Decatur Lawyers

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...

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...

Anne Buckleitner puts her more than 30 years in government and law to work for clients in the areas of civil rights, employment law, criminal defense, facilitative mediation and neutral workplace investigations. She litigates in both federal and state courts. Anne is an accomplished litigator and counselor, an experienced problem solver, and a strong advocate. Through negotiation, litigation, and mediation, Anne identifies and obtains the best possible results for her clients. Anne makes good communication with her clients a priority.

Anne was born and raised in St. Joseph, Michigan. She spent the first chapter of her career working for the federal...

Nate is a personal injury lawyer with Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers,. In 2018, the National Trial Lawyers Association named Nate one of its Top 40 Under 40 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers in Michigan. Nate graduated from the University of Michigan and Chicago-Kent College of Law. While in law school, Nate interned with the United States Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Federal Defender. Nate graduated from the Trial Lawyers College in 2017, a prestigious trial program taught by several of the nation’s top trial attorneys. Nate practices personal injury law because, according to him, it is a battle for...

Laura believes in compassionate estate planning and estate administration and focuses on the unique needs of each client. She also values mediation for resolving disputes efficiently and cost-effectively for clients. Since 2020 Laura has been with Herbert Machnik assisting clients with their trust and estate needs along with business formations and litigation among other areas of the law. To give back to her community, Laura has served as a court-appointed attorney or guardian ad litem for clients in Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties, and as a judge for several student moot court competitions. Laura is a member of the LGBTQA, Agriculture,...

Justin began his legal career in insurance defense where he gained experience handling complex litigation matters. Justin continued to build his litigation acumen by working on cases across a wide spectrum of legal issues including personal injury, no-fault PIP claims, wrongful death, contract disputes, property disputes, and premises liability. Since starting at Herbert Machnik in 2022, Justin has been a valuable asset on the civil litigation team in addition to assisting in matters related to estate planning and business planning and formation. Justin is an active member of his church and gives back to his community by working with the...

Alesha's legal career began in Tennessee in 2009 following her graduation from Florida Coastal School of Law. Initially practicing in family law, criminal law, and juvenile law, Alesha decided to focus solely on family law upon moving back to Michigan in 2013. Since then, she has helped hundreds of Michigan families navigate their legal struggles by assisting with issues such as custody, divorce, child support, guardianships, abuse and neglect, and adoptions. Alesha leads the family law Practice at Herbert Machnik Law Firm where she's been an attorney since 2020. Outside the office Alesha's commitment to families is demonstrated in her...

University of Detroit School of Law (1979); Western Michigan University (BBA 1976); Practicing exclusively in the field of Social Security disability. Partner in one of the largest and most successful firms in southwest Michigan that focuses exclusively in this field. Our attorneys are local and have high success rates with the judges who will decide your case. We have worked with many of the areas treating physicians and meet and consult with you from the beginning of the process and as often as needed. Our unique knowledge of the process involved, physicians, and thorough preparation of your case...

Bill Webster has been representing hard working men and women of Southwest Michigan for over 16 years in social security disability, workers' compensation, personal injury and domestic relations matters.

Since he began practicing law, Luke has gained experience in all aspects of the justice system. He has experience in administrative hearings, trial courts, and appellate courts. He has represented criminal defendants, prosecuted municipal ordinance violations, and served as guardian ad litem for children in child protective proceedings, vulnerable adults, and people with mental incapacitation. He maintains a robust transactional practice as well. Serving clients with real estate transactions (residential and commercial) and business sales (industrial and commercial).

Mr. Migala is a licensed attorney serving clients in Southwest Michigan for over 20 years. A former Michigan State Trooper, Berrien County Deputy Sheriff, and Benton Harbor Patrolman, he brings all of his knowledge and expertise to the courtroom. As an experienced attorney, he works hard to insure that his clients receive the compensation they deserve.

"My firm represents those injured or killed in accidents and criminal defense. I have been responsible for all areas of my practice, not just legal representation management, but business management as well, including developing and implementing the firm advertising and marketing plan with a...

Shawn Coppins is an aggressive litigation attorney and is one of the firm’s founding partners. Mr. Coppins was born and raised in the Metro-Detroit area. Prior to establishing Coppins Law Group, he was a litigation attorney at one of Michigan‘s largest law firms. Mr. Coppins also worked as a litigation attorney with one of Michigan's most well renowned Civil Rights Firms. Since his admission to the State Bar of Michigan, Shawn Coppins has represented clients in both State and Federal Court. Although many seem quick to criticize trial attorneys, their criticism ends when they find themselves...

