Bratschie Law Firm
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Kentwood Offi ce:2180 44th Street SE, Ste. 300Kentwood, MI 49508
Livonia Offi ce:39111 West Six Mile RoadLivonia, MI 48152
Mailing Address:PO Box 8428
Kentwood, MI 49518-8428
Kentwood Offi ce:
Telephone: (616) 454-6005
Facsimile: (616) 454-6159
Livonia Offi ce:
Telephone: (616) 734-591-7461
Facsimile: (866) 712-0049
Contact InfoDirect Dial Telephone Number:E-Mail Address:
Greg Bierl (616) 464-9482 [email protected]
Michelle Born-Fischer (616) 464-9470 mbornfi [email protected]
Dave Bratschie (616) 464-9483 [email protected]
Steve Bratschie (616) 454-6211 [email protected]
Darren Burmania (616) 464-9471 [email protected]
Danielle Corteville (616) [email protected]
Dan Gunn(616) [email protected]
Eve Handy(616) [email protected]
Louise Kirk(734) [email protected]
Todd Knecht(616) [email protected]
Tracie Lipscomb(616) [email protected]
Scott Mancinelli(616) [email protected]
Barbara Pugh(616) [email protected] Quinn(616) [email protected]
Doreen Stanard(616) [email protected]
John Stoddard (734) [email protected]
Tim Thorpe(616) [email protected]
Julie Hyatt-Wierzbicki (616) [email protected]
Louise Kirk(734) [email protected]
Todd Knecht(616) [email protected]
Tracie Lipscomb(616) [email protected]
Scott Mancinelli(616) [email protected]
Barbara Pugh(616) [email protected] Quinn(616) [email protected]
Doreen Stanard(616) [email protected]
John Stoddard (734) [email protected]
Tim Thorpe(616) [email protected]
Julie Hyatt-Wierzbicki (616) [email protected]
PracticeSteven E. Bratschie & Associates, P.C., is primarily a corporate and business practice law fi rm
located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a strong emphasis on creditors’ rights and commercial
litigation. Steven E. Bratschie has substantial legal experience of almost 27 years, including
all types of commercial oriented litigation. Mr. Bratschie is dedicated to providing top legal
services throughout Michigan in a cost effective manner. Mr. Bratschie’s practice is dedicated
primarily to representing creditors and does not represent debtors, and consists of the following
practice areas:
Creditor/Debtor relationships, representing
primarily large national, regional and
local lending institutions, title insurance
companies, and debt buying companies
in the following areas: workouts,
reorganizations, liquidations, commercial
litigation, defensive litigation, collection,
mortgage foreclosures, title disputes,
bankruptcy related litigation, Chapter
11 and Chapter 7 representation of
secured and unsecured creditors,
nondischargeability claims, forbearance
agreements, agriculture loan workouts/
foreclosures/litigation matters;
Real estate oriented litigation including
construction lien litigation, commercial
landlord disputes/litigation, zoning litigation
and representation of developers of real
estate including and other transactions;
Corporate and commercial advice as well
as litigation services for business clients;
Dispute resolution and general commercial
litigation in federal, state and bankruptcy
courts, as well as representing clients in
arbitration and mediation proceedings.
The Gilmore Collection Restaurants
Hastings City Bank
Independent Bank
Investors Title Insurance Company
National City Bank
Northpointe Bank
Select Bank
Sovereign Bank
Turnkey Network Solutions, Inc.
U.S. Signal
Flagstar Bank
Acquisition Management (debt buyer)
Alltel Communications
Bank of America
Bissell Homecare, Inc.
