West Branch Lawyers

Robert Gavin is the Senior Associate at Shifman & Carlson, P.C. He has been practicing law since 2008, and was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2015, 2018, and 2019. He was also listed by DBusiness Magazine as a Top Lawyer in the Metro Detroit Area for Public Finance Law in both 2014, 2017, and 2018.

Rob brings a wide variety of skills and a diverse background to bear for his clients, including his experience with contract negotiation, employee issues, construction issues. Rob's undergraduate degree is in engineering, which has also been useful to clients during construction issues and in...

FREE TELEPHONE AND VIDEO CONSULTATIONS VIA ZOOM.

John E. Melton is a criminal defense attorney who has successfully defended people charged with a variety of crimes in courts all over the State of Michigan. This includes: -Sexual Criminal Conduct -Drug Crimes -Violent Crimes -Drunk Driving -White Collar Crimes -Domestic Violence -Armed Robbery -Breaking and Entering -and many more. Our offices are in Sandusky and Saginaw. We regularly practice in Flint, Saginaw, Bay City, The Thumb, Midland, Port Huron and surrounding areas and all of Southeast Michigan. We know the judges in these areas. We...

Jodi graduated Magna Cum Laude from Michigan State University College of Law in 2008 and quickly focused her practice on providing tenacious, quality representation in high-profile criminal matters, and contested divorce and custody actions. She represents parents in child protective cases, juveniles accused of crimes in the family court, and she helps litigants restore their driving privileges after they have been revoked. Jodi has an active appellate practice as well. During law school, Jodi clerked for the Honorable Joseph J. Farah in the Genesee County Circuit Court, immersing herself in the pursuit of learning everything she could about criminal jury...

Julie A. Gafkay graduated from Michigan State University in 1992 with a dual major in criminal justice and political theory. She graduated from Whittier Law School in 1995 with honors. Her first position was in Flint, Michigan focusing on civil rights and employment discrimination. In 2003, Attorney Gafkay opened her own statewide practice in Frankenmuth, Michigan. The practice's attorneys provide a general practice to the local area providing legal services in Wills, Trusts, Estate Planning, Elder Law, Business Planning, contract review, landlord/tenant issues, real estate, employment issues and other general practice areas. Attorney Gafkay has...

Lee Hornberger is a member of the National Academy of Arbitrators. He is a former Chair of the SBM Alternative Dispute Resolution Section, Editor Emeritus of The Michigan Dispute Resolution Journal, former member of the SBM Representative Assembly, former President of the Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association, and former Chair of the Traverse City Human Rights Commission. He is a member of the Professional Resolution Experts of Michigan (PREMi), an invitation-only group of Michigan’s top mediators, and a Diplomate Member of The National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. He is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and a Fellow of the...

Mr. Smith has practiced as a trial attorney since graduating Notre Dame Law School in 1992. He has litigated cases across the country including cases from Ventura County, California to Middlesex County, New Jersey. He practices in both State and Federal courts.

In 2017, he began representing Michigan cities and counties in what has shaped up to be one of the largest pieces of litigation ever in the history of our federal court system. The majority of Northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula counties retained Mr. Smith and his team to represent their interests in MDL 2804, in RE: National Prescription Opioid...

I am rated AV by Martindale Hubbell. I completed my Certificate of Completion for the Probate and Estate Planning Certificate Program in Michigan in 2010. I practiced in the area of insurance defense litigation from 1989 through 2012. I have tried over 60 civil jury cases. My practice now focuses on estate planning, probate, and trust administration.

I live in Northern Michigan, married with two adult children and a dog. I play guitar in 3 different rock n roll cover bands. I also attempt to sing...

We are a full service law firm. You can depend on us to look out for every aspect of your legal needs - business or personal, and at any stage of your life. McClintic Law Firm has been practicing law since 1913 in Isabella County and the entire state of Michigan. We provide full legal service to the community today. We are happy to serve the Mt. Pleasant area, Isabella county, Gratiot county, Clare County, Midland County, Mecosta County, and beyond. Our firm is well versed and experienced in all areas of the law, including business law, criminal law, real...

Bailor B. Bell represents clients in serious personal injury cases – including survivors of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment – and wrongful death matters, as well as probate litigation and administration. Before joining the firm, Mr. Bell practiced as a general civil litigation attorney for eight years. Mr. Bell has represented clients in the Michigan Supreme Court, the Michigan Court of Appeals, the Michigan Court of Claims, U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, and circuit and probate courts throughout Michigan. Mr. Bell previously served on the Executive Board for the Detroit Free Legal Aid Clinic and continues...

Robert graduated from Western Michigan's Thomas M. Cooley Law School Cum Laude in 2016. He has devoted his practice to personal bankruptcy since then. We help people get control of their financial life with free case evaluations, free consultations, and easy payment plans.

David M. Glancy is an experienced civil and criminal trial attorney. He has substantial experience in evaluating and litigating automobile accidents, premise liability claims and first-party/No-Fault claims. He has handled serious felony, misdemeanor, drunk/drugged driving, and juvenile criminal matters; including multiple high-profile homicide cases.

