South Branch Lawyers

As a research and writing attorney, Debra Garlinghouse has dedicated herself to the representation of persons who have been seriously injured due to the negligence of others. Ms. Garlinghouse has authored numerous appellate briefs on cases decided by Michigan’s various appellate courts. She is also a member of the Michigan Association for Justice amicus committee, writing and submitting briefs to the Michigan Supreme Court on important issues in personal injury law. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and Michigan Association for Justice, and is a founding member of the Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Cooley Alumni...

Michael Simon earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Wayne State University in 1987 and his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1990. While receiving his college and graduate education, he remained active in numerous organizations, including the Helenic Bar Association and the Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity. After obtaining his law degree, he worked as a law clerk at the U.S. Attorney’s office, the Department of Justice in Grand Rapids and later at several metropolitan law firms. As a Trial/Litigation attorney, he has dedicated himself to the representation of persons who have been seriously injured...

Mark Carlson attended Defiance College where he competed in track and field for three years, graduating in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. He then went on to attend Thomas M. Cooley Law School, receiving his Juris Doctor in 2010. Mark has been a licensed member of the Michigan Bar Association since 2012. Mark was a sole practitioner focusing on criminal law from 2012 until 2022, when he joined the Mike Morse Law Firm. In his spare time, Mark enjoys spending time with his family, friends, and dogs. He is also a big fan of movies...

A magna cum laude graduate of Wayne State University’s law school, Steve began his law career at a large firm and immediately became involved with community association law. In 2010, he joined Mark Makower and Nathaniel Abbate to start a firm focused on providing specialized legal services to community associations. Managing partner since 2013, Stephen is known for approaching problems methodically, ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and that all viewpoints are heard and respected. When not at work, he likes to spend time with his family, play guitar and go boating and skiing.

David has practiced law in the Michigan for over 24 years. He joined the firm of Donald E. McGinnis, Jr., J.D., P.C. in September 1999. Prior to his admission to the State Bar of Michigan, he attended both Michigan State University and Elmira College, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. David then went on to attend the Detroit College of Law where he graduated Magna Cum Laude earning his Juris Doctorate degree. David has concentrated his practice in the broad spectrum of felony and misdemeanor criminal defense law and specializes in driver's license restoration. David has amassed great expertise and...

Alan T. Ackerman is the managing partner of Michigan-based Ackerman & Ackerman, P.C. Alan has been aggressively fighting for the rights of displaced and undercompensated condemnation and eminent domain victims for more than 30 years. Over the past three decades, he and his firm have tried 45 monetarily significant cases at both the state and federal level which have resulted in Just Compensation each exceeding the original offer by more than $1 million. He has been an adjunct professor teaching eminent domain law at the University of Detroit Law School since 1983, and now serves as an adjunct professor at Michigan State...

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.

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...

Renee founded WN Law in 2011 in order to provide individuals with quality, affordable legal representation. Renee focuses her practice on both criminal law and family law. In her years of practice, Renee has gained extensive knowledge on how to most effectively represent her clients in order to provide the best possible outcome.

Renee has successfully represented individuals all over the State of Michigan. In her criminal practice, Renee has represented defendants facing everything from a civil infraction to a felony charge. Renee's experience includes crimes in the arena of drug crimes, theft and property crimes, juvenile crimes, violent crimes, sex...

Matthew I. Paletz is the Chief Executive Officer of Paletz Law. He oversees all operations of the Firm, as well as its future trajectory and growth. As CEO, he promotes the core values and spirit behind Paletz Law, and fosters its innovative culture. Matthew is also responsible for the financial and capital management of the Firm, and heads all marketing and promotional efforts. He strives to consistently ensure that the needs of his clients are met while being a leading advocate and supporter of legislative efforts on behalf of the real estate industry.

Matthew practices in the area of general civil...

Running a business can be incredibly challenging (and rewarding), but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. I'm an attorney, but I'm also a small business owner with an entrepreneurial spirit. I love helping small business owners and creative entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses by identifying, protecting and leveraging their intellectual property. I also help businesses with legal issues and contracts involving vendors, employees, and independent contractors.

