Law Firm Overview

My law practice focuses on divorce (family law), DUI/OWI drunk driving and criminal defense.  I believe that I can be a more effective attorney for my clients by focusing on only a few areas of law.

In the area of family law, I advise and represent individuals seeking divorces in matters related to child support, child visitation/parenting time, child custody, equitable division of marital assets, and spousal support.  Many of my clients are involved in high-asset or high-end divorces.  I also review and draft pre-nuptial agreements.

I formerly prosecuted DUI/OWI drunk driving, criminal and traffic offenses for the City of Ann Arbor and now use that experience to defend individuals facing DUI/OWI, misdemeanor, felony and traffic charges in Washtenaw County. 

My approach to client representation is resolution oriented to achieve the client's goals.  I make every effort to resolve matters through negotiation and, where applicable, mediation.  I have significant criminal and civil trial experience.  However, I recommend litigation or trial only as a last resort when amicable resolution is not possible or the evidence and law make trial appropriate. 

I am sensitive to the personal and emotional needs of clients and assist clients in resolving legal issues with professionalism and the least amount of stress and disruption.  I educate and guide my clients so they can make good, informed decisions.  I know that each client's case is of great importance to the client.  Each client deserves an attorney who is personally responsive to the client's needs.  Therefore, I provide attentive, efficient and effective legal services with personal attention to each client.  I use voice mail and email to maintain regular and timely contact with clients. 

I have practiced law since 1987.  I have lived and worked in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County since 1992 and have strong ties to the legal community and an excellent reputation.  I am very experienced and familiar with the Washtenaw County court system, attorneys, prosecutors, other professionals, and community.  Therefore, my law practice is now limited to Washtenaw County. 

I make appropriate referrals for areas outside my area of expertise.

Other Professional Activities

Washtenaw County Trial Court Case Evaluator (1998 to Present)

Wayne County Circuit Court Case Evaluator (2004 to Present)

Washtenaw County Bar Association Speaker and Panelist (October 2005 - Bias Awareness Week)

Institute of Continuing Legal Education Instructor and/or Moderator (Annually since 2005 - Deposition Skills; 1998 - ADA, FMLA and Worker's Compensation Interplay)

Washtenaw County Bar Association, Chair of the Solo and Small Firm Section (2006 to 2007)

Ave Maria School of Law, Speaker (March 2007 - Pathway to Law)

Areas of Practice

• Criminal Law
• DUI/DWI
• Felonies
• Juvenile Crimes
• Misdemeanor
• Traffic Violations
• Family Law
• Alimony & Spousal Support
• Child Support
• Custody & Visitation
• Divorce
• Prenuptial Agreements

Pro Bono Activities

• Washtenaw Literacy, Volunteer, English as a Second Language Tutor
• Growing Hope, Pro Bono Attorney / Advisory Board Member
• Washtenaw Dispute Resolution Center, Pro Bono Mediator
• Women's Center of Southeastern Michigan, Volunteer/Pro Bono Attorney and Former Member of the Board of Directors
• Washtenaw County/Eastern Michigan University Legal Resource Center, Volunteer
• University of Michigan Silver Club, Volunteer
• University of Michigan Law School, Volunteer Judge/Moderator/Instructor for various Student Competitions
• In2Books, Volunteer, Electronic Pen Pal

West Practice Categories

Criminal Law, DUI/DWI, Felonies, Juvenile Crimes, Misdemeanor, Traffic Violations, Family Law, Alimony & Spousal Support, Child Support, Custody & Visitation, Divorce, Prenuptial Agreements