Our Legal Team's Honors & Accolades

Sarah Stempky-Kime | August 15, 2024 | Attorney Accolades

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE AT WORK

We’re pleased to share the recent accolades and honors awarded to our talented team of trial attorneys. Our lawyers work extremely hard, dedicated to the long hours and arduous effort of defending our clients’ rights to be heard and to fair compensation. We’re proud of their efforts and most importantly, how their work benefits our clients, safeguarding their futures and providing for their needs. Well done, team!

Michigan Lawyers Weekly (MILW) -2024 Unsung Heroes

Christensen Law is proud to recognize the exceptional contributions of THREE outstanding team members: Michelle Waddell, Stephanie McPherson, and Eileen Mikkelsen.

These remarkable women have been selected for inclusion in the Michigan Lawyers Weekly Class of 2024 Unsung Heroes. Our Unsung Heroes consistently go above and beyond, often working behind the scenes to ensure success. This award honors Michigan’s most dedicated and skilled legal support professionals, from firm administrators to legal marketers to paralegals.

As an original member of Christensen Law, Michelle Waddell has been a key figure in our operations. Initially serving as Senior Legal Assistant and Office Manager, she became our first Training Implementation Specialist in 2023. In this crucial role, Michelle designs and oversees comprehensive training for new hires, continuously improving our team’s ability to serve clients effectively.

Stephanie McPherson joined Christensen Law at the outset alongside Dave Christensen. Her remarkable abilities as a litigation paralegal led to her promotion to Director of Operations in 2023. Stephanie has inspired excellence across the firm and is dedicated to fostering the growth of her team while ensuring the best client experience.

Since joining in 2020, Chief Marketing Officer Eileen Mikkelsen has transformed Christensen Law’s branding and marketing. With her corporate marketing expertise, she has strengthened our brand, managed key projects, and made a significant impact on our firm’s growth and bottom line.

Michigan Lawyers Weekly (MILW) – In The Lead: Best Women-Led Law Firms

Christensen Law is proud to be named one of Michigan’s Best Women-Led Law Firms by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. To be named one of the Best Women-Led Law Firms, a firm must have at least four attorneys, be led by a woman (or women) and be based in Michigan.

This recognition highlights our firm’s commitment to success through female leadership, strong employee support programs, and a positive workplace culture.

Criteria includes:

Demonstrating success in the local legal community through growth in revenue or employees.
Recognized as a best workplace because of employee support programs.
Can show a high level of employee morale.
Is able to demonstrate strong and consistent community engagement.
Has a record of promoting DE&I efforts designed to help women attorneys thrive professionally and diversity the profession.

Under the guidance of strong female ownership (Managing Partner, Sarah Stempky-Kime, and Co-Founder, Leslie Christensen), we’ve grown, supported each other, and engaged deeply with our community. From promoting diversity and inclusion to building a positive, collaborative culture, we’re committed to empowering our team and making a difference in Michigan’s legal community.

Super Lawyers 2024

Christensen Law Managing Partner & Trial Attorney, Sarah Stempky-Kime, and Appellate Attorney, Stephanie Arndt, have been selected to the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers list. Only 5% of Michigan attorneys are chosen by the Super Lawyers research team to receive this honor. Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a service that rates outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. Join us in celebrating the remarkable achievements of these two amazing women!

Super Lawyers – Rising Stars 2024

Congratulations to Christensen Law trial attorneys, Nora Hanna and Dustin Hoff for being selected to the 2024 Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Stars list. An elite group of just 2.5% of the lawyers in the state are selected for this recognition. We’re very proud to celebrate their careers, dedication, and contributions to the industry. Congrats to you both!

Best Lawyers – Lawyer of the Year 2025

In the 31ˢᵗ edition of The Best Lawyers in America, Founding Partner Dave Christensen has been recognized for his exceptional work in Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs as Lawyer of the Year in Detroit. Noted by both legal professionals and the public as a premier benchmark for legal integrity and distinction in the United States, the award is a testament to his noteworthy career and exceptional practice. The sole lawyer honored as the “Lawyer of the Year” in the metro Detroit area for PI-Plaintiffs, Dave was selected based on particularly impressive voting averages received during the peer review assessments. This designation reflects the high level of respect he has earned for his ability, professionalism, and integrity. We’re proud to celebrate this highest of honors with Dave.

Best Lawyers in America 2025

Three of our esteemed trial attorneys have been included in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America. David Christensen, Sarah Stempky-Kime, and Brandon Abro have been recognized for their expertise, dedication, and success in the Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs award category, reflecting their commitment to delivering outstanding results and their reputation among their peers. Congratulations to all!

