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I am the founder and managing attorney of Furtado Law, PLLC, located in Grand Rapids. My practice provides individuals, start-ups and small businesses with high quality legal services and a "one-on-one" client focus. I also assist cannabis, hemp and CBD companies with entity formation, licensing, compliance and general business matters. Significant trial experience in state and federal courts.. Admitted to Practice: Michigan; Western District of Michigan; Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals

EducationAquinas College, B.A.University of Detroit School of Law, J.D. summa cum laude. Bar AdmissionMichigan, 1984. Professional AffiliationsState Bar of MichiganWest Michigan Estate Planning CouncilCatholic Lawyers AssociationGrand Rapids Business Owners AssociationAmerican Society of IRS Problem Solvers (ASIPS). Additional Affiliations and AchievementsUnited States Attorney’s Office, Western District of Michigan, 1982Michigan Court of Appeals, Pre-Hearing Division, 1984-86Assistant Editor-in-Chief, University of Detroit School of Law, Law Review, 1983-84

Mr. Schnelker has extensive experience in general corporate, financeand real estate matters that are of benefit to most businesses.  He hasrepresented, and continues to represent, real estate developers,manufacturing companies and other growing business with operational,employment and other matters with particular expertise in real estateand inventory financing as well as real estate acquisition, developmentand sale transactions.  In 2007 alone he represented buyers and sellersin real estate transactions valued in the aggregate at more than $50million including transactions involving shopping centers, apartmentbuildings, mobile home parks, private universities and Michigangovernment agencies.

Justin Wheeler approaches each case with diligence and skepticism. His five-point mantra in any matter is 1) assume nothing 2) question everything 3) open your eyes 4) challenge the opposition and 5) think for yourself. Justin has unique insights into the needs of business owners, having grown up in a family business environment. He will leverage his varied and practical experience for positive client outcomes.. Justin is married with two boys. When out of the office or with family, he enjoys spending time on the golf course or watching/attending various sporting events. During law school, he served as a teaching assistant in both Wills & Trusts, and Civil Procedure.. Justin is determined to work hard for his clients and never let an adversary dictate the facts of case to him. He is an advocate for his clients because he believes they deserve nothing less. Justin’s main practice areas include corporate and business law, real estate, mergers and acquisitions, collections and estate planning.

We Aren’t a Traditional “White Shoe” Business Law Firm. No Matter Which Kind of Shoes You Wear, We Can Help You Start Up, Manage, Grow, and Protect your Business.. We are a different kind of business law firm. A firm that is focused on the client experience and empowering its clients to achieve their goals. A firm that is fully technology enabled. A firm that doesn’t charge its clients by the hour. A firm that values efficiency and simplicity over complexity and legalese, and results over activities. A firm that gives back to the communities that it serves. All while retaining the sophistication, expertise, and high standards that clients expect from the best “white shoe” law firms. You will love your lawyer.

Since coming to Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1973, I have successfully helped non-profit organizations, businesses and individuals with lawsuits and transactions.  My work is primarily in litigation, business transactions and real estate.. Among my successes is a case that received national publicity, when I defended the publication by a non-profit publisher of a book on the Shroud of Turin.  I also established new zoning and constitutional law with one of my cases at the Michigan Supreme Court and I have filed two cases in the US Supreme Court.. I help business start-ups and represent clients in all types of business transactions including the purchase and sale of existing businesses.  I also  represents business and non-profit clients in commercial and real estate transactions and disputes.  And I have  also helped many individuals recover damages in personal injury claims and families recover damages for wrongful death.  I have obtained tax-exempt status for several charities.. In addition to my practice, I enjoyed being an adjunct professor at Ave Maria School of Law,  teaching Business Organizations (agency, partnership, corporation, limited liability company). I am a founder and President of a non-profit for developmentally disabled adults (His Eye Is On The Sparrow) and President of the Michigan Alumni Association for Williams College.  I am also a member of Christ the King Catholic Parish and The Word of God Community and, most importantly, I have a family: 1 wife and 3 children.