Cardelli Lanfear P.C

As a managing partner of a law firm, the months of December and January revolve around numbers. From scrutinizing revenue and expenses to evaluating budgets, billable hours, rates, write-offs, salaries, and bonuses, the focus is on the financial metrics. Amidst the array of figures reflecting both triumphs and challenges, I am most proud of one particular number from 2024. That number is 0. That is the number of associates that left Cardelli Lanfear P.C in 2024. Jason Newman and I took on the roles of co-managing partners in October 2023. Our primary internal objective was to curb turnover. We did not have an elaborate 10-step plan for doing so. Instead, we decided to focus on the basics. The firm honed in on fostering flexibility, mentoring and cultivating a welcoming work environment. The pictured sign with the simple phrase "Work Hard & Be Nice to People" hangs in my office, not only as a reminder to myself but as declaration to our team that this is the expectation for everyone in the firm. We still have work to do and I know the number will not stay at 0 forever, but 2024 was a great start.

Love to see our attorneys out in the community, making a difference. Great work Justin Gonzales!

This holiday season, our firm is proud to host a toy drive in partnership with The Bottomless Toy Chest (https://lnkd.in/guDckQSZ), an incredible organization dedicated to delivering empowering toys, crafts, and interactive activities to pediatric oncology patients in hospitals. The Bottomless Toy Chest focuses on activities that keep kids engaged while in a hospital bed—including crafts, games, and creative projects! Thanks to the generosity and enthusiasm of our team, we will be collecting a wonderful array of new, unwrapped toys to brighten the holidays for these brave children. On December 5th, as part of the International Society of Primerus Law Firms™ Global Day of Service, a group of us went toy shopping to help kick off the drive! #PrimerusGivesBack, #WorldsFinestLawFirms, #InternationalVolunteerDay

We’re thrilled to spotlight our very own Jason Newman, recently featured in a Primerus attorney profile. Jason serves as co-managing partner of Cardelli Lanfear. He leads the firm’s efforts to expand its client base and build on its reputation in civil litigation. A registered patent attorney with a degree in chemical engineering, Jason brings a unique perspective to his practice, which focuses on civil defense, intellectual property, and environmental law. Passionate about forging personal connections, Jason leverages his leadership skills to guide the firm and foster trusted relationships.

Cardelli Lanfear Partner Jason Newman recently attended the Primerus Defense Institute Fall Seminar, an exceptional forum for networking and collaboration. The event brought together Primerus Defense Institute attorneys, risk managers, and insurance professionals to discuss the latest developments in insurance coverage and bad faith liability. It was a valuable opportunity to exchange insights and strengthen relationships within the industry!

We’re thrilled to share that Cardelli Lanfear P.C. has been recognized in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms®! We are proud to be part of an elite group of law firms celebrated for exceptional client service and peer recognition. Thank you to our clients and colleagues for your support! 

As winter approaches in Michigan, property owners face increased risks of premises liability due to icy roads, fallen leaves, and snow. A 2023 Michigan Supreme Court ruling changed how courts handle these cases, meaning property owners must be more vigilant in maintaining safe conditions. Learn more about the legal changes and how to protect your property from liability in our latest blog written by partner Jason Newman - https://lnkd.in/g4Bca37n. #PremisesLiability #MichiganLaw #WinterSafety

After 17 years of practice, I attended my first MDTC Conference last week. It will definitely not be my last. Excellent programming about the potential uses and pitfalls of incorporating AI and other technologies into our practice. Looking forward to implementing some of the strategies and programs discussed as we continue to grow and embrace technology at Cardelli Lanfear P.C!

Attorneys Justin Gonzales and Carl Lanfear obtained summary disposition on a claim alleging: Defamation Libel, Defamation Slander, Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress, Invasion of Privacy False Light, Malicious Prosecution, Abuse of Process, Conspiracy to commit Abuse of Process, and Injunctive Relief. All these counts were dismissed via motion for summary disposition. The defense argued (and the court agreed) that defamation and false light claims must be specific and factually false, and not protected speech (such as statements made in court proceedings.) The Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress claim was dismissed because Plaintiff failed to prove an objective manifestation of emotional distress or that the act that caused it was outrageous and not a mere insult. Malicious prosecution and abuse of process require more than mere belief or suspicion, actual evidence is required to survive a motion for summary disposition. Great result!

Read the latest profile featuring Cardelli Lanfear Partner Michael Smith about how he used improv to become a better trial attorney and the unexpected doors it opened!