It's tempting to DIY every aspect of your business, but doing so can actually hold you back by taking you away from what you're really good at (growing your business) and spending countless...

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...

Tessa K. Muir is an accomplished trial attorney as a former federal prosecutor and former Army JAG officer. As an Assistant US Attorney in the Western District of Michigan, Tessa served as the lead prosecutor in hundreds of federal criminal cases and Sixth Circuit appeals. She worked closely with and trained federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies on search warrants, computer investigations, and human trafficking — including the Michigan State Police, FBI, DEA, ATF, Homeland Security, police departments, and sheriffs’ offices throughout Michigan. Now, she uses that knowledge to understand weaknesses in an investigation and areas where law enforcement...

Matt Borgula is a seasoned trial attorney who has defended and prosecuted hundreds of criminal and civil cases. Prior to joining SBBL Law, he was one of the lead federal prosecutors for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan. As the Deputy Criminal Chief and head of the financial crimes unit and drug unit, Mr. Borgula handled every type of federal charge from investigation, to Grand Jury indictment through trial. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, he worked in Chicago for the law firm of Jenner & Block, where he represented clients in matters relating to...

Kristen Robinson concentrates her practice in domestic relations litigation. She also has the capability to assist clients who desire to settle their cases on the terms that work for their respective families, rather than allowing the court process to dictate the important decisions in their lives. In addition to representing clients as an advocate, Kristen is a trained neutral mediator, chosen by other lawyers and appointed by the court to assist other parties in settling their family law matters. Kristen represents clients who have cases in Oakland County, Macomb County and Wayne County. She was elected by her peers...

Attorney Matthew Van Steenkiste is committed to excellence. Mr. Van Steenkiste offers creative and practical solutions to complicated legal issues. Mr. Van Steenkiste offers a plethora of experience. In just the past year alone, Mr. Van Steenkiste has made over 200 court appearances in various District and Circuit Courts including the counties of Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, and Lapeer. Many attorneys do not make this many court appearances in their career. The law offices of Garmo & Kiste have a proven record of success throughout the entire state of Michigan including but not limited to the counties of...

From working in big law to opening his own practice, Sean has represented the intellectual property needs (e.g., patents, copyrights, and trademarks) of clients large and small for nearly a decade. He has drafted applications and performed opinion work for numerous large clients, such as IBM, Applied Materials, Toyota, Nvidia, Air Liquide, CareFusion, and Western Digital, as well as smaller clients and institutional clients. He has experience drafting and prosecuting applications for a broad variety of technologies including nanotechnology, automotive, artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacture, photolithography/maskless lithography, plasma physics, magnetic hard drive architecture, analog automation, bionic implants, bionics, chemistry, medical devices,...

Wyatt Wells is a partner attorney at Kimball & Wells, PLLC. He currently services clients in Grand Rapids and its surrounding areas, focusing on estate planning, probate, and other related issues. Wyatt graduated Magna Cum Laude from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Before attending law school, he earned a B.S. in Neuroscience from the University of Michigan, as well as a Masters of Public Health from the University of South Florida.

Experienced criminal defense attorney and former prosecutor. Also experienced in consumer protection matters, such as debt defense, creditor harassment, and fair credit reporting issues.

Michael Z. Zavier PLC is a specialized practice, dedicated to providing victims of all types of personal injury, as well as employment and civil rights cases with dignified, personalized and professional legal representation. Without any advertising, the goal has been to build a thriving, highly successful practice by performing high quality work and developing an excellent reputation within the legal community and with clients. Nearly all of the firm's clients are referred by past or existing clients and by other attorneys and law firms.

Professional Affiliations: Michigan Bar Association Wayne County Family Law Bar Association Oakland County Bar Association Livingston County Bar Association Washtenaw County Bar Association Michigan Association for Justice (formerly Michigan Trial Lawyers Association) Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan Professional Accreditations: Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rated AV (Highest possible Rating in both Legal Ability and Ethical Standards) 2005-2023 Michigan Super Lawyers 2010-2023 Family Law Certificate recipient, Institute for Continuing Legal Education (I also teach the Custody and Parenting Time segment for this program)

William Maze is a Wayne County criminal defense attorney with nearly 20 years of experience. BA, The Citadel, Military College of South Carolina, 1992 JD, Wayne State University Law School, 1996 National College for DUI Defense National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan (President 2014-2015) Wayne County Criminal Defense Bar Association Downriver Bar Association Founding Member Darrow Criminal Defense Attorneys *Training & Awards* Published Michigan Supreme Court Victories Numerous Victories Before the Michigan Court of Appeals DBusiness Top Lawyers Super Lawyers People's Choice Award AVVO Graduate - National Criminal Defense College (NCDC) in...

