Attorney Michael G. Sarafa has joined the Butzel law firm as counsel, bringing with him 35 years of experience in business, law, finance, and public affairs.
Sarafa’s speciality is helping clients navigate issues in the governmental sector as well as in the realm of outside counsel services. He is a member of the firm’s government relations and regulatory specialty team and general counsel in the Services Practice Department.
He began his career in the governmental arena as a legislative aide in the Michigan House of Representatives and later served as an executive assistant to Dennis Archer during his tenure as mayor of Detroit.
Sarafa also was CEO of a Michigan bank and a large multi-state franchise. As managing partner of a Michigan private equity firm, he led the analysis of business and investment opportunities, all related due diligence, negotiations, and management of the firm’s legal team. He successfully sourced, acquired, and helped grow multiple southeast Michigan-based growth companies.
Sarafa has served on numerous boards of directors and nonprofit organizations, including Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice High School, Bank of Ann Arbor, Chaldean Community Foundation, and the Michigan Association of Beauty Professionals, and Supercuts Franchisee Association.
Sarafa’s past board service includes Covenant House of Michigan, Farmington Hills Economic Development Corp., St. Fabian Parish Finance Committee, and Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce.
He also served as chairman of the board of Covenant Academy Charter School Management Co. and as chairman of the Chaldean Diocese of North American Finance Council. He is a frequent columnist for the Chaldean News.
He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and has been recognized by the American Bankers Association Stonier Graduate School of Banking, Wayne State University’s Center for Peace & Conflict Studies Community Peacemaker, and Crain’s Detroit Business’ 40 Under 40.
Sarafa earned a J.D. from Wayne State University Law School; M.P.A. from the University of Pennsylvania; and a B.A. from James Madison College at Michigan State University.
