Sumner Lawyers

Practicing law has been a long-term goal for me ever since participating in a mock trial exercise in middle school. With that goal in mind, I pursued a degree in political science at Grand Valley State University with the intent of going to law school immediately following my undergraduate studies. I graduated cum laude from Michigan State University College of Law and joined the team at Kraayeveld Law.

I have always had a passion for working with kids. Throughout my time in college and law school, I worked as a high school marching band instructor and as a recreational gymnastics coach....

I am a shareholder at Rhoades McKee, P.C. I help individuals and businesses facing real estate disputes, land development challenges, condemnation, real estate transactions and construction matters achieve their objectives through a defined and realistic strategy. I can provide a detailed understanding of the emerging legal issues in green building and the LEED rating system. I am the only attorney in West Michigan that has achieved the LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) designation through the United States Green Building Council, and an environmental certification from Green Advantage®. I understand the issues faced by those individuals and businesses in the real...

George Zulakis has successfully represented clients in criminal and juvenile matters for over 30 years. He is a recognized leader in the field of criminal defense and has been nominated by his peers for Lead Counsel Rating in state felonies and misdemeanors and for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America (DUI subspecialty, 2009-2016). Mr. Zulakis has experience in many areas of criminal defense, including DUI/drunk driving, domestic violence, assault, breaking and entering, drug crimes, sex crimes, juvenile delinquency, embezzlement, fraud, shoplifting, MIP/minor in possession, and traffic offenses. For more details on Mr. Zulakis's extensive legal experience, honors, and...

My practice focuses on criminal defense including misdemeanors and felonies in both the trial and appellant courts. He has a strong interest in complex constitutional law issues and their applicability in the criminal justice system. I am an active member of the Michigan Appellate Assigned Counsel System commonly known as the MAACS; an organization responsibly for nearly 84% of all assigned criminal appeals cases in Michigan. My practice also includes a strong emphasis in family and estate law including: parent’s rights, divorce litigation, custody, parenting time, child support, guardianships, estate planning, probate litigation and juvenile matters. I...

Courtney grew up in Mid-Michigan and earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a concentration in Criminal Justice from Central Michigan University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She then attended Michigan State University College of Law, earning her Juris Doctor, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Following her education, Courtney was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in October 2007 and began her legal career as a judicial law clerk for the Midland County Circuit Court. There, she assisted the judiciary by researching issues in many different areas of the law. After passing the Florida Bar Exam,...

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...

Joshua Reinert received his Juris Doctorate from Michigan State University College of Law on May 6, 2003. Josh also holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University. Josh has dedicated his professional life to bankruptcy law. He has assisted thousands of consumers in Chapter 7 & Chapter 13 bankruptcy cases in addition to assisting many small business through Chapter 7 liquidations. Josh has represented debtors, creditors and bankruptcy trustees in all aspects of bankruptcy cases. Josh has been a guest lecturer for Legal Services of Michigan, the International Credit Association (ICA), and the Northeast Michigan Bankruptcy Bar in addition to...

Frank Hathaway studied at the University of Detroit-Mercy graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He studied law at Michigan State University College of Law graduating with the degree of Juris Doctor, Cum Laude. Mr. Hathaway is admitted to practice in all Michigan Courts, the United States Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, and the United States Bankruptcy Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan. He is an active member in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan, a former member of its Representative Assembly, a member of the Criminal Law...

Ms. Breen specializes in family law which includes divorce, child custody disputes, child support, spousal support, and prenuptial agreements. She also prepares estate plans which includes the preparation of trusts, wills, powers of attorneys for finance and medical care, and setting up guardianships/conservatorships. Ms. Breen has litigated hundreds of cases and has the experience to represent her clients in court.

I am Erika S. Shadowens, a family law attorney with a strong reputation for my tenacious advocacy and strategic approach to litigation. As a partner at Varnum LLP, I have dedicated over 28 years to representing clients in complex divorce, child custody, and high-asset family law cases. Known for my unwavering dedication, I am a formidable presence in the courtroom, where I advocate relentlessly to protect my clients' rights and interests. My litigation experience covers all levels of the legal system, including the Michigan Supreme Court, where I have successfully argued challenging cases. Whether it's high-conflict custody disputes or intricate financial...

