Traverse City, Mich., January 22, 2009 - The law firm of Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge is pleased to welcome three new attorneys to the firm's Traverse City office. Ronald A. Schuknecht and Kirsten L. Keilitz have joined the firm as shareholders, and Michael D. Lewis has joined the firm as Of Counsel. They are formerly with the Traverse City law firm Lewis, Schuknecht & Keilitz, P.C.

     "Mike, Ron, and Kirsten bring to Smith Haughey a combined 80 years of experience practicing in areas such as bankruptcy law, real estate law, family law, and criminal defense," said Robert W. Parker, managing partner of Smith Haughey's Traverse City office. "With their addition we have expanded the services we can offer our clients throughout Michigan."

     Ron Schuknecht has more than 25 years of experience representing creditors and trustees in bankruptcy court. In addition to bankruptcy law, he also practices in the areas of real estate law, misdemeanor criminal defense, and family law. Ron received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He is admitted to practice in the state courts of Michigan, the federal courts for the western district of Michigan, and the Court of Appeals. Ron is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, Federal Bar Association, National Association of Bankruptcy Trustees, and the American Bankruptcy Institute. In addition, he is a member of Northwestern Michigan College's Open Scholarship Committee.

     Kirsten Keilitz primarily focuses her practice on the area of family law where she represents her clients in matters involving domestic relations, divorce, child custody, pre-nuptial and post-nuptial planning, and facilitative mediation. Kirsten received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School where she was a recipient of Certificates of Merit in environmental law and environmental and toxic problems. Kirsten is admitted to practice in the state courts of Michigan and the federal courts for the western district of Michigan. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association, and the Women Lawyers Association. In addition, Kirsten is active in the community and has served as past president of both Traverse Bay Sunrise Rotary and United Way of Northwestern Michigan. She also serves as a member of the advisory committee for the Legal Assistants Program at Northwestern Michigan College and volunteer for the Third Level Crisis Center Free Legal Clinic.

     Mike Lewis has practiced law for more than 35 years, primarily in the areas of criminal defense, family law, real estate law, and estate planning. Mike received a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School. He is admitted to practice in the state courts of Michigan, the federal courts for the western district of Michigan, and the United State Supreme Court. Mike is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, and the General Civil Mediation Panel of the 13th Circuit Court. In addition, he serves as a commentator for family law and criminal law seminars for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education.

     Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge has been helping our clients overcome challenges and take advantage of opportunities since 1941. With offices in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City, and more than 85 attorneys and counselors, we offer some of the most comprehensive legal experience available in the areas of Business and Property Law, Health Law, Construction Law, and Litigation. For more information about the firm, call 616.774.8000 or visit www.shrr.com.

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