Welcome to our Chapter Legal Referral Directory (started in 2022). Here, people seeking legal assistance can find local NLG lawyers and legal workers. If you are a member and wish to be listed, please fill out this form tinyurl.com/NLGDirectory-form.
Attorneys and legal workers in our Legal Directory are members of the National Lawyers Guild, Detroit & Michigan Chapter. The Guild is dedicated to using the law for social justice - valuing human rights and ecosystems over property interests.
Questions or suggestions? Email administrator@michigannlg.org or call 313-925-2626.
Click on particular areas of law to see listed NLG members who work in those fields. Full Directory is below.
Civil Rights • Criminal Defense • Immigration • Labor & Employment • Disability Rights • Landlord & Tenant • Police Misconduct • Prisoner Rights • Wills & Trusts • Family Law • Elder Law • LGBTQI+ • Administrative • Guardianship & Conservatorship • Probate & Estate • Workers' Compensation • Real Property Law • Free Speech • Agricultural Law • American Indian Law • Cannabis • Health Care • Divorce • Military Law • Arts Law • International Law • Juvenile • Animal Law • Law Practice Management • Consumer Law • Religious Liberty • Social Security • Debtor & Creditor • Personal Injury • Intellectual Property • Legal Ethics • Property Tax • Environmental • Contracts • Civil • Bankruptcy & Debt Relief • Reproductive Rights • Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) • Taxation • Criminal Appeals •
Liz Abdnour
Civil Rights • Labor & Employment • Disability Rights • Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) • Free Speech • Education, Title IX
Abdnour Weiker LLP
Phone: 517-994-1776
Email: liz@education-rights.com
Website: lawyers4students.com
Prounouns: She/her
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Liz Abdnour is an experienced and client-centered attorney and advocate who has committed her career to working towards justice and equality for students. Liz's legal expertise includes a vast array of education-focused cases, with claims asserted against schools and institutions in the areas of Title IX, educator rights and employment, special education, k12 school discipline, college code of conduct, disability rights, and childhood sexual assault.
For the first eight years of her career, Liz worked as a legal services attorney, representing low-income individuals in Ohio in a variety of civil legal matters. Liz spent two years as the supervising attorney of a domestic violence and protection order clinic jointly operated by a legal aid organization and a law school. Liz then transitioned to working as an institutional equity coordinator and senior investigator at Michigan State University, handling investigations and providing training to the campus community on civil rights and Title IX matters.
In 2018, Liz launched an education-focused law firm in Lansing, Michigan to fight for justice on behalf of student and educator clients. During this time, Liz assisted hundreds of clients seek justice for violations of their rights by their school, their university or their employer. In 2023, Liz joined forces with AW to expand the impact of her experience and advocacy, now leading the firm’s Title IX and Education Litigation teams in Ohio and Michigan, and in federal courts nationwide.
Liz also provides investigative, consulting, and training services and is an experienced trainer, writer, and public speaker. The combination of Liz's legal experience and her years as an internal university investigator and administrator at Michigan State University during the height of the Larry Nassar investigation give her unparalleled expertise regarding educational institutions' obligations with respect to civil rights and Title IX response.
Melissa A. Brown
Civil Rights • Criminal Defense • Labor & Employment
The Law Office of Melissa A. Brown, PLLC
Phone: 313-473-9086
Email: mbrown@mblopc.com
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I help people whose rights have been violated recover and rebuild their lives. I also help people with everyday legal issues though the stress and mess to the other side.
Matt Clark
Civil Rights • Labor & Employment
Gregory, Moore, Brooks & Clark, P.C.
Phone: 313-964-5600
Email: matt@unionlaw.net
Website: www.unionlaw.net
Pronouns: he/him
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Aggressive legal representation for justice in the workplace.
Lisa Dwyer
Criminal Defense • Cannabis • Reproductive Rights
Law Office of Lisa Dwyer, P.C.
Phone: 313-510-2793
Email: dwyerl247@aol.com
Pronouns: she/her
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I have so much respect for how NLG organizes legal representation for civil rights activists. I enjoy fighting the systemically racist system to protect my clients' civil rights and get them relief from criminal prosecution. I will always jump in when I can.