Brae Asset Fund (debt buyer)
Cadle Company (debt buyer)
Cadleway Properties, Inc. (debt buyer)
CIT
Diamond Drilling and Concrete Sawing
Fifth Third Bank
Firstbank-West Michigan
Some of our clients include:
Attorneys
Steven E. Bratschie. Steven was born in Kansas City, Missouri, but has lived primarily
in East Grand Rapids, Michigan, his entire life. Steven graduated in 1980 with a bachelor of
arts with a double major, (English and business administration) from Hope College in Holland,
Michigan, and received a Juris Doctor, cum laude, in 1983 from University of Detroit School
of Law. Upon graduating from law school, Steven joined the law fi rm of Miller, Johnson, Snell
& Cummiskey, P.C., in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he became a partner and remained
until the fall of 1997. Steven chaired the fi rm’s Creditor’s Rights Group for the time period
1993 – 1997. Steven then joined the law fi rm of McShane & Bowie P.L.C., as a partner until
he left to start Steven E. Bratschie & Associates, P.C., in late 1999. His practice has covered a
wide array of matters including, but not limited to, creditors rights; representation of creditors
in other commercial disputes and/or defensive litigation; foreclosure of large real estate
projects including offi ce buildings, apartment complexes; commercial litigation in state and
federal courts, including franchise issues, tradenames, and international disputes; domestic
law litigation; zoning litigation; real estate transactional work including site condominium
developments; tax tribunal litigation, construction lien litigation, sale and liquidation of
aircraft, vessels, livestock, agricultural lands/business, bankruptcy litigation and Chapter 7
and 11 representation of creditor clients, representation of title companies in construction lien
litigation, and other commercial disputes. Steven is admitted to practice in all courts in the
State of Michigan (State, Federal, and Bankruptcy) and is also a licensed real estate broker.
Steven has served on the Board of Directors for The Dwelling Place, Inc., a large nonprofi t,
low income housing organization; Camp Blodgett, a camp for underprivileged children; and
he is a member at East Congregational Church in Grand Rapids. Steven is married with four
children.
Scott Mancinelli. Scott graduated with a bachelor of arts in political science in 1990
from Hope College in Holland, Michigan, and a Juris Doctor in 1994 from the University of
Oregon School of Law in Eugene, Oregon. Upon graduating from law school, Scott practiced
law in southern California until 2000, when he returned to West Michigan. Scott joined the law
fi rm of Coupe, VanAllsburg & Pater, P.C., in 2000 where he practiced until he joined the fi rm
of Steven E. Bratschie & Associates, P.C., in December 2002. His practice has covered a wide
array of matters including, but not limited to, general commercial litigation, complex litigation,
employment and labor law, personal injury, bankruptcy matters and mostly creditor rights
litigation. Scott is a member of the State Bars of Michigan and California, U.S. District Court
for the Western District of Michigan, and the Grand Rapids Bar Association. Scott has been
on the case evaluation panel for Kent County since 2005. Scott has served on the Board of
Directors for the Community Health Center of Holland. Scott lives in Holland with his wife and
two daughters.
Dan Gunn. Dan graduated with a bachelor of arts in political science & economics 2001
from Miami University (Oxford Ohio) and a Juris Doctor in 2005 from University of Toledo College
of Law. Dan joined the law fi rm of Steven E. Bratschie & Associates, P.C. in November of 2006
and currently practices in creditors’ rights, bankruptcy matters, and commercial litigation.
Dan is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District
of Michigan.
Julianna M. Hyatt-Wierzbicki. Julianna was born and raised in West Michigan.
She graduated from Aquinas College in 2004 with a bachelor of arts in political science and
international studies and earned her Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2008
with a concentration in small fi rm/solo practice, focusing on business transactions and estate
planning. Julianna currently practices creditor’s rights, commercial litigation, bankruptcy,
foreclosure matters, and estate planning. Julianna is married and lives in Alto, Michigan.
Michelle Born-Fischer. Michelle was born and raised in West Michigan and is
proud to work in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She graduated from East Kentwood High School and
obtained her Bachelor of Science Degree in Legal Studies from Grand Valley State University
in 1998. At Grand Valley, she graduated Magna Cum Laude and was awarded the Most
Outstanding Student Award for 1997. After graduating from Grand Valley, Michelle worked for
the Ottawa County Prosecutor’s Offi ce for three years before attending law school. Michelle
received her Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers School of Law in Camden, New Jersey in 2004.
While in law school, Michelle received the Dean Merit Scholarship each year of her attendance.
