Sinas Dramis in the News

Since opening our doors more than 60 years ago, our attorneys have devoted their time and effort to fight for the rights of injured people. Our longstanding presence in the community and rock-solid reputation is why our firm is a recognized leader in Michigan personal injury and family law. Because of this, our lawyers are called upon regularly to speak at educational seminars and interviewed in countless media publications and media segments.

Our Lawyers in the Media

Ongoing Media Collaborations

• “Know the Law” — Grand Rapids personal injury attorney Tom Sinas co-hosts this weekly television segment on West Michigan FOX 17, where he discusses legal topics that impact people’s lives.
• FOX 47’s “Morning Blend” — Lansing personal injury lawyer Stephen Sinas, and other Sinas Dramis attorneys, appear regularly on this morning program to talk about legal issues and laws that affect the public.
• WLNS 6 “Legal Edge” – Bryan Waldman, who specializes in personal injury cases in Michigan and Chicago, appears regularly to talk about a host of legal topics, from breastfeeding laws that protect mothers and children, to snowmobiling safety tips, and landlord-tenant rights and responsibilities
• WLAJ “In the Name of the Law” – Shares the stories of real cases and real people from a number of Lansing-based legal experts. Steve Sinas shares personal injury stories from real cases the firm has handled over the years.

Sinas Dramis News Interviews

Tim Skubick interviewing Steve Sinas in front of Michigan capitol building at MI Auto Insurance Rally, 2019

2019

• Michigan GOP Pushes for Auto Insurance Reform – Steve Sinas discusses the reform efforts in early 2019 with The Hillsdale Collegian.
• Judge: Michigan Auto Insurance Rates ‘Shameful’ – George Sinas quoted in Crain’s Detroit in an article regarding Michigan’s high insurance rates and no-fault reform efforts.
• Lawmakers to Committee: Residents Demand Major No-Fault Fix – Crain’s Detroit quotes Steve Sinas in an article regarding the demand of Michigan residents to fix the no-fault system and provide rate relief.
• Legal Assistance Center Going Strong for Nearly Two Decades in Kent County – Fox 17 interviews Tom Sinas regarding the Kent County Legal Assistance Center and its vital role in West Michigan.
• Whitmer Should Address Redlining in Detroit – The Detroit News interviews Steve Sinas regarding Governor Whitmer’s order to investigate how insurance companies can use factors such as credit scores to set insurance rates, a historic issue for Detroit residents.
• Politics Preventing Real No-Fault Reform – The Detroit News interviews Steve Sinas for his take on the political battle revolving around the auto no-fault reform debate.
• Great Lakes Restoration Plan; Michigan Murder Mystery; Auto No-Fault Reform Pushback – Steve Sinas was interviewed by Michigan Radio to discuss the pushback to no-fault reform efforts.
• Michigan Lawmakers Try to Tackle Car-Insurance Rates – The Wall Street Journal ran a feature regarding Michigan’s no-fault reform issues and quotes Steve Sinas as Associate Legal Counsel to CPAN.
•  Law Firm Holds Events to Give Kids Free Bike Helmets – Up North Live features Traverse City Lids for Kids and interviews Tom Sinas.
• Off the Record Interviews Steve Sinas – Steve discusses the no-fault reform issues with Bill Ballenger, Emily Lawler, Jonathan Oosting, and capitol correspondent Tim Skubick.
• Trial Lawyers Weigh in on No-Fault Plan – Tim Skubick provides an opportunity for trial lawyers to discuss the many issues surrounding the no-fault reform debate; interviews Steve Sinas.
• 4.5 Years Later, No Sign of $7.5M MSU’s Insurer Owes Injured Researcher Hit by Vehicle – The Lansing State Journal interviews George Sinas regarding any updates in the Ostendorf case.
• Whitmer Signs Historic No-Fault Auto Insurance Reform Bill – The Detroit News interviews Steve Sinas, who describes the signing of the new no-fault legislation by Gov. Whitmer a “very sad day.”
• Coalition Says Michigan No-Fault Reform Bill Could Have Negative Effects – Fox 23 Detroit interviews Steve Sinas to discuss any possible negative consequences of the new auto no-fault legislation.
•  ‘Very Afraid’ Auto Crash Survivors Fear No-Fault Overhaul Will Reduce or Wipe Out Aid – Detroit News runs a feature about injured auto accident victims’ fears, quoting Steve Sinas.
• Motorcyclists Afraid Insurance Reform Law Leaves Them Vulnerable – Steve Sinas discusses one of the most vulnerable groups of people following the no-fault reform – motorcyclists.
• The Awful “New Normal” of Michigan’s Auto No-Fault Law – Mitch Albom interviews a group of auto no-fault stakeholders for the Detroit Free Press, including George Sinas.
• Does Michigan Have the Weakest Distracted Driving Laws in the U.S.? – WKFR cites an article written by Bryan Waldman about Michigan’s weak distracted driving laws.
• Auto Accident Victims File Suit Challenging No-Fault Reform Law – Announcement of the lawsuit challenging the new no-fault law on behalf of our clients and all injured in Michigan motor vehicle accidents.
• The Steve Gruber Show – Michigan Auto Insurance Promise – Steve Sinas discusses his representation of people injured in motor vehicle accidents and the lawsuit recently filed challenging the new no-fault system.
• The Stever Gruber Show – No-Fault Reality Tour – Attorneys Tom Sinas and Steve Weston weigh in on Michigan’s new no-fault law and the many benefits Michigan residents lost as a result of the reform.

