Top best L Lawyers in ZIP 49503 | 893 available

I have helped form dozens of companies throughout Michigan and routinely offer counsel to startups, tech companies, and other business owners on a broad spectrum of matters ranging from formation to angel and venture capital funding to interaction with third parties to merger and acquisition. My skills have been recognized by my peers in a number of publications, and am often recommended by my clients to others looking for an attorney for my pragmatic approach to both the business of practicing law and the counsel I provide.. I also help other parties resolve their disputes by serving as a facilitaitive mediator. I have taken extensive dispute resolution, and am approved by the Kent County Circuit Court to serve as a facilitaitive mediator.

I have dedicated my career to indigent defense, and strive to provide the best representation I can to those who through no fault of their own cannot afford it.  I am a Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer (Florida 2017), "evaluated for professionalism and tested for expertise."  As an Assistant Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Michigan, I am only available by appointment of the Federal Court for the Western District of Michigan and am not available for private retention.. I am admitted to practice federally in the Western District of Florida and the Middle District of Florida.  I am admitted to practice in State court in Florida.  Please contact the Office of the Federal Public Defender, Western District of Michigan, for any questions.

I have conducted bench and jury trials to conclusion in many courts throughout the State of Michigan. I am very active in mediation and arbitration practice. I hold an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell.

I have been practicing family law for 26 years.  It is my goal to provide each client with individual attention because each client and each case is different, and I enjoy the personal interaction with a client and working towards successful completion of each case to the benefit of each family.. I have seen a need to specialize in parental alienation cases which has led to an overall greater experience in child custody cases.. Secondly, I have specialized in complex divorce matters involving significant assets, business assets, determining complex income issues of executives, self employed, or those in the miliary for child and spousal support purposes.

I have been practicing criminal law for the past 24 years.  I graduated from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1987. Prior to going to law school I recieved my undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from the university of New Haven. Since coming to Grand Rapids, my practice has been mainly criminal defense with some family law and personal injurie law to keep thngs interesting.. The reason I chose these areas of the law is that I love being in court and arguing. I have always enjoyed that part of my job the most, representing  clients is what I love.. If you find yourself in need of a criminal defense attorney, I would be honored to represent you. Just remember what I always say .... "TALK TO ME BEFORE YOU TALK TO THE POLICE"

I have 25+ years experience in estate planning and related/overlapping areas of law including wills & trusts, advanced estate/gift tax planning, asset protection, farm/business succession planning, charitable gift planning and post-death estate and trust administration.  I have an additional law degree (Ll.M. or Masters of Law) in taxation and with that have devoted my entire career to estate planning for high net worth situations (as well as more routine/basic situations).  I usually do not charge for a preliminary consultation so you can decide whether you would like to work with me "without the meter running".

I focus  my practice on general civil and commercial litigation.  I have successfully litigated numerous contractual and business disputes and have significant experience in the litigation of complex shareholder/member disputes.  In addition, my experience includes the litigation of major personal injury actions. I practice in both state and federal courts throughout Michigan.

I earned a B.A. from the University of Michigan in history, with a minor in moral and political philosophy in 2005.  Following my studies, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to clerk at Willey, Chamberlain, & Yates, which was my first experience with criminal law.  I received a J.D., with distinction, from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2009.  While in law school, I served as an associate editor of the Thomas M. Cooley Law Review and Chairman of the Mock Trial Board, Grand Rapids Campus.  Additionally, I had the opportunity to intern in the Ottawa County Prosecutor's Office which provided experience with trial work and criminal law.. Prior to joining Willey & Chamberlain LLP as an associate attorney, I used my education and experiences from law school to open a private practice devoted exclusively to criminal law.  During that time, I focused on alcohol related offenses, drug offenses, and violent crimes and was able to gain valuable experience in state courts throughout West Michigan.  Since joining Willey & Chamberlain, I have continued to develop my expertise in these areas while expanding my practice into federal criminal defense.