In addition, Mr. Glancy also practices in the Circuit Court – Family Division, where he has handled numerous cases involving divorce, custody, parenting time issues, juvenile offense and neglect abuse cases.

Mr. Glancy was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 2004. He is a member of the Grand Traverse County Bar Association and the...

The Mortimer Law Firm and their experienced team of attorneys and paralegals are skilled in, Social Security Disability, Bankruptcy, Driver’s License Restoration, Criminal Law, Student Loan Repayment consulting, and Estate Planning. For over 30 years, the Mortimer Law Firm has served their clients with zeal and fought effectively for their justice. The Mortimer Law Firm has 2 offices in Alpena and Petoskey, MI. Our consultations are always free.

Monica Beck has been a civil litigator for over 20 years. Ms. Beck focuses her nationwide practice on representing survivors of sexual abuse, assault, and harassment, and her clients range from young children to the elderly. Ms. Beck has successfully represented students and athletes in Title IX lawsuits, victims of child sex abuse in achieving civil justice from institutions and perpetrators that harmed them, and employees in litigation for violation of their Title VII and FMLA rights. Ms. Beck has recovered millions of dollars for her clients, including but not limited to a $1.8 million judgment against a school employee...

I take pride in finding solutions to difficult problems. That is why I practice law. While I focus my practice on Family Law, please feel free to contact my office with your specific problem. If I cannot provide you with a solution, I will let you know and try to point you in the right direction. I will not take on a case that I do not think that I can provide a favorable outcome for my client.

Benjamin Stoltman focuses on Adult and Minor Guardianships, Wills, Trusts and Estates, Adoptions, Non-Profit Formation, Business Transactions, and Appeals.

Ben graduated magna cum laude from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. While in law school, Benjamin served as a member of Law Review and was the recipient of numerous awards for academic merit, including top marks in civil procedure, military law, and the professional responsibility seminar.

Benjamin was also inducted as a member of the Justice Frank Murphy Honor Society, an honor reserved for students graduating in the top ten percent of their class.

Prior to starting...

Active in the practice of Admiralty and Maritime Law throughout the Great Lakes and Great Rivers Region of the United States, including marine related criminal offenses. Representing marine insurance interests, recreational boaters, ferry operators, marine surveyors, salvors, marine construction, charter boat operators, ferry operations, and marinas. Affiliated with: GREAT LAKES DISPUTE RESOLUTION, LLC www.GLDR.us , a mediation and arbitration service dedicated to marine and maritime interests.

Ashley graduated from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2019, and went on to pass the bar as a first-time test taker. Ashley has a strong passion for Family and Criminal law and began her legal career as an intern at the Genesee County Courthouse in the Criminal/Civil Division, before moving on to become a Judicial Law Clerk for the Family Division – after which she entered practice and went on to establish Birka Law PLLC.

Nick Roumel is a trial lawyer with over 30 years experience in state and federal courts. He focuses on plaintiff's employment and civil rights litigation, as well as educational law matters, such as Title IX sex harassment, assault, and retaliation, as well as serious personal injury in the educational setting. He is recognized as a Thompson-Reuters "Super Lawyer" in employment litigation, reserved for the top 5% of attorneys in that field. Mr. Roumel has represented numerous high profile athletes and artists; victims of domestic and sexual violence; and students expelled for exercising constitutional rights. He has been appointed for various matters...

Zach Backlund works in our Gaylord, Michigan branch office and has handled numerous family law, estate plan, and real estate cases over the past several years in many counties in northern Michigan. He previously practiced law in the Traverse City, Michigan area, working on a variety of cases involving both transactional and litigated matters. Before becoming an attorney, Zach Backlund worked as a landman (2014-2016), taught English as a second language (2006), and also served as an AmeriCorps Corps Member (2005-2007).

Sterling Law practices in the areas of Family Law, Immigration, Estate Planning, Probate, Civil Litigation, Real Estate, and Business...

Aggressive, professional legal representation in Family, Criminal, and Business law. The smart choice. Free 1/2 hour. At the Doak Law Firm we commit ourselves to the things that matter most to you: family, quality, professionalism, getting the Job done efficiently, and done right. We give you the voice that you need at the most important times in your life. Who represents you does matter. Jodi Doak graduated first in class of the largest class ever, starting with over 500 students, from Thomas Cooley Law School. During Mrs. Doak's time there she received multiple awards, including 11 certificates of...

I reside in Frankenmuth, Michigan, and practice in my Frankenmuth office. I specialize in Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate and Estate Administration, Business Organizations, Real Estate Law, and I am VA certified. I am a frequent speaker and seminar presenter on estate planning and elder law. My practice in the field of elder law covers Medicaid qualification, estate planning, Guardianship, Conservatorships, and Veterans benefits. I am a member of the Frankenmuth Morning Rotary. I am an active member and have served on the Board of Directors for the Northeastern Michigan Estate Planning Council and the Covenant Health Care Foundation....

