DETROIT OFFICE
Mr. Kemsley represents banks, financial institutions, mortgage lenders and servicers, and other corporations in complex business and corporate litigation, including the defense of class actions. He has defended individual and class cases involving claimed violations of state consumer protection and deceptive practices laws, and federal laws and regulations including truth-in-lending laws. He has defended many large law firms in cases involving claims of legal malpractice and other misconduct. He has defended banks, corporations and insurance companies in proceedings and class litigation asserting unauthorized practice of law and related claims. He also has handled trust and estate disputes involving the estates of wealthy individuals and business trusts. He has substantial experience in trademark and unfair competition litigation, letter of credit litigation, legal ethics matters, distributor termination cases, bankruptcy litigation, real estate and building restriction disputes, business acquisition and securities fraud cases, and products and premises liability matters.
Recent published appellate decisions include Brannam v. Huntington Mortgage Co., 287 F3d 601 (6th Cir. 2002) (reh.den.; cert. den.) (a case of first impression under TILA and Reg Z); and Dressel v. Ameribank, 468 Mich 557 (2003) (principal amicus counsel) (establishing that document preparation fees charged in residential mortgage loans do not constitute the unauthorized practice of law).
Mr. Kemsley is a frequent speaker on matters involving professional responsibility and ethics. From 1990 to 1995 he was a member of the Product Liability Advisory Council. He was on the Council of the State Bar of Michigan Litigation Section from 1996 to 2000.