LAW OFFICES OF RONALD M. SANGSTER, P.L.L.C.

Firm Resume

Thank you for your interest in the Law Offices of Ronald M. Sangster, P.L.L.C. Our main office is located in Troy, Michigan, in the northern suburbs of Detroit. With immediate access to I-75, we are within a 2 hour drive to no less than 20 different counties in the state, many of which contain major population centers. We are 30 minutes or less from the courts in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, where a significant majority of suits are filed.

Our other office is located in Ann Arbor, home of the world-renown University of Michigan. Ideally located in downtown Ann Arbor, 2 blocks from the courthouse, the Ann Arbor office provides a convenient location for the defense of First Party No-Fault claims filed in Washtenaw County by some of the pre-eminent No-Fault plaintiff firms in the state.

ABOUT US

Our office was formed in October 2005 with one primary goal - to do whatever it takes to defend the interests of No-Fault insurers in the exceedingly complex world of Michigan No-Fault litigation. His colleagues on both the plaintiff and defense side of the aisle have recognized the founding member, Ronald M. Sangster, Jr. as one of the most skilled and knowledgeable practitioners in the area of No-Fault insurance. Mr. Sangster has frequently been a Guest Lecturer at the Wayne State University Law School No-Fault Insurance class. In October 2005, Mr. Sangster was one of only 10 No-Fault practitioners throughout the State of Michigan to be invited to speak at the Institute for Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) No-Fault seminar. Mr. Sangster's unique ability to recall many important appellate decisions regarding No-Fault issues and to provide almost instantaneous analysis makes our firm an invaluable partner in the defense of your No-Fault claims.

Although we specialize in the defense of First Party No-Fault PIP claims, our expertise in the area of automobile insurance law does not end there. We also handle Third Party Bodily Injury claims, Uninsured Motorist claims and claims involving coverage issues.

HISTORY

The firm was opened in response to the increasing number of PIP suits being filed throughout the State of Michigan, especially in the Tri-County area surrounding Detroit. The increase has been brought about by a number of factors, including restrictions being placed on the ability to recover damages on premises liability claims and third party automobile negligence claims. As these sources of revenue tighten for the plaintiff's bar, they look for additional revenue in the one area which remained unaffected by tort reform efforts and by court decisions on premises liability and automobile negligence - PIP.

Mr. Sangster has nearly 20 years experience defending primarily First Party No-Fault claims. His curriculum vita is attached to the Firm Resume. After 17 years with the Law Offices of Barry F. LaKritz, P.C. (a highly respected firm in its own right), Mr. Sangster left to open the Nationwide Insurance Company Trial Division office as its Lead Trial Counsel on June 1, 2004. He soon became the Associate Managing Attorney in charge of the PIP Unit in May 2005.

In order to better serve the claims customer in first party No-Fault PIP claims, as well as insureds and insurers in third party auto claims, Mr. Sangster left Nationwide Trial Division in October 2005 to establish this firm. In doing so, it is the goal of our firm to combine big firm results with the close working relationship and responsiveness of a small firm.

We are keenly aware of the cost pressures that our claims customers face. We are confident that our billings for legal services are highly competitive with those of house counsel. More important, though, are results. After all, what good is saving defense costs on the legal side of the equation if you ending up spending more on the indemnity side!

STAFFING

Joining Mr. Sangster as "of counsel" in the Ann Arbor office is attorney Leo E. Januszewski. Mr. Januszewski was previously a partner with one of the most well-known practitioners on the plaintiff side of No-Fault litigation, Robert Logeman in Ann Arbor, with whom he worked with for over 10 years. Mr. Januszewski was honored to speak at the 2001 Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) No-Fault seminar. Mr. Januszewski received a number of six and seven figure jury verdicts while working with Mr. Logeman, and is considered to be one of the best trial attorneys in the State of Michigan. In September 2004, he joined Mr. Sangster at Capuani and Sangster - Nationwide Trial Division. Eventually, Mr. Januszewski returned to Ann Arbor in July 2005 to open his own practice.

Our firm recognizes that in order to properly represent our claims customers and clients, quality support staff is essential. We appreciate the simple fact that without quality support staff, it is impossible to do "whatever it takes" to represent the interests of the client. To that end, we have 2 very highly qualified paralegals on our staff - Yvonne Sammut and Petra Siver. Both Ms. Sammut and Ms. Siver worked with Mr. Sangster at Capuani and Sangster, beginning on June 1, 2004. Their "no problem" approach to the challenges of opening the new office, and their unceasing efforts on behalf of the clients and claims customers earned both of them the 2004 Nationwide Trial Division STAR Employees of the Year Awards. Their "no problem" attitude, as well as their unsurpassed abilities makes them an integral part in the early success of the office. Further biographical information on Ms. Sammut and Ms. Siver appear below.

Yvonne Sammut has been a paralegal for 11 years. She received her degree from the State Bar of Michigan-approved Legal Assistant Program at Macomb County Community College. She has extensive experience in birth trauma and other medical malpractice cases, as well as first party and third party No-Fault cases. Her experience handling medical issues makes her a vital part in the overall success of the firm.

Petra Siver has been a paralegal for 10 years. She received her paralegal training at the State Bar of Michigan-approved Continuing Education Paralegal Training Program at Oakland University. Prior to joining Nationwide Trial Division, and subsequently this firm, she worked for a firm specializing in products liability, as well as No-Fault first and third party claims. Her experience with the various state trial and appellate courts, as well as the federal court system, makes her an invaluable part of the firm.

SUMMATION

We take pride in developing a close working relationship with our claims customers. A quality work product at a reasonable cost is the guiding principle at our firm. We adhere to the highest standards of professionalism, and we look forward to serving your defense needs in the future.