I earned a B.A. from Hope College in Spanish and International Relations, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. While a student at Hope College, I took advantage of their numerous study abroad opportunities, and studied in Mexico, Spain, and India. After graduating from Hope College, I volunteered for a year as an AmeriCorps Vista volunteer at the Seattle Red Cross chapter, where I worked in their International Services Department and helped reconnect families who had lost contact due to war or natural disaster.. In 2017, I received my J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, and graduated with distinction. While there, I received a certificate honoring my commitment to pro bono work. In addition, I served as an associate editor of Case Western's Journal of International Law. While in law school, I interned at several prominent Grand Rapids law firms as well as the Kent County Office of the Public Defender.. Prior to joining Springstead Bartish Borgula & Lynch PLLC as an associate attorney, I used my education and experiences from law school at the Ottawa County Office of the Public Defender. During that time, I focused on alcohol related offenses, drug offenses, assaults, and violent crimes and was able to gain valuable experience. Since joining Springstead Bartish Borgula & Lynch PLLC, I have continued to develop my expertise in these areas while expanding my practice into federal criminal defense.

I am passionate about helping people with their family law problems.  I help my clients with issues of divorce, child custody, parenting time, child support, and family abuse protection orders.  As a parent myself, I understand how important these issues are to my clients.  I view my job as a compassionate guide through a complex legal system that can be difficult for non-lawyers to navigate on their own.  I try to resolve these issues as amicably as possible, although I have taken many cases to trial when it is necessary and appropriate to do so. I draw on my over 20 years of experience as an attorney to find the best solution to life's challenges.

I am an experienced commercial litigator and construction lawyer, representing clients large and small in courts throughout Michigan.. My litigation experience includes handling everything from routine collection cases through representing the plaintiff in a shareholder oppression/fraud case that resulted in the largest jury verdict in the history of Kent County, Michigan (roughly $7.9 million) in November 2010.. My construction practice involves all aspects of construction projects, as I have represented owners, architects, general contractors, construction managers, subcontractors and suppliers and sureties on projects throughout Michigan. I offer full services concerning construction projects, from drafting and reviewing contracts through enforcing those agreements and (if necessary) litigating issues relating to liability for damages suffered or contract balances owed by the various parties.. I have also served as a court-appointed arbitrator, and have served as a "neutral" case evaluator in the Kent County Circuit Court for more than a decade, recognizing the fact that my background in handling plaintiffs' and defense work positions me well to evaluate cases without bias or slant toward either side in a lawsuit.

I am an attorney with over 16 years of experience in all West Michigan and Metro Detroit counties specializing in:. Criminal defense representation for all misdemeanor and felony charges, including:  Drunk Driving/OWI/OUID, Drug Crimes, Criminal Sexual Conduct, Armed/Unarmed Robbery, Assault and Battery, Assault with Intent to Commit Great Bodily Harm, Felonious Assault, Domestic Vioence, Larceny/Theft crimes, Home Invasion, Trespass, MIP, Creating a Disturbance, and Resisting/Obstructing Police.. Juvenile Neglect and Abuse Cases.. Juvenile Delinquency Cases.. Driver License representation:  all issues involving license restoration hearings before the Secretary of State, circuit court appeals, and Implied Consent hearings.. Seizure/Forfeiture cases.. Criminal Record Expungements.. We also provide referrals for all legal matters that we choose not to handle ourselves.

I am an aggressive and professional litigator.  Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to providing the highest degree of representation available to persons accused of any crime.  A former collegiate swimmer (and current dog lover), I use my relentless work ethic to obtain the best possible results for my clients.. During my years in Central Florida, I handled thousands of cases ranging from violent felonies (murder, sexual assault, armed robbery, etc.) to civil mental health commitments, and every manner of charge in between.. In Michigan, I defend all types of criminal cases - misdemeanors, felonies, and expungements - all over southwest and central Michigan.. Several traits set me apart from other attorneys: I treat my clients like valued human beings, I love what I do, and I'm not afraid to go to trial.  In order to best serve my clients, I utilize an aggressive motion practice.  It has been my experience that aggressive litigation improves my position to negotiate favorable outcomes for my clients. Luckily for many of my clients, I also have strong Spanish language abilities.. It is my privilege to represent anyone accused of a crime. I will proudly stand alongside you on some of the worst days of your life, and I will fight for you.

I am a trial lawyer that specializes in personal injury and criminal defense, although I have handled nearly all areas of litigation in my career.  I focus my practice in these areas of law becuase of my passion to help those in need.  Whether the individual has been wrongfully injured or is facing criminal charges; I am willing to fight for the rights of the abused, neglected and underserved.  I have achieved favorable outcomes for my clients  against some of the largest corporations in the United States and am not afraid to go toe to toe with big business or any prosecutor.  I will take the time to listen to you about your case and will vigorously advocate on your behalf.  My practice is based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan, but I have appeared as counsel of record throughout the state of Michigan and in various other states as needed by my clients.  If you need someone in your corner that is willing to actually listen and advocate for YOU, feel free to give me a call.

