Mcbrides Lawyers

I enjoy the interaction with people where I can explain something that may seem complex in a way that helps them understand. As a former teacher, I do enjoy those ah-ha moments where things click. I enjoy talking with clients and getting to know them and their situation, so that I can find the best possible solutions for their needs. I believe that effective estate planning is a critical component of my client’s life planning. I believe that family fights over inheritance are unnecessary and wasteful. Families achieve better outcomes through planning rather than fighting. While it is...

Patrick T. Barone is the founding partner and CEO of The Barone Defense Firm, specializing in the zealous defense of individuals accused of State and Federal crimes. Headquartered in Birmingham, Michigan, the firm also maintains offices in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Mr. Barone frequently lectures at national and state seminars attended by lawyers, judges, and scientists, providing expert commentary in newspapers, on television, and on the radio. He is a graduate of the prestigious Gerry Spence Trial Lawyer’s College. As an author, Mr. Barone has made significant contributions to legal literature, including “Defending Drinking Drivers,” one of the most highly respected treatises...

Since 1989, I have been an attorney licensed by the State Bar of Michigan. In my decades of general practice, I have served thousands of clients. Among the first-50 attorneys in Michigan to complete the Family Law Certificate program offered by the Institute for Continuing Legal Education in Ann Arbor, MI, I have completed more than 1000 divorces from start to finish. In addition to family law, I have a robust criminal law practice, representing clients in jury trials and appeals across Michigan. A roster attorney for the Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System for 3-years, I...

My practice was founded on principles of integrity, dedication and trust. You will receive straight honest answers from me and I personally work on all cases.

Attorney and Counselor – Michael J. Boyle is a Partner and Shareholder and serves as Senior Trial Attorney. He joined the Barone Defense Firm in 2005 after a successful solo criminal defense practice. Mr. Boyle is a highly trained and skilled Trial Attorney and has represented clients in over 70+ counties throughout Michigan. Mr. Boyle is a graduate of the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan Trial College. He has also a graduate of the highly regarded “Trial Lawyers College,” which was founded by nationally renowned trial attorney Gerry Spence. Like Mr. Barone, Mr. Boyle has worked personally with...

Mara Kent (she/her/hers) is a life-long resident of Ann Arbor, Michigan and a licensed attorney since 1996. Mara’s practice areas include estate planning, probate and trust administration, elder law and long-term care planning, special needs planning, estate planning for surrogacy, same-sex adoptions and step-parent adoptions, and prenuptial agreements. Mara loves working with people and making personal connections with her clients, doing what she generally considers to be “happy law.” Mara counsels her clients on how to plan for major life events by anticipating common (and not-so-common) problems before they arise, so her clients can strategize about how to minimize court involvement,...

President and founder Jesse R. Sweeney (pictured above), is a graduate of Michigan State University, James Madison College, and Michigan State University Law School (1999, Cum Laude). He is Certified as a bankruptcy expert through the American Board of Certification Board Certified, is a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute, and the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys. Additionally, he is licensed and in good standing in the State of Michigan, the Eastern District of Michigan and the Western District of Michigan and the US District Court of Colorado, . He has been practicing bankruptcy law...