Ray's practice is mainly involved with divorce, custody, alimony and collections. Raymond Pater was born in the Netherlands and is one of eight children. After his family immigrated to the United States, and although of modest means, six of his siblings attended college and two went on to obtain PhDs, later becoming college professors. An older sister never attended high school, but was admitted to college because of a nearly illegible transcript and ironically went on to become a high school teacher. While attending grade school and high school, Ray worked in the family business selling eggs and chickens...

Attorney Michael Haddock earned a Master of Laws in Commercial Real Estate Law and Development and a Juris Doctor JD with an emphasis in litigation and has years of corporate insurance law and litigation experience. His clients are individuals and businesses throughout the U.S. with a large percentage from Saugatuck, Douglas, Holland, South Haven, Chicago, and Kent, Van Buren Ottawa, and Allegan Counties. He serves our expanded community in issues regarding real estate, wills and trusts and litigation defending contractors, developers, real estate holding companies, assisted living communities, condominium associations, businesses and individuals and...

Attorney Keilen is licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan, the Federal US District Court for the Western District of Michigan, and the Federal US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Attorney Keilen is a Board Member and Attorney Representative for Kalamazoo Plus; he is an Advisory Board Member for the Michigan Medical Device Accelerator.

Attorney Keilen is a commercial litigator specializing in closely held business disputes; he is also the founder/owner of a local medical device company, giving him a unique appreciation for the legal issues in today’s business environment. Attorney Keilen has been a guest...

Jeffrey’s experience and expertise in consumer bankruptcy – specifically chapters 7 and 13 – makes all the difference. “Our firm has shown time and time again that our dedication to the client does not end when their case does. Our job isn’t done until we have done everything possible to help clients lead a financially successful life,” he explains. “I love seeing my clients, but I know I am most successful if I never need to see them again. If my clients exit bankruptcy with a better understanding of their finances, what mistakes they made, and how they can avoid...

Gail Towne has worked almost exclusively in the area of family law for over thirteen years throughout the state of Michigan. She is now a partner with the Kalamazoo law firm of Lennon, Miller, O'Connor & Bartosiewicz, PLC where she commits her practice to helping individuals and families traverse through the family courts or facilitate private settlements related to family law issues. Specifically, Gail's practice focuses on domestic relations law including divorce, paternity, child custody, child support, and other family law matters. She is an experienced litigator, but also committed to alternative dispute resolution, particularly collaborative law,...

Steve Weston has over three decades of experience representing seriously injured clients and their families. Through his extensive knowledge of personal injury law, he understands that his role as an attorney and advocate is crucial to his client’s recovery. Steve advocates for victims suffering from a wide range of accidents and injuries and has dedicated years of study to gain an especially thorough understanding of traumatic brain injuries and severe burn injuries. He has represented victims of defective products, fire and explosions, unsafe premises, and auto accidents in many unique situations. The satisfaction of his clients is how Steve measures his...

Sanford Law Office Founder and Owner, Rebecca Breitkreuz Sanford, Esq. is a general practice lawyer who specializes in family law, but also has extensive experience in both civil and criminal law as well. Her commitment to confidentiality and providing personalized attention has earned her a reputation of professionalism, expertise and dedication among her clients and peers.
Core Competencies
Family Law – divorce, custody, support, adoption and grand parenting time
Planning Services – estate planning, will drafting, succession planning and living trusts
Mediation – both in person and remotely via Zoom
Litigation – preparation of litigation documents and settlement pleadings
Claim Law – negotiation and drafting...

Ray Steadmon is an attorney in Kalamazoo, Mich. office. He was born and raised in the Kalamazoo area. .

Ray earned his J.D. degree from Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Ill., in 2008 and his B.A. and B.S. degrees from Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Mich., in 2005.

Over the course of his career, Ray has guided his clients through some of the most difficult times of their lives with genuine concern for their wellbeing. His legal knowledge has led to the the protection of their rights and the recovery of millions of dollars on their behalf....