Jedo Law Firm was established by James Edokpolo who received Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing. He holds a Master’s in Public Administration and a Bachelors in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, New York.
James has been admitted to practice by the Michigan Supreme Court, the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, and by the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. James is a member of the Debtors Bar of West Michigan, the State Bar of Michigan and American Immigration Lawyers Association.

I am passionate about helping people with their family law problems. I help my clients with issues of divorce, child custody, parenting time, child support, and family abuse protection orders. As a parent myself, I understand how important these issues are to my clients. I view my job as a compassionate guide through a complex legal system that can be difficult for non-lawyers to navigate on their own. I try to resolve these issues as amicably as possible, although I have taken many cases to trial when it is necessary and appropriate to do so. I...

Steve is a commercially focused attorney at the firm Dickinson Wright PLLC. Steve has broad knowledge of branding, advertising and marketing topics, including agency work, content syndication, licensing, and sponsored content in print, broadcast, social and OTT media. Steve also helps clients with transactions in commercial real estate. Previously, Steve served as Regional Counsel, Europe at Stryker. Before going in-house for Stryker, Steve was an attorney in the advertising and real estate practice groups at Honigman. Steve previously earned ten years of experience with supply chain management in government, healthcare, and technology. Steve holds a JD with a...

Brandon Gardner founded Brandon Gardner & Associates, PLC on the principle that every client deserves zealous, high-quality legal representation, especially those facing the most serious crimes and complex family disputes. Brandon has over twenty years' experience in multiple aspects of the court system from small claims dispute resolution to appeals to the Michigan Supreme Court and utilizes this breadth of knowledge to develop custom solutions to every case at the firm, no matter the complexity. Mr. Gardner’s practice areas include serious felonies and federal crimes, complex domestic litigation, and personal injury litigation. Additionally, he is an approved domestic relations mediator on...

I know that each family dynamic is unique, so I work side-by- side with clients to navigate challenging family law matters or the confusion of probate or trust settlement following the death of a loved one. As for my qualifications, I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Michigan University where I double majored in both Public Law and Journalism. I went on to get a law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School where I was a Dean's List student with an academic scholarship award, a member of the school's Access to Justice Clinic, and a founding board member...

Beth A. Striegle grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After graduating from West Catholic High School, she attended Ferris State University where she obtained an Associate’s Degree in Commercial Art. Prior to attending law school, she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Calvin College where she graduated with honors. While attending Thomas Cooley Law School she raised two young boys. Beth completed her law school internship at the Sixty-Plus Elder Law Clinic. She considers the experience she gained while working for the clinic to be very valuable because it gave her a better understanding of the various issues...

My practice is focused exclusively on estate planning. I take great effort to stay up-to-date with changes in the law and implement new drafting techniques to provide thorough and comprehensive planning for our client’s specific needs. I also strive to draft documents in plain English so that my clients can understand them. My practice is unique in that we do not operate out of a traditional brick and mortar office. We come to you!

Attorney Ronald M. Bahrie is an accomplished and highly respected lawyer, as well as the Senior Partner at Bahrie Law, PLLC. A firm believer in the value of hard work, he is dedicated to providing every client with a high level of service, personal attention, and results-oriented representation. This approach has helped him achieve numerous successes on behalf of his clients in a variety of complex cases. Ronald earned his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in December of 1978. He was admitted to practice in the state of Michigan the following summer and has been practicing law...

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...

Lauren Kissel is a Lansing personal injury attorney that is dedicated to pursuing justice on behalf of those who have been injured. She represents a wide variety of personal injury cases including car accidents, Michigan no-fault claims, bicycle accidents, sexual assault, and traumatic brain injuries, to name a few. For those seeking legal representation to access the care needed for recovery after an accident, Lauren is not only a detailed and tactical attorney in handling sensitive casework but a compassionate resource for her clients during what are often confusing and difficult times. She plays a crucial role as part of the...

