Disclaimer The Firm was founded in 1978 by Michigan State Senator Daniel Cooper and City of Detroit Corporation Counsel attorney David Fink. Originally called Cooper & Fink, Mr. Cooper and Mr. Fink grew the Firm until their retirement from the practice of law. After years of serving the Michigan taxpayers and his clients, Mr. Cooper retired to Florida. Mr. Fink, on the other hand, left his successful law practice to serve the taxpayers of Michigan. Always desiring to enter public service since his graduation from Harvard Law School and his employment with the City of Detroit, Mr. Fink accepted a position in the Cabinet of Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm as the Director of the Office of State Employer. The contributions of Mr. Cooper and Mr. Fink are not forgotten, however. Their dedication to a sophisticated law practice and the public sector form the foundation for ZKAC's current attorneys. Mark J. Zausmer, now the Firm's Managing Shareholder, began his legal career as a law clerk and then an associate at the Firm. In Mr. Zausmer's years of practice he has developed a broad range of litigation experience ranging from the most basic auto negligence matters to the most complicated multi-district litigation. Richard C. Kaufman joined the Firm as a shareholder after serving as the General Manager/General Counsel of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation. Prior to this Mr. Kaufman was one of the most respected judges in the State of Michigan. Mr. Kaufman spent fifteen years on the bench of the Wayne County Circuit Court, eight as Chief Judge. In addition to practicing law, Mr. Kaufman acts as a facilitator in approximately five hundred cases a year. Shareholder Gary K. August joined the Firm in 1996 after working at Honigman, Miller, Schwartz and Cohn. A graduate of Northwestern University School of Law where he was an Associate Editor for the Northwestern University Law Review, Mr. August has built a sophisticated commercial litigation practice providing legal advice to some of the largest corporations in Michigan. Shareholder Michael L. Caldwell specializes his practice on environmental law, and is one of the most respected and knowledgeable attorneys in Michigan on all aspects of environmental regulation and litigation. The shareholders of Zausmer, Kaufman, August & Caldwell, P.C. spent significant resources hiring the best associate attorneys, paralegals and support staff to provide our clients with depth at every level of the practice. Our motto to our staff and associates is: "Never be afraid to let our clients know how smart you are." Since Mr. Cooper and Mr. Fink began the Firm this philosophy has been a constant; quality human resources equals quality work product. Please visit our attorney biographies and practice areas to learn more about us. The ingredients of our success are straight forward Commitment to personal service Superior human and technical resources Expertise in the most complex areas of the law The Results At Zausmer, Kaufman, August & Caldwell, P.C. we repeatedly achieve impressive results. Since 1978 our vision has been a constant. As one of Michigan's most respected firms, we are proud of our reputation for resolving complex legal matters with a creative and pragmatic approach. Similarly, we are proud of our reputation for vigorously litigating the most complex cases when negotiated resolution is not possible or desired. Our clients confidently rely on our guidance because of our expertise and personal service. This confidence is evident from our long-standing client relationships. An AV (highest) rated law firm by the Martindale-Hubbell® rating service, we counsel organizations large and small, publicly and privately-held companies, major national corporations, entrepreneurs, municipalities, non-profit organizations and individuals. Our approach begins with our attorneys who are highly educated, knowledgeable and respected professionals. Through dedication, responsiveness, flexibility, cost consciousness and creative thinking, we are able to meet and exceed our clients' objectives. Our team of outstanding lawyers combines academic distinction with practical experience. As expert litigators and alternative dispute resolution lawyers, we have extensive experience before federal and state trial and appellate courts, arbitration tribunals and administrative agencies. Our lawyers are regularly appointed by judges and lawyers to serve as facilitators and arbitrators in major cases in Michigan and in other states. We apply our strategic approach to the most complex and high-profile matters, and to the most basic single issue lawsuits. As you get to know us, we believe you will value our dedication to excellence. And, our vision.