Doerr MacWilliams Howard PLLC

05/19/2026

The official photos from the Oakland County Bar Foundation’s Signature Event came out today. Always a firm favorite!

(Photos courtesy of the OCBF and Detroit Legal News/John Meiu)

05/07/2026

We were proud to be a sponsor of the Oakland County Bar Foundation’s Signature Event. The OCBF promotes and funds programs designed to increase access, affordability, and understanding of the law and legal system.

02/13/2026

“The business dispute and the lawyers who handle them are very different from what you find in other areas of law, the intellectual rigor combined with the intense trial work makes for a special kind of lawyer and a unique manner of lawsuit.”
~ Mark Rossman at the 8th Annual State Bar of Michigan Business Law Symposium.

12/05/2025

The OCBA Holiday Gala is always a firm favorite.

11/13/2025

We are thrilled to announce we have a new office! The new space--located at 3883 Telegraph Rd in Bloomfield Hills--has 3 conference rooms, 10 offices, a kitchen, and a great view of Telegraph. We look forward to hosting client meetings, depositions, mediations. An open house is also in the works...stay tuned!

10/21/2025

On October 23rd, Joe will be speaking, along with Jessica Fleetham, Gerald McGlynn, and Steven Susser, about the life cycle a law firm. If you manage a law firm, or you're thinking of starting your own firm, we highly recommend. The seminar will be by zoom and questions can be submitted anonymously (if you prefer).

This Thursday: Join us for The Life Cycle of a Law Firm: Launch, Lead, and Leave a Legacy, a virtual seminar covering key strategies for every stage of firm ownership, from launching and growing your practice to planning for succession and transition.

Speakers include Jessica Fleetham (Evia Law PLC), Joseph Doerr (Doerr MacWilliams Howard PLLC), and Gerald E. McGlynn III (Howard & Howard Attorneys PLLC), with Steven Susser (Evia Law PLC) moderating the discussion.

Learn more or register at ocba.org/lifecycle

08/26/2025

Award season is upon us and DMH Law is off to a great start. Here’s a summary:

Joe Doerr: Super Lawyers for Business Litigation (14th time); Michigan’s Top 100 (6th time); Best Lawyers for Commercial Litigation

Sara MacWilliams: Super Lawyers for Business Litigation (14th time); Michigan’s Top 100 (3rd time); Women Michigan Super Lawyers Top 50 (9th time)

Derek Howard: Super Lawyers for Business Litigation; Best Lawyers for Commercial Litigation

Samuel Estenson: Super Lawyers Rising Star (4th time)

Paige Serra: Super Lawyers Rising Star (2nd time); Best Lawyers Ones to Watch for Commercial Litigation

Sherri L. Bono: Super Lawyers Rising Stars (5th time); Top Women Attorneys – Rising Stars in Michigan (2nd year in a row).

We thank Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, peers, and, of course, our excellent clients.

06/16/2025

We are very proud to be recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as an up and coming law firm.

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Doerr MacWilliams Howard is a boutique business law firm specializing in high-stakes complex commercial litigation, real estate disputes and transactions, and general counsel services for private companies and entrepreneurs. Established two years ago, the firm represents the convergence of complementary legal expertise and shared commitment to sophisticated business advocacy.

The firm’s partners — Joseph Doerr, Sara MacWilliams, and Derek Howard — each bring distinct backgrounds to the collaboration. After departing traditional law firm environments and the court system, they initially pursued solo practices while working together on cases. Their complementary practice styles and mutual attraction to sophisticated business clientele naturally evolved into formal partnership. Ann Arbor-based partner Sam Estenson joined after successful co-counsel collaborations, while of-counsel attorney Sherri Bono provides family law services for high-end clients with interconnected business interests.

With six lawyers plus one of counsel attorney, Doerr MacWilliams Howard maintains intentional boutique scale to ensure lean, aggressive representation and individualized client service. Sara MacWilliams and Derek Howard have established an exceptional track record, securing multiple settlements and trial victories exceeding $1 million. Joseph Doerr’s real estate, litigation, and mediation practice seamlessly integrates with the firm’s commercial focus.

The partners actively contribute to the legal community through Oakland County Bar Association leadership roles, particularly within the Business Court and Counsel Committee. They author educational articles, mentor emerging attorneys transitioning from large firm environments, and volunteer at professional events despite demanding schedules as practicing parents.

Doerr MacWilliams Howard’s growth strategy emphasizes careful expansion that preserves firm culture and client relationships. The team operates in a collaborative environment featuring flexible scheduling, comprehensive support amenities, and encouraged vacation time following resolution of difficult matters. This approach reflects their understanding that comfortable, satisfied legal professionals deliver superior client outcomes in high-stakes business litigation and sophisticated commercial transactions.

12/23/2024

From ours to yours….

12/12/2024

We like the holidays as much as we enjoy resolving your business disputes.