2018

• Michigan Auto Insurance Rates Will Soon Go Up – Fox 17 interviews Steve Sinas about the 2018 MCCA fee increase.
• Michigan Not Very Keen to Legalize Sports Betting – Legal Gambling and the Law quoted a “Know the Law” video featuring Tom Sinas discussing the Michigan sports betting bill.
• Snyder’s Move Sparks Call s For Auto Insurance Fraud Prevention with “Teeth” – Crain’s Detroit interviews Steve Sinas regarding Gov. Snyder’s effort to reduce auto insurance fraud by creating a new task force.
•  MDOT Considers Improvements to US-127/I-496 Interchange – Steve Sinas discusses his concerns with this stretch of highway as a commuter who travels it every day with WLNS 6.
• The WILS Morning Wake-Up with Dave Akerly – Steve Sinas spoke about concerns over changing the auto no-fault system.
• MSU Battles Own Insurer Over Injured Employee Four Years After Accident – George Sinas shares the story of his client, Elisabeth Ostendorf, and her legal battle after being struck and injured by a MSU employee on campus.
• Questions Remain About Recreational Marijuana Legalization – WLNS interviews Bryan Waldman about Michigan’s impending legalization of recreational marijuana.
• Lame Duck Lawmakers Race to the Finish Line – Steve Sinas interviews by WLNS regarding the no-fault reform mad dash during the 2018 lame-duck session.

