In this episode of Pro Bono with Ed Nahhat, Ed sits down with his colleague Brian Jenney, a partner at Kemp Klein who focuses on estate planning, trusts, tax matters, probate, and special needs planning. The conversation mixes professional insight with personal stories, giving listeners a better sense of who Brian is beyond his legal work. Ed frames the episode around trust, both in the legal sense and in the personal sense, especially through Brian’s work with families and his role as a captain on a racing sailboat.

Brian explains that trust is central to his practice. He works with families during sensitive and long-term planning situations, especially when special needs planning is involved. That work often includes estate planning, probate court, guardianship issues, and helping families understand state and federal benefits. He also handles everything from basic estate planning for families to more complex taxable estates. His additional tax training gives him a broader view of how tax issues affect estate planning decisions.

The episode also explores Brian’s background before law. He studied fisheries and wildlife and once worked tracking and tagging grouse in northern Michigan. Ed connects that early care for living systems to Brian’s current care for families navigating complicated legal and personal situations. Brian also talks about the influence of longtime mentor Earle Endelman, who helped shape his understanding of tax law and IRS code.

A lighter part of the conversation focuses on Brian’s family. He and his wife have four children: two sets of twins. Ed jokes about Brian being a “twin maker” because the two often show up at the office dressed alike. The episode also touches on Brian’s dedication to his children, his sailing life, and the way leadership on a boat mirrors leadership with clients.

The strongest practical takeaway is Brian’s emphasis on communication. He says lawyers need to keep clients updated, return calls promptly, and respond to emails in a reasonable time. The episode closes with a discussion about Zoom court hearings, how they have changed access to the courts, and the challenges lawyers and judges now face when managing online dockets.

More info on the Kemp Klein Law Firm can be found at https://kkue.com/

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In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Afton Martin, a seasoned estate planning attorney whose career has been shaped deeply by her family and a passion for helping others. Amanda shares how her name carries her father's legacy and how her decision to retain “Afton” as her middle name reflects both personal and professional respect for her roots. We talk about her long-standing legal partnership with her father, who still practices at 93, and the evolution of their practice over two decades.

Amanda gives us a window into her family life, including raising her daughter, who shows signs of inheriting her mother’s advocacy spirit. She reflects on how being raised by a lawyer father and a brilliant legal secretary mother shaped her worldview and influenced her pursuit of law—not for prestige, but to make a tangible difference in people's lives.

Our conversation explores Amanda’s deep commitment to what she calls “creative legacy planning.” This goes beyond just estate and tax law—it’s about helping people identify what matters to them and crafting personalized plans that preserve relationships and meaning. She discusses the satisfaction of receiving handwritten notes and postcards from clients—proof that empathy and advocacy go hand-in-hand in her work.

Amanda also opens up about her academic path, from her JD at Detroit College of Law to an LLM in taxation from Wayne, driven by her desire to understand and demystify complex tax laws. Though tax laws change constantly, her focus has shifted to estate taxation and helping families through transition with thoughtful, emotionally intelligent planning.

We also learn about Amanda’s personal interests—sailing, photography, and hiking (yes, she listed it twice)—and how her time living in England gave her unexpected opportunities and appreciation for leisure and family. At Kemp Klein, she’s found more than just a workplace; she’s found a collaborative and supportive environment where friendships form quickly and professional generosity thrives.

A highlight of our talk is Amanda’s heartfelt explanation of the Turtle Effect Foundation, named after a beloved family member. The foundation supports future Air Force Academy cadets and elite cyclists, keeping his spirit alive through meaningful support and outreach.

We close the episode reflecting on our shared experiences of working with our fathers and how both of us were drawn to law by the desire to do good. Amanda exemplifies the kind of lawyer who leads with heart and intelligence, and we’re lucky to have her here at Kemp Klein.

Amanda Afton Martin's Bio: https://kkue.com/amanda-afton-martin/

ICLE – Institute of Continuing Legal Education: https://www.icle.org

Turtle Effect Foundation: https://turtleeffect.org/

More info on the Kemp Klein Law Firm can be found at https://kkue.com/

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In this episode of Pro Bono with Ed Nahhat, we sit down with Brian Rolfe, President and CEO of Kemp Klein Law Firm. Brian shares his journey from joining the firm in 2007 to leading it today, emphasizing the firm’s unique culture and long-standing staff. His commitment to the firm grew over time, leading him to take on leadership responsibilities while maintaining his law practice.

Brian reflects on his early legal career, starting in tax and business litigation, and how his experience shaped his approach to firm management. He discusses the importance of mentorship, peer recognition, and the effort required to become a "Super Lawyer," highlighting the steep learning curve young attorneys face in their first years. He attributes much of his success to resilience, preparation, and a strong support system, including his wife, Leslie, whom he met in college.

We also explore Brian’s personal interests, including his passion for marathon running, skiing, and officiating lacrosse. He draws parallels between preparing for a marathon and preparing for litigation—both require discipline, endurance, and the ability to handle unexpected challenges. His dedication to personal growth extends into his legal practice, where he has evolved from a litigation-heavy focus to a more holistic role in business and estate planning, helping clients navigate succession planning and long-term financial security.

Brian explains how Kemp Klein prioritizes succession planning for businesses and individuals, working to prevent legal disputes before they arise. He emphasizes the firm's commitment to client service, ensuring that business owners, families, and individuals have comprehensive legal strategies in place.

As we recently celebrated Kemp Klein’s 55th anniversary, Brian reflects on the firm's history and its strong sense of community. He also discusses the Kemp Klein Foundation, its charitable initiatives, and the success of the annual golf outing, which raised over $30,000 for Forgotten Harvest.

Throughout our conversation, Brian’s leadership philosophy becomes clear—he values collaboration, preparation, and a positive outlook. His ability to balance firm leadership with a thriving legal practice underscores his dedication to both the firm's legacy and its future.

Stay tuned for our next episode, where we spotlight a rising star at Kemp Klein.

More info on the Kemp Klein Law Firm can be found at https://kkue.com/

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