Our Firm
Andrew Thav
Partner
Areas of Practice:
100% Probate
Bankruptcy Business Owner
Bar Admissions:
Michigan, 1998
Education:
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, Detroit, MI Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Fraternities:
Sigma Alpha Mu
Awards:
Recognized as Michigan’s Top Lawyers of 2015, in the area of probate.
Jamie Ryke
Partner
Jamie's area of practice is fully probate law. He was admitted to the Michigan Bar in 1997. He holds degrees from St. Thomas University School of Law, Miami, FL and Michigan State University Business School, East Lansing, MI. He is an alumni member of Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity. Jamie has been recognized as Michigan’s Top Lawyers of 2015, in the area of probate. He is also a Lawyers of Distinction 2019, Esq. Recognizing Excellence in Probate Law.
Thomas J. Langan
Senior Associate Attorney
Thomas Langan graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law after obtaining his B.A. in both Political Science and History and had a specialization in French from Michigan State University. Prior to attending law school Thomas worked with the Governor’s office for the State of Michigan. Thomas worked in multiple arenas before passing the Michigan State Bar Exam including medical malpractice, creditors rights, employment law, and family law. Thomas works on a diverse range of litigation including probate, family law and civil litigation. Thomas’ passions include debate, computer programming, and working on motorcycles.
David Grisa
Associate Attorney
David graduated from Wayne State University Law School after obtaining his B.A. in Humanities with a minor in Philosophy and Law from Michigan State University. During his time in law school, David was involved in the Mock Trial Program, serving as Trial Coordinator, and competing on Wayne State's TYLA National Mock Trial Team. He also took part in Wayne State's Legal Advocacy for People with Cancer Clinic where he assisted clients with their legal issues. In his spare time, David enjoys sports and traveling.
Jennifer Fracassi
Associate Attorney
Bio coming soon.
Benjamin Long
Associate Attorney
Benjamin Long obtained his law degree, LLM and MBA from Wayne State University after receiving his BA and BS from the University of Michigan. Ben began his career in personal injury law. He then transitioned into solo practice and business ownership, operating several businesses and his own practice before joining Thav Ryke. Ben enjoys going up north, spending time with friends and family, and riding his Peloton bike.
Daniel Relle
Associate Attorney
Daniel Relle graduated from Boston University in 2015 with degrees in advertising and philosophy. During his time at Boston University, Daniel competed as a D1 student athlete on the Men’s crew team, graduating as one of the most decorated rowers in program history. After three years working in both the marketing and finance field, Daniel attended Wayne State University Law School. During his time in law school, Daniel was the Vice-Commissioner of the Wayne State National Mock Trial Program and also competed on the Wayne State Moot Court Team. Prior to his work at Thav, Ryke & Associates, Daniel worked in a boutique law firm specializing in commercial litigation and business law. Outside of the office, Daniel enjoys to golf, live music and traveling.
Tiffany Jenkins
Paralegal
Tiffany Jenkins is a Notary Public and Paralegal at Thav, Ryke and Associates. She assists Jamie Ryke and Andrew Thav with deceased estates, guardianships/conservatorships, Trust administration and office administration. Tiffany has previously worked in Creditor’s rights and Bankruptcy. Tiffany attended Oakland County Community College. Tiffany is also a professional Photographer and an MSU Spartan fan! She enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and her two children.
Rachel Sherman
Paralegal And Receptionist
Rachel Sherman is a receptionist and paralegal at Thav, Ryke and Associates, where she assists attorneys with deceased estates, estate planning, guardianships/conservatorships, and supports clients through the probate process. Rachel attended Siena Heights University for her undergrad and majored in Psychology and Criminal Justice. She then attended Tiffin University and received her Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology. Rachel enjoys playing soccer with her friends and baking desserts in her spare time.
Arn Farwell
Arn Farwell is a paralegal at Thav, Ryke and Associates, where he assists attorneys with various probate matters. Arn has attended Macomb College, the University of Michigan, and Wayne State University. He has many years and different types of legal experience, as well as other experience. Arn has successfully coached soccer for more than twenty seasons, and today, in his spare time, enjoys spending time with his family and friends, while sometimes working on his golf game, bicycling, and other types of cross-training.
Olivia Mihajlovski
Paralegal
Olivia Mihajlovski is a Law Clerk and Notary Public for Thav, Ryke & Associates, where she assists attorneys with decedent estates, guardianships, and conservatorships. Olivia is currently a law student at University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, graduating in May 2024. While obtaining her bachelor’s degree at Oakland University in 2021, Olivia also graduated from OU’s Paralegal Program, earning a Paralegal Certificate and a Legal Technology Certificate. Olivia has experience in personal injury law, primarily automobile negligence and no-fault.
