Employee Biographies

Throughout his career, Brian has displayed an ability to help businesses grow and succeed. His background spans numerous industries, including academics, marketing, and software, where he has held titles from Director of Marketing and Communications, to Vice President of Business Development.

As Director of Operations, Brian oversees the day-to-day operations of the Law Offices of Joumana Kayrouz, while focusing on the sustained growth of the organization. To that end, Brian is involved with several aspects of the company, including human resources, information technology, marketing, and finance. Within these areas, he works to implement scalable processes and procedures, streamlining productivity and ensuring the overall well-being of the office environment, staff, and most importantly, the clients.

A Michigan native, Brian attended Wayne State University where he studied English and Business. He is a regular participant at area seminars, workshops, and other events, as he strives to enhance his knowledge in the fields of marketing, business development, and management. Brian spends most of his free time with his wife, enjoying the outdoors, or relaxing at their home in downtown Detroit.

Rainy joined the Law Offices of Joumana B. Kayrouz in December, 2011. Prior to joining the team, she held numerous financial and accounts management positions in various industries. Most recently, Rainy spent several years at a Personal Injury law firm, gaining knowledge and experience that transitioned perfectly into her role with the Kayrouz firm.

Rainy’s mission is to help the organization run smoothly and efficiently the management of company finances. Her daily responsibilities include handling all accounting functions of the office.

Rainy likes working at the Kayrouz firm because of the friendliness of the people she works with. When not a the office, Rainy enjoys spending time with her husband, at home, or on their sailboat.

Attorney Beth Wilcoxon joined the Kayrouz Law Firm in July, 2010, bringing more than 20 years of experience in personal injury law. She has handled all aspects of a high volume litigation caseload, with extensive research and writing, dispute resolution and trial. As an appellate attorney, she has pursued claims in Circuit Court, Michigan Court of Appeals, Michigan Supreme Court and Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Originally from Ohio, Wilcoxon graduated from Wayne State University with a B.A. in English and Political Science. She earned her law degree from Wayne State University Law School. A multitasker and problem solver, she was able to hold down a full-time job while attending law school.

Her mission as an attorney is "to fix things for people, make things right, when they don't know how to do it themselves." When not at work, she and her husband enjoy gardening.

Biography Coming soon.

Trish rejoined the Kayrouz firm in February of 2012. She has been a professional in the legal field for over 20 years and has worked as an attorney for over 10 years. She is experienced in personal injury, along with civil right litigation.

Trish was admitted in the United States District Court Eastern District of Michigan in 2002. She then was admitted to the United States District Court Western District of Michigan in 2006. She also was admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States in October of 2007.

Trish graduated from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University in January of 1999. Trish was admitted to the Bar in December of 2001.

Her mission as an attorney is to help those that have been disadvantaged by the corporate system.

Trish enjoys working at the Kayrouz firm because of the infectious attitude amongst the employees to strive for the best outcomes for our clients.

Shawn Lewis joined the Kayrouz law firm in the fall of 2011. Before joining, Shawn spent 2 years clerking at a law firm in the city of Chicago while attending law school. As a clerk, Shawn was exposed to all aspects of personal injury automobile litigation. As a result, Shawn gained extensive research and writing skills, as well as fist-hand knowledge of personal injury litigation.

Originally from Michigan, Shawn earned his bachelor's degree from Michigan State University where he studied business at the Eli Broad College of Business. After college, Shawn attended Loyola University Chicago School of Law where he received his Juris Doctor. During law school, Shawn concentrated his studies on trial and appellate advocacy and earned a certificate from Loyola's Center for Advocacy.

Shawn's mission as an attorney is to provide compassionate representation on behalf of personal injury victims. With this mission in mind, Shawn is proud to be working for the Kayrouz law firm with such an outstanding reputation for seeking justice on behalf of its clients.

Mark joined the Law Offices of Joumana Kayrouz in January of 2012. His mission as an attorney in our Pre-Litigation department, is to work to resolve claims, prior to their reaching the litigation process.

Mark brings a vast array of law experience to the Kayrouz firm. He has owned and operated his own appeals firm, was a partner at a state-wide litigation firm, and worked as a research attorney in both the Michigan Court of Appeals, and the Michigan Supreme Court. Mark has also worked as a senior adjustor of first-party no-fault claims at a major insurance company.

Mark graduated from Wayne State University Law School in 1985. While still a student there, Mark interned for a Federal District Court Judge, and worked as a law clerk in the office of General Counsel at Ford Motor Company.

Mark enjoys working at the Kayrouz firm because there is great satisfaction in using his skills to advocate for people in their dealing with insurance companies. When not at the office, Mark teaches a course in Advanced Legal Writing at Thomas M. Cooley Law School .

A paralegal for 21 years, Julie Anderson heads up the Transition Department whereby first-party files are moved from pre-litigation into suit and, at an attorney's direction, third-party claims are put in suit. In summary, Julie is responsible for the drafting of lawsuits, executing proper court filing and service on defendants, both corporate and individual.

