Oakland Lawyers Group, PLLC
Farmington Hills, MI

Oakland Lawyers Group, PLLC


Oakland Lawyers Group, PLLC

Outside Counsel with an In-House Mindset.

At Oakland Lawyers Group, we combine the depth and sophistication of a full-service business law firm with the responsiveness, practical judgment, and business focus of an in-house legal team.

ABOUT OAKLAND LAWYERS GROUP

We Work as an Extension of Your Leadership Team.

Whether you're closing a transaction, resolving a dispute, navigating an employment issue, protecting valuable intellectual property, or managing day-to-day legal challenges, we provide strategic legal counsel grounded in practical business realities. We take the time to understand the business behind the legal issue so our advice supports the client's broader objectives.


WHY OLG

A Different Approach to Outside Counsel.

Responsive

Accessible counsel when decisions need to be made.

Business Minded

Legal advice informed by business realities.

Practical

Solutions focused on the objective, not unnecessary process.

Comprehensive

Counsel across transactions, disputes and day-to-day legal matters.

Practice Areas

Sophisticated Counsel. Practical Solutions.

Outside General Counsel

For businesses that need sophisticated legal support without maintaining a full in-house legal department, OLG can serve as an extension of the leadership team. We provide ongoing counsel on contracts, employment matters, risk management, disputes, corporate governance, strategic transactions, and the everyday legal issues that come with operating a business.

Business & Corporate Law

We advise businesses, owners, and executives on the legal issues that arise throughout the life of a company. From entity formation and corporate governance to contracts, strategic relationships, and day-to-day business matters, we provide practical counsel focused on protecting the business and helping it move forward.

Mergers, Acquisitions & Strategic Transactions

We represent buyers, sellers, investors, and businesses in acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, restructurings, and other strategic transactions. Our attorneys help clients navigate the entire transaction—from structuring and due diligence through negotiation, documentation, and closing—with an emphasis on achieving the underlying business objective.

Commercial & Business Litigation

When business disputes arise, we combine aggressive advocacy with practical business judgment. We represent companies, owners, and executives in complex commercial litigation involving contracts, business torts, shareholder and member disputes, fiduciary duties, unfair competition, fraud, and other high-stakes business conflicts.

Employment & Executive Matters

We counsel employers on the full range of workplace issues, including employment agreements, executive compensation, policies and handbooks, restrictive covenants, employee discipline and termination, workplace investigations, and employment disputes. Our focus is helping businesses make sound decisions while managing legal and operational risk.

Real Estate

We represent businesses, owners, investors, landlords, tenants, and developers in commercial real estate matters. Our work includes acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, development, financing, ownership structures, and disputes involving commercial property.

Intellectual Property & Brand Protection

A company's ideas, brands, technology, confidential information, and other intellectual property can be among its most valuable assets. We help clients protect, commercialize, license, and enforce those assets, including trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, licensing arrangements, confidentiality agreements, and intellectual property disputes.

Banking, Finance & Lending

We advise businesses, borrowers, lenders, and investors in commercial financing transactions. Our experience includes credit facilities, secured transactions, acquisition financing, refinancing, loan documentation, guarantees, workouts, and other financing arrangements that support business operations and growth.

The TEam

Experienced Counsel. In‑House Perspective.

Join a Firm That Works Differently.


Oakland Lawyers Group is building a collaborative, business-focused team for legal professionals who want to do sophisticated work, solve meaningful problems and provide exceptional client service. We value judgment, responsiveness, initiative and the ability to understand the business behind the legal issue. We do this without the constraints of traditional billing models.

Current Openings

View our current openings on our LinkedIn jobs page.

Let's Talk About Your Business.

From everyday legal questions to significant transactions and high-stakes disputes, Oakland Lawyers Group is ready to help.

Send Us a Message


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Tom Berman

Tom Berman

[Managing Attorney]


Tom brings a unique combination of legal, business executive, and public and nonprofit leadership experience to every challenge.

Biography

Tom Berman advises businesses, owners and executives on corporate transactions, commercial agreements, restructuring, governance, strategic negotiations and complex business matters. As both an attorney and experienced business operator, Tom provides practical counsel focused on achieving the client's broader business objectives.

Tom's career spans private practice, in-house legal leadership and executive management. He previously founded and operated his own law practice, served as the initial General Counsel of Bedrock Detroit, held senior legal and executive roles at Reverie, and served as President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of publicly traded Nano Magic, Inc. That experience gives him firsthand insight into the legal, financial and operational challenges facing business leaders.

