Buchanan Lawyers

Estate Planning Attorney – Biography Matthew V. Piwowar is the founder of Legacy Architects PLLC. His practice focuses on Estate Planning, Trusts and Wills, Special Needs Children, Business Succession, Long-Term Care, and Probate. He has over 30 years of experience advising on estate planning, business law, mergers & acquisitions, finance, and international law. Mr. Piwowar was born in Marquette, MI and grew up in West Michigan. He provides services to his clients statewide, from Grandville and Grand Rapids, south to Three Rivers and Kalamazoo, north to Boyne City and St. Ignace. Experience Piwowar’s background includes such transactions as: the sale of a...

Gary E. Tibble has been helping clients in Kalamazoo and throughout Southwest Michigan in the areas of: Residential and commercial real estate Estate planning Probate Wills and Trusts Criminal Record Expungements Mr. Tibble received his Bachelor of Arts from Western Michigan University in 1977; a Master of Public Administration from Western Michigan University in 1980; a Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1990. He was admitted to practice in Michigan in 1990 and the United States Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit in 1990. Mr. Tibble is a member of numerous organizations, including: Michigan Bar Association, Kalamazoo Bar...

Nancy is a solo practitioner in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her practice areas are family law, real estate, criminal defense, and driver's license restoration. She belongs to the Family Law, Criminal law, and Real Property law sections of the Grand Rapids Bar Association. She also serves on the State Bar Committee for Libraries, Legal Research, and Legal Publications, as its chair. Her hobbies are reading, crafts, and weight lifting.

All attorneys go to trial, but there are a select few who truly live for it. William McCririe is proud to be one of those few. He thoroughly enjoys preparing for trial: reading and connecting with jurors, selecting the right experts, crafting succinct and probing witness questions and taking any necessary steps to make clients comfortable with the process. It is not unusual to find Bill McCririe meeting with clients and their families evenings and weekends before and during trial; he fights like it’s his own life on the line. Bill McCririe served as a Livingston County prosecutor for over...

James T. Haadsma has practiced with the McCroskey Law since August, 1987. He specializes in representing injured workers in workers’ disability compensation disputes before the Michigan Workers’ Compensation Agency, and in representing injured workers before the Social Security Administration’s Office of Disability Adjudication and Review. Mr. Haadsma also occasionally represents a partially disabled employee in controversies with employers under the Americans with Disabilities Act/Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act. He represents clients from Washtenaw to Berrien Counties, but predominantly in Calhoun County.

Before joining the McCroskey firm in August, 1987, Mr. Haadsma practiced with the Muskegon office of Legal Aid...

Wesley Todd is an attorney of the firm Lewis Reed and Allen. He has been named a super lawyer for the past 6 years, and has more than a decade of experience. He practices criminal law and family law in Calhoun County, Kalamazoo County and Branch County. He has successfully helped hundreds of clients during some of the most difficult times of their lives, with everything from a OWI/DUI charge to Divorce.

William Weise brings with him a history of getting exceptional results with criminal defense charges and experience handling major cases such as homicides and felony violent crimes. He also has familiarity with innovative defense and trial techniques stemming from evidence related to latent fingerprints, cellular triangulation and other tracking technologies. Bill Weise uses aggressive and creative defense strategies to give his clients the edge on getting the best possible results in all types of criminal cases including violent crimes, DUI defense, sex crimes and drug charges. Changes to the medical marijuana laws involving acceptable amounts of the drug to be...

Timothy Doman joined Grabel & Associates in 2016 after leaving his position as a Pre-Hearing Attorney with the Michigan Court of Appeals to follow his passion and interest in criminal law. He believes criminal law is fascinating and was eager to join Grabel & Associates due to our exclusive focus on criminal defense and criminal appeals. Tim Doman’s vast experience working at the Michigan Court of Appeals allows him to quickly and accurately research relevant issues to a client’s criminal defense or appeal and craft well written, comprehensive legal briefs, memos and arguments. His unique background working for both the...

Michelle McLean received her Bachelors of Science from Cornerstone University in 2002. She later received her Juris Doctorate Cum Laude from Michigan State University College of Law in 2007. While earning her law degree, Ms. McLean served both on the Inns of Court (Lansing) and also worked as an extern for Kent Countyâs 17th Circuit Judicial Court. Prior to practicing law, Ms. Mclean worked for a national mortgage lender and has over fifteen years experience in this capacity. She worked as an underwriter, collector, manager, and finally as an account executive. By combining her...