Matthew S. Erard
Civil Rights • Criminal Defense · Labor & Employment • Landlord & Tenant • Police Misconduct • Family Law • LGBTQI+ • Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) • Juvenile • Workers' Compensation • Personal Injury • Divorce • Civil
Law Office of Matthew S. Erard, PLLC
Phone: 248-765-1605
Email: mserard@gmail.com
Website: https://www.erardlaw.net
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The Law Office of Matthew S. Erard is a progressive law practice dedicated to protecting the rights and legal interests of civil rights plaintiffs, criminal defendants, workers, tenants, and personal injury victims throughout and beyond the state of Michigan.
Patrick A. Foley
Landlord & Tenant • Wills & Trusts • Family Law • Guardianship & Conservatorship • Probate & Estate • Debtor & Creditor • Real Property Law • Contracts • Bankruptcy & Debt Relief • Divorce • Civil
John R. Foley, P.C.
Phone: 313-274-7377
Email: pafoley@jrfpc.net
Website: www.foleypc.com
Pronouns: He/Him
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Mr. Foley began his career in bankruptcy law, handling civil litigation, primarily creditor representation, fraud litigation, and adversary prosecution and defense work in the context of Chapter 7, 11 and 13 bankruptcies. Mr. Foley’s work also includes comprehensive Trustee representation, predominately in the context of Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Presently, Mr. Foley’s practice focuses on family law and complex civil litigation related to recovery for clients who have been economically or financially injured. Mr. Foley’s corporate practice includes representing small to medium companies and individuals in employment and deal negotiations, and contract review. He also represents individual clients in the areas of asset protection, estate planning, probate matters, and related elder law issues.
Ann Erickson Gault
Civil • Appeals
Ann Erickson Gault PLC
Phone: 248-571-5855
Email: ann@aeg-legal.com
Website: aeg-legal.com
Pronouns: she/her
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I am a solo practitioner specializing in civil appeals. I joined NLG because I agree that the law should protect and serve the people, and lawyers should work to defend human rights and promote social justice.
Nicole B. Godfrey
Civil Rights • Disability Rights • Landlord & Tenant
Michigan State University College of Law
Phone: 517-432-6961
Email: nicole.godfrey@law.msu.edu
Pronouns: she/her
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I just moved to Michigan to join the faculty at Michigan State University College of Law, where I direct the Housing Justice Clinic. Right now, the clinic's work will be focused on federal court matters challenging housing discrimination under federal civil rights statutes.
Liz Jacob
Civil Rights • Administrative • Consumer Law • Environmental and Energy Law
Sugar Law Center for Social and Economic Justice &
Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition
Phone: 313-324-8497
Email: ljacob@sugarlaw.org
Pronouns: She/Her
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Liz Jacob (she/her) serves as a Skadden Fellow with the Sugar Law Center for Social and Economic Justice and the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition. Liz works as an environmental justice lawyer to advance environmental, climate, and energy justice alongside communities of color and low-income residents in Detroit, Michigan.
Liz is building a practice of community-based lawyering alongside movements for a just transition. Liz is dedicating her life to working in community to collectively dream and build a transformative new world grounded in mutual aid, justice, and equity so that all people and the planet can thrive. Liz is a graduate of the College of William and Mary, where she was a Gates Millennium Scholar, and Yale Law School, where she studied law at the intersection of environmental justice and movement lawyering.
Kathryn Kucyk
Civil Rights • Wills & Trusts • Probate & Estate • Health Care
Compassion & Choices
Phone: 586-764-3390
Email: kucykk@cooley.edu
Pronouns: she/her
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I graduated from Cooley Law School and passed the bar in June 2021. I am currently Associate Legislative Council at a national non-profit focused on end-of-life health care. I live in the Bagley neighborhood in Detroit with my partner Clark and our dog, Honey.
Ben King
Civil Rights • Labor & Employment
McKnight, Canzano, Smith, Radtke & Brault, P.C.
Phone: 248-354-9650
Email: bking@michworkerlaw.com
Website www.michworkerlaw.com
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McKnight, Canzano, Smith, Radtke & Brault was founded in 1978 by a group of experienced union labor lawyers and has always dedicated itself to the advancement and protection of the rights of working people.
I specialize in public and private sector labor law under the National Labor Relations Act and Public Employment Relations Act. I assist workers and unions in representation and unfair labor practice proceedings.
I am proud of the work the NLG does and proud to be a member of the Detroit Chapter.