Professional Background

Oakland Lawyers Group, PLLC – Managing Attorney
Nano Magic, Inc. – Strategic Advisor, CEO and Director
Ascion LLC d/b/a Reverie – Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel
Bedrock Detroit – General Counsel
Berman Law, PLLC – Founder and Principal

Community Involvement

• Trustee, Children's Hospital of Michigan
• Former Oakland County Commissioner
• Former Keego Harbor City Council Member
• Past President and Trustee Michigan Chapter, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation
• Past President and Advisory Board Member, Leaders for Kids
• FIDF, Hochberg Fellow, National Young Leadership Mission
• L. Brooks Patterson’s Oakland County Elite 40 Under 40

Primary Practice Areas

Business & Corporate
Strategic Negotiations
Commercial Transactions
Real Estate Transactions

Education

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
J.D., cum laude (2004)
Book Award in Trial Practice
Cali Excellence for the Future Award – Trial Practice
Michigan State University
B.A., cum laude (2001)
Golden Key National Honor Society
Alpha Phi Sigma – National Criminal Justice
Honor Society
Pre-Law Society

ADMISSIONS

State – Michigan 
Federal – Michigan Eastern District

Tom Hallin

Tom Hallin

[Principal | Strategic Advisor]


Intellectual Property Litigation Partner with over 35 years of experience in a broad range of intellectual property matters, including; patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, anticounterfeiting, transactions and licensing.

Biography

Tom Hallin is an accomplished attorney with more than 35 years of experience in intellectual property litigation, corporate law, and complex legal matters. His practice has encompassed patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, anti-counterfeiting, licensing, and transactional matters, representing major corporations including Ford, Toyota, Mattel, Mazda, Chrysler, General Motors, and Domino’s Pizza. His career has included leadership roles in private practice as well as serving as Chief Litigation Counsel for Ford Motor Company’s Intellectual Property Practice Group. He currently serves as Managing Member of Oakland Lawyers Group, where he oversees attorneys and staff engaged in litigation, corporate, and transactional work.

In addition to his intellectual property practice, Tom has held a number of public-service and professional leadership positions, including Livingston County Prosecuting Attorney, Assistant Michigan Attorney General, Vice Chair of the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission, and member of the Federal Judicial Nominating Committee. He has also taught patent and complex litigation as an adjunct professor at Michigan State University College of Law and was recognized on the Best Lawyers roster for Patent Litigation.

Professional Background

Oakland Lawyers Group, PLLC – Managing Attorney
LeClairRyan, PLLC – IP Litigation Counsel
Fishman Stewart Yamaguchi PLLC – Partner, General Counsel, Intellectual Property
Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C. – Officer - Head of Patent Litigation Practice
Harness, Dickey & Pierce – Principal, Intellectual Property
Ford Motor Company – Chief Litigation Counsel, Intellectual Property Practice Group

Professional Memberships/Associations

• American Bar Association, Member
• American Intellectual Property Law Association, Member
• Michigan Intellectual Property Law Association, Member
• Michigan Fellows, Member

Primary Practice Areas

Intellectual Property Law

Education

University of Detroit Law School (1978)
Juris Doctor
University of Michigan (1975)
B.A., Pre-Med Curriculum (with Distinction)

ADMISSIONS

State – Michigan  (May 1979)
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (Dec 1986)

Matthew Powell

Matthew Powell

[Associate Attorney | Head of Litigation]


Former Chair, State Bar of Michigan Antitrust, Franchising, and Trade Regulation Section

Biography

Matthew Powell is an experienced attorney with a practice focused on antitrust, franchising, trade regulation, and related business matters. He is currently with Oakland Lawyers Group, PLLC and has also served as Chair of the State Bar of Michigan’s Antitrust, Franchising, and Trade Regulation Section. A graduate of Wayne State University Law School, Matthew has contributed to the legal profession through both his practice and scholarship, including authoring A Primer on Resale Price Maintenance for the Michigan Bar Journal.

Professional Background

Kerr, Russell and Weber, PLC – Commercial Litigation Attorney
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan – Law Clerk
Architectural Services Enhancement – Architect II

Publications

• A Primer on Resale Price Maintenance, Michigan Bar Journal · Aug 1, 2017

Primary Practice Areas

Trade Regluation
Antitrust & Franchising Litigation

Education

Wayne State University Law School (2004)
J.D., Law
University of Michigan (1999)
B.A., College of Architecture and Urban Planning

ADMISSIONS

State – Michigan 

Robert Moir

Robert Moir

[Associate Attorney]


Intellectual Property including patent and trademark prosecution,  food and dietary supplement regulations

Biography

Coming soon

Professional Background

Cool Alex Ltd – Associate
Northwestern University – Postdoctoral Fellow and Research Faculty (non-tenure track)
Laboratory of Molecular Biology – Postdoctoral Fellow

