Since the Sinas Dramis Law Firm was founded in 1951, a number of distinguished attorneys have served as law firm partners and have now either retired, relocated or passed away. This page is dedicated to those past partners and their legacy of service to the Sinas Dramis Law Firm and the people of Michigan.
Thomas G. “Tom” Sinas (1951-1985)
Tom founded Sinas Dramis Law Firm in 1951 shortly after being admitted to the State Bar of Michigan. He initially opened a solo law practice in the Olds Tower (now known as the Boji Tower) in downtown Lansing.
The son of Greek immigrants who settled in Chicago, Tom endured significant hardship during the Great Depression, seeing firsthand the devastating effects of poverty and discrimination. Those experiences caused him to decide early in life that he wanted to make a difference in improving the lives of others. He then chose law as his profession and earned his law degree from the University of Detroit.
Throughout his distinguished career, Tom was recognized as a consummate attorney, a passionate champion of the “little guy,” and a lawyer of uncompromising ethics and integrity. His practice included general civil litigation, business and corporate law, real estate and business transactions, and domestic relations matters.
He was named “Lansing’s Lawyer of the Year” in 1968 and elected president of the Ingham County Bar Association in 1969. He also contributed to the Lansing community through service on the Lansing Planning Commission in the 1950s and as president of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.
Tom died in 1985, leaving behind a law firm grounded in integrity, service, and advocacy.
Lee C. Dramis (1952-1981)
Lee joined his close friend Tom Sinas in practice in 1952, formally establishing the Sinas Dramis Law Firm.
A decorated World War II Marine Corps veteran, Lee sustained serious injuries during the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942 and later fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima, where he was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action. After his military service, he earned his law degree from the University of Michigan.
Lee devoted his legal career to personal injury litigation at a time when the field was still developing. He became widely recognized for his deep understanding of traumatic injury cases and his effectiveness as a trial attorney. He later served as one of the first tort law professors at Thomas M. Cooley Law School.
He was elected President of the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association, becoming the first attorney from Ingham County to hold that position. His extensive medical knowledge and courtroom skill earned him the nickname “Doctor Dramis.”
Lee died in 1981, leaving behind a generation of attorneys inspired by his dedication to injured individuals.
Richard J. “Dick” Brake (1954-1997)
Dick joined Tom Sinas and Lee Dramis as the firm’s third partner. Soon after, the partnership became Sinas, Dramis & Brake, reflecting the shared vision and leadership of the three attorneys.
Over his 43-year career with the firm, Dick was known for his intelligence, integrity, and steady leadership. His practice focused on property law, trusts and estates, wills, and business law.
He served as president of Sinas Dramis for several years before retiring in 1997.
Together, Tom, Lee, and Dick built more than a law practice—they established a culture rooted in compassion for clients, a steadfast commitment to ethics, success in the courtroom, and leadership within the Greater Lansing community.
Dick passed away in 2016.
Judson “Jud” Werbelow (1955-1968)
Jud served as a partner for 13 years, focusing his practice on business and civil litigation. He was known for his careful analysis, thorough preparation, and commitment to fair and just outcomes.
Prior to joining Sinas Dramis, Jud served as a law clerk for the Michigan Supreme Court, where he distinguished himself through strong legal scholarship and analytical skill.
After leaving the firm in 1968, Jud pursued business interests outside of private practice. He later returned to the law as a partner Dickinson Wright PLLC, where he ultimately concluded his legal career.
Throughout his career, Jud was respected for his intellect, professionalism, and sound judgment, leaving a lasting impression on both colleagues and clients.
Lester N. “Les” Turner (1960-1978)
Les joined Sinas Dramis in 1960 and served as a partner until 1978, when he transitioned to international legal and business consulting, focusing much of his work in the Middle East.
During his tenure at Sinas Dramis, he was widely respected for his versatility as a litigator, with experience in zoning and land use, business litigation, and personal injury law.
Beyond his work in private practice, Les was committed to advancing the legal profession. He served on the Michigan Supreme Court Committee on Standard Civil Jury Instructions, contributing to the development of jury instructions that helped guide civil litigation throughout the state. He also held leadership positions within the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association, including as vice president.
Les passed away in 2024.
Barry D. Boughton (1964-2001)
Over the course of his career spanning nearly four decades, Barry distinguished himself as a leading plaintiff’s personal injury lawyer. He handled a wide variety of complex cases involving product liability, medical malpractice, and toxic torts.
He was also a respected leader within Lansing’s legal community, serving on the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association’s Executive Board, the 6th Circuit Board of Governors of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and the Michigan Supreme Court Committee on Standard Civil Jury Instructions.
Among his many accomplishments, Barry helped establish the legal principle that motor vehicles must be “crashworthy,” ensuring that defective vehicle design does not unnecessarily contribute to occupant injury.
Barry was consistently recognized in Best Lawyer’s in America in plaintiff’s personal injury litigation from 1991 until his retirement in 2001.
Following retirement, he continued his advocacy for consumer protection through volunteer work with Public Citizen in Washington, DC.
He passed away in 2016.
Kenneth G. “Red” McIntyre (1969-1999)
Red was a prominent civil rights and criminal defense attorney whose career spanned some of the most significant events of the 20th century.
After earning his law degree from the University of Kansas, he worked as a trial attorney for the United State Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. In this role, he participated in desegregation efforts, voting rights enforcement, and the Selma to Montgomery march.
He later served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Michigan, handling cases related to the Detroit Riots, and as Chief Investigator for the President’s Commission on Campus Unrest following the Kent State shootings.