At Shafer Swartz, PLC, we have represented individuals seriously injured as a result of negligence for more than 4 decades. Matt graduated from Michigan State University College of Law, as well as from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. While his practice takes him all over the state, Matt lives in West Michigan with his wife and two daughters. Matt provides all clients with his mobile phone number and personal email address. All calls, emails, and text messages are returned within 24 hours, usually much sooner that. Weekend appointments and phone conferences are available with advance...

Joseph Engerer received his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law and a Bachelor of Science in political science from Grand Valley State University. He worked as a litigator in the insurance defense field representing several major carriers before joining the offices of Helmkamp, Ellis, and Abraham in 2017. This experience has given him valuable insight in handling cases against large and often powerful insurance companies. Joseph clerked for the Michigan Supreme Court and worked in the state legislature prior to becoming an attorney.

Mr. Engerer’s areas of practice include personal injury, civil litigation, contracts, real...

Drawing on nearly 20 years of experience, Rod is committed to helping families, small businesses, and nonprofit corporations succeed by providing the best possible legal services in a timely manner and with the greatest possible attention to the details that support client success and satisfaction. Rod has been acknowledged for delivering win-win outcomes in corporate litigation. He has a history of successfully negotiating settlements based upon sound and resourceful pretrial strategies, and winning dismissals in state and federal courts and before administrative agencies. Rodâs thorough knowledge of courts, nonprofit corporations, and closely held businesses arises from...

PrainLaw, PLLC is a Michigan Criminal Defense law office that is tirelessly seeking justice. We specifically concentrate on defending those accused of Assaultive crimes, including Assault, Assault and Battery, Domestic Violence (Domestic Assault), Sexual Assault (Criminal Sexual Conduct), Resisting and Obstructing, Felonious Assault, Stalking, Child Abuse, Homicide, and all other crimes that are Assaultive in nature. A graduate of the famed Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers College, Brian has been nationally ranked a Top 10 Criminal Defense Attorney in Michigan by NACDA, Top 40 Trial Lawyer Under 40 by National Trial Lawyers, and can be seen in...

Maynard Law Assoicates, PLLC is a full service law firm established in 1999. Our experienced attorneys provide top notch representation to clients throughout the State of Michigan on any legal matter. CALL US FIRST. Paying the highest fee does not mean getting the best lawyer. We provide thorough and agressive representation at a FAIR PRICE. We will work with your budget to tailor a fee that you can afford, without compromising service. If you face any type of legal issue, CALL US FIRST. We will be thoroughly prepared and fight for you. Choosing the right lawyer is one of the most important...

JEELANI LAW FIRM, PLC is an immigration law practice which provides legal services to individuals and businesses throughout the U.S. The Firm handles all immigration matters including family based adjustment of status/green card cases, citizenship filings, waivers, appeals, K-1 Fiance visas, asylum, humanitarian parole, U and T-visas, Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, employment authorization applications, travel permits, representation of businesses and employees when filing L1A/B Petitions, H1B petitions, and Permanent Labor petitions. In the case of investors who wish to receive status as an E1/E2 Treaty Trader/Investor or an EB-5 Investor, our office can help you...

When consider Divorce Lawyers in Michigan make sure to choose a lawyer whose primary practice is divorce and family law and not one that dabbles in each. Robert J. Stelmock is a Divorce Lawyer that does not dabble in family law but whose practice is focused on Divorce and Family Law. Mr. Stelmock is the founder of Stelmock Law Firm, PC, also the managing attorney for the firm and is a certified mediator for divorce, custody and all family law matters. As a Divorce Lawyer, his primary practice is Family Law and Divorce. Since 1998 he...