She was also fortunate enough to study law under the late United States Supreme Court Chief
Justice William Rehnquist for a summer in Europe. After graduating from law school, Michelle
fi rst practiced in the areas of Bankruptcy and Family Law. Her practice has since focused on
Business Banking, Creditor Rights, and Complex Commercial Litigation. Michelle is active in her
community and has volunteered for the Kent County Sheriff Department Victim’s Unit since
2004. She is also from a Darren Burmania. Darren graduated with a bachelor of science in
political science in 1997 from Central Michigan University and a Juris Doctor in 2004 from Wayne
State University in Detroit, Michigan. Upon graduating from law school, Darren practiced law
in Detroit until 2007 when he returned to West Michigan. Darren joined the law fi rm of Steven
E. Bratschie & Associates, P.C., in February 2008 and currently practices in creditors’ rights and
general commercial litigation. Darren is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the U.S.
District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Darren serves on the Board of Directors for
the non-profi t Twilight Benefi t. Darren is married and lives in Grand Rapids with his wife and
daughter. family of military veterans and proudly stays active with organizations such as the
VFW, AMVETS, and the American Legion.
John Stoddard. John brings more than sixteen years of creditors’ rights experience
to his work in Steven E. Bratschie & Associates P.C.’s Livonia and Grand Rapids offi ces. After
practicing nearly seven years in South Bend, Indiana, Mr. Stoddard returned to his native
Michigan in 1999 and exclusively represented creditors for the nation’s largest creditors’
rights fi rm. In 2002, he joined Gold, Lange & Majoros, P.C., where he specialized in litigating
adversary proceedings in bankruptcy while representing debtors, creditors, and Chapter
7 Trustees. Before joining Steven E. Bratschie & Associates P.C., he most recently served as
litigation manager for a publicly-traded fi nance company in Southfi eld. He joined Steven
E. Bratschie & Associates P.C. in February of 2008. Born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1965, Mr.
Stoddard received his Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from Albion College in 1987 and his Juris
Doctor from the University of Notre Dame in 1992. He is admitted to practice law in Michigan
and Indiana (inactive in good standing). He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the
American Bar Association, and the American Bankruptcy Institute. His cases with published
opinions include Bowlby v. NBD Bank, 640 N.E.2d 1095 (Ind.Ct.App. 1994), In re: Cutler, 291
B.R. 718 (Bankr. E.D. Mich. 2003), and In re: Schmiel, 391 B.R. 520 (Bankr. E.D. Mich. 2005). He
has lectured on bankruptcy law issues, including the 2005 amendments to the Bankruptcy
Code, to various groups, including the National Business Institute and the Oakland County Bar
Association. Mr. Stoddard lives in Plymouth with his wife and three daughters. When he is not
attending one of their swim meets or dance recitals, he is an active member of Dixboro United
Methodist Church and Measure for Measure, a men’s choral society.
Gregory P. Bierl. Greg graduated from Michigan State University in 2002 with a
bachelor’s degree in general business administration/pre-law and from The University of Toledo
College of Law and University of Toledo Graduate Studies Program in December, 2005 with
a Juris Doctor and Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Since graduating, Greg has
worked in a general practice civil litigation fi rm in Grand Haven, Michigan, served as corporate
in-house counsel for an expanding investment and real estate business and operated his own
private law practice. Greg began working for the law fi rm of Steven E. Bratschie & Associates,
P.C., in August, 2009 and currently practices in the areas of creditors’ rights, business planning
and commercial litigation. Greg is a current member of the State Bar of Michigan and the U.S.
District Court for the Western District of Michigan.
Louise A. Kirk. Louise specializes in commercial litigation and creditors’ rights. Louise
has represented small, medium and Fortune 100 businesses and tried cases in state and federal
courts and various ADR forums. Licensed in Indiana since 1993 and Michigan since 1994,
she has extensive experience in commercial litigation, including breach of contract, warranty
and insurance disputes, UCC Articles 2, 4 and 9 matters and tort/products liability defense. A
member of both the Michigan and Indiana State Bar Associations, Louise is also admitted to
the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan and the Northern and
Southern Districts of Indiana. A cum laude graduate of Albion College and the University of
Michigan Law School, she served as an editor on Michigan Law School’s Journal of International
Law. Louise worked at Kell & Lynch, P.C. and Bush Seyferth Kethledge & Paige PLLC in metro
Detroit prior to joining the Livonia offi ce of Steven E. Bratschie and Associates, P.C. in 2009. She
is currently an adjunct faculty member of the John Sperling School of Business, University of
Phoenix. Louise is active with her children’s schools, the Salvation Army and Plymouth Canton
Cruisers swim club. She is married and has three children.