2017

• From Lawyer’s Terms To Layman’s — Jackie Dupler was interviewed by the Lansing City Pulse about the firm’s annual People’s Law School program.
• Bryan Waldman Talks Michigan Bicycle Laws On Radio Show — Bryan Waldman appeared on Michigan Radio’s “Morning Edition” program, where he talked about the ongoing legislative efforts to improve Michigan bicycle laws.
• Stephen Sinas Talks No-Fault On Lansing-Area Television Program — Stephen Sinas discusses auto no-fault insurance on the August 10 edition of “Open Line,” a Lansing call-in television program.
• Sinas Dramis Featured In Michigan Innovative Health Magazine — The Sinas Dramis team of Michigan car accident attorneys contributed numerous articles to the Summer 2017 edition of Michigan Innovative Health Magazine, which focused on auto no-fault law.
• George Sinas: Family Legacy Bolstered Auto No-Fault Expert – The inaugural issue of Leading Lawyers Magazine – Michigan Edition featured a profile of George Sinas and the Sinas Dramis Law Firm.
• Sinas Dramis Gives Away Helmets To Help Avoid Biking Brain Injuries – The Grand Rapids Legal News covered our June 10, 2017 Lids for Kids bike helmet giveaway in Grand Rapids.
• Lansing Lids For Kids – The Ingham County Legal News covered our May 20, 2017 bike helmet giveaway in Lansing.
• Bike Law Specialist Rides To Promote Charity Event — Bryan Waldman’s 350-mile bicycle ride to the Lids for Kids bike helmet giveaway in Traverse City was covered by Michigan Lawyers Weekly (note: must be a MiLW subscriber to access the full article).
• MSU Won’t Reopen 2014 Inquiry That Cleared Nassar — Jim Graves talks with the Lansing State Journal about his client’s lawsuit against former Michigan State University team physician Larry Nassar.
• What Are Your Rights As An Airline Passenger? – Stephen Sinas spoke with Lansing’s WILX Channel 10 about airline passenger rights, in light of a United Airlines incident where a passenger was forcibly removed from an overbooked flight.
• Top 5 Under 35 Lawyers — Profile of Jackie Dupler, who was selected as a 2017 “Top 5 Under 35” attorney by the Ingham County Bar Association.
• Leaders In The Law 2017: Jim Graves — Profile of Jim Graves (p.16), who was selected as a 2017 “Leader in the Law” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly (note: must be a MiLW subscriber to access the full article).
• Woman Who Prompted MSU Investigation Against Nassar Files Suit — WLNS coverage of the federal lawsuit filed by Jim Graves, alleging that Michigan State University failed to properly investigate his client’s report of sexual assault, and also failed to properly investigate similar allegations against Larry Nassar in the late 1990s that were brought to the attention of an MSU coach and trainers.
• Attorney: MSU Failed To “Adequately Investigate” 2014 Nassar Complaint — This Lansing State Journal article discusses the federal lawsuit filed by Jim Graves, alleging that Michigan State University failed to properly investigate his client’s report of sexual assault, and also failed to properly investigate similar allegations against Larry Nassar in the late 1990s that were brought to the attention of an MSU coach and trainers.
• MSU Abuse Scandal: Coach Had Gymnasts Sign Card For Dr. Larry Nassar — Jim Graves’ client, Amanda, courageously tells NBC News the powerful story of how Michigan State University dismissed her 2014 complaint of sexual abuse by Dr. Larry Nassar.
• MSP: Chase That Ended In Fatal Crash Was Justified — Tom Sinas was interviewed by FOX 17 in Grand Rapids about the legal issues involved in a local high-speed police chase, as well as the concept of governmental immunity.
• Extending Michigan’s “One-Year-Back Rule” Will Help Reduce No-Fault Litigation — Stephen Sinas wrote this blog article, which was also published in the Detroit Legal News, Ingham County Legal News, Ingham County Bar Association “Briefs” and Michigan Lawyers Weekly (note: must be a MiLW subscriber to access the full article).
• Open-and-Obvious Defense Extended to Municipalities — Bryan Waldman was interviewed by Michigan Lawyers Weekly for this article on Michigan’s new sidewalk law (note: must be a MiLW subscriber to access the full article).
• Michigan Must Pass Laws To Protect Cyclists — This article by bicycle law attorney Bryan Waldman, explaining why Michigan roads need to be safer for cyclists and how people can help accomplish this goal, was published on the Bike Law website.
• Feeling of Purpose — Attorney Dan Zick was profiled in the Detroit Legal News.

