We use a team approach to client service.

We are a small firm focused on client service. We love helping clients overcome difficult challenges. We are known as effective advocates, with a compassionate team of legal professionals who are committed to getting the best results for our clients. By listening to the needs of our clients and helping them meet their goals, we have developed lasting relationships with many clients and it is our privilege to serve as their trusted advisors. Our clients deserve our individual attention—not a “one-size-fits-all” solution or “cookie-cutter” documents.

Every member of our team is familiar with each client’s legal matter and is dedicated to providing caring service. Each attorney and staff member contributes unique skills and knowledge to the team which allows us to stay in close contact with each client and provide services as efficiently as possible.

At your first meeting, you will meet with one or more of our attorneys and be introduced to others in the office who will be working on your matter. We believe in getting to know each client on an individual basis, so we understand your needs, your situation, and the outcome you want to achieve.

Elder Law Co-Counsel

Legal Assistant

Firm History

 The law firm is conveniently located in Alpena, Michigan and we serve clients throughout Northern Michigan. The law firm was founded by the late Douglas K. Wenzel, who began practicing law in Alpena in 1968. He was joined by Karen Jo McGinn (now Bennett) in 1979 and together they founded the law firm of Wenzel & McGinn in 1980, which is now Wenzel Bennett & Harris PC

Karen Jo Bennett is now the managing partner and senior member of the firm. Ms. Bennett represents business clients and serves as general counsel for Alpena Community College. She also represents clients in the areas of estate planning, business succession planning, probate and trust administration.

Lisa L. Harris joined the firm in 2003, taking over much of the Elder Law, Medicaid and Estate Planning practice which continues to be a primary focus of the firm. When Ms. Harris retired in 2014, the firm welcomed Rosemary H. Buhl, who currently serves as “of counsel” to the firm in the field of Elder Law and Long -Term Care Planning.

We also have had a long-standing “of counsel” relationship with Regis A. Carozza, who provides estate planning services for individuals with highly complex estate or tax issues.