Professional Memberships/Associations

• American Bar Association, Member
• American Intellectual Property Law Association, Member
• Michigan Intellectual Property Law Association, Member
• Michigan Fellows, Member

Primary Practice Areas

Intellectual Property Law
Patent & Trademark Prosecution
Food and Dairy Supplement Regulation

Education

Chicago-Kent College of Law (2005)
Juris Doctor
University of Calgary (1987)
PhD (Molecular Biology)
Dalhousie University (1981)
BSc

ADMISSIONS

State – Illinois and Michigan
Federal district and appellate court admissions - Northern District of Illinois
United States Patent and Trademark Office registration

J. Lee McKinley II

J. Lee McKinley II

[Associate Attorney]


Corporate and commercial transactions; mergers and acquisitions; real estate

Biography

Coming soon

Professional Background

Oakland Lawyers Group, PLLC – Associate Attorney
Sellers, P.C. - Of Counsel
Flagstar Bank, FSB – Associate General Counsel, Vice President, Risk Manager, Strategic Sourcing Manager
Private Practice Attorney
Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler – Associate
Hyman Lippit, P.C. – Associate

Professional Memberships/Associations

• Michigan Professional Investigator

Primary Practice Areas

Intellectual Property Law

Education

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law (1999)
Juris Doctor
Northwood University (1995)
BBA (summa cum laude)

ADMISSIONS

State – Michigan 

Sara Ervin-Sarafa

Sarah A. Ervin-Sarafa

[Associate Attorney]


Business and Transactions (Global and Domestic), Global M&A, Strategic Initiatives and Business Growth, Finance and Structuring Transactions,  Corporate Governance 

Biography

I am a business-forward legal executive with more than 25 years of experience leading global M&A, complex transactions, and enterprise expansion initiatives. Over the course of my career, I have led or negotiated more than $3B in transaction value across 40+ countries, partnering closely with CEOs, boards, and private stakeholders to drive growth while managing risk.

My background spans public company governance, cross-border joint ventures, divestitures, capital structuring, and enterprise-scale commercial agreements. I am particularly passionate about aligning legal strategy with revenue generation, scalability, and long-term enterprise value.

I thrive at the intersection of law, finance, and operations — building legal frameworks that enable companies to grow confidently, enter new markets, execute acquisitions, and scale sustainably.

Professional Background

Oakland Law Group – Associate Attorney
Third Level Advisors – General Counsel and Partner
Strategic Partners – Partner and Founder
Kelly Services – Global In-House Counsel and Global Sales (Business, sales and operations)
Butzel Long – Attorney – International Business Group

Professional Memberships/Associations

• Little Heroes League - Board Member
• Michigan State Bar Association, Hispanic Bar Association

Primary Practice Areas

Business and Transactions (Global and Domestic)
Global M&A
Strategic Initiatives and Business Growth
Finance and Structuring Transactions
Corporate Governance

Education

American University, Washington College of Law (1997), Juris Doctor
Universidad de Chile/Diego Portales (1995)
AmCham Cert International Trade and Business Law
University of Michigan (1994)
BA – Psychology and Spanish

ADMISSIONS

State – Michigan 

Nicole Satchell

Nicole P. Satchell

[Paralegal]


I’m passionate about contributing to team success and continuously growing in my profession, while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and client service.

Biography

What sets me apart is my adaptability—I excel in high-pressure, fast-paced environments where priorities shift quickly. My strong work ethic, paired with a proactive mindset, allows me to anticipate needs, resolve issues efficiently, and ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.

I’m passionate about contributing to team success and continuously growing in my profession, while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and client service.

Always open to connecting with legal professionals, networking with peers, and exploring opportunities where I can contribute my expertise and continue to grow.

Professional Background

Oakland Lawyers Group, PLLC – Paralegal
Law Offices of Raymonda A. Cassar, PLC. - Legal Assistant
Craft Breww City – General Manager
Butler Rowse-Oberle PLLC – Legal Assistant

Education

Oakland Community College Graduated (2021) - Associate of Applied Science Paralegal Studies
Magna Cum Laude; Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
National Society for Legal Technology (2021,2025) - Legal Technology Certificate

Linda Pickens

Linda Pickens

[Legal Assistant]


Biography

Coming soon

Professional Background

Oakland Lawyers Group, PLLC – Legal Assistant
Bridge Media Neworks - Executive Assistant
DealerShop™ – Administrative Assistant
Reed Detective Agency, Inc. – Marketing Director
Productions Plus - The Talent Shop – Account Manager, Travel Coordinator, Talent Coordinator, Special Events Coordinator

Education

Oakland Community College (2025)
Associate's degree, General Studies