Cary McGehee
Civil Rights • Labor & Employment • Disability Rights • Police Misconduct • LGBTQI+ • Juvenile • Personal Injury • Prisoner Rights
Pitt McGehee Palmer Bonanni & Rivers
Phone: 248-321-0565
Email: cmcgehee@pittlawpc.com
Website: pittlawpc.com
Pronouns: she/her/hers
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I have been a member of the NLG since law school and support and admire its commitment to progressive advocacy.
Kenneth M. Mogill
Legal Ethics
Mogill, Posner & Cohen
Phone: 248-814-9470
Email: kmogill@bignet.net
Pronouns: he/him
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NLG member since 1968
John Philo
Civil Rights • Labor & Employment • Police Misconduct • Personal Injury • Civil • Other (Economic & Social Rights • Wage Theft • Constitutional Law • Worksite Closings • Health & Safety • Workplace Discrimination)
Sugar Law Center for Economic & Social Justice
Phone: 313-993-4505
Email: jphilo@sugarlaw.org
Website: www.sugarlaw.org
Pronouns: he/him
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Guild member since 1992. Former President of the Detroit & Michigan Chapter of the NLG (2002-2004). Member of the Executive Committee of the NLG Labor & Employment Law Committee. He has litigated cases in dozens of states representing low-wage workers, communities, and injured persons on matters of employment, constitutional, and tort law He is a contributing author to the National Lawyers Guild’s Employee and Union Member Guide to Labor Law and the Institute of Continuing Legal Education’s Torts: Michigan Law and Practice.
Shahad Atiya
Civil Rights • Criminal Defense • Immigration • Family Law • LGBTQI+ • Administrative • Guardianship & Conservatorship • International Law • Law Practice Management • Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) • Contracts • Divorce • Civil
Atiya Law
Phone: 248-951-2450
Email: SAtiya@AtiyaLaw.com
Website: www.atiyalaw.com
Pronouns: she/her
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Serving Justice Across Borders: Shahad Atiya is the American Dream
Shahad, a dedicated legal practitioner and Iraqi immigrant, stands as a beacon of hope for immigrant communities worldwide. With a relentless passion for justice and a profound understanding of the complexities surrounding immigration and other complex legal matters, Shahad has become a trusted ally for individuals navigating the intricate pathways of the law.
Born and raised in Iraq, Shahad experienced firsthand the challenges and struggles that accompany immigration to a new country. Determined to make a difference, she pursued her legal education with unwavering resolve, earning her Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University Law School before embarking on her journey as a legal advocate.
Throughout her career, Shahad has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to serving immigrant communities across the globe. Specializing in a diverse array of legal areas, including business, civil and criminal litigation, immigration, family law, and regulatory compliance, she has earned a reputation for her comprehensive approach and unparalleled expertise.
What sets Shahad apart is her unwavering dedication to tackling tough cases that others may shy away from. With a deep understanding of the challenges and nuances involved in complex legal matters, she fearlessly advocates for her clients' rights and interests, ensuring that no stone is left unturned in pursuit of justice.
From representing businesses navigating intricate regulatory landscapes to defending individuals facing immigration challenges or criminal charges, Shahad approaches each case with diligence, compassion, and a commitment to excellence. Her track record of success speaks volumes about her tenacity and legal acumen.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Shahad remains deeply rooted in her immigrant roots, understanding the struggles and triumphs that define the immigrant experience. Fluent in multiple languages, including Arabic and English, and (some Spanish) she bridges cultural divides and provides invaluable support to clients from diverse backgrounds.
As she continues her journey as a legal advocate, Shahad remains steadfast in her mission to uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and equality for all. With her guidance and expertise, immigrant communities find solace and empowerment in navigating the complex legal landscape with confidence and dignity.
David A. Robinson
Civil Rights • Police Misconduct • Personal Injury • Civil
Robinson and Associates
Phone: 248-470-3590
Email: davidrobinsonlaw@gmail.com
Website: davidarobinsonlaw.com
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I am a lawyer on the side of people, the victims of government oppression and civil wrong. In practice for 37 years, my connection to the NLG is of fundamental importance. My history in being born in the era of civil rights struggle makes my appreciation for the NLG a natural fit.
Eileen R. Scheff
Reproductive Rights
Scheff & Washington, P.C.