Best Lawyers – Ones to Watch 2025

Join us in congratulating Trial Attorney Dustin Hoff, who was recognized in the 2025 edition of the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch publication for his dedication, commitment to the industry, and skill in the courtroom. Recognized by his peers as a top litigator, he continues to deliver successful outcomes for his clients and their families. Congratulations, Dustin!

Michigan Lawyers Weekly (MILW) – Empowering Women 2024

Christensen Law was recognized in Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s “Empowering Women” program for 2024. This initiative highlights law firms that have demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting and elevating women. Our firm exemplifies the positive impact of female leadership. With a team that is 74% women and an executive leadership group that is 84% women, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. Our Managing Partner, Sarah Stempky-Kime, along with our co-founder, leads a dynamic team of women, including our CMO, Operations Director, and Finance Director. Beyond leadership roles, we offer extensive career development opportunities, including professional education and university-accredited degrees, to ensure our team has the tools to thrive. Additionally, 28% of our female team members identify as members of marginalized communities, and we provide tailored support for single mothers, such as hybrid work options and our CLAW Academy.

DAVE CHRISTENSEN

2023 “Go To Lawyer” for Negligence Law | Michigan Lawyers Weekly

Founding Partner and Trial Attorney Dave Christensen has been honored as one of Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s (MILW) 2023 “Go To Lawyers” for negligence law. MILW’s “Go To Lawyers” program recognizes leading lawyers in a particular field of law as nominated by their peers. A “Go To Lawyer” is a lawyer who is an expert in their field, well-versed in the nuances of the case law, statutes and regulations clients will encounter, enjoys a record of success, receives referrals from other lawyers, and thinks creatively to identify all options for a client.

DUSTIN HOFF

American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) Member

Christensen Law Trial Attorney Dustin Hoff, has been selected to the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA)🏆

ABOTA’s rigorous selection criteria, including a commitment to civility, integrity, and professionalism, make this recognition a testament to Dustin’s dedication to justice. The invitation-only organization requires that members have at least five years of active experience as trial lawyers, have tried at least 10 civil jury trials to conclusion, and possess additional litigation experience.

ABOTA’s mission is to foster improvement in the ethical and technical standards of practice in the field of advocacy to the end that individual litigants may receive more effective representation and the general public be benefited by more efficient administration of justice consistent with time-tested and traditional principles of litigation.

STEPHANIE ARNDT

Appointed to State Bar of Michigan Appellate Section Council

Christensen Law Appellate Attorney Stephanie Arndt has been selected to the Michigan State Bar Appellate Section Council. The Appellate Practice Section of the State Bar of Michigan provides education, information, and analysis about issues of concern through meetings, seminars, this site, public service programs, and the publication of a newsletter. The council’s dedicated representatives and officers work to enhance the quality of legal services for its members.

STEPHANIE ARNDT | THOMAS ECONOMY | SARAH STEMPKY-KIME

Super Lawyers 2023

Stephanie Arndt, Thomas Economy, and Sarah Stempky-Kime have been selected to the 2023 Michigan Super Lawyers list! Every year, the Super Lawyers research team at Thomson Reuters identifies and honors a limited group of attorneys who have demonstrated unparalleled excellence in their practice areas. We’re proud to share that our lawyers’ dedication and expertise have earned them this prestigious recognition.

NORA HANNA AND DUSTIN HOFF

Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2023

Christensen Law trial attorneys Nora Hanna and Dustin Hoff have been named to the 2023 Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Stars list! No more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.

NORA HANNA AND DUSTIN HOFF

Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America 2024

Nora Hanna and Dustin Hoff have been included in the 2024 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America! The Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America awards honor highlight the esteemed careers of lawyers rising up in the legal profession. Attorneys recognized are in the earlier stages of their careers, eligible in their fifth through tenth years of practice. This year’s edition resulted from 2.5 million confidential evaluations from over 33,000 peers. Nora Hanna and Dustin Hoff are recognized in the Personal Injury Litigation-Plaintiffs practice area, with Nora also listed in Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs, and Civil Rights Law, both in Southfield, Michigan.