Geoffrey has been practicing law in western Michigan now — and previously in the Detroit metro area (and beyond) — since 2005. In that time, he has consulted thousands of clients, and took part in many bankruptcy cases (both Chapter 7 and 13) for individuals and small businesses and helped numerous individuals and small businesses with all their legal needs. In addition, Geoff has volunteered at Freedom House Detroit practicing immigration and asylum law, teaches test preparation classes, and tutors students for standardized tests. Geoff grew up on a dairy farm in western Michigan — in his free time he enjoys...

I am an attorney located in Kalamazoo Michigan. I practice in employment and labor law for employee clients. I also do general practice, family law, and constitutional law. At the moment, I am generally free to take consultations and new clients. I offer affordable hourly rates and low contigency fee percentages.

Born in the small town of Hart, Anna is a lifelong Michigan resident. She moved to Muskegon to practice law, joining Parmenter Law in 1997—fulfilling her goal of staying close to Lake Michigan. Anna enjoys helping people which is reflected in her legal practice that focuses on elder law, estate planning and trust and estate administration.

In helping clients and their families, Anna takes a solution-oriented approach that goes far beyond addressing the immediate problem. Her comprehensive, integrated strategy includes a full evaluation of the client's and family's needs and goals, both short-term and long-term. In addition to providing the right...

With years of experience as an assistant prosecuting attorney assigned to major felony prosecution of homicides, home invasion, armed robbery, and criminal sexual conduct cases, I have successfully litigated thousands of criminal and civil cases covering a broad range of complex legal issues. With over 30 years combined experience in all aspects of the criminal justice system, I have a unique understanding of the criminal justice process. This includes experience as a former police officer, assistant prosecutor, a private practice attorney and as an instructor and presenter with both the Michigan State Bar - Criminal Law Section and the...

Christian G Krupp II was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He attended Michigan State University and graduated in 1988. Chris then attended Thomas M. Cooley Law School where he was a member of law review and one of the few students that had his law review article published. He graduated from law school with honors in the top ten percent of his class. Christian Krupp's legal career started at Dykema Gossett, Michigan’s largest law firm. While at Dykema, he was involved in a diverse practice groups including the Corporate, Finance, and Legislative areas. After leaving Dykema, Chris joined...

Matthew S. DeLange is currently a partner with the MI Family Law Center (mifamlaw.com) and has been practicing almost exclusively in the area of family law since becoming licensed. He was a Senior Associate attorney with an American Divorce Attorneys for Men (ADAM) affiliate from 2008 until 2015 where he was one of the primary litigators for the firm. Mr. DeLange's practice is primarily concentrated in the areas of Divorce, Custody, Child Support, Personal Protection Order Defense, and Interstate family law matters. In addition to his trial court experience, Mr. DeLange has also successfully obtained reversals from...

I was born and raised in the City of Detroit and am committed to serving those individuals accused of committing criminal offenses throughout the State of Michigan.

Gary T. Neal specializes in the areas of workers' compensation, Social Security, and unemployment benefits. Mr. Neal received his law degree from the University of Wisconsin. He also graduated from Michigan State University with high honors, receiving a B.A. in criminal justice.

Mr. Neal is a dedicated advocate for his injured and disabled clients. He also has been a guest lecturer at many labor union and disability advocacy events, focusing on both workers' compensation and Social Security law.

He is a member of the Michigan Association for Justice and the Muskegon County Bar Association. He also coaches the North Muskegon High School...

S. Christopher Hunter is the founding member of Hunter Law Offices, PLLC. Prior to opening his own practice, Mr. Hunter was an associate attorney with Garrison Lawhouse, PC in Dearborn, Michigan, served as a staff attorney at the Elder Law and Advocacy Center, and most recently managed and supervised the Great Lakes Legal – Elder Law Division’s reduced-fee program. Mr. Hunter focuses his practice in the areas of Elder Law, Long Term Care Planning, Estate Planning, Probate, Trusts, Guardianship/Conservatorships, and Social Security Disability. Mr. Hunter graduated from the University of Maine School of Law with a...

A relationship approach to providing peace of mind for your family and your business. That says it all. At Lichterman Law, PLC we strive to provide families and businesses with access to their own personal lawyer. We call it the Lichterman Law Difference. It is my passion to help families and businesses make the best decisions possible throughout their lifetime or existence. We provide all services on a flat-fee only basis, agreed to in advance so there are no surprises. We want you to know you can call us any time without getting charged...

