West Branch Lawyers

I am a dedicated Attorney serving the great state of Michigan from Lansing to Traverse City, and all surrounding areas. I have a strong belief in our rights of life, liberty and freedom, as citizens of this great country, and I will do everything within my power to prevent my client's rights from being abridged. I specialize in the areas of Criminal Defense, Family Law, Personal Injury, No Fault, and civil litigation, but I devote myself to helping anyone in need, no matter the legal significance. I pride myself on providing personalized services and obtaining the best...

Originally a teacher, W. Jay Brown became a lawyer in 1998 and has been in practice in the Great Lakes Bay Region ever since. Mr. Brown graduated first in his law school class and joined Midland’s largest law firm as a litigation associate. While with the firm, Mr. Brown embarked on his litigation career and was soon promoted to member of the firm. In 2009, W. Jay Brown left the law firm to start his own practice based on his vision for the practice of law – where technology and innovation are leveraged to provide clients superior customer and...

With over 42 years of practice in the intellectual prooperty area and contracts I can bring efficiency and experience to the benefit of cliens. My practice covers patents, copyrights, trademarks, secrecy obligations and related contracts and litigation. Mediation of conflicts is also one of the the areas that my experience is put to good use.

Coming from a working class family, I worked numerous jobs on my way to become an attorney.

Over 30 years experience in Family Law.

Dane Carey primarily represents businesses and individuals in litigation and legal disputes. Dane’s practice focuses on general civil litigation, commercial litigation, property litigation, shareholder and employment disputes, and real estate and water (riparian) law. He has significant experience in matters involving businesses, property, civil rights claims, and other complex civil matters. He represents clients throughout Michigan and in state and federal courts, as well as in the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and U.S. Supreme Court.

About half of my practice consists of local government representation. The remainder is real estate, estate planning, probate, collections and general business matters. We strive to provide prompt and professional services with personal attention and care.

David T. McAndrew, Attorney at Law, PLLC, was licensed in Michigan in 1998 and admitted to practice in Federal Courts. David McAndrew can assist you in stopping the harassment, the late night phone calls, wage garnishments, lawsuits, judgments, and the aggressive debt collection techniques used by many debt collectors. He will work directly with you to determine the best course of action for your individual situation.

David T. McAndrew is a member of the following:
Michigan Bar Association
Federal Bar Association, Eastern District of Michigan
Federal Bar Association, Western District of Michigan
National Association of...

Mr. Schaefer is a seasoned trial attorney practicing internet, copyright, domain name, social media, copyright, trademark, consumer class action and mass tort law on a global basis. Mr. Schaefer has significant experience in internet and technology company representation, having been named President and General Counsel of an internet start-up company in Boulder, Colorado. Mr. Schaefer has been retained on domain valuation issues in divorces, business asset valuation and other matters, having developed domain name valuation methodologies for use by courts, judges and juries. Mr. Schaefer understands the issues facing technology companies and brick-and-mortar companies with...

Mr. Frazier is not a Nashville native, but he fits right into the community with a strong work ethic and family values which have helped him become a great tax law, estate planning, and business law attorney. Mr. Frazier is a husband and father of two children whose humble beginnings help him relate to any client who needs legal advice to resolve their tax law, estate planning, or business law issues.

Mr. Frazier is also a U.S. Army veteran who served his country proudly and with distinction before being honorably discharged. As a former soft-skill Army Ranger, Mr. Frazier understands the...

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.

John F. Schaefer, founder of The Law Firm of John F. Schaefer, is one of the best-known and most highly-respected matrimonial lawyers in the United States. From its inception, Best Lawyers in America has listed John Schaefer as one of the premier matrimonial lawyers in America, and named him Lawyer of the Year, Detroit Area, in 2013. Worth magazine named him one of the top 100 lawyers in America, in any practice area.

I enjoy the interaction with people where I can explain something that may seem complex in a way that helps them understand. As a former teacher, I do enjoy those ah-ha moments where things click. I enjoy talking with clients and getting to know them and their situation, so that I can find the best possible solutions for their needs. I believe that effective estate planning is a critical component of my client’s life planning. I believe that family fights over inheritance are unnecessary and wasteful. Families achieve better outcomes through planning rather than fighting. While it is...

