Law Firm Overview

The firm was founded in 1928 by Charles V. Hilding and Merle C. Baker, as a general practice firm.  It was enlarged when Murray B. DeGroot became a partner in 1954 specializing in bankruptcy.  In 2007 Michael D. Almassian joined the firm as a partner specializing in commercial litigation.  The firm also employs Greg J. Ekdahl, James R. Oppenhuizen and Benjamin M. White as associate attorneys.  The attorneys at Keller & Almassian PLC possess considerable strength and a high level of specialization in the areas of bankruptcy law, corporate insolvency and commercial litigation.

Practice Areas
 
Litigation
The attorneys at Keller & Almassian represent individual and business clients in civil litigation cases, including jury and non-jury trials, in state and federal courts. Driven by our clients' needs and goals our litigation attorneys consistently deliver exceptional results.   Our litigation attorneys recognize that critical pretrial and trial strategies must be formulated. Our strength in litigation is tempered by a constant focus on achieving the best results for our clients.  We find that aggressive litigation and pre-suit action often creates opportunities for practical and efficient solutions.  Our forward approach to dispute resolution has achieved exceptional results for our clients in litigation matters including, commercial contract disputes, employment cases, property and construction law, collection matters and insolvency/asset protection cases.  We invite you to contact Mike Almassian at (616) 364-2100.
 
Bankruptcy
The bankruptcy attorneys at Keller & Almassian represent individuals and businesses in bankruptcy proceedings, helping clients understand their options, file bankruptcy notices, negotiate with creditors, and find the best way for your business to hold onto assets.

Our attorneys conduct a full review of each clients' financial situation, making an effort to determine if there are other options to filing bankruptcy. Often, with the advice and assistance of a bankruptcy attorney, clients can negotiate with creditors, collect from people who owe them money and arrange non-bankruptcy forms of debt relief that help them turn their financial situation around without actually filing for bankruptcy.

If a bankruptcy filing is necessary, our attorneys can help determine which form of bankruptcy, Chapter 7, Chapter 11 or Chapter 13, is appropriate for each client's particular circumstances.

We are a Debt Relief Agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.

Corporate Bankruptcy
Many businesses that need to file for bankruptcy can file for a Chapter 11 Debt Reorganization Plan. Chapter 11 is designed to permit companies to reorganize their businesses and try to become profitable. Under Chapter 11 the company can keep many of its assets and remain in operation while it works its way out of debt, under the supervision of the bankruptcy court.

Companies that file under Chapter 7 must stop operating and go out of business. In a Chapter 7 case, a trustee is appointed to liquidate the companies' assets and the money is used to pay creditors.

Personal Bankruptcy
Individuals can file for Bankruptcy protection under Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy code.

In a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, all of the petitioner's dischargeable debts are eliminated. Secured creditors, such as the banks holding mortgage and car loans, must continue to be paid if the petitioner is going to keep the property. Petitioners filing under Chapter 7 must qualify under a means test calculation.

If an individual does not qualify to file under Chapter 7, they may decide to file under Chapter 13. In a Chapter 13 proceeding, also sometimes called a wage earner plan is put together to pay back creditors at least part of what they are owed.

Bankruptcy law is confusing and complex, especially in light of the recent changes enacted in the fall of 2005. An experienced bankruptcy attorney will protect your interests and make sure there are no errors or missteps in your filings.

Receiverships
The need to appoint a Receiver arises from a variety of contexts.  A Receiver is an officer and representative of the Court, appointed to take possession of, protect, and preserve property that is subject of pending litigation, to assist in the enforcement of a judgment or to continue ongoing business operations. Given our firm's expertise in business law, litigation and bankruptcy we have successfully served as general counsel in various high profile receiverships. We are familiar with the limited written law regarding receiverships the various Circuit Court Judge's approaches to receiverships, the unique procedural rules and how to represent clients' interests cost effectively.

Business Law
Keller & Almassian provides a full range of business services and advocacy for our corporate clients. Our attorneys are lawyers and business people, we know how to look at issues from the business perspective and help clients use the law to achieve their business goals.

When a client is starting a business, the firm assists in all areas of business formation, including helping clients decide whether to operate as a closely held business, limited liability company, partnership or corporation.

Our attorneys help negotiate the sales and purchases of businesses of all types and sizes, draft and review contracts, structure loans, negotiate leases and other agreements, and advise on employment issues, shareholders' rights and liability issues.

We strive to develop long-term relationships with our business clients, serving in the role of corporate counsel for many small to medium sized companies. We advise and consult with management on all areas of the operation, including assisting in short and long-term planning, business analysis and troubleshooting on a wide variety of issues, in a cost effective way.

The firm has developed a particular reputation for being able to help companies that are struggling financially avoid bankruptcy, and working with management to devise creative and effective solutions to the companies' financial problems. Our experienced corporate and bankruptcy attorneys know how to help companies negotiate with creditors, collect money owed, resolve disputes and get back on strong financial footing, often without filing for bankruptcy at all.

Because we know business, we know that prevention of litigation, insolvency and other problems in the first place is almost always the most cost-effective way to proceed. We encourage our corporate clients to stay in close touch and often attend companies' meetings. We know that often, when management is engaged in the day-to-day operation of the business, it is easy to overlook small problems that, left unattended, could become expensive and time-consuming to resolve. We can help companies keep an eye on the big picture, so potential problems can be identified and resolved quickly.

The firm helps clients resolve disputes as quickly and efficiently as possible. We know that lawsuits can be draining of time, money and energy. once we have determined that litigation is the best course from a business standpoint, our skilled litigators are fully prepared to go to court when necessary to protect our clients' interests.

Construction
Keller & Almassian has experience advising and representing individual and business clients in all areas of construction law including construction defects, the lien process, risk management, insurance issues, condominium conversions, and other important legal issues that affect the owners, operators, and managers of multi-family, commercial, retail and other real property.

Our attorneys and paralegals can assist you and your company to secure your position by filing liens and advising about other avenues that will assure you get paid, or get your money's worth during the project.

The firm strives to obtain successful legal outcomes as efficiently as possible, protecting the assets and investments of our clients. Our attorneys have the skill and experience necessary to provide pro-active advice, often helping our clients avoid legal actions.

The personal, hands-on representation provided by our attorneys ensures that our clients and their interests are always protected.

Areas of Practice

• Bankruptcy Law
• Business & Commercial Law
• Business Organizations
• Construction Law
• Intellectual Property Law
• Patents
• Trademarks
• Mergers & Acquisitions

West Practice Categories

Bankruptcy Law, Business & Commercial Law, Business Organizations, Construction Law, Intellectual Property Law, Patents, Trademarks, Mergers & Acquisitions