships, Certifications & Bar Admissions

  • State Bar of Michigan

KEITH O. SMILLIE

Professional Experience

Keith Smillie is a highly experienced attorney who brings over 36 years of legal expertise to his practice. A native of Ann Arbor, Keith is dedicated to providing personal attention and prompt communication to each of his clients. His practice focuses on three main areas: real estate, small business, and wills and probate.

In the area of real estate, Keith provides representation to both residential and commercial clients in a range of transactions, including sale and purchase, mortgage lending, mortgage and tax foreclosures, title defect resolution, and boundary dispute resolution. He also provides legal counsel to real estate brokers, parties in construction law disputes, landlords in landlord/tenant disputes, and condominium and sub-division homeowner’s associations.

Keith’s small business practice centers on business formation of corporations and limited liability companies, buying and selling of businesses, employment contracts, collections, and asset recovery claims. He has worked with businesses in a variety of industries and has extensive experience in counseling start-up and emerging business entities.

In his wills and probate practice, Keith is dedicated to providing comprehensive estate planning, revocable living trusts, probate and trust administration, guardianship, and conservatorship law. He works closely with clients to develop a complete understanding of their circumstances, family relationships, asset portfolio, business concerns, and personal objectives, enabling him to craft tailored, effective solutions that accomplish their goals and minimize tax liabilities.

Keith has built a reputation as a trustworthy and knowledgeable legal counselor to a diverse clientele. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, and has been active in various professional organizations, including Michigan Defense Trial Counsel, Defense Research Institute, State Bar of Michigan, and the Washtenaw County Bar Association. He has also been an active community member, serving on the Board of Directors of several local non-profits.

Education
  • Chicago Kent College of Law, J.D.
  • Michigan State University, B.A.
Practice Areas
  • Business law
  • Real estate
  • Probate and estate planning
  • Business organizations
Professional & Bar Memberships
  • State Bar of Michigan

SAMUEL L. ESTENSON

Professional Experience

Samuel L. Estenson is a highly skilled and dedicated litigator known for his creative problem-solving abilities in a range of business and property disputes. He is passionate about representing his clients’ interests and works tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome, whether that involves reaching a sensible pre-litigation resolution or fighting vigorously in court. Sam has successfully represented both people and businesses, advising small business owners, and protecting employment rights and civil rights for his clients. His exceptional record has earned him the recognition of being named a Super Lawyers “Rising Star” for 2021. Sam is licensed to practice law in Michigan and in federal courts, including the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan and the Northern District of Ohio.

A lifelong Ann Arbor resident, Sam is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University where he received a summa cum laude degree before earning his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School. During law school, he interned with a federal judge in the Eastern District of Michigan, gaining valuable experience in the judicial system. After law school, Sam was awarded an MLaw Legal Practitioner Fellowship, allowing him to work in the chambers of the Honorable David Grand in the Eastern District of Michigan. Sam then worked at a large Detroit law firm, where he represented Fortune 500 companies in complex litigation. In 2019, Sam left that firm to focus on serving the people and small businesses of Michigan, utilizing his experience to achieve the best possible results for his clients.

Sam is an active member of the community, serving on the Board of Educate Youth, and is a member of the Washtenaw County Bar Association and the Michigan Association of Justice. He lives in Ann Arbor with his wife, twin sons, senior dog, and senior cat.

Education
  • Eastern Michigan University, B.S.
  • University of Michigan, J.D.
Practice Areas
  • Civil litigation
  • Commercial law
  • Employment law
  • Real estate
  • Civil rights

Bar Admissions

  • Michigan

THOMAS E. DEW

Professional Experience

Thomas E. Dew is an accomplished tax attorney with over 35 years of experience in federal tax law. He has extensive expertise in income tax, corporate tax, partnership tax, employee benefits, estate and gift taxation, and tax-exempt organizations. Mr. Dew has a proven track record in handling tax disputes, appeals, and United States Tax Court litigation. In addition to his tax practice, he advises “start-up” and emerging businesses on matters related to business financing, mergers and acquisitions, business purchases and sales, and business succession planning. He serves as general counsel to numerous small and mid-size corporations and limited liability companies. In addition, He has designed and implemented estate plans for numerous clients, including highly sophisticated estate planning matters, and has expertise in estate and trust administration, and asset protection planning.

Mr. Dew has over five years of experience with the Internal Revenue Service as a Revenue Officer responsible for the collection of unpaid federal taxes and later as a Revenue Agent, specializing in the examination of federal estate tax and gift tax returns.

Mr. Dew was an Adjunct Professor of Law at the Ave Maria School of Law and at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He has frequently lectured on various tax and estate planning subjects. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the Washtenaw County Bar Association, where he is a past Chairperson of the Tax Section. He is also a member of the Washtenaw Estate Planning Council and the New Enterprise Forum.

Education
  • Detroit College of Law, J.D.
  • University of Michigan, B.A.
Practice Areas
  • Tax planning and compliance
  • IRS audits and appeals
  • Tax court litigation
  • Estate planning and settlement
  • Asset protection planning
Professional & Bar Memberships
  • United States Tax Court

THOMAS B. BOURQUE

Professional Experience

Thomas Bourque has been a stalwart in the legal community for over 35 years, providing steadfast representation to individuals and businesses embroiled in litigation matters. As a trusted advocate, he understands the privilege and responsibility of representing others, and approaches every case with a sense of gravity and care.

