Kerr, Russell and Weber, PLC

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Kerr, Russell and Weber prides itself on a singular continuous heritage since 1874. Known for representing diverse clients despite its historically moderate size, the firm is not the product of the mergers and law firm consolidations so common to the profession in recent years. “In nearly every sense we have grown from within,” comments Bill Sankbeil. “Historically, the men and women in our firm have come to us directly from law school or from corporations or other firms as lateral hires. Most have grown up in the firm and become part of its existing culture. We truly believe that much of our strength and the continuity of our client relationships can be attributed to several decades of not having the firm’s professional and institutional energies diverted by the pressures of merging or overzealous expansion. And we know that such continuity builds all around lawyers well prepared to serve clients for the long haul.” Young James T. Keena, an 1873 graduate of the University of Michigan’s law program, is credited with founding the firm. Prior to legal studies he served in the US Navy, undoubtedly during the Civil War. Like his father, he worked for the Detroit and Cleveland ferries as a ticket agent. Recent research by the firm indicates that he may have in fact joined an existing practice in 1874 with Messrs. Atkinson, Atkinson & Trowbridge. If so, the present firm’s roots may run deeper into Detroit history than previously thought. But the details are sketchy and because the Keena legacy is the most verifiable, it has become the recognized point of origin. Keena’s hard work and connections led to a steadily growing practice. By 1906, partners Clarence Lightner and Walter E. Oxtoby placed their names on the front door. Lightner was heavily involved in banking matters and became President of Peoples State Bank. For years he virtually ran the State Board of Bar Examiners overseeing admissions to the Michigan bar. Oxtoby likewise became a community notable. He eventually involved the firm with the city’s then longstanding commercial tanning industry through his marriage to Emma W. Schmidt, whose family had founded the fur market in what is today Greektown’s Trappers Alley. The tanning concern, Carl E. Schmidt & Company, eventually included Mr. Oxtoby, who served as vice president while maintaining an active law practice. During this time, the firm was known as Keena, Lightner and Oxtoby. Oxtoby’s brother became a partner in 1913. Real estate developed into a mainstay of the firm’s continuing practice, with beginnings traceable to the firm’s early years. Around 1914, the firm assisted a client in the acquisition and consolidation of various parcels in Dearborn which became Henry Ford’s Rouge complex. Donald N. Sweeny’s addition to the firm in the early 30's resulted in significant expansion of the firm’s involvement in real estate matters. By the 50's the firm played a key role in many developments around the area. Later, the firm was involved in the survival of the Fox Theater and David Whitney buildings.

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