Assistant Attorney General for the State of Michigan since 2011.

Raised by a single mother with three kids in government housing. I was able to attend college on social security survivor benefitw when my father died when I was 15 years old.

I have worked since I was 11 years old delivering newspapers on my bicycle. Then at 16 I started pumping gas at gas stations. I worked maintenance, janitorial, and movie projectionist jobs. I worked in a Dean's office, and for the development fund at Michigan State University. I worked in advertising downtown Detroit as a supervisor for the automotive technical proofreading department.

After law school, I clerked for a Circuit...

T.J. was born and raised in Central Michigan, where he lives with his wife and three children. He is a proud Michigander, who was raised in a blue collar family and taught from the beginning the importance of hard work and giving back to the community. T.J. is a life member of the VFW, Military Order of Purple Heart and sits on the board of directors of a local non-profit organization. Shortly after graduating high school, T.J. enlisted in the Army where he would serve for nearly 11 years, retiring as a Staff Sergeant. Some of the more notable highlights...

With a passion for helping her community, Brandi sought a career that allows her to make a positive impact. Prior to attending law school, she worked alongside probate attorneys for nearly 10 years. She is experienced in guardianships, conservatorships, estates, and trusts. Brandi is a compassionate and dedicated advocate for her clients.

Forrest Pasanski boasts a distinguished career in both public service and private practice. With a firm commitment to representing health professionals, he draws from his vast experience as the Enforcement Division Director for LARA's Bureau of Professional Licensing where he oversaw thousands of health licensing matters. Forrest's background also includes service as an Assistant Attorney General. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Michigan State University College of Law. Forrest is dedicated to ensuring that health licensees receive unparalleled advocacy to protect their professional credentials and reputations. Please fill out the Potential New Client Form at www.Pasanskilaw.com to be contacted for...

Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Steven A. Freeman has defended Clients ranging in age from 15 to 77 who were accused of various SEX CRIMES such as CRIMINAL SEXUAL CONDUCT. His clients have included Corporate Executives, School Teachers, White Collar Professionals, Politicians, Scout Leaders, Retirees, Business Owners and Blue Collar Workers. Criminal Sexual Conduct cases typically involve a relationship between the Client and the Accuser, such as Doctor/Patient, Teacher/Student, Scout Leader/Scout, Step Father/Step Child, Boyfriend/Girlfriend's Child, Parent/Child's Friend, Neighbor/Neighbor, Employer/Employee and Professional/Intern. Anyone can be accused of a Criminal Sexual Conduct Offense regardless of age, education, wealth or social...

Chris Newberg is an attorney at Kuiper Kraemer PC in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Chris helps individuals and businesses work through a wide range of legal issues, including pursing and defending lawsuits, overseeing complex business transactions, drafting and reviewing contracts, and working through intellectual property and entertainment deals. Chris represents both plaintiffs and defendants in a wide range of disputes throughout Michigan and beyond. He has considerable experience in the federal court system, representing clients in employment, intellectual property, insurance, and business cases. In the state court system, Chris helps clients with cases of all shapes and sizes, ranging from collections...

Having a skilled legal advocate in your corner is crucial when facing criminal charges. That is why Jason L. Jansma is here to help. As a former prosecutor, he has gained invaluable insight and experience on how the other side of the courtroom thinks. Attorney Jansma has been placed among the top criminal lawyers in Michigan, making him a strong ally for any individual to have. He handles all types of criminal matters and provides counsel and assistance for family law issues as well. No matter your situation, be sure to call on him when you need reliable, proven, and...

Intellectual Property - Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights Litigation - Federal and State Courts Over 24 years of experience. 161 Ottawa Ave., N.W., Suite 404, Grand Rapids, MI 49503; 616-774-9244. Call 24/7; as calls are forwarded to Robert on evenings and weekends We are a full service litigation, and intellectual property law firm. Our practice areas include litigation, patent and trademark prosecution, and licensing. We have assisted clients at all stages of a lawsuit, pre-suit negotiations, and post-trial appeals. Robert J. Sayfie is a registered patent attorney, and has work experience as an engineer...