Biography
Kurt joined the Firm in 1991. His practice specialties include corporate transactions, federal and state credit unions, municipal law, real estate union negotiations, business law, contract, and creditor disputes.
Looking at one specialty in detail, Kurt’s representation of Federal and State Credit Unions has been honed over the years. During this time, he developed the expertise to handle all legal situations which confront Credit Unions. His knowledge relates to collection matters, all facets of bankruptcies, construction management of new or remodeled branch offices, mergers and general corporate counsel work in relation to succession planning, severance and retirement packages, employment and personnel matters, and facilitating credit union board of director’s visioning sessions.
Kurt served as a municipal elected official for twelve years, with his last four years as being the chief elected official of Grosse Ile Township located in Grosse Ile, Michigan. Kurt’s tenure as an elected official brought him into contact with his community and its residents at multiple levels. Besides his Township official capacity, Kurt had the pleasure of serving as a member of Grosse Ile’s Planning Commission and Police Commission for many years, as well as redeveloping a municipal airport structure into the Grosse Ile Tennis Center.
Additionally, Kurt is active in his pro bono representation of numerous nonprofit and 501(c)(3) entities. Kurt played a significant role as co-founder and corporation counsel for TAILS Inc., a nonprofit homeless animal shelter; The Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy Inc., a nonprofit conservancy protecting the land and water resources of Grosse Ile Township; and the Grosse Ile Educational Foundation Inc., a Foundation whose purpose is to fund educational programs for both the community and school district.
It is through his role in these nonprofit and 501(C)(3) corporations that have allowed Kurt to interface with his community, and more importantly, be able to work with board members who have a desire to help create a legacy of excellence in the Grosse Ile Community.
Primary Practice Areas
- Federal and State Credit Unions
- Commercial Transactions
- Real Estate Law
- Business Law
- Municipal Law
- Creditor Disputes
Education
- University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, Detroit, Michigan
- J.D. - 1991
- Albion College
- B.A. - 1988
- Honors: cum laude
- Major: History
Admissions
- Michigan
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan, 1993
- U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan, 1993
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court Eastern District of Michigan, 1993
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court Western District of Michigan, 1993
- U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit, 2019
Professional Associations and Memberships
- State Bar of Michigan
- American Bar Association
- American Bankruptcy Institute
Civic Associations and Memberships
- TAILS, Inc., Co-Founder
- Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy, Inc.
- Grosse Ile Educational Foundation, Inc.
Recognition
- Martindale Hubbell - Rated AV Preeminent. Highest Possible Peer Review Rating in Legal Ability and Ethical Standards