MEET THE TEAM
BENJAMIN T. VADER
MANAGING ATTORNEY
Benjamin T. Vader was born and raised in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He graduated from the Lubar School of Business at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. He received a juris doctorate from Michigan State University College of Law. While in law school, he clerked at the Michigan Tax Tribunal and worked at MSU’s low-income tax clinic. After law school, he worked for the Law Offices of Harold C. MacDonald, PLLC for five years before starting his own law firm.
Since 2010, Ben’s areas of focus have been Elder Law, Estate Planning, Trusts, Probate and Corporate Law. He is a current member of the Probate and Estate Planning section of the Michigan Bar Association as well as the Elder Law and Disability Rights section. He was selected as Super Lawyers Rising Star in Elder Law and is a past member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.
When Ben is not helping clients navigate the complexities of Elder Law, he is likely skiing, spending time with his wife and three children, traveling to the Caribbean or northern Michigan, or cheering on one of his favorite sports teams.
NICKOLAS PITTMAN
ATTORNEY
Nickolas Pittman was born in Athens, Greece and grew up in Southeast Michigan. He graduated from University of Michigan in 1999, and earned his juris doctorate from University of Detroit-Mercy School of Law in 2003 prior to passing the Michigan Bar Exam in Summer 2003.
Nick has over a decade of experience in the areas of Estate Planning, Trusts, and Elder Law, including extensive experience with obtaining Medicaid benefits for clients who have a loved one in a nursing home. He is currently a member of the Elder Law & Disability Rights and Probate & Estate Planning sections of the Michigan bar association and is an accredited attorney by the VA.
Outside the practice of law, Nick enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, as well as working as a professional musician playing guitar in various ensembles in and around Detroit.
ALEXIA P. VADER
ATTORNEY
Alexia P. Vader received a juris doctorate from Wayne State University Law School, which she attended on a 100% merit scholarship. There she worked at the Disability Law Clinic and served as a member of the Women’s Law Caucus. She also worked as an assistant to a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee in the Eastern District of Michigan.
Alexia has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Wayne State University and a Master of Science in International Public Policy from University College London. Prior to joining the Law Offices of Benjamin T. Vader, she worked in politics and media both here and abroad, including positions at British Parliament and a Greek radio station.
Alexia specializes in Trust Administration and Probate Litigation. She is a member of the Probate & Estate Planning and Elder Law & Disability Rights sections of the State Bar of Michigan. She is also a member of the Macomb County Bar Association and the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan.
KATHERINE DE LAURA
ATTORNEY
Katherine DeLaura did her undergraduate study at Lake Superior State University and received her juris doctorate from Michigan State University College of Law. Katherine is licensed in North Carolina and Michigan, and is a member of the Elder Law & Disability Rights and the Probate & Estate Planning sections of the Michigan Bar Association.
Katherine's background is in estate planning and probate. During law school, Katherine worked for both the Macomb County Probate Court as a Clerk to the Honorable Judge George, and the Ingham County Probate Court as a guardian ad litem.
In her spare time, Katherine enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
LAURIE A. LOPEZ
OFFICE MANAGER
Laurie A. Lopez is the Office Manager with the Law Offices of Benjamin T. Vader, PLLC. She has worked in the legal field for close to twenty years and has worked with Mr. Vader since 2012. Her extensive legal knowledge and experience are invaluable assets to the firm, and she provides an unparalleled commitment to client services.
Laurie is an active participant in her church and community. She is an advocate and regular supporter of several international humanitarian and charity organizations providing resources, education, food and care for families and children in need. Laurie also gives to many local animal shelters. She personally provides medical care, shelter, food, and love to many abandoned animals in her area. Laurie also treasures spending time with her nieces and nephews, her dogs, and her loving husband.
ANTOINETTE BARTOLOTTA
LEGAL ASSISTANT
Antoinette (“Toni”) Bartolotta is a Legal Assistant with almost 20 years of experience in the legal field. Clients love Toni, as she has a remarkable ability to connect with people and provide an empathetic ear. She is a lifelong resident of Macomb County and donates to animal rescue and veterans’ organizations. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time in her garden and with her dogs.