2016

• Coordinated No-Fault Benefits: No More Payment Delays For Medical Providers — This article explaining the impact of the Michigan Court of Appeals decision in St. John Macomb Oakland Hospital v State Farm Mutual Automobile Ins Co. on medical providers was written by attorneys Dan James, Katie Tucker, and Dan Zick, and was published in the Detroit Legal News, the Grand Rapids Legal News, the Muskegon County Legal News and Michigan Lawyers Weekly (note: must be an MiLW subscriber to access the full article).
• Sinas Dramis Attorney Enjoys Helping Personal Injury Clients — Attorney Dan Zick was profiled in the Ingham County Legal News.
• Letting Drivers Choose Their Michigan No-Fault Medical Benefits Is A Healthcare Gamble — Tom Sinas spoke to WWMT Channel 3 about the pitfalls of legislation that would let Michigan drivers choose the amount of their no-fault medical benefits.
• The Dangers Of Auto Insurance “Step-Down” Clauses — Tom Sinas was interviewed by WOOD TV 8 about the dangers of “step-down” auto insurance clauses, and how these clauses treat injured relatives worse than total strangers.
• Helping The “Underdog” — Attorney Katie Tucker was featured in the Ingham County Legal News.
• COA: MCCA Records Exempt From Disclosure: George Sinas spoke with Michigan Lawyers Weekly about a Michigan Court of Appeals decision holding that records of the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association are not subject to Freedom of Information Act requests (note: must be a MiLW subscriber to access the full article).
• Local Attorney Warns Michigan Residents: Beware Of Insurance “Step-Down” Clause — An article written by Tom Sinas on the dangers of auto insurance “step-down” clauses was published in the Grand Rapids Legal News.
• Pokémon Go Raises Safety Concerns — Stephen Sinas talked to Lansing’s WLNS Channel 6 about the safety concerns raised when playing Pokémon Go.
• Beware Of The Family “Step-Down” Auto Insurance Clause — An article written by Tom Sinas, explaining the dangers of step-down insurance clauses, was published in Michigan Lawyers Weekly (note: must be a MiLW subscriber to access the full article).
• Steve Sinas Talks Pokémon Go Legal Concerns — Stephen Sinas explained the dangers and legal issues associated with  Pokémon Go, in an interview with Michigan Lawyers Weekly (note: must be a MiLW subscriber to access the full article).
• Frame Of Mind — The Ingham County Legal News profiled attorney, Jackie Dupler.
• Ingham County Bar Association Briefs (September 2016 edition) — The publication covered the accomplishments of various Sinas Dramis attorneys (see pages 10, 30-31 and 36-37).
• Tom Sinas Remembers 911 — Tom Sinas spoke with FOX 17 about living in Upper Manhattan on September 11, 2001, and his experience that tragic day and in the days that followed.
• Sinas Dramis Law Firm: History & Philosophy — Tom Sinas talked with FOX 17 about the history and philosophy of the Sinas Dramis Law Firm, founded in Lansing by Tom’s grandfather in 1951.
• Lawyer Is Representing Victim Of Flint Crisis — Lansing lawyer Jim Graves was featured in the Ingham County Legal News.
• Local Bike Attorney Makes 250-Mile Trek To Kids Safety Event — FOX 47 spotlighted attorney Bryan Waldman’s 250-mile bicycle ride to Traverse City, where he participated in the Sinas Dramis Law Firm’s annual “Lids for Kids” bike helmet giveaway and safety event.
• Hey, Who’s Driving Here – You Or Me? — Tom Sinas talked to Michigan Lawyers Weekly about the problems associated with ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft (note: must be a MiLW subscriber to access the full article).
• “Lids For Kids” Coverage — Sinas Dramis attorneys talk about the firm’s annual bike helmet giveaway and bicycle safety event in Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City.

For more media events, see TV Interviews.

Our Awards & Recognition

• Tom Sinas Named a Top Lawyer in Grand Rapids — Based solely on a peer-review survey, Grand Rapids Magazine and Grand Rapids Business Journal names Tom Sinas a top Grand Rapids lawyer in 2019.
• Katie Tucker Recognized as “Up and Coming Lawyer” – Michigan Lawyers Weekly included attorney Katie Tucker in its 2019 list of Up and Coming Lawyers.
• Sinas Dramis Earns Multiple Rankings in 2020 “Best Law Firms” — Sinas Dramis receives top rankings for personal injury and family law in Lansing.
• Nine Sinas Dramis Attorneys Named Super Lawyers – Many of the firm’s attorneys receive Super Lawyers distinction for 2019.
• Bryan Waldman Receives Lawyer of the Year Recognition by Best Lawyers for 2020.
• Distinguished Brief Award — Cooley Law Review awards attorneys Joel Finnell and Steve Sinas for their prestigious legal writing filed with the Supreme Court of Michigan.
• Top 100 Super Lawyers 2018 – George Sinas included not only in the 2018 Michigan Super Lawyers List, but also named a Top 100 Michigan Lawyer.
• Thomas E. Brennan Lifetime Achievement Award — awarded to George Sinas, 2018.
• Sinas Dramis Legal Assistant Honored As “Unsung Legal Hero” — Alisha Spencer was recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a 2018 “Unsung Legal Hero.”

