Marcellus Lawyers

I started at May Oberfell Lorber as a law clerk in 2000. Upon graduation from law school, I became an associate, progressed to partnership, and have been with MOL ever since. I am passionate about my career, and thankful to be surrounded by such talented attorneys at MOL and in our community in general. I am licensed in both Indiana and Michigan, with the primary focus of my practice being litigation. I defend health care providers in medical malpractice disputes, manufacturers in commercial litigation disputes, and landowners in premises liability disputes. I also counsel and represent clients...

Born and raised in Benton Harbor/St. Joseph, MI, Barry Conybeare attended high school at Lake Michigan Catholic. He graduated from the University of Michigan (B.A., 1988). Barry received his law degree, magna cum laude, from DePaul University College of Law (J.D., 1992). After graduating, Barry worked in Chicago as a commercial litigation associate with one of the world’s largest law firms, Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom. In 1994, Barry, and his wife Jody, moved home to Southwest Michigan. There he began practicing law with his father, Bruce Conybeare, at Conybeare Law Office.

Barry’s practice focuses on all aspects of personal...

I file bankruptcies for individuals under Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 of Bankruptcy Code. I have filed hundreds of cases with positive results. Additionally, I've taken the time get board certified in this specialty so members of the public can rest assured that I understand what I'm doing.

From guiding you through issues concerning the impact on your children, division of assets and debt responsibilities of each party, legal requirements and rights, martial contracts, retirement account division, valuation of business interest and farm, commercial and residential real estate. I offer legal counsel in such domestic law matters as: Divorce Adoption Paternity Marriage Custody and Parenting Time Mediation Services Prenuptial Agreements

Matt joined May Oberfell Lorber in 2020. For over fifteen years, he has handled all phases of litigation in large markets, including Chicago and Indianapolis, and has successfully argued for reversals in the appellate courts of Indiana, Michigan, and the Seventh Circuit. Matt has extensive experience in personal injury matters, appellate law, litigation, medical malpractice, and domestic and family law and continues to focus his practice in these areas.

Born and raised in Mishawaka, Spence joined the firm in 1979. He counsels clients in the areas of domestic and family law, commercial litigation, mediation and personal injury and wrongful death cases. During his career, he’s served as President of the St. Joseph County and Indiana State Bar Associations. He sits on the Mishawaka Education Foundation, and received the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash Award from Governor O’Bannon in 2002.

Appellate practitioner with over 350 appeals in state and federal courts. Free consultation, call now! May Oberfell Lorber is a full service law firm based in Mishawaka, Indiana. I am proud of our firm's contributions to our local community.

Nathan joined May Oberfell Lorber in 2019 transitioning from his solo practice located in South Bend. His practice remains focused on Estate Planning, Estate Administration, Elder Law, and Mediation. His interpersonal skills permeate his practice so that each client is treated with respect and each matter is handled in a professional manner.

As a student of law, Jim Kolosowsky recieved the highest student honors in Family Law and Interviewing and Counseling. His academic achievements earned him a position as the Senior Associate Editor of Law Review at Thomas M. Cooley Law School; several honors scholarships; and a graduate ranking in the top 12% of his law school class. As a trial attorney, Jim Kolosowsky has represented numerous clients in both misdemeanor and serious felony cases. Jim has received not guilty jury verdicts in cases ranging from armed robbery to murder.

Sean's real estate practice covers both residential and commercial client needs involving transactional matters. In particular, Sean's practice focuses on drafting real estate purchase agreements and deeds. Sean also represents business owners in various transactional matters. Sean routinely counsels business clients who are buying or selling a business, as well as providing guidance on employment and human resources matters. Sean has represented clients in acquisitions of all sizes, ranging from $100k - $5 Million plus.

After becoming a parent then a grandparent, spending 10 years in the Navy, and 20 years in business, Mechelle decided to pursue a law degree, which fulfilled a life-long dream. Her practical experience as an international contract negotiator and her time in the military bring a unique perspective and understanding of her clients’ needs.

While Mechelle is competent under many practice areas, her special areas of interest are Collaborative Practice, Mediation, Family Law, and Estate Planning. Mechelle is a court approved Civil Mediator and Domestic Relations Mediator. Practicing law allows Mechelle the tangible opportunity to seek justice in ways...