Todd R. Knecht. Todd Knecht specializes in complex commercial and employment
litigation in the state and federal courts. He was born March 24, 1955 in Lancaster, PA. He is a
graduate of Hope College (B.A., 1977); and the University of Detroit School of Law (J.D., cum
laude, 1981). He served as law clerk for the late Hon. Douglas W. Hillman, United States District
Court Judge for the Western District of Michigan in 1983. Mr. Knecht was admitted to the
District of Columbia Bar in 1981 and the Michigan Bar in 1983. He is also admitted to practice
in the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan; and the U.S. Court
of Appeals, Sixth Circuit. He is a member of the Grand Rapids Bar Association; the State Bar
of Michigan and the American Bar Association. Todd Knecht has over 20 years of experience
representing management and counseling employers on employee-relations matters and
defending management against employment-based lawsuits in the state and federal courts
and administrative tribunals. He has extensive experience in the preparation and enforcement
of non-compete agreements and contracts designed to protect an employer’s trade secrets
from disclosure to competitors. Mr. Knecht also specializes in advising physicians with respect
issues arising out of the medical credentialing process, peer review and hospital staff privileges.
BV® Peer Review Rating.
Darren Burmania. Darren graduated with a bachelor of science in political science
in 1997 from Central Michigan University and a Juris Doctor in 2004 from Wayne State University
in Detroit, Michigan. Upon graduating from law school, Darren practiced law in Detroit until
2007 when he returned to West Michigan. Darren joined the law fi rm of Steven E. Bratschie
& Associates, P.C., in February 2008 and currently practices in creditors’ rights and general
commercial litigation. Darren is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and the U.S. District
Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Darren serves on the Board of Directors for the non-
profi t Twilight Benefi t. Darren is married and lives in Grand Rapids with his wife and daughter.
The fi rm is comprisedof the following staff:
Doreen A. Stanard. Doreen Stanard is a legal assistant/secretary with over 29 years
of experience. Doreen has worked consistently with Steven Bratschie since approximately
1986. She has a substantial working knowledge of all areas of practice engaged in by Steven
Bratschie.
* * * * *Tracie Lipscomb. Tracie Lipscomb joined Steven E. Bratschie & Associates, P.C. in
May of 2004 and has more than 14 years of experience as a legal assistant/secretary in legal
litigation.
* * * * *Danielle Corteville. Danielle Corteville joined Steven E. Bratschie & Associates, P.C.
in July of 2008 and is a recent graduate of Michigan State University.
* * * * *Barbara Pugh. Barbara Pugh joined Steven E. Bratschie & Associates, P.C. in February
of 2008 and is our receptionist and general assistant.
* * * * *Kelly Quinn. Kelly Quinn joined Steven E. Bratschie & Associates, P.C. in May of 2009,
with 17 years of experience as a legal assistant/secretary in general litigation.
* * * * *
Evelyn Handy. Eve Handy joined Steven E. Bratschie & Associates, P.C. in August of
2009, with more than 29 years of experience as a legal secretary.
* * * * *Tim Thorpe. Tim Thorpe joined Steven E. Bratschie & Associates, P.C. in October of 2009,
with more than 7 years of experience as a debt collector/para-legal experience.
* * * * *David L. Bratschie. David was born in Kansas City, Missouri, but has lived primarily in
East Grand Rapids, Michigan, his entire life. David graduated with a Bachelor of Landscape
Architecture and minor in Business from Michigan State University, Lansing, Michigan, in
1979. David joined Steelcase Inc. right after college and held many engineering, project
management and manager positions until he joined Steven E. Bratschie and Associates,
P.C., in April of 2009. David has extensive experience in project management, cost analysis,
building design and installation, managing teams and process improvement analysis. He
has a thorough understanding of computer equipment, systems and software and is capable
of managing teams of people and large complex projects with many variables to desired
outcome. David is a member of East Congregational Church in Grand Rapids where he does
volunteer work assisting with their food pantry and homeless family temporary housing. David
is married with two children.