Upon Graduation from Law School in 1997, Attorney Chefalo worked in Lansing Michigan for the 30 th Judicial Circuit Court as a law clerk for the Honorable Thomas L. Brown. While there, he researched complicated legal issues and drafted proposed opinions on all civil and criminal matter that came before the court. In 1999, Attorney Chefalo moved to Traverse City Michigan to work in private practice. When asked why he picked Traverse City, Attorney Chefalo stated: “if you are going to start a law office from scratch, you might as well do it in a beautiful place.” His goal...

Eric Steinberg graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor in Business Administration in 2001. After graduating, he worked as a financial consultant in Chicago. Not satisfied with spending his days in the financial field, Eric turned to the law. He attended the Chicago-Kent College of Law and earned a law degree in 2006. While receiving his legal education, Eric worked in the employment discrimination law clinic at Chicago-Kent, helping victims of discrimination receive just compensation and peace of mind. Eric joined the Law Offices of Lee B. Steinberg, P.C. full time in 2006. As a member of the Michigan...

Michael Horowitz is a trial and appellate lawyer in Northern Michigan. He is licensed in Michigan, Alaska, and New York. He primarily practices criminal defense.

Nathan P. Miller is a partner and co-founder of Miller Embury, PLLC. He focuses the majority of his practice on plaintiff’s personal injury litigation. He represents people who have been injured in traumatic accidents and helps them receive compensation from insurance companies. He also represents people in actions against their own insurer, suing insurance companies to get benefits for his clients, benefits that have been illegally denied. In addition to personal injury law, Nathan specializes in real estate matters, landlord tenant law, and general civil litigation. Nathan has experience handling cases from inception all the...

I began my legal career in Los Angeles practicing financial restructuring and corporate bankruptcy. I started off with a small boutique and then went to a large national firm. I worked with all kinds of complex businesses—from Idaho to Chicago, Las Vegas to New Jersey. When my wife and I moved back to Michigan in 2011, I started a solo practice. I use my experience and expertise to advise businesses and individuals in Northern Michigan and across the country. I work directly and personally with clients in every instance. You won’t be passed off to another attorney or an assistant—I...

For over 30 years Jim Austin has been providing quality legal services, counseling and care to individual and business clients throughout Michigan with business, general civil and transportation matters. Jim practices regularly in courts throughout the State of Michigan. With Corcoran Austin, PC, he has offices in Alden, Traverse City and Charlevoix. He has argued cases before the Michigan Supreme Court, Michigan Court of Appeals, Federal District Courts and Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. He represents wrecker and towing companies throughout Michigan and sits on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Towing Association. He has represented truckers and trucking companies...

Matthew Benedict is a Traverse City native. He worked for nine years with his father, Hon. Richard L. Benedict, serving clients from all of northern Michigan. Matthew Benedict is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Thomas Cooley Law School.

Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science degree in political science in 1991 from Michigan State University where she gave the commencement address upon graduation. She earned her Juris Doctor degree in 1994 from the University of Detroit – Mercy School of Law where she was a member of the Law Review. Jennifer is admitted to practice law in the State of Michigan and the United States District Court of the Eastern and Western District of Michigan. She is an experienced trial attorney and concentrates her practice in many areas of civil rights litigation, including sexual abuse, police misconduct, and wrongful prisoner...

I graduated from the Detroit College of Law (MSU) in 1990 and was licensed by the State Bar of Michigan that same year. I graduated with honors with a concentration in taxation and was a published author in the nationally esteemed Detroit College Law Review. My practice is devoted exclusively to asset protection, consumer bankruptcy and student loan assistance. My unique approach to clients enables them to actively participate in the process so that you are completely involved in the process and understand exactly what your options are and what option is best for you and your family. ...

More than 30 years ago, Douglas E. Fierberg expanded his Washington D.C. – based trial practice to establish the only legal practice representing school violence victims and survivors nationwide. The work began on behalf of a high school student who survived brutal sexual assaults in Washington, D.C. by two assailants, and a young man hospitalized after being hazed at Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in Maryland. From there, the practice next went to Texas on behalf of 4 college students killed outside a fraternity house and Indiana on behalf of two women who were branded with cigarettes by their sorority members....

Jonathon N. Fazzola represents clients in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases across the country. Mr. Fazzola has extensive experience representing victims of fraternity hazing, school shootings, sexual assault, and other violent crimes. In March 2023, Mr. Fazzola, serving as lead counsel in the wrongful death lawsuit for Stephen and Rae Ann Gruver, was able to secure a $6.1 million verdict, which is one of the largest ever recorded in Louisiana for the wrongful death of a child. This lawsuit was filed on behalf of Max Gruver, who died in 2017 after being subjected to hazing by members of the Phi...

I am a graduate of the Michigan Law School, JD '83 and the U of M business school, BBA '80. Best thing I got in Ann Arbor was my bride Rachel. We married in '84 and have raised 4 now adult children together. My father was a lawyer and we moved to Boyne City in 1961 from Detroit. I am a member of the Walloon Lake Community Church and have served there as board chairman since 1998. I coached baseball, softball and basketball for many years mostly so I could hang...

I am an attorney licensed to practice in Michigan, Illinois and Minnesota. I primarily practice in bankruptcy, foreclosure, real estate, estate planning and probate.