Macatawa Lawyers

Ryan F. Beach earned his bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and his juris doctorate from Wayne State University. Ryan Beach has extensive experience in consumer bankruptcy law and has represented hundreds of individuals in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases. Ryan F. Beach currently lives in Grand Rapids with his wife Sarah Sobczak Beach and their two children.

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...

The Buchanan Firm team represents real people injured by vehicle accidents or medical negligence. When you contact our firm, we give you a free evaluation and answer your questions. Our clients always meet with the team that handles the claim. We never pass you down to an inexperienced attorney. And we work tirelessly on your case to win, and do so at no additional cost to you. Using cutting-edge technology and legal video documentaries, we show the wrongdoers and their insurance companies they must settle the claim or risk losing at trial. Our serious injury team of attorneys and...

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...

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,...

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...

Graduated from Grand Valley State University with a Bachelor's of Science in Behavioral Science with an emphasis in Criminal Justice.
Graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Was member of the Dean's List. Studied abroad in Australia and New Zealand.
Paralegal for The Law Office of Craig A. Jenison (6 years)
Prior Litigation Support Analyst for Varnum (2 years)
Prior internship with Ottawa County Prosecutor's Office: assisted prosecution with a cold case murder trial
Prior internship with Kent County Prosecutor's Office Juvenile Division
Established and ran her own law office following graduation for six months before accepting a position as Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Oceana...

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...

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.

Robert O. Chessman focuses his work on automobile accidents, personal injuries, wrongful death, and medical and professional malpractice. He also works as a state-certified mediator to resolve disputes in civil cases of all types. Mr. Chessman graduated from the University of Michigan Law School and holds a cum laude degree from Harvard University.

Mr. Chessman is a past president of the Muskegon County Bar Association, and is a member of the Michigan State Bar Association and the Michigan Association for Justice.

Before joining McCroskey Law, Mr. Chessman spent three and one-half years in the Peace Corps, in Togo, West Africa. He also...

A former prosecutor, Jennifer Weise brings over a decade of trial experience to Grabel & Associates. With experience working in two prosecutor’s offices, she is a seasoned trial attorney with knowledge in all areas of criminal defense. She has also prosecuted hundreds of Criminal Sexual Conduct cases which gives her the ability to fight for her current clients while anticipating the prosecution’s next move. Former prosecutors bring the ability to “think as the other side” to their client’s defense strategy, which is why Jennifer Weise is such an asset to Grabel & Associates. She excels at client communication, enjoys trial...

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...

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...

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...

I have a passion for defending the rights of the accused. It disgusts me how often a person is convicted in the public eye without any kind of evidence being introduced against him or her at all. Social media has allowed people to form opinions based on sound bites and not real evidence. I focus mainly on criminal defense and have been practicing since 2006. My office is in Wyoming, MI a suburb of Grand Rapids but I take cases within about an hour of here.

Originally from Muskegon, Jacob studied economics at the University of Michigan and law at the University of Minnesota. Now, he practices law, focusing on business and real estate transactions, with the experienced attorneys at the Norton Shores based firm Gielow Groom Terpstra & McEvoy.

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...

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...

- Act as general counsel/legal adviser to a variety of service and manufacturing businesses, including M&A, supply agreements, real estate leases and purchase agreements, employment policies/handbooks, contracts, financing documentation, terms and conditions, privacy notices, and compliance/governance documents.
- Represent businesses in complex commercial litigation, such as inter business disputes, contract disputes, shareholder/member conflicts, and employment matters.
- Aggressively assist individuals in contract disputes, real estate transactions/disputes, high conflict divorce matters and sales representative litigation.
- Very experienced in all forms of ADR, including Collaborative Divorce.
- Handle all matters with honesty, integrity and discretion.

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...

Stephanie began her legal career learning the “behind the scenes” of trial work by working for judges in Kent and Allegan Counties. In those positions, Stephanie was able to observe numerous jury trials and talk with jurors after trial. This invaluable experience awarded her a wealth of knowledge known to few. Stephanie has dedicated her practice to professional negligence, including medical, legal and accounting malpractice, for over ten years. She began her practice as a defense attorney – defending doctors, hospitals, nurses and lawyers when they were sued. That experience provided additional “behind the scenes” knowledge of...

I pride myself in communicating well with clients and always keeping their familes' best interests in mind.

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...

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...

Attorney Steven R. Simkins has been licensed by the State Bar of Michigan since 2003, and he is a member of the Criminal Law, Family Law, and General Practice sections. Mr. Simkins is admitted to practice in all Michigan state courts as well as the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan and the United States Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit. He also serves as a court-appointed attorney in the Kent County Circuit Court for Juvenile Delinquency cases and family neglect cases. Mr. Simkins provides aggressive, personalized representation in the following areas: Criminal...

Harold Leo Emelander was raised in Newaygo, Michigan. After graduating from Newaygo High School, he attended Grand Valley State University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. He then went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2006. To further his education he then moved to Florida where he attended The University of Florida College of Law and received his LLM in Taxation in 2007. Mr. Emelander began his legal career in Miami, Florida at an accounting firm. He utilized his degree in taxation law by advising clients on individual,...

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...

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...

My practice is concentrated in four principal areas: consumer rights, lender liability, estate planning, and probate litigation. In the field of consumer rights, I have represented individuals and classes in litigation under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. Most frequently my clients are individuals or businesses pursuing or defending their legal rights against banks, financial institutions, mortgage servicers and other large corporations. Westbrook Law PLLC also provides services to clients in the areas of estate planning and probate and trust administration...

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...

EMPLOYMENT LAW. Over 35 years of experience in the field of complex employment litigation and employment law matters, including EEOC investigations, wrongful discharge, sexual harassment and discrimination claims, wage-hour violations, FMLA, ADA, defamation, breach of contract, retaliation, whistleblower and a variety of other employment-related claims.
SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS. We have successfully negotiated numerous severance agreements on behalf of employers as well as key employees in a variety of industries throughout West Michigan.
NONCOMPETE, NONSOLICITATION AGREEMENTS. We have extensive experience in the enforcement and/or defense of noncompete, nonsolicitation and other restrictive agreements.
TRADE SECRETS, CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. We also have significant expertise with preparing...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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.