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A BUSINESS LAW FIRM

Doerr MacWilliams Howard brings years of business law expertise, while maintaining the individualized, attentive service small firms are known for.

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Specializing in Complex Business Litigation

At DMH Law, we thrive in high-stakes litigation. Our attorneys are courtroom-tested and strategically aggressive, representing clients in complex commercial disputes involving fraud, contract breaches, shareholder conflicts, and technology failures.

 

We plan every move with precision, anticipating the opposition’s tactics while minimizing disruption to your business. When it’s time to fight, we fight smart—and hard.

MEETINGS OUR CLIENTS' NEEDS

At DMH Law, we understand that legal issues can arise at any time in the life of a business, which is why we offer a wide range of practice areas to meet our clients' needs.

Complex Commercial Litigation

Partnership Disputes

Non‑Compete Disputes

Member/Shareholder Oppression

General Counsel and Contracts

Business Fraud

Supply Chain Disputes

Cannabis Business Disputes

Software and Emerging Technologies Litigation

Business Formation and Planning

Mediation, Arbitration, Alternative Dispute Resolution

The DMH Team

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PARTNER

Joseph Doerr

Joe Doerr is an award-winning litigator, focusing on business, real estate and probate matters. He is also a trained and experienced mediator.

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PARTNER

Ms. MacWilliams has tried many high-stakes cases and enjoys complex commercial litigation with clients prepared to win. She also serves as outside general counsel for private companies, providing honest, realistic advice for legal concerns facing small businesses. 

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PARTNER

Derek Howard

Derek was a longtime Judicial Staff Attorney in Oakland County’s Business Court. He launched his own business law firm in 2019 and has quickly enjoyed a string of business litigation success. 

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PARTNER

An Ann Arbor native and University of Michigan Law School alum, Sam leads DMH Law’s Ann Arbor office bringing deep knowledge of the local bar and judiciary. Sam primarily focuses his practice on business litigation.

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SENIOR ASSOCIATE

Paige joined the firm as a law clerk and is now the firm's senior associate. She especially enjoys complex cases and the twists and turns of strategy, as well as arguing passionately for positions she believes in. Paige also enjoys working with nonprofit causes. 

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OFFICE MANAGER AND PARALEGAL

Laura provides office management and administrative support. She has a B.S. in Family Community Studies, which she used to execute large-scale event planning and fundraising events for various non-profit organizations.

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ASSOCIATE

Michael is an associate attorney who joined the firm in 2024 after completing business and legal studies at Michigan State University. He enjoys the art of contracts and addressing the pitfalls in complex transactions. 

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ANN ARBOR OFFICE MANAGER AND PARALEGAL

Sabrina joined the Ann Arbor office after completing her B.A. from the University of Michigan in 2023. With a keen eye for detail, she juggles deadlines while ensuring accurate, persuasive filings. 

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BILLING MANAGER AND PARALEGAL

Shannon manages the firm accounts. As a United States Army veteran with a B.S. in accounting and decades of accounting experience in companies from small to multi-billion in annual revenue, she brings a practical approach to all things financial.

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ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

Alexandra Gillett

Alexandra earned her Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law and her Bachelor of Arts in Education and Spanish from the University of Michigan. She is licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan and is admitted in both the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan.

Our Featured Publications

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by Joseph A. Doerr

Best practices for drafting engagement agreements

Before diving into any new matter, attorneys should treat engagement agreements not as a formality—but as a critical tool to define the client relationship, protect both parties, and avoid future disputes.

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by Sara MacWilliams

Protecting Shareholder Rights

In this episode of The Litigation War Room, business litigator Sara MacWilliams breaks down a landmark shareholder rights case and shares practical strategies for navigating fiduciary duty litigation.

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by Paige Serra

Postponing Your Capital Gains Tax on Investment Property

In this article, attorney Paige Serra explains how real estate investors can defer capital gains taxes using IRS Section 1031 and the “drop and swap” method—while highlighting key risks to avoid IRS scrutiny.

OF COUNSEL

DMH Law collaborates with Sherri Bono (Of Counsel), expanding our capabilities through her expertise.

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