DAVE CHRISTENSEN, SARAH STEMPKY-KIME, AND TOM ECONOMY

Best Lawyers 2024

Trial attorneys Dave Christensen, Sarah Stempky-Kime, and Tom Economy have been included in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America^®! While preparing for the 30th edition of The Best Lawyers in America®, more than 13.7 million votes were analyzed to identify top legal talent, as determined by their peers. The distinguished attorneys featured on the list are thoughtfully categorized based on their geographic location and specialized practice areas. Our lawyers have all been recognized in the Personal Injury Litigation-Plaintiffs practice area in Southfield, Michigan.

NORA HANNA

Appointed to the Michigan Association of Justice (MAJ) Executive Board

Nora Hanna, trial attorney, has been named to the Michigan Association of Justice (MAJ) Executive Board. The MAJ is a non-profit membership association dedicated to promoting a fair and effective justice system. They aim to support the work of attorneys in their efforts to ensure that any person who is injured by the misconduct or negligence of others can obtain justice in Michigan’s courtrooms, even when taking on the most powerful interests. Learn more about Nora.

SARAH STEMPKY-KIME

Appointed to State Bar of Michigan Negligence Section Council

Managing partner, Sarah Stempky-Kime, has been named to the Michigan State Bar Negligence Section Council. The Negligence Law Section studies the procedures, rules, and statutes that embody the law of negligence to encourage scholarship among its members and unwaveringly promote the fair, equitable, and speedy administration of negligence litigation in the Michigan trial and appellate courts. The representatives and officers of the council are dedicated to serving its members by improving the quality of legal services. Learn more about Sarah.

2023 DBusiness Top Corporate Culture Awards Finalist

DBusiness 2023

Christensen Law has been named a 2023 DBusiness Top Corporate Culture Awards finalist. DBusiness surveys thousands of employees on a number of important workplace topics. The results of this survey determine finalists among 10 categories, whom will be recognized in DBusiness magazine and awarded at a celebratory event. Winners will be announced at the event on March 1, 2023 at the Daxton Hotel in Birmingham.

Learn more about the Top Corporate Culture Awards.

BEST LAW FIRMS 2023 | CHRISTENSEN LAW

Best Lawyers^®“Best Law Firms” 2023 – Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, Detroit

The U.S. News – Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations, peer review from leading attorneys and review of additional information provided by law firms as part of the formal submission process.

TOM ECONOMY

Leaders in the Law 2022

Trial attorney Tom Economy was named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s (MILW) Leaders in the Law Class of 2022. Lawyers receiving this honor have made outstanding contributions to the practice of law in Michigan and set an example for other attorneys. They have shown tremendous leadership and offer a wealth of expertise in diverse areas of the law. Congratulations, Tom! Learn more about his practice.

SARAH STEMPKY-KIME

Best Lawyers^®“Lawyer of the Year” 2023 – Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, Detroit

Only a single lawyer in each practice area and designated metropolitan area is honored as the “Lawyer of the Year,” making this accolade particularly significant. These lawyers are selected based on particularly impressive voting averages received during the peer review assessments. Receiving this designation reflects the high level of respect a lawyer has earned among other leading lawyers in the same communities and the same practice areas for their abilities, professionalism, and integrity. Learn more about Sarah.

DAVE CHRISTENSEN, SARAH STEMPKY-KIME, AND TOM ECONOMY

Best Lawyers 2023

Trial attorneys Dave Christensen, Sarah Stempky-Kime, and Tom Economy have been included in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America^®! More than 12.2 million votes were analyzed to identify the top legal talent, as identified by their peers. Lawyers on The Best Lawyers in America list are divided by geographic region and practice areas. They are reviewed by their peers based on professional expertise and undergo an authentication process to make sure they are in current practice and in good standing. Our attorneys have all been recognized in Southfield, Michigan in the Personal Injury Litigation-Plaintiffs practice area.

SARAH STEMPKY-KIME & TOM ECONOMY

Super Lawyers 2022

Managing Partner and trial attorney, Sarah Stempky-Kime, and trial attorney, Tom Economy have been selected to the 2022 Michigan Super Lawyers list! Each year, no more than 5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor.

NORA HANNA & DUSTIN HOFF

Super Lawyers Rising Stars 2022

Trial attorneys Nora Hanna and Dustin Hoff have been selected to the 2022 Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Stars list! Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor.

SARAH STEMPKY-KIME

Influential Women of Law 2022

Managing Partner Sarah Stempky-Kime was selected to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s (MILW) Influential Women of Law Class of 2022. Attorneys selected to this class have shown commitment to excellence in the practice of law, are inspiring and accomplished leaders, serve as mentors to others, and contribute significant time and effort to volunteerism and/or pro bono initiatives. Join us in congratulating her on this honorable achievement! Learn more about Sarah.