Below are a few of our attorney’s and firm’s recent recognition and accolades. View more of our awards here.

Our Leadership & Involvement

• Hundreds Of Bike Helmets Distributed In Grand Rapids — Our 2019 Lids for Kids Grand Rapids set a historical record for most helmets given away to local kids.
• Largest Turnout in Event History, Lansing Lids for Kids — Lansing turned out in droves for our 2019 event.
• Another Successful Traverse City Lids For Kids — We gave away nearly 500 helmets to Traverse City kids in 2019.
• Steve Weston Advocates for Burn Survivors — A longtime dedicated advocate of burn survivors, Steve Weston attended the 2019 World burn Congress.
• Stephen Sinas Becomes Ingham County Bar Foundation Fellow
• Tom Sinas Elected to State Bar Board of Commissioners — Tom Sinas will serve a three-year term through 2022 serving the West Michigan counties on the State Bar’s Board of Commissioners.
• Attorney Brian Molde Joins Legal Assistance Center Board – Tom Sinas passes the torch as President and Legal Assistance Center welcome Brian Molde to Board.

For more on the firm’s commitment leadership role, see our Announcements. Information about our dedication to giving back, see Community Involvement.

Our Speaking Engagements

• Michigan Auto Insurance Promise Town Hall – Steve Weston spoke at this Kalamazoo town hall about Michigan’s new no-fault law, hosted by CPAN in November 2019.
• No-Fault Institute XVI – In October 2019, attorneys Goerige Sinas, Steve Sinas, Joel Finnell, and Dan Zick discussed a varying range of topics related to Michigan’s auto no-fault law.
• Auto No-Fault presentation – Steve Sinas was invited to present on the new auto no-fault law at Therapeutic Rehabilitation and Vocational Training Centers, October 2019.
• Michigan Auto Insurance Rally – Steve Sinas was invited to speak from the steps of Michigan’s capitol building regarding the state’s no-fault reform of 2019.
• Michigan’s No-Fault: Understanding the Controversy” – Steve Sinas and Tom Sinas co-presented at People’s Law School 2019 to explain to students what we had with the no-fault law before the reform of 2019 and concerns lingering in the months following.
• No-Fault Presentation for Mary Free Bed at Sparrow Hospital – Steve Sinas invited to present on the state of the auto no-fault system following the 2019 reform to medical providers at Mary Fre Bed and Sparrow.
• Auto No-Fault Presentation – Tom Sinas shared changes to the state’s no-fault law to Teter Orthotics and Prosthetics Inc.
• 15th Annual No-Fault Institute – In October 2018, George Sinas, Steve Sinas, and Tom Sinas spoke. George gave an update on tort threshold, Steve discussed tort liability and driverless cars, and Tom discussed the development and trial of negligent entrustment case.

For more speaking engagements, see Our Attorneys.

Our Firm

• Katie Tucker and Jackie Dupler Sworn in Before United States Supreme Court’s Bar – Along with several other Michigan attorneys and on the recommendation of Hon. Judge Michelle Rick, Tucker and Dupler were sworn in before eight Justices in late 2019.
• Brian McKenna Joins Firm, Opens a Metro-Detroit Office – Located in St. Clair Shores, the Sinas Dramis opened another location in late 2018 and welcomed personal injury lawyer, Brian McKenna, to help manage and guide this location.
• Steve Weston Joins Sinas Dramis, Opens New Office Location in Kalamazoo – In late 2018, seasoned personal injury lawyer, Steve Weston, joined the team and helped expand the firm’s reach in West Michigan with the opening of our Kalamazoo office.
• Announcing Corporate Name Change – The firm undergoes an official name change, a reflection of its current leadership team.
• Personal Injury Attorney, Brian Molde, Joins Sinas Dramis Grand Rapids Team – In 2018, prominent West Michigan personal injury lawyer, Brian Molde, joined Sinas Dramis.
• Attorney Lauren Kissel Joins Sinas Dramis Personal Injury Team – After successfully passing the Michigan bar and several years of clerking for the firm, Lauren on-boarded as a personal injury attorney at our Lansing office in 2018.

For more on the firm and its family history, see About The Sinas Dramis Law Firm.