Our Attorneys
D. Keith Birchler E-mail
Mr. Birchler received his undergraduate degree (with distinction) from the University of Michigan in 1975.  After graduating from the University of Michigan Law School he joined the Firm in 1978.  Mr. Birchler’s primary areas of law practice include creditors’ rights, including bankruptcy and litigation, commercial law, business formation, representing landlords, estate planning, probate, and real estate, including condominiums.  Mr. Birchler serves on the Board of Directors of the University of Michigan Club of Bay City (Scholarship Chairman, past President).  He is a past president and active volunteer for the Bay Area Family YMCA.  He is active in his church currently serving as a cantor and choir member.  He performs regularly with the 60’s rock band The Paisley Fogg.  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
Walter P. Fitzhugh E-mail
Mr. Fitzhugh is a native of Bay City, Michigan.  He graduated from the University of Michigan and the Detroit College of Law.  He was admitted to the bar in 1973, and joined the Firm in 1983.  Mr. Fitzhugh’s practice emphasizes the organization, operation and taxation of businesses, individual tax and estate planning, probate, and real estate law.  He has participated in numerous community activities, including the Bay Area Community Foundation (past President), Bay County Historical Society (past President), The Music Society of the Midland Center for the Arts (past President), The Midland Center for the Arts (board member), and the Bay City Rotary Club.  He currently serves on the Boards of Bay Special Care Hospital, Citizen’s Bank, and the Midland Center for the Arts.  Mr. Fitzhugh’s avocations include performing in various singing groups and Music Theater, and competing in marathons and triathlons.  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
J. Joseph Purtell E-mail
Joe Purtell was born in Pinconning, Michigan, and worked in the family restaurant and ice cream store.  In 1975, Joe graduated (magna cum laude) from Michigan State University, with a B.A. in Economics.  At MSU, he was admitted to Honors College, Phi Beta Kappa, Omicron Delta Epsilon (Economics Honor Society) and Sigma Delta Pi (National Hispanic Honor Society).  In 1978, Joe graduated from the University of Michigan Law School.  Joe Purtell works in the areas of bankruptcy, real estate, landlord/tenant, creditor/debtor rights, foreclosures, lien law and wills and trusts.  From 1983-85 he was a U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee panel member.  As an Adjunct Professor at Delta College from 1993-04, Mr. Purtell taught courses in Real Estate Law, Bankruptcy Law and Civil Litigation.  Joe has presented seminars on educational presentations on landlord/tenant law, foreclosures, bankruptcy, the uniform commercial code and commercial transactions.  He has served on various Boards, including the Bay City Downtown Development Authority (Chairman, 1989-90), and the Downtown Management Board (Interim Chairman, 1990).  Mr. Purtell is also fluent in Spanish. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
Aaron J. Madziar E-mail
Mr. Madziar is a native of Essexville, Michigan.  Prior to his legal career, he worked in the residential construction industry.  He gained more than ten years’ experience as a masonry contractor in a family-owned business.  Mr. Madziar graduated from Saginaw Valley State University (cum laude) and Michigan State University Law School (magna cum laude).  After practicing in Brighton, Michigan, Mr. Madziar returned to the area and joined the Firm as an Associate in 2007.  His primary areas of practice include Construction, Real Estate, Commercial Law, Civil Litigation and Estate Planning.  His interests include numerous outdoor activities. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
Robert D. Sarow E-mail
Following graduation from the University of Michigan Law School and service in the U.S. Army, Mr. Sarow joined the Firm in 1969.  He retired from the practice of law on December 31, 2007 but continues in an Of Counsel capacity.
 
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