Phone: 313-963-1921
Email: attorneyscheff@gmail.com
Pronouns: she/her
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Retired after practicing law for 46 years, but still assisting with reproductive rights cases, including for minors.
Jack W. Schulz
Labor & Employment
Schulz Law PLC
Phone: 313-246-3590
Email: jackwschulz@gmail.com
Website: www.michiganworkerlaw.com
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Jack W. Schulz is a native of Saginaw, MI, and focuses his practice on employment litigation. Jack has been included as a Michigan Super Lawyer Rising Star each year since 2016. Additionally, Jack is a previous recipient of the F. Philip Colista Endowed Scholarship for his commitment to the underprivileged and was also selected by the National Labor Relations Board, Region Seven, as recipient of the Bernard Gottfried Memorial Scholarship for Excellence in Labor Law.
In addition to being an NLG member, Jack serves as a member of the Lawyers’ Committee of the ACLU of Michigan and the ICLE Litigation Advisory Board.
Jack is a graduate of Wayne State University Law School and Michigan State University.
Eric Sproull
Immigration
Palmer Rey PLLC
Phone: 312-919-9335
Email: eric@palmerrey.com
Website: www.palmerrey.com
Pronouns: he/him/his
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I live in Ann Arbor and am an associate attorney at Palmer Rey PLLC in Southfield, MI. I am licensed in Illinois, and currently practice exclusively immigration law - representing clients before USCIS, Immigration Courts, the Chicago Asylum Office, and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. I also handle appellate cases at the Board of Immigration of Appeals and the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
I am able to assist clients with ICE detention, removal defense, family, and employment immigration issues.
I believe that the work of NLG and its members is vital to the continued pursuit of collective liberation and I'm hopeful that my legal advocacy in the area of immigration is a small but vital contribution to this work.
Michael J. Steinberg
Civil Rights • Disability Rights • Police Misconduct • Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) • Religious Liberty • Reproductive Rights • Free Speech
Civil Rights Litigation Initiative, University of Michigan Law School
Phone: 734-615-2407
Email: mjsteinb@umich.edu
Website:michigan.law.umich.edu/academics/experiential-learning/clinics/civil-rights-litigation-initiative
Pronouns: he/him/his
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- Guild member since first day of law school in 1985
- Former legal director of the ACLU of Michigan (1997-2019)
- Former President of the Ann Arbor Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild (1993-1997)
Bio: https://michigan.law.umich.edu/faculty-and-scholarship/our-faculty/michael-j-steinberg
Kurt Thornbladh
Wills & Trusts • Elder Law • Administrative • Guardianship & Conservatorship • Probate & Estate • Military Law • International Law • Law Practice Management • Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) • Consumer Law • Taxation • Debtor & Creditor • Civil • Bankruptcy and Debt Relief
Thornbladh Legal Group PLLC
Phone: 313-943-2678
Email: kthornbladh@gmail.com
Website: under construction
Pronouns: he/his/him/kurt
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If you are in debt, the client is not at fault. The economy was stacked.
If you are being sued, the client is not at fault. Predatory lending and price gouging played a role.
If you owe taxes, the client is not at fault. The rich should pay.
STOP THE HURT! CALL KURT!
Hunter Van Valkenburgh
Landlord & Tenant • Wills & Trusts • Family Law • Probate & Estate • Real Property Law • Consumer Law • Divorce • Construction
Hunter Van Valkenburgh PLLC
Phone: 734-276-0272
Email: hunter_vanv@huntervanvlaw.com
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I have been a sporadic activist with various causes since the 1980s, and the Guild is a place to combine my desire to re-make our society with my legal skills.
Brandon Wright
Landlord & Tenant
United Community Housing Coalition
Phone: 248-607-4988
Email: b.wright@wayne.edu
Pronouns: he/him
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I knew I wanted to join the Guild before I knew it existed. I found the Disorientation Manual while researching how to remain radical as a law student and am happy to have found "my people" in the Guild.
In law school, I was a student attorney for the Asylum and Immigration Law Clinic, and an extern at the Federal Community Defenders Office and Sugar Law Center for Economic and Social Justice. I also volunteered with the Guild to interview arrestees during the summer 2020 uprising in Detroit. I have witnessed the government's profound callousness as well as its thirst for vengeance. Yet I remain convinced that we can build a more humane society in the shell of the old.