Meet Our Michigan Bicycle Accident Attorneys
Bryan Waldman – Michigan Bicycle Lawyer
Bryan is well-known as an accomplished personal injury litigator and also a competitive cyclist. He has raced multiple bicycle disciplines and most of his clients are bicyclists. In 2017, Bryan received the “Michigan Cyclist of the Year” award from Programs To Educate Cyclists (PEAC) and, in 2013, he was honored as the “Advocate of the Year” by the League of Michigan Bicyclists. Bryan has been recognized by Leading Lawyers-Michigan as a “Top 100 Leading Lawyer” and has been named in the publication Best Lawyers in America every year since 2006. In 2003-2004, he was president of the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association (now the Michigan Association for Justice). Bryan is a board member of the League of Michigan Bicyclists and serves as the Chair of the organization’s Advocacy Committee. He is also a partner and President of Sinas Dramis Law Firm. In addition to advocating for cyclists’ rights, Bryan also focuses many efforts on educating cyclists and motorists alike. As part of these efforts, he wrote and routinely updates “A Legal Handbook for Michigan Cyclists” which can be found in more than 70 bike shops across the state. A digital download can also be found here.
Brian McKenna
Brian was a competitive hockey player during and after high school. Following law school, he began cycling as a way to maintain fitness. He is a partner at the Sinas Dramis Law Firm and runs its St. Clair Shores office and can be found riding his bicycle on Lakeshore Road most mornings. In recognition of his work as a Michigan personal injury lawyer, Brian has been included in the publications Best Lawyers in America and Michigan Super Lawyers. He has earned a reputation as one of the hardest working and conscientious lawyers in the metro-Detroit area.
Joel Finnell
Joel is an appellate lawyer with outstanding research and writing skills. Joel became known in the cycling community for his work with Bryan Waldman on the State of Michigan v Timothy Panagis case, which involved a cyclist who was cited for impeding traffic because the officer believed cyclists are required to ride to the right of the fog line. A Livingston County Circuit Court judge ultimately dismissed the citation, praising Joel’s work and commitment, stating his brief was a “$10,000 brief for a $200 citation,” referring to the quality of work it entailed, not the actual charge. In fact, the firm did all work on the case, free of charge. Joel enjoys riding many local bicycle trails with his family.
Lauren Kissel
Lauren is an attorney who enjoys a wide variety of outdoor activities including skiing, hiking, kayaking, and cycling. She obtained her undergraduate degree at University of Michigan and law degree at Michigan State University School of Law. While attending law school, she clerked at the Sinas Dramis Law Firm and the firm was so impressed by her work that they offered her a position as an attorney at the firm after graduation. Lauren has a calm demeanor and an ability to quickly understand complex issues which allows her to handle a wide variety of cases. A significant portion of her practice is devoted to representing cyclists injured in motor vehicle vs. bicycle collisions. She also provides representation for cyclists wrongfully charged with civil infractions, including impeding traffic.
Bri Risner
Bri is an attorney at the firm. She frequently assists clients with their bicycle property damage claims and claims for Michigan no-fault benefits. As a result, she has a good understanding of bicycles and the costs associated with replacing and repairing damaged bicycles, bike components, helmets, and other bicycle-related equipment. Bri received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Saint Mary’s College, an associate’s degree in paralegal studies from Baker College of Auburn Hills, and her J.D. from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School. She was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 2022. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, volleyball and running.
