About the Firm
Local roots. Statewide reach.
For decades, SMDA Law has championed Michigan families against insurers, hospitals, and estate complications — with the precision of a boutique firm and the reach of a statewide practice.
Our Team
Meet the Attorneys
Recognized & Accredited
Our Story
Built in Michigan. For Michigan.
Trial-Tested Advocates
Founded by trial lawyers who grew up in the neighborhoods we serve. Decades of courtroom experience earning a reputation for tenacity, integrity, and results.
Two Practices, One Family
We split our work between trial — personal injury and disability — and counsel — elder law and estate planning — because Michigan families deserve a firm for every chapter.
Sterling Heights, Statewide
From our office in Sterling Heights, we represent clients across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties — and have argued cases all the way to the Michigan Supreme Court.
Boutique by Design
Our team is small on purpose. Every client works directly with an attorney — not an intake screen — from the first call through the final resolution.
How We Work
Listen first
Every case begins with the client's story. We build strategy around your priorities — not a template.
Act decisively
When the law calls for action, we move quickly. Insurers and opposing counsel know we are prepared to try.
Stand by you
Our representation does not end at settlement. We remain a resource for your family long after the case closes.
Client Reviews
What our clients say
"Dear Amy, Jeff, Tim and team — thank you for all your time and effort in the process of getting my mom's affairs settled and making the transfer of her condo to me so smooth. Have a blessed day!"
"I needed results against a powerful insurance company. I felt alone and quite frankly, overwhelmed. I contacted SMD Law and spoke with attorney Patrick Derkacz. Immediately I felt relief; this person really wanted to help my family and I. Pat promised me results, and he got me ju…"
"Dear Pat, (AKA my favorite attorney) — you pitched a perfect game and hit a grand slam! Thank you so much for working hard to make sense of my case with Lincoln and advocating for me. I am thankful for your kindness and compassion throughout the process. I'm glad to have a Hall-o…"
"Dearest Patrick and Jeffrey, I personally, and on behalf of my siblings, thank Patrick, Jeffrey and Amy Klimas, for providing exceptional legal services to my loving parents, Joseph P. (Retired USAF) and Joyce (Honorary Retired USAF) for so many years and at an extremely discount…"
"When I first contacted Patrick, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic. I had no idea of what to expect, but Pat was wonderful to work with. He listened to my predicament, and explained to me the process he was planning to follow. He was upfront and I understood everything I had to…"
"Patrick and his staff has handled my case efficiently and professionally to a positive outcome. He has always promptly returned my phone calls and emails like no attorney before. I can easily say he has made a positive difference in our lives. Glad he continues to have our backs."
"Phil Serafini and the other attorneys in this office are great. I have worked with them over the years and they treat everyone with the utmost respect and are tireless advocates on behalf of their clients."
"Dear Phil, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your hard work. You will never know how tremendously you have changed my life. Six years ago, when no one else would listen to me or take my case, you did. I was living in the worst time of my life, I had lost my…"
"Pat was very professional, kind and always paid attention to detail. He was also very patient with me, and that made me feel at ease and that I was in good hands. He always responded to every inquiry, and always kept us updated. I would highly recommend his services."
"Thanks so much for all your help these past five years in helping me with all the legal aspects of my folks, L & E.M.'s, trust. Thanks for answering all my questions. It's been a difficult last 5 years on making decisions for my father, but I'm so grateful that God blessed me wit…"
"I want to thank you both for all your help and hard work on my case. This certainly was good news! You both did tremendous jobs dealing with Cigna and answering my questions. Thank you and have a wonderful Christmas season!"
"Thank you so much for all of your help getting me thru this mess. You have no idea how much you have helped. I couldn't have done this without you! Only one more hurdle, yay!!"
"I really wanted to thank you, the way you talked with me and worked with me, it was amazing. I was dreading the experience and the deposition and you really made it very easy for me. So, thank you very much for a job well done."
"Dear Amy, Jeff, Tim and team — thank you for all your time and effort in the process of getting my mom's affairs settled and making the transfer of her condo to me so smooth. Have a blessed day!"
"I needed results against a powerful insurance company. I felt alone and quite frankly, overwhelmed. I contacted SMD Law and spoke with attorney Patrick Derkacz. Immediately I felt relief; this person really wanted to help my family and I. Pat promised me results, and he got me ju…"
"Dear Pat, (AKA my favorite attorney) — you pitched a perfect game and hit a grand slam! Thank you so much for working hard to make sense of my case with Lincoln and advocating for me. I am thankful for your kindness and compassion throughout the process. I'm glad to have a Hall-o…"
"Dearest Patrick and Jeffrey, I personally, and on behalf of my siblings, thank Patrick, Jeffrey and Amy Klimas, for providing exceptional legal services to my loving parents, Joseph P. (Retired USAF) and Joyce (Honorary Retired USAF) for so many years and at an extremely discount…"
"When I first contacted Patrick, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic. I had no idea of what to expect, but Pat was wonderful to work with. He listened to my predicament, and explained to me the process he was planning to follow. He was upfront and I understood everything I had to…"
"Patrick and his staff has handled my case efficiently and professionally to a positive outcome. He has always promptly returned my phone calls and emails like no attorney before. I can easily say he has made a positive difference in our lives. Glad he continues to have our backs."
"Phil Serafini and the other attorneys in this office are great. I have worked with them over the years and they treat everyone with the utmost respect and are tireless advocates on behalf of their clients."
"Dear Phil, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your hard work. You will never know how tremendously you have changed my life. Six years ago, when no one else would listen to me or take my case, you did. I was living in the worst time of my life, I had lost my…"
"Pat was very professional, kind and always paid attention to detail. He was also very patient with me, and that made me feel at ease and that I was in good hands. He always responded to every inquiry, and always kept us updated. I would highly recommend his services."
"Thanks so much for all your help these past five years in helping me with all the legal aspects of my folks, L & E.M.'s, trust. Thanks for answering all my questions. It's been a difficult last 5 years on making decisions for my father, but I'm so grateful that God blessed me wit…"
"I want to thank you both for all your help and hard work on my case. This certainly was good news! You both did tremendous jobs dealing with Cigna and answering my questions. Thank you and have a wonderful Christmas season!"
"Thank you so much for all of your help getting me thru this mess. You have no idea how much you have helped. I couldn't have done this without you! Only one more hurdle, yay!!"
"I really wanted to thank you, the way you talked with me and worked with me, it was amazing. I was dreading the experience and the deposition and you really made it very easy for me. So, thank you very much for a job well done."