I am a former federal prosecutor with speicalities in appellate practice, government investigations, and commercial litigation. For 22 years I served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Western District of Michigan, and held leadership roles including First Assistant U.S. Attorney and Appellate Chief.. As First Assistant, I managed the day-to-day operations of the office, supervised the district’s Criminal, Civil, and Appellate divisions, and provided counsel to the United States Attorney on all legal and operational matters affecting the district and its 90-person team. I oversaw cases involving white collar crimes, including fraud and public corruption, as well as national security matters, cybercrimes, and violent crimes, among other matters.. As Appellate Chief, I oversaw the office’s appellate practice, drafted and reviewed hundreds of briefs, argued dozens of cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, including an en banc argument, and collaborated with the Appellate Section of the Department’s Criminal Division and the U.S. Solicitor General’s Office on matters before the U.S. Supreme Court. As a line assistant, I prosecuted violent crime cases and litigated a broad array of civil matters, including False Claims Act, environmental, tort, and regulatory compliance cases.. Before my government service, I practiced commercial litigation at Jenner & Block in Chicago and maintained an active pro bono practice, including criminal defense matters.

How does someone choose the "right attorney"? I believe that the client must feel comfortable with the attorney, along with having confidence in the attorney's abilities in dealing with the issues at hand.. I  specialize in criminal and bankruptcy law. I also handle divorce, license restoration, and debt settlement. I offer personal service and have been very successful in keeping my clients out of jail. In practicing bankruptcy law, in addition to guiding my client through the bankruptcy process, I offer advice to my clients on how to avoid various debt traps and how to live within a budget , but only if they want the advise. I respect my client's right to make their own decisions regarding their lives.. Come on in for a free consultation. I may not be the right fit for every person, but you will not get any high pressure tactics, and you can decide if me representing you and your family is the right decision for you.

Heath Lynch is an accomplished trial attorney and dynamic advocate who now defends the accused after spending nine years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney with the United States Department of Justice.  Mr. Lynch has defended and prosecuted hundreds of criminal cases, and uses his extensive experience in law enforcement to help his clients understand the charges and evidence against them, and to build the most effective possible defense against those charges.  Mr. Lynch helps his individual and business clients avoid criminal charges by negotiating with prosecuting attorneys before charging decisions are made.  Where charges cannot be avoided, Mr. Lynch assists clients through every step of the case process, with personal attention to their needs, careful evaluation of the evidence, and strategic acumen.  Mr. Lynch helps his clients weigh the decision to take a case to trial, and to understand the risks and benefits of the choices they face.  Unafraid to take any case to trial or to fight for his clients before a jury, Mr. Lynch has achieved a tremendous record of success against prosecuting attorneys, achieving acquittals in complex felony cases -- including charges which carried potential life sentences -- and in misdemeanor cases as well.  Mr. Lynch and his colleagues at Springstead Bartish Borgula & Lynch, PLLC, have built the most formidable team of trial attorneys and criminal defense specialists in Michigan.

Haney Law was founded by Troy W. Haney, who has been practicing in Michigan state and federal courts since 1993. Troy Haney has achieved statewide recognition for his expertise and success handling complex state and federal law claims including ERISA governed pension, health care and long term disability claims, as well as serious and catastrophic wrongful death claims arising from automobile crashes and construction site accidents.. We are very proud to have received the coveted “A-V” rating bestowed by Martindale-Hubbell on only the best attorneys and firms. This rating signifies that our “legal abilities are of the very highest standard” and our “professional ethics are unquestioned.”. Troy Haney is a trial lawyer who has also earned awards and recognition from his peers as evidenced by his preeminent listing in Michigan SuperLawyers and being inducted into The Best Lawyers in America in 2006. For more than two decades, The Best Lawyers in America, has been regarded – by both the legal profession and the public – as the definitive guide to legal excellence in the United States.

