Mr. McKelvie leads the firm’s probate litigation team. He specializes in enforcing the rights of heirs and beneficiaries, usually in cases where those in control are violating the decedent’s last wishes. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence after the death of a parent. Worse yet, in most cases the victims aren’t aware of their rights and the perpetrators get away with it.

Before specializing in probate litigation, Mr. McKelvie represented plaintiffs and defendants in numerous jury trials, bench trials and arbitrations. He handled a wide variety of complex commercial cases including civil lawsuits, class action lawsuits, stockholder derivative actions, minority stockholder oppression claims, and business break-ups. He successfully argued cases before the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals involving noncompete agreements, federal estate taxes, international trade, bankruptcy and insurance coverage issues. His wealth of experience gives his clients a distinct advantage in the courtroom.

Mr. McKelvie has been quoted and featured in news articles around the world. For example, his representation of one of Aretha Franklin’s sons in a fiercely contested will contest here in Michigan has been widely reported.

Mr. McKelvie graduated from the University of Michigan in 1974, With Distinction, and from Wayne State University Law School in 1977. He has been awarded the highest “AV” attorney rating by Lexis-Nexis/Martindale Hubbel.

Mr. McKelvie is admitted to practice in all State and Federal courts in Michigan, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, the U.S. Tax Court and the United States Supreme Court.