A Michigan native, her paralegal studies were carried out at Baker College-Flint campus. Since college, Julie has had extensive experience in legal research and writing in personal injury, employment law and medical malpractice. Her experience lends familiarity to Circuit, Federal and Appellate procedures. She has also done extensive trial preparation, court appearance and appellate writing.

"I enjoy working for a firm where the owner is so passionate and caring about each individual client and their needs. Joumana is also a very hands-on attorney who is very involved in client matters and providing excellent service," Julie says.

Janice joined the Kayrouz firm in February of 2011. She heads the firm's Demands Department, preparing demand letters to insurance companies as well as preparing case evaluation summaries.

Janice has studied Political Science for several semesters at Oakland University and earned a Paralegal Diploma. She also studied Criminal Justice extensively at Oakland Community College.

Janice lives in a rural area, about 50 miles north of Southfield, with her spouse. She enjoys tending to her horses and riding them when she can.

Janice says she enjoys the work she does and is glad to be in a professional atmosphere. She likes working with the attorneys and how the clients are treated, especially by Joumana. She says Joumana is the most knowledgable attorney she has worked for and has a good, kind heart.

Don joined the Law Offices of Joumana Kayrouz in December of 2011. He graduated from Davenport University in 2002.

Don's mission as a legal assistant is to learn the functions of the office and use his skills to help support the demands department.

What Don enjoys most about working at the Law Offices of Joumana Kayrouz is the easy going work atmosphere. When not in the office, Don enjoys running, watching movies and reading.

Paulette Leone joined the Kayrouz Law Firm in February 2011. Prior to working with the Kayrouz Law Firm, she worked for Associate Attorney Douglas Dempsey for 16 years as a Utilization Manager and Legal Assistant.

She likes to be busy and enjoys the variety of cases and clients she works with in the field of personal injury law. "This is a firm that truly works to help people out," she says.

Jan joined the firm in Feburary of 2011. She works in the litigation department and does her best to support our team of attorneys.

Prior to joining the Kayrouz firm, Jan has done legal assisting at multiple other law firms.

Jan Most enjoys working at the Kayrouz firm because of the people she is surrounded with. She feels her co-workers are all passionate about helping people and each other.

Stephanie Shamma, a 2009 graduate of the University of Michigan, hopes to attend law school in the near future. Meanwhile, she is honored to be working with her mother, Joumana Kayrouz.

Like her mother, Stephanie wants to make a difference in the community. "There are people who cannot advocate for themselves, and need articulate, passionate people to represent them," she says.

Fluent in American Sign Language and French, Stephanie also understands Arabic, with some speaking knowledge of the language. She has earned a third degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. She has been a participant in the Lebanese Collegiate Network, Lebanese Red Cross and Miss Michigan USA, and is currently volunteering with the DMAN Foundation.

In her spare time, she enjoys writing, painting, watching movies, traveling and hanging out with her friends. She recently began attending Bible study. A strong advocate for animals, she hopes one day to have the opportunity to help animals in a foreign country.

Ali joined the Law Offices of Joumana Kayrouz in January of 2012. Everyday, Ali shadows the attorneys at the Kayrouz firm, and completes legal work they assigned to him, such as research and writing.

Ali is currently attending Wayne State University Law School. He earned a degree in Political Science and Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Michigan.

Before coming to the Kayrouz firm, Ali Interned with Justice Robert Young with the Michigan Supreme Court as well as Judge David Groner of Wayne County Circuit Court.

Ali's mission is to gain experience at the Kayrouz firm and get a real feel for what it is like to be an attorney.

What he enjoys most about working at the Kayrouz firm is the opportunity to learn the law in such a fast-paced environment. When not in the office, Ali enjoys golf and vacationing in Lebanon.

Valerie Michael began working at the Kayrouz Law Firm in 2008 as one of the first employees of Attorney Joumana Kayrouz, but she had been working the legal field since 2004.She began as a receptionist at the firm and has worked her way up.  Her ability to communicate with various clients and help meet client satisfaction has not only solidified her position at the firm but also helped in her advancement.

A Michigan native, Valerie earned dual degrees from Wayne State University in Psychology and English. She is an active member of the community and has volunteered at St. Thomas Chaldean Church and the E.C.R.C, with various communities and activities. She also has spent time volunteering with C.A.S.A. and Athletes Unlimited.

Rita Sandiha works primarily in the area of pre-litigation, talking with clients, interviewing, contacting doctors' offices, making appointments, and gathering all other information needed by attorneys before trials or arbitration. She has a bachelor's degree in psychology from Oakland University, and has been employed by the Kayrouz Law Firm since 2009. She speaks Chaldean and Arabic.

Her philosophy of life is: "Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already have."

A member of Kayrouz Law Firm staff since summer, 2010, she is married with "two beautiful young children," Selena and Calvin.

A full-time student at Wayne State University's School of Art and Design, Kwesi Akaah came to the Kayrouz Law Firm after a job as a medical file clerk. In addition to keeping both hard copy and computer files in order and accessing them, his job entails pick-up and delivery of material -- sometimes at a moment's notice.

A Michigan native who grew up in Southfield, he is a graduate of Groves High School. Taking 13 credits and working full-time doesn't leave him time for much else, he says. He would like to make a career in graphic design from an animation standpoint.