Former federal prosecutor and Army JAG lawyer. Now criminal defense attorney.. Tessa K. Muir brings over a decade of experience as a former federal prosecutor and Army JAG attorney. As a federal prosecutor in the Western District of Michigan, she served as the lead attorney in over 150 criminal cases and Sixth Circuit appeals. She worked closely with and trained dozens of law enforcement agencies, including the Michigan State Police, FBI, DEA, ATF, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), police departments, and sheriffs’ offices. She earned commendations for her work as a trial attorney from the FBI, HSI, and the State Bar of Michigan. Since 2015, she has been selected by fellow attorneys and federal judges in the Western District of Michigan as an instructor at the Hillman Trial Advocacy Program — the district’s premier trial practice program.. As an Army JAG attorney, Ms. Muir worked inside the military’s highest security prison, prosecuted military courts-martial, and advised servicemembers and commanders on Army disciplinary procedures and separation boards.. Ms. Muir has also served as an in-house corporate attorney at a large international tech company, where she led discreet internal fraud investigations and defended the company against lawsuits worldwide.. Ms. Muir’s combined expertise in federal and state courts, the Army justice system, federal prisons, and corporate America is unrivaled.. CRIMINAL DEFENSE. From the first stages of an investigation through the final stages of appeal, Ms. Muir knows from the inside out how the system works. As a criminal defense attorney, Ms. Muir uses her expertise as a former federal prosecutor to help her clients understand the investigative process, find weaknesses in the case, and build a strong defense.Ms. Muir specializes in:. • Federal criminal cases nationwide;• Federal sentencing guidelines;• White collar crime (including tax evasion, bank fraud, and healthcare fraud);• Internal corporate fraud investigations;• Criminal sexual conduct (CSC) investigations;• Title IX college sex assault cases;• Juvenile offenses;• Violent crime and firearms offenses; and• Drug trafficking and drug possession cases.. Ms. Muir is a persuasive courtroom advocate. She has succeeded at both the state and federal level in achieving the complete dismissal of cases after filing Fourth Amendment motions to challenge traffic stops, search warrants, and inventory searches. She has convinced prosecutors at both the state and federal level to agree with her position on motions ranging from reversing improper sentencing conditions to excluding evidence of other acts by the defendant at trial. She has persuaded prosecutors’ offices throughout Michigan not to charge clients under investigation for serious sex offenses. She used the government’s own expert witness to defeat a federal supervised release violation alleging illegal drug use. She succeeded in a motion to reverse a federal magistrate judge’s decision to deny bond to a client pending trial in a serious RICO conspiracy case. She achieved early release from a halfway house for a client suffering a mental breakdown. These are just some examples of the results she has been able to obtain for her clients.Ms. Muir’s clients routinely comment that she is responsive, empathetic, professional, and effective. Read Ms. Muir’s client reviews below.. INVESTIGATIONS, ACCUSATIONS, AND WITNESSES. Ms. Muir regularly advises people who are being investigated, accused, or called as a witness in criminal cases. As a federal prosecutor and Army JAG attorney, she worked with hundreds of victims, witnesses, and defendants during criminal investigations. She knows the ins and outs of what to expect, how to prepare, and how to protect people facing these situations.. TITLE IX COLLEGE SEXUAL ASSAULT CASES AND SERIOUS SCHOOL DISCIPLINE. Title IX and other serious school disciplinary investigations follow an administrative process handled internally by the school, and the traditional courtroom rules do not apply. Sometimes people accused in these types of cases try to defend themselves, believing that their goodwill with the school, their community contributions, or other factors will make the case go away. On the contrary, internal school investigations can have life-altering results including expulsion, termination of employment, or criminal charges. Ms. Muir comes alongside her clients to help them better understand the process, mount a thorough defense, find weaknesses in the allegations, present expert witnesses, negotiate with the school, and convince the decision makers to resolve the case favorably.. Ms. Muir has succeeded in convincing a university’s Title IX office to disqualify its full-time investigator for bias, which resulted in the replacement of the investigator and a finding of “not responsible” for the student accused of sexual assault. Ms. Muir also successfully negotiated on behalf of a school employee accused of improper contact with students, ultimately resulting in a finding of no impropriety and ensuring the investigation stayed out of the press.. INTERNAL CORPORATE INVESTIGATIONS. Ms. Muir understands confidentiality, risk management, and mitigating public fallout for companies that suspect internal fraud or are under investigation. As former in-house corporate counsel to a large international tech company, Ms. Muir is a trusted corporate advisor, especially when confidentiality and privacy are of the utmost concern.. CIVIL LITIGATION. Clients turn to Ms. Muir’s trial skills for representation in civil matters on a range of topics, both on the plaintiff’s side and the defendant’s side. Ms. Muir leverages her skills in research, writing, negotiation, and litigation to help her clients avoid the upheaval of trial. If the case goes to trial, Ms. Muir’s litigation expertise serves her clients no matter the subject area of the case. On civil matters, Ms. Muir often partners with other civil attorneys in her network to ensure a comprehensive and specialized team approach in any particular case.