Robert Ellenstein
Attorney
Robert graduated from Michigan State University with a B.A. in Journalism, and a J.D. from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. While at MSU, he served as the Sports and Entertainment Editor of The State News. He spent 23 years practicing Maritime and Admiralty Law, while also handling matters in Probate, Medical Malpractice, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury and Auto Negligence. He has extensive experience serving as a Certified Case Evaluator in Oakland County. His interests include live music, MSU sports and playing pickleball.
Christina Micakovic
Law Clerk
Christina-From Detroit, Michigan. Graduated from MSU and MSU College of Law/Detroit College of Law.
Robert Cleary
Attorney
Robert is a dedicated attorney with a strong foundation in law and a commitment to advocating for his clients. He graduated from Wayne State University Law School after earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Michigan State University. Robert's legal career began at a reputable personal injury firm, where he gained valuable experience advocating for individuals. Subsequently, he transitioned to practice insurance defense, further enhancing his understanding of the legal landscape and honing his skills as a litigator. His multifaceted background has made him a versatile and knowledgeable attorney. Beyond the courtroom, Robert values the importance of family and friendships and has a passion for exploring new places through travel.
Abraham Snider
Associate Attorney
Abraham (Avi) Snider brings over a decade of dedicated legal experience to his practice, specializing in probate matters including estate planning, administration, and litigation. A native of Michigan, Avi graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2010. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law in 2013.
Avi’s extensive experience in probate law enables him to provide comprehensive and compassionate guidance to his clients. Whether navigating the complexities of estate planning, managing the administration of an estate, or handling probate litigation, Avi is committed to protecting his clients' interests and ensuring their peace of mind during challenging times.
In addition to his legal practice, Avi is an active member of his community. He serves on the city's Zoning Board of Appeals, where he plays a crucial role in making decisions that impact local land use and development. His involvement with the Jewish Bar Association of Michigan reflects his dedication to the legal profession and his commitment to supporting the Jewish community.
Outside of his professional life, Avi enjoys spending his free time gardening, bicycling, and cherishing moments with his family. His diverse interests and community involvement make him a well-rounded and approachable attorney, dedicated to both his clients and his community.
Cathy Belcher
Paralegal
Bio to follow
Eric C. Brown
Associate Attorney
Eric C. Brown is an Associate Attorney at Thav, Ryke and Associates. He concentrates his practice in the areas of probate, estate planning, guardianship and conservatorship, estate and trust administration, business, and tax law.
Eric graduated from Wayne State University in 2010, where he received a B.S. in Business Administration. In 2017, he graduated with a J.D. from Michigan State University College of Law. While in law school, Eric worked for the Alvin L. Storrs Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic, providing free tax-related legal services to low-income taxpayers throughout the state of Michigan. Eric served as the Vice President of the Business Law Society and President for the Law School’s Ice Hockey Team.
Prior to his work at Thav, Ryke & Associates, Eric worked at an AM LAW 200 firm where he counseled high-net and ultra-high-net worth individuals and families in their estate and tax planning.
Education:
Michigan State University College of Law, 2017 J.D.
Wayne State University, 2010 B.S.
Associations:
State Bar of Michigan Probate & Estate Planning, Business Law, Litigation, and Taxation Member
Gabrielle Grace
Paralegal
Gabi Grace is a paralegal for Jennifer Fracassi and in is the process of apply to Law Schools in Michigan. Gabi heart is in probate, as her work lets her to help those during a tough chapter of their lives. She went to school at Michigan State University for Comparative Cultures and Politics with a minor in French. In her spare time, Gabi is an herbal enthusiast and loves to learn about the amazing plants Michigan has to offer.
Justin Gray
Paralegal
Justin Graduated from Siena Heights University with his undergrad in Criminal Justice. While in school, Justin was apart of the Criminal Justice club, men’s soccer team, and men’s volleyball team. Before becoming a paralegal, Justin was a drug tester for two years, drug testing those who were court appointed and on probation from various courts. In Justin’s free time, he enjoys traveling to play volleyball, hanging out with friends, and learning new meals to cook.
Kelsey Sanders
Receptionist
Kelsey Sanders, a graduate of Northern Michigan University who finds joy in helping others. She is working as our receptionist, where she is always ready to assist and support others with a smile. Kelsey is eager to broaden her horizons, especially in probate law. Kelsey is passionate about learning and growth and is excited to delve deeper into this field and contribute even more to our team.
Simone Butler
Paralegal
Bio to follow
Jordan Smith
Attorney
Jordan graduated cum laude from New England Law | Boston after obtaining his B.A. in English Education and teaching high school English in Detroit for four years. During law school, Jordan had the privilege of working as a judicial intern for Honorable William Sullivan in Brockton, Massachusetts. In his spare time, Jordan enjoys reading, writing, weightlifting, and spending time with his wife.