Eric Steinberg has almost 20 years of experience litigating personal injury cases throughout Michigan. He has handled all types of cases, including auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, Michigan no-fault benefit denials, medical malpractice, dog bite, slip and fall injury, premises liability, construction accidents and others. Mr. Steinberg is proud to have obtained millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for his clients. He is the managing partner of the Lee Steinberg Law Firm, P.C., which has offices located throughout Michigan. The Lee Steinberg Law Firm has been representing Michigan clients for almost 50 years. Mr. Steinberg is currently the...

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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...

Traverse City, MI Bankruptcy attorney. Michael P. Corcoran is the owner of Corcoran Law Office. In practice since 1985, and belonged to the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys since 1997. Michaal P. Corcoran has handled thousands of bankruptcy cases

Keeley Blanchard is a top criminal defense attorney in Michigan. She focuses her practice in the areas of defending those wrongfully accused of criminal sexual conduct, child abuse, domestic violence, assault, child pornography, and drug crimes. Her trial experience is significant, she has an excellent reputation for being aggressive, and will out-prepare any of the prosecutors she faces in court.

My practice was founded on principles of integrity, dedication and trust. You will receive straight honest answers from me and I personally work on all cases.

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...

As a former Prosecutor and seasoned Criminal Defense Lawyer, Patrick Fragel has in-depth knowledge of Michigan law and courtroom procedure. Patrick Fragel has achieved a "distinguished" rating for ethical practices and legal knowledge from the Martindale-Hubbell independent lawyer rating service.

He has recently obtained a "not guilty" verdict in a life offense case, and succeeded in having incriminating statements suppressed due to a lack of Miranda warnings. He has successfully defended 100's of criminal cases.

His firm has helped thousands of clients over the past 20 years. Choosing a lawyer is an important decision since it involves...

Rachel M. Sexton has spent her entire career as an attorney representing people who find themselves in difficult financial situations. Rachel’s passion is helping people get out from underneath crushing debt and harassing creditors. She has helped hundreds of clients find solutions through bankruptcy. Whether that is saving their homes from foreclosure, getting their cars back after repossession, lowering their car payments, eliminating credit card debt, or dealing with overwhelming IRS debt. Rachel chose to practice bankruptcy because she enjoys helping people in some of the most stressful times of their lives. Rachel’s goal is to help clients move toward...

Scot focuses on business law, real estate development, employment law, estate planning, probate, and commercial litigation. He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan and his J.D., with cum laude honors, from the Notre Dame Law School. While at Notre Dame, Scot was an editor with the Journal of Legislation and clerked for the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan in Flint, MI, and the Michigan Supreme Court in Lansing, MI. After graduating from Notre Dame Law School, Scot clerked with the Michigan Court of Appeals in Grand Rapids, MI. In January of...

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...

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...

Law Degree, MBA with honors degree in Management & Accounting & a BS degree in Accounting & Management. Also has college teaching experience in business law, management and accounting.

David is known to be very personable & good listener in working with clients and fulfilling their needs, has exceptional memory/retention/recall skills, outstanding judge/court/apposing council presentation and response skills & presents cases forcefully.

20+ years and 8,000+ cases for individuals & business with many cases before a jury and/or a judge. Strives to reduce & simply your legal issues, reduce stress and protect your rights. We serve...

Born in Detroit, Michigan in the 60's. My parents taught me the value of a strong work ethic, humility, gratitude and family. I love learning and am fascinated with the intersection of law, psychology, medicine and justice. I love to cook, sail, travel, ski and laugh. I am a hockey-softball-baseball mom, and a mentor to as many young lawyers as ask. I enjoy teaching and making a difference. Do one thing every day that makes you smile. I do.

Lea Ann Sterling has been a member of the Michigan Bar since 1998. Admitted to the bar in Ohio in 1981, Mrs. Sterling practiced law in Columbus. In 1997, she began a sabbatical to write, travel, and relocate from Ohio to Michigan. Her first book, Historic Homes of Olde Towne, was released in 1999 and won the Ohio Historical Society’s Public Education and Awareness Award. Historic Cottages of Mackinac Island, released in 2001, was listed on the Michigan Governor’s List of Best Books of 2001. In March 1999, Mrs. Sterling was appointed Village of Empire Zoning Administrator where she was...

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....

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...

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...

He has handled hundreds of divorce and child custody cases in northwest lower Michigan, mainly in the counties of Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Manistee, and Wexford,

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...