With a focus on efficiency and effectiveness, Bourque’s first priority is to help his clients solve their legal problems in a manner that is timely and cost-effective. When court intervention is required, Bourque is known for his aggressive and fair representation, fighting only the issues worth fighting. Even as an aggressive trial lawyer, he recognizes the value of working to solve problems, and has helped numerous people and businesses navigate through various types of civil litigation.

Bourque’s emphasis on alternative dispute resolution methods has led him to become a strong proponent of facilitation, mediation, and arbitration. He has mediated cases involving commercial litigation, real estate litigation, family law, and personal injury, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Bourque’s deep understanding of litigation and mediation has earned him a reputation as a skilled and effective mediator. He has even completed the 40-hour mediator training course in order to become an even more adept mediator, and is highly sought after for his services.

Through his many years of legal practice, Bourque has developed a nuanced understanding of the complexities of the law, and is dedicated to delivering results that are both fair and just for his clients. As a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Washtenaw County Bar Association, and the Michigan Association of Justice, Bourque is a respected leader in the legal community, and a compassionate advocate for those in need.

Education

  • Miami University, A.B.
  • University of Michigan Law School, J.D.
Practice Areas
  • Commercial Law
  • Family Law
  • Real Estate
  • Mediation
  • Personal Injury

Bar Admissions

  • Michigan

PETER H. DELOOF

Professional Experience

PETER H. DeLOOF is a founder of the firm who specializes in the areas of real estate, commercial lending and finance, business entity formation and operation, business law, and structured workouts. Peter has handled numerous property acquisition, disposition and financing transactions throughout the State of Michigan and the United States. Clients include both local and national real estate investors and developers. He has extensive experience in lending and financial transactions on behalf of both institutional lenders and a wide variety of borrowers. He has also assisted national and local developers regarding zoning and planning issues and procedures.

Peter graduated from Calvin College and Seminary in 1964. He obtained his Juris Doctor from Wayne State University in 1967. He is a member of the Real Estate, Business Law and Taxation Sections of the State Bar of Michigan. He is consulted as and has acted as an expert witness in his practice areas. He is a licensed real estate broker and is a formerly licensed title insurance agent and a licensed residential builder in the State of Michigan.

Peter is also active in his community. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Yankee Air Museum, and the Legacy Land Conservancy Land Selection Committee. He has served as the Vice-Chair of his local planning commission, on the Board of Directors of the Legacy Land Conservancy, as an alternate commissioner of the Manchester Area Joint Planning Commission, and on the Southwest Council of Governments, a regional planning intergovernmental organization. Peter is also active in the aviation community as a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), and the Vintage Aircraft Association (VAA).

As a trained, certified mediator and facilitator, Peter has served in those capacities in alternative dispute resolution proceedings.

Education

Undergrad, 1964
Calvin College And Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan, B.A.

Law School, 1967
Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, Juris Doctor

Practice Areas
  • Lending and Finance
  • Real Estate
  • Corporate and Business
  • Zoning and Planning
Professional & Bar Memberships
  • State Bar Of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court – Eastern District Of Michigan

DANA A. DEVER

Professional Experience

Dana A. Dever, known generally as Dan, retired from the practice of law as a general practitioner and problem solver with a broad range of experience and expertise. He practiced law for nearly fifty years, having been admitted to the Michigan Bar in 1974 after graduating from Harvard Law School. He was Ann Arbor born and bred, attending the University of Michigan after his education in the Ann Arbor Public Schools. In addition to his law license, he held a Michigan Real Estate Broker license, was previously co-owner of a title insurance agency, and served as a Mediator and Special Master for civil disputes in the Washtenaw County Circuit Court.

He joined the firm after multiple years practicing with his father and brother, also attorneys who predated him in their respective retirements, and enjoyed years of practice with the evolving firm of Dever, Eby, & Issa, PLLC.

Dan was and is still active in the Ann Arbor and surrounding community. He has served for many years on the Board of Review in the Township in which he resides dealing with appeals of property valuations and taxpayer relief. Earlier while residing in Ann Arbor, he served on various City Boards and agencies. He has been active for more than forty-six years with the Ann Arbor Kiwanis Club Foundation and its affiliated Kiwanis Club, as a Member, receiving awards for service with distinction, and holding office as President, Board Member, and Chair of the Sales Management Committee. That Charity has distributed over $9,100,000 since its founding in 1921, with revenues of over $1,300,00 in fiscal year 2022.

Education
  • University of Michigan, B.A.
  • Harvard Law School, J.D.
Practice Areas
  • Retired

Bar Admissions

  • State Bar of Michigan

THOMAS M. WRIGHT

Professional Experience

THOMAS M. WRIGHT is a principal member of the firm with a practice focused on insurance defense and commercial litigation. With over 30 years of legal experience, Tom is a seasoned litigator with a successful trial and appellate record, including the published case of Taylor v Mobley, 279 Mich App 309, 760 NW2d 234 (2008). Tom is dedicated to providing exceptional legal services to his clients and has expertise in insurance coverage disputes, commercial and residential premises liability, third-party auto negligence, construction accident claims, and business disputes.

Tom received his undergraduate degree from Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota in 1980 and his Juris Doctor degree in 1989 from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law. He is a member of several professional organizations, including Michigan Defense Trial Counsel, Defense Research Institute, State Bar of Michigan, and the Washtenaw County Bar Association.

Outside of his law practice, Tom leads an active life focused on his wife, a local general surgeon, and their three young sons.

Education
  • Detroit College of Law, J.D.
  • University of Michigan, B.A.
Practice Areas
  • Tax planning and compliance
  • Tax litigation and controversy
  • Estate planning and settlement
  • Asset protection planning
  • Business and corporate law
Professional & Bar Memberships
  • State Bar of Michigan