James Dimitriou attended Michigan State University graduating in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Social Science. Following his undergraduate work Mr. Dimitriou continued to receive his Juris Doctorate degree from Wayne State University and was quickly admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 1988. Mr. Dimitriou is currently admitted to practice in all local jurisdictions as well as the United States District Court, Eastern District (1988), Western District (1992) and the US Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals (2004). Before beginning his own practice, Mr. Dimitriou practiced as a city attorney in the Detroit area, as well...

I began my legal career working for the Workers Compensation Appellate Commission, a body of judges appointed by the governor to hear workers compensation appeals. While working at the commission I gained valuable insight into what proofs are required to win all types of litigated workers compensation cases. This valuable knowledge gives me the edge when representing my clients. From the Appellate Commission I went to work for a prominent insurance defense firm in Grand Rapids, MI., defending big business from claims submitted by everyday hardworking Michigan employees. Not happy with what I saw, I left...

John Karafa has represented corporate and individual clients in federal and state courts throughout Michigan for 40 years. John’s advocacy is fueled by his seasoned trial experience, professional energy, and focused determination to assist clients with their objectives, in both trial and alternative dispute resolution proceedings. Whether presenting for his clients orally or through the written word, John makes sure their voices are heard, and their concerns are expressed. At Tabono Law, John’s practice focuses on divorce, custody, and parenting time in state courts, and criminal defense in both state and federal courts. John earned his Juris Doctor degree from...

Tom Sinas is a trial lawyer who has spent his career serving the public and advocating for the injured. As a partner at Sinas Dramis Law Firm, he manages the firm’s downtown Grand Rapids office and is dedicated to serving his home community of West Michigan. While Tom’s expertise is far-reaching, he focuses his practice primarily on personal injury and wrongful death litigation, auto negligence cases, and Michigan auto no-fault law. In particular, he helps ensure individuals involved in Grand Rapids car accidents are on a level playing field with the insurance companies on the other side of a case. Over...

Brandon Hewitt is an attorney and the Chief Operating Officer at Michigan Auto Law. His top priority is ensuring the best possible client experience for everyone, from the initial consultation to the final settlement check. Brandon began his career with Michigan Auto Law as a law clerk in 2005 and he has extensive experience working at every level within the firm. Brandon is also an accomplished trial attorney, even holding the record for the largest pain and suffering jury verdict in Ottawa County history.

Brandon is a husband, father, son, and brother, and extends the same...

Rebecca is an attorney licensed in the State of Michigan. She grew up in Grand Rapids, and attended Kalamazoo College where she majored in Spanish and Religion. Soon after graduation, she began work at Catholic Human Development Outreach in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the Immigration Assistance Program where she was first exposed to immigration law. After three life-changing years of helping immigrants reunite with their families, she decided to attend law school, and she graduated and became an attorney in 2006. Rebecca then moved to Chicago where she studied and worked in tax for several years where she specialized in...

Brent Geers specializes in helping people empower those they trust and provide for those they love. Brent has been an attorney since 2012, working with individuals and families to marshal their time, talent, and treasurer for the benefit of their children, family, and community. He is a Grand Rapids Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” honoree, and currently operates his own practice, Geers Law. Brent is married to an educator, who employs his services as a chaperon for various school functions. He is also his daughter’s father – a girl who will become a president, not a princess.

Tom Kuiper is an experienced litigator with proficiency in a variety of cases and forums. He practices in State district, circuit, probate, federal and appellate courts, and in arbitration and mediation settings. He represents a variety of clients, from billion-dollar corporations in commercial litigation disputes to the individual involved in a personal dispute or family breakup. He also mediates a wide variety of cases. Although the issues and forums may differ, Tom's approach remains the same: To relate to people, to communicate difficult legal concepts and information in a clear and simple manner, and to work on a personal...

Kelsey grew up in Traverse City, Michigan where she fell in love with Lake Michigan and all the beauty and activities that West Michigan has to offer. Kelsey then spent the next six years at Michigan State University pursuing her childhood dream of becoming an attorney. Having earned both her bachelor’s and law degrees from Michigan State, Kelsey is and always will be a huge Spartan football and basketball fan. Go Green!

During law school, Kelsey worked on perfecting her legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills, receiving Jurisprudence Achievement Awards for earning the highest grade in her Advocacy and Research,...

Mr. Samouris has been a part of the winning criminal defense team at Grabel & Associates for over a decade. During that time he has gotten favorable results for clients in an endless list of types and degrees of criminal offenses in counties all over the state of Michigan. Mr. Samouris credits his success with his client’s criminal cases to his thorough preparation and hardworking attitude. At Grabel & Associates, we understand being prepared is half the battle when getting the best possible results for our clients. Meticulous preparation along with exceptional knowledge and application of the laws that apply...