At Sinas Dramis, Red focused on complex litigation, including serving as lead counsel in the PBB environmental contamination litigation..
Red passed away in 2025.
Donald L. “Don” Reisig (1976-1993)
Don had a long legal career in public service and private practice, during, and after his tenure at Sinas Dramis.
After earning his law degree from the University of Michigan, served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Ingham County. This was followed by Ingham County chief assistant prosecuting attorney, Lansing City Attorney, Ingham County prosecuting attorney, and a 30th Circuit Court judge.
While in private practice Sinas Dramis, he focused on labor relations, administrative and governmental law, constitutional litigation, and domestic relations law. He also served as Director of Drug Agencies under Governor James Blanchard.
Following his time at the firm, he worked internationally as legal liaison to Ukraine and Georgia on behalf of the American Bar Association and later served as administrator of the 30th Circuit Court Juvenile Division, retiring in 2007.
Don passed away in 2016.
Stephen R. “Steve” Zynda (1976-1986)
During his decade as a partner at Sinas Dramis, Steve earned a reputation as a skilled advocate, trusted counselor, and valued colleague.
A graduate of Thomas M. Cooley Law School, he brought a strong foundation of legal knowledge and practical experience to his work on behalf of clients. His practice focused primarily on construction law and business litigation, while also serving personal injury clients. Known for his thoughtful approach and unwavering professionalism, he worked diligently to achieve positive outcomes for those he served.
Throughout his career, Steve was actively involved in the legal community and maintained memberships in numerous professional organizations. His dedication to the advancement of the profession and his commitment to ethical advocacy earned him the respect of both clients and fellow attorneys.
As a partner at Sinas Dramis, Steve’s contributions helped strengthen the firm’s legacy of providing exceptional legal representation while maintaining a strong commitment to client service.
Timothy J. “Tim” Donovan (1976-2016)
Tim built a distinguished legal career spanning more than four decades at Sinas Dramis, where he concentrated his practice on personal injury, wrongful death, and auto no-fault insurance claims. He was dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate some of the most difficult times in their lives and worked closely with healthcare providers and rehabilitation professionals to support his clients’ recovery and long-term well-being.
A respected leader within the legal community, Tim was active in the Michigan Association for Justice, Coalition Protecting Auto No-Fault (CPAN), Ingham County Bar Association, and the State Bar of Michigan Negligence Law Section, where he served as chairperson.
Throughout his career, Tim earned widespread recognition for his skill, professionalism, and dedication to advocacy. Among his honors were designation as a peer-selected Leading Lawyer in 2019, the Respected Advocate Award from the Michigan Defense Trial Counsel in 2004, and inclusion in Best Lawyers in America for numerous years.
Lawrence P. “Larry” Schneider (1979-1966)
Larry served as a partner focusing on labor law, administrative law, and civil litigation.
Prior to joining Sinas Dramis, Larry earned his Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and then served for three years as an assistant prosecutor for Ingham County. In this role, he developed the litigation and advocacy skills that served him throughout the remainder of his legal career.
Larry’s connection to the firm’s history extends beyond his own years of service. His father, Reiner “Red” Schneider, played a unique role in the firm’s origins by introducing Thomas G. Sinas to Lee C. Dramis—an introduction that ultimately led to the formation of Sinas Dramis Law Firm in 1951. Through both his family’s legacy and his own contributions, Larry holds a special place in the firm’s history.
He left full-time practice in 1996 to become in-house counsel.
Bernard F. “Bernie” Finn (1980-2019)
Bernie led the firm’s Family Law Division for nearly 40 years, helping clients navigate divorce, separation, spousal support and maintenance, and child custody and support matters.
He was a leader in the legal community, active in the Michigan Association of Justice, Ingham County Bar Association—where he served on the Executive Board—Michigan Supreme Court Standing Committee on Criminal Jury Instructions, and State Bar of Michigan.
Bernie earned a reputation as one of the state’s most respected family law attorneys. His excellence in the field was recognized through numerous honors and accolades, including designation as a Leading Lawyer, inclusion in Best Lawyers in America for numerous years, Family Law Lawyer of the Year in Lansing, and recognition as a Michigan Super Lawyer.
Michael E. “Mike” Larkin (1988-2026)
Mike devoted nearly four decades to representing injured individuals and families across Michigan, after practicing at the Tucson, Arizona, law firm of Haralson, Kinerk & Morey.
Throughout his career, Mike focused on personal injury litigation with particular expertise in motor vehicle accidents and Michigan’s auto no-fault insurance system. He represented thousands of injured individuals, helping them secure the medical care, support, and compensation they needed following serious and life-changing injuries.
Mike’s contributions extended beyond his work on behalf of clients. As a longtime partner at Sinas Dramis, he played a pivotal role in the growth and success of the firm. Following the loss of the founding partners, he helped guide the firm through a critical era of transition, working alongside other firm leaders to position it for future generations of attorneys and clients.
He retired in 2026, leaving a legacy of advocacy, leadership, and commitment to clients.
Deborah A. “Deb” Deprez (1989-2006)
Deb was a trailblazing attorney and the first woman to achieve partnership at Lansing’s oldest and largest law firm, Foster, Swift, Collins & Smith. She then continued her practice at the Michigan Education Association before joining Sinas Dramis, where she focused on civil litigation, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, and auto no-fault litigation.
Deb was known for her intelligence, professionalism, and compassion, and was respected throughout the Michigan legal community for her advocacy on behalf of her clients.
Deb passed away in 2015.