Fighting for seniors…and how. While Edward F. Wiest focuses his practice on a variety of litigation matters, probate law, and estate planning, he specializes in going to bat for seniors. As a member of the AARP Legal Services Network, Ed helps seniors achieve their goals employing a range of tools designed to preserve and eventually transfer their assets while avoiding unnecessary taxation and court fees.. Having practiced in both the public and private sector, Ed has an extensive and impressive background of experience, including having served as an Administrative Law Judge for the State of Michigan. He conducted hotly contested case hearings for the State Department of Administrative Hearings in areas as diverse as Corrections and Special Education.. Such expertise gets noticed — and rewarded. On December 31, 2005, the Executive Director of the State Office of Hearings and Rules issued a Certificate of Recognition lauding the standard of excellence set by Ed in conducting administrative hearings on behalf of the State of Michigan. He has also been honored with the Michigan Department of Corrections Valor Award and was nominated for the American Correctional Association’s "Best in the Business" in the June 2003 issue of its magazine, "Corrections Today.”

EducationUniversity of Notre Dame, B.A.University of Detroit School of Law, J.D.. Bar AdmissionMichigan, 1986U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan, 1986Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, 1986U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, 1998. Professional AffiliationsAmerican Bar AssociationState Bar of Michigan, General Practice and Negligence Law SectionsGrand Rapids Bar Association, Litigation and Library CommitteesDefense Research Institute. Additional Affiliations and AchievementsNotre Dame Club of Grand RapidsKent County Family and Children’s Coordinating CouncilCatholic Lawyers AssociationThe Dwelling Place

During the first decade of practice I represented doctors and hospitals.  I now use that experience to help real people hurt by preventable, inexcusable medical errors.  A medical doctor and registered nurse assist my law partner, Rob Buchanan, and I field about 1,200 inquiries per year and select the 6-10 most meritorious claims.  Please call us if you have any questions about your (or a loved one’s) medical care.

Divorce, Family Law, Custody, Support, and Appeals.. While adept at negotiating successful resolutions to complex litigation matters, Allison is equally proficient in effective trial advocacy handling all aspects of litigation through and including numerous hearings, trials, and post-judgment issues in the state and federal courts.. Allison’s unique experience in general business litigation and family law provides an invaluable element of efficient attorney representation when the issues to be resolved or litigated include complicated compensation issues, accounting and business valuation issues, a need for income tracing, or result in collection efforts.. Allison has recently contributed to published works in the Michigan Family Law Journal related to electronic privacy, social media, and complex stock option issues in divorce litigation. Allison has also been nominated by her peers to serve a three-year term on the State Bar of Michigan Family Law Council.. Allison volunteers with the Women’s Resource Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, , and provides a divorce seminar the second Tuesday of every month from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. devoted to unveiling myths and providing answers to women contemplating divorce, in the process of their divorce, or dealing with post-judgment issues.

Diane J. Wechter has 33 years experience handling family law cases in downtown Grand Rapids (Kent County), Grand Haven (Ottawa County), Hastings (Barry County), and Allegan (Allegan County).  We are known for our focus on exceptional customer/client services, our attention to detail, and our excellent work and work products.. Providing exceptional legal representation in:  Divorce, Separate Maintenance, Custody, Parenting Time, Child Support and Property Settlement matters; Modification of Judgments of Divorce regarding Parenting Time, Child Support, and Custody ; Modification of Orders for Parenting Time, Child Support and Custody; and Enforcement of Divorce Judgments, Orders of Separate Maintenance, Qualified Domestic Relations Orders, and all other family law Orders.

Dedicated to serving and helping others. Dan practices family law - including child neglect and abuse, criminal law, personal injury, landlord/tenant law, and contract disputes. His ingrained loyalty, integrity, and commitment to serving clients will leave a lasting impression. Dan takes the time needed to effectively represent each and every client. And he makes an effort to create a relationship that lasts.. Dan enjoys helping military veterans and, being a combat veteran himself, happily provides military discounts to those veterans in need of legal advice or representation.. Dan currently lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan and is an active member of the Grand Rapids Bar Association. Dan is also an active member in the Grand Rapids Veterans Bar Association. Dan serves on the Kent County Veteran’s Treatment Court team as an advisory defense attorney.