Paw Paw Lawyers

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.

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...

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.

BRENDAN N. GUILFORD was born and raised in Kalamazoo County, attending Vicksburg High School. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts undergraduate degree in Political Science from Alma College in 2005. After moving to Florida with his wife, Brendan received his law degree from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale. While attending law school, he clerked for the community association firm Kahan Shir, PL in Boca Raton, FL. After graduating from law school, he relocated to the Tampa Bay region with his family in mid-2009. While working in and around Tampa, Brendan worked...

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...

Jesse Young is a Senior Shareholder at Sommers Schwartz who represents clients in serious employment disputes, including but not limited to issues of severance negotiations, discrimination, retaliation, whistleblowing activity, employment contracts, terminations, and compliance. His clients include individuals and businesses. As a founding member of the firm's national wage-and-hour practice, Jesse has appeared in hundreds of wage-and-hour lawsuits and hundreds more arbitrations arising under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and similar state laws. In this regard, he represents clients nationwide dealing with the payment of minimum wages and/or overtime, classification of employees, “off the clock” work, meal breaks, donning and...

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...

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...

Attorney Allison Greenlee Korr practices in Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Allegan, St. Joseph and all surrounding counties. She handles Family Law, bankruptcy, foreclosure and probate matters.

She holds a B.A. in Business from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctorate from University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She is admitted to practice in both the Western and Eastern Districts of Michigan and holds a certificate as a civil mediator issued through the Michigan State Court Administrative Office. Allison also holds Certificates in the areas of Family Law and Probate and Estate Planning issued by the Institute of...

Michael Hills is a graduate of Michigan State University School of Law where he graduated with a cum laude distinction. After graduation, he was a law clerk for Circuit Court Judge Harry A. Beach in Allegan County. After serving his year clerkship for Judge Beach Mr. Hills opened his own practice in Kalamazoo Michigan. Mr. Hills experience runs the gamut of the criminal spectrum. He has handled numerous murder cases as well as a multitude of minor in possession of alcohol charges and everything in between, including both state and federal charges. Mr. Hills has extensive experience handling...

Wesley Todd is an attorney of the firm Lewis Reed and Allen. He has been named a super lawyer for the past 6 years, and has more than a decade of experience. He practices criminal law and family law in Calhoun County, Kalamazoo County and Branch County. He has successfully helped hundreds of clients during some of the most difficult times of their lives, with everything from a OWI/DUI charge to Divorce.

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....

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...

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...

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...

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,...

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.

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...

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...

Gail Towne has worked almost exclusively in the area of family law for over thirteen years throughout the state of Michigan. She is now a partner with the Kalamazoo law firm of Lennon, Miller, O'Connor & Bartosiewicz, PLC where she commits her practice to helping individuals and families traverse through the family courts or facilitate private settlements related to family law issues. Specifically, Gail's practice focuses on domestic relations law including divorce, paternity, child custody, child support, and other family law matters. She is an experienced litigator, but also committed to alternative dispute resolution, particularly collaborative law,...

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...

Attorney Keilen is licensed to practice law in the State of Michigan, the Federal US District Court for the Western District of Michigan, and the Federal US District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Attorney Keilen is a Board Member and Attorney Representative for Kalamazoo Plus; he is an Advisory Board Member for the Michigan Medical Device Accelerator.

Attorney Keilen is a commercial litigator specializing in closely held business disputes; he is also the founder/owner of a local medical device company, giving him a unique appreciation for the legal issues in today’s business environment. Attorney Keilen has been a guest...

Shawn Coppins is an aggressive litigation attorney and is one of the firm’s founding partners. Mr. Coppins was born and raised in the Metro-Detroit area. Prior to establishing Coppins Law Group, he was a litigation attorney at one of Michigan‘s largest law firms. Mr. Coppins also worked as a litigation attorney with one of Michigan's most well renowned Civil Rights Firms. Since his admission to the State Bar of Michigan, Shawn Coppins has represented clients in both State and Federal Court. Although many seem quick to criticize trial attorneys, their criticism ends when they find themselves...

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...

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...

Ross W. Keilen is an attorney with Keilen Law, PLC. Ross focuses his practice on helping individuals and businesses with challenges, transactions, and disputes; Ross specializes in commercial litigation, business/corporate law, estate planning, assets management, personal injury, and probate disputes.

Ross earned a Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University; thereafter, he graduated from the Michigan State University College of Law, where he received several jurisprudence awards and was listed on both the Honor Roll and the Dean’s List. Ross is a member of the State Bar of Michigan.

Ross lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He enjoys golf, distance running and sailing. He...

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.

Over 20 years actively practicing law in Southern Michigan. I was a partner at a large law firm for several years, but now I operate my own small firm. Because of that, we have significantly reduced overhead compared to large law firms. This means we can provide clients with the highest quality legal services at a lower expense.

Graduated from Wayne State University Law School with a Master of Law - Taxation (LL.M.), Thomas M. Cooley Law School with a Juris Doctorate (J.D.), and Nazareth College in Kalamazoo with a Bachelor's in Business Administration in Management (BBA). Additional practice areas: Commercial real estate development law including wetlands, environmental, drain law, Land Division Act, ground leases, property tax uncapping, Downtown Development Authority, commercial leases, and mediation services. Call or email me for a free consultation on how I can help you reach your commercial and business development goals.