30 + years experience serving injured people in west Michigan. Single-handedly generated over $200 million in results for my local clients. Specializing in car accident injury claims and the toughest workers comp claims. Other personal injury services include: • big rig and motorcycle accident injury claims • bicycle and pedestrian injury claims • medical malpractice • ATV/OTR and watercraft injury claims • animal attack injury claims • wrongful death claims Personal injury is ALL I DO because I am passionate about helping injured people get the compensation they deserve! My extensive courtroom success puts your claim in prime position with insurance adjusters from the very start. Tough...

I have been practicing law for 25 years. My practice focuses on family law including divorce, custody, parenting time, asset division and support.

At Legacy Counsel, we help people change their family tree by passing down their hard-earned assets protected from unnecessary taxes, creditors, and divorcing spouses so that the next generation can enjoy the fruits of financial freedom—stronger relationships, better health, less stress, and greater happiness. We accomplish this by educating our clients about financial, legal, and tax strategies that were previously available only to wealthy insiders.

Michael J. Caywood began practicing law in 1991 and joined Dresser Dresser Haas & Caywood, PC in 1999. Prior to moving to Sturgis, Michael practiced in Phoenix at the law firm of Snell & Wilmer and in Chicago with Ungaretti & Harris and the Division of Enforcement for the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. While in Phoenix and Chicago, Michael's practice included complex commercial, medical products liability, intellectual property and securities litigation in both State and Federal Courts, as well as intricate technology transactional agreements. Michael has further developed his practice since joining Dresser Dresser Haas & Caywood, PC....

Ross W. Keilen is an attorney with Keilen Law, PLC. Ross focuses his practice on helping individuals and businesses with challenges, transactions, and disputes; Ross specializes in commercial litigation, business/corporate law, estate planning, assets management, personal injury, and probate disputes.

Ross earned a Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University; thereafter, he graduated from the Michigan State University College of Law, where he received several jurisprudence awards and was listed on both the Honor Roll and the Dean’s List. Ross is a member of the State Bar of Michigan.

Ross lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He enjoys golf, distance running and sailing. He...

Attorney Daniel W. Grow of Grow Defense practices in all courts in West Michigan. Because Mr. Grow believes that your freedom comes first, he handles each stage of your representation personally. Never more than a phone call away, he will keep you apprised of all developments in your case and is happy to be your guide to a successful resolution of your charges. He has been successful in having charges dismissed or reduced, vindicated at trial, and resolved without substantial custody time or fines.

Over 20 years actively practicing law in Southern Michigan. I was a partner at a large law firm for several years, but now I operate my own small firm. Because of that, we have significantly reduced overhead compared to large law firms. This means we can provide clients with the highest quality legal services at a lower expense.

Graduated from Wayne State University Law School with a Master of Law - Taxation (LL.M.), Thomas M. Cooley Law School with a Juris Doctorate (J.D.), and Nazareth College in Kalamazoo with a Bachelor's in Business Administration in Management (BBA). Additional practice areas: Commercial real estate development law including wetlands, environmental, drain law, Land Division Act, ground leases, property tax uncapping, Downtown Development Authority, commercial leases, and mediation services. Call or email me for a free consultation on how I can help you reach your commercial and business development goals.

Chris Micklatcher is the President of Fresh Start Tax Solutions, a tax resolution firm specializing in assisting small businesses and individuals with their tax problems. Mr. Micklatcher is licensed as both a Certified Public Accountant and Attorney and can be reached at Fresh Start Tax Solutions LLC, 7100 Tower Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49014. The telephone number is 269-969-9752. You can find his website at www.freshstarttaxsolutions.com.

Michael D. Marrs graduated from Michigan State University in 1966, after which he attended the Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law, and earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1970. Following graduation, Mike served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago from 1970 through 1975, as the Chief of the Narcotics Prosecution Unit. A native of Berrien County, he returned to Michigan where, until joining Conybeare Law Office, he was a sole practitioner located in Stevensville, with a practice focus in the areas of medical malpractice, auto negligence, product liability and general...

I am Erika S. Shadowens, a family law attorney with a strong reputation for my tenacious advocacy and strategic approach to litigation. As a partner at Varnum LLP, I have dedicated over 28 years to representing clients in complex divorce, child custody, and high-asset family law cases. Known for my unwavering dedication, I am a formidable presence in the courtroom, where I advocate relentlessly to protect my clients' rights and interests. My litigation experience covers all levels of the legal system, including the Michigan Supreme Court, where I have successfully argued challenging cases. Whether it's high-conflict custody disputes or intricate financial...