Benjamin J. Herbert, a partner with Herbert Machnik Law Firm in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is committed to helping people understand their rights and plan for their future. His practice focuses on competent, knowledgeable advice and representation in the areas of estate planning, probate, Medicaid planning and real estate law as well as elder law, estate and trust administration, and guardianship and conservatorship matters. Attorney Herbert’s client base includes young professionals, senior citizens, retirees, and entrepreneurs among others. Attorney Herbert is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is licensed to appear before the United States District Court for...

I have been practicing law since 1979 in the State and Federal Courts. My firm specializes in bankruptcy and is actively involved in the bankruptcy practice in West Michigan. I am a Board Certified Specialist in Consumer Bankruptcy Law by the American Board of Certification. I am actively involved in many local bar organizations that focus on bankruptcy practice, speak at many conferences, and I’ve helped thousands of people through the bankruptcy process.

Codie graduated with her J.D. from Michigan State University College of Law in 2021. While in law school she served as a peer mentor in the reading, writing, and analysis department in addition to becoming a Civil Facilitative Mediator and worked as a legal intern at Jackson National Life Insurance Company before beginning her legal career at Herbert Machnik Law Firm. At Herbert Machnik Codie works primarily in Business Organization, Contracts, Property, Employment, and Trust and Estate Administration. Codie is an active member of her community and helps to mentor...

Matthew R. Conklin joined Conybeare Law Office in 2009. He is an associate at the firm and manages the worker’s compensation and Social Security departments.

Matt received his law degree from the University of Detroit-Mercy Law School in 2007 and his undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University in 2003.

Matt is a respected litigator. His peers elected him to two terms on the State Bar of Michigan Workers’ Compensation Section Council. Since 2014 he has been selected as a “Rising Star” in Michigan worker’s compensation law. The “Rising Star” selection process by “Super Lawyers” includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations....

Jason N. Machnik was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He attended Western Michigan University where he earned a B.A. in Marketing. Jason went on to graduate Cum Laude from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and earned his J.D. in the accelerated program. While in law school, he served as Class Representative for the Student Bar Association and as Chapter President of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. Jason earned the Certificate of Merit in Property Law. Prior to joining Willis Law, Jason served as a Law Clerk for Judges in Allegan County and Cass County. When out of...

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,...

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...

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...

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).

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

M. Timothy Gergely focuses his practice in the areas of personal injury and accident law. Mr. Gergely concentrates his practice on helping individuals who have sustained injuries as a result of automobile and semi-truck accidents (No-Fault automobile accident and insurance claims), dog bites, medical malpractice, premises liability, wrongful death, dram shop (bar/tavern liability), and workmen's compensation. Mr. Gergely has handled numerous cases involving serious personal injury in which he has recovered millions of dollars of compensation for his injured clients. Several of Mr. Gergely's significant recoveries for his clients have been featured in Michigan Lawyers Weekly.

Albert W. Laaksonen II, is the founding attorney of Laaksonen Law Offices, P.C. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and his JD from the Indiana University School of Law in Bloomington, Indiana.
Attorney Laaksonen is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, Van Buren County Bar Association, and the Kalamazoo County Bar Association. He is certified as both a Civil Mediator and a Domestic Relations Mediator.

He currently serves on the Community Corrections Board for Van Buren County, and the the Kalamazoo Christian School Association Board.

Attorney Laaksonen specializes...

In 2015, my family and I moved to St. Joseph, Michigan where I manage the Saint Joseph, Michigan office of Kreis Enderle. My legal practice consists of helping clients throughout Southwest Michigan (Kalamazoo, Van Buren, Berrien and Cass Counties) with divorce, child custody, estate planning and business matters.

Sam Silverman has won over 4000 SSD cases. He has been rated as Superb by attorney rating services. Sam is most proud of the reviews posted by his clients online. Anyone can claim they are experienced, successful, or a Top SSD attorney. Sam Silverman lets his clients do the talking. Please visit our website at skslawyer.com and read our client reviews and testimonials if you are looking for an SSD attorney.

A former Wayne County, Michigan, Assistant Prosecutor that handled major felonies for over three (3) years, winning about 87.5% of his major felony Jury Trials.

Since 1976 he has been in private practice at Kalamazoo County, Michigan, as well as appearing in cases in the State of Ohio, State of Texas, State of Florida and elsewhere.

He now practices with CLA/Conlon Law Associates at Portage, Michigan in a boutique law practice, successfully handling general family cases including divorces, custody disputes, real estate matter along with estate and trust drafting and associated litigation matters.