Gary K. Springstead is a former FBI Agent and criminal defense attorney defending clients in state court in Michigan and federal courts throughout the United States. He is rated a Super Lawyer for Criminal Law, a 10.0 on Avvo and received the Client's Choice Award on Avvo for his outstanding work. He regularly defends clients in high-profile cases in Michigan and throughout the United States. In federal court, Mr. Springstead defends clients accused of a wide variety of crimes. This includes white collar crimes such as health care fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud and mail fraud, embezzlement, bribery and kickback schemes;...

John Bursch (www.burschlaw.com) represents Fortune 500 companies, governments, top public officials, and industry associations in high-profile cases, primarily on appeal. John has argued 12 U.S. Supreme Court cases since 2011 and 34 state supreme court cases, including 32 cases argued in the Michigan Supreme Court. John has successfully litigated hundreds of matters around the country, including six with more than $1 billion at stake. Recent matters include:

-Securing a 6th Circuit victory reinstating a multi-million-dollar commercial case on behalf of 5-hour ENERGY®
-A Michigan Court of Appeals ruling vindicating a Certificate of Need for DTE Energy's billion-dollar, natural-gas plant
-Obtaining a win...

KELLY G. LAMBERT was born in Omaha, Nebraska and graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1981. In 1985, he received his Bachelor of Arts in international relations from Michigan State University where he was a National Merit Scholar. In December 1988, he received his law degree from University of Michigan Law School, where he was the recipient of the Wolverine State Bar Association Scholarship. In 1989 he was licensed to practice law in New York. In 1990 he was admitted to practice law in Michigan. He was admitted to practice...

I live in the world of ideas and strategic planning. I value intelligence, knowledge, and competence, I have high standards in these regards, which I continuously strive to fulfill. I can objectively see the reality of a situation, and I’m adaptable enough to change things which aren’t working well. I am a strategist – always scanning available ideas and concepts and weighing them against my current strategy, to plan for every credible contingency. I am ready to work for you.

Jeanie has been a licensed attorney in Michigan since 1993 and has spent more than two decades utilizing her legal degree at law firms, non-profits, and corporate entities. Jeanie began her practice in 1993 at Culver, Knowlton, Even and Franks, practicing in the areas of corporate and real estate law. After several years in that capacity, Jeanie left private practice to join the Child Abuse Council for Muskegon County, serving as Executive Director for over five years. Jeanie managed a budget of over $600,000 and 10 employees and expanded services for children throughout Muskegon County that had been physically and sexually...

The best part of being a lawyer is helping others with their legal issues. I don’t pay for TV advertisements or premium on-line placements. Instead, I do the best I can at a fair price for my valuable clients who in turn pay me the ultimate compliment by referring me to others who may need legal services. Here are a few things I ask you to consider.

- I deal directly with my clients. I do not pass you on to a junior associate; I do the actual work, which I continue to find interesting and rewarding.

-I work...

Rebecca L. Johnson-Ellis , a partner in the firm, has been an attorney for the past 14 years and us board certified in Consumer Bankruptcy Law from the American Board of Certification. Rebecca received both her law school degree and her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University. Rebecca is admitted to practice in the courts of Michigan, the Western District of Michigan Federal Courts and the U.S. Supreme Court. Rebecca has been recognized by her peers in the Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine as a Rising Star several years in a row. Rebecca has helped thousands of individuals through the...

Educated at the University of Michigan Law School, I have spent decades helping people who have been injured or killed through the the carelessness of others. We have won some of the largest jury awards in the State of Michigan, and across the country, including a $17.8 million verdict for a victim of a mild traumatic brain injury. We fight for our clients and have never lost to an insurance company. At the same time, we care deeply for our clients and work hard to get them through these extremely challenging times that follow life changing events.

Jason Barrix founded the Barrix Law Firm in 1993 after Graduating from Thomas Cooley School. He was admitted tot he Michigan State Bar in 1993 as well as the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan. Prior to Law School Jason Barrix attended and Graduated from Central Michigan University. There he majored in Political Science receiving his Bachelor's of Science in 1988. Mr. Barrix has focused his practice on Representing those injured do to the negligence of others including Personal Injury, Auto Accident, Dog Bite, Food Poisoning, Medical Malpractice, Trip and Fall, Social...