Donald Baranski | Okemos Debt Lawyer

In all of my cases I make a big difference to the client. As far as results to particular cases, I did a criminal felony trial where the client was found not guilty on a directed verdict. This means that after the prosecution presented its case, I won without having a single witness for the defense having to testify. I obtained funds for my clients in a deceased estate where the family had taken funds during the lifetime of the deceased improperly. However good the results, every case is unique on the law and the facts on that particular case.

I began my practice with a card table and chairs, an electric pencil sharper, a telephone and electric typewriter. I built my practice one client at a time by doing excellent work and service for each of my clients. It has now been thirty years and I still get referrals from clients when I first began.

The attorney should not take days or weeks to respond to a client's inquiry. Failure to timely respond is a sign that the attorney just doesn't care, or is just too busy to take on a new client. Clients should look for an attorney that is hard working, ethical, and honest on the merits of the case. Often, a realistic assessment of a client's matter especially in litigation is not profitable for the attorney but is immensely desirable for the client. Each case is unique on the law and the facts, and a good attorney does not make false promises or give false hope on any particular case. The attorney should have an express written contract spelling out exactly what the representation entails, and how much and what the client will be charged. A client should look to see how knowledgeable an attorney is in the field that they are practicing in. The attorney should have written articles and/or given seminars in their field(s) of expertise.

The local customs of a particular court are important, but it is quite easy to talk to brethren counsel in any area who will fill-in an out of town attorney in on how things are done.

The most important information in an initial free phone consultation is to determine whether the client has a case at all or if the client may use a government agency to handle the problem for free for them. The next step is to determine whether there is any merit to the case. Clients can learn how likely they will be successful, how long, and much it will take to complete their legal objective.

If there has been any litigation before the call, the type of case, and a sequence of events in chronological order. It is most helpful if a client has any legal document(s) relating to the case at hand in front of them. Clients need to remember that usually the telephone consultation for the attorney is like asking a physician to read an x-ray over the telephone.

I have been practicing law for over thirty years. I have an excellent reputation for honesty and integrity. I am very conscientious and hard working. I realize that every case that I work on is THE most important case for my client. I am extremely easy to reach and I respond quickly to my clients. I have written numerous articles, texts, and blogs on various areas in the law. I have taught paralegal courses at college, and law courses at law school. As a teacher, I take time to explain legal concepts to clients so that they can make informed decisions.

Working with clients and have them tell me that they can sleep at night after discussing their case with me.

Spending time with my wife, Angela. Reading history, philosophy, and fiction. I also have a vast DVD collection of films.

I began a legal clinic at the Women's Center of Greater Lansing where I spend every Friday afternoon giving free legal advice. I have given seminar presentations to many organizations including the local bar, churches, and schools. I regularly volunteer to assist law schools in teaching their students ethics. I also have acted as a judge for law student competitions in oral arguments to sharpen the skills of the students.

• Michigan State Bar Association | Member

• Effective Teaching Award | Western Michigan Cooley Law School | 1998
  Effective Teaching Award | Western Michigan Cooley Law School | 1997

• https://www.courtlistener.com/pdf/2018/06/07/people_of_michigan_v._dakota_lee_shorter_3.pdf
  People of the State of Michigan v Dakota Shorter Michigan Court of Appeals-Published This was a jury trial where an adult, competent witness was provided a support dog and support dog handler while she testified in open court against the criminal defendant. Michigan only allows a support dog in situations where there is a child under the age of 16, or a developmentally disabled person, or a vulnerable adult testifies. The Michigan Court of Appeals in a published opinion stated that the criminal defendant did not receive a fair trial by giving an adult, competent witness a support dog. The conviction was reversed, and the defendant given a new trial.

• Michigan State University College of Law/Professional Ethics/2017
  Eaton Rapids Community Education | Small Claims Court | 2015
  Eaton Rapids Community Education | Adoption Law | 2015
  Eaton Rapids Community Education | Divorce/Custody | 2015
  Eaton Rapids Community Education | Last Will/Probate | 2015
  Eaton Rapids Community Education | Bankruptcy Law | 2015
  Sensations Memory Care | Guardian/Conservator | 2014
  Michigan State University College of Law | Professional Ethics | 2014
  Magistrates of District Courts of Michigan | Small Claims Court | 2014
  Eaton Rapids Community Education | Small Claims Court | 2014
  Michigan State University College of Law | Professional Ethics | 2013
  Island City Assisted Living | Wills/Guardianships | 2013
  Book | Small Claims Court in Michigan | 2013
  Michigan State University College of Law | Professional Ethics | 2012
  Michigan State University College of Law | Professional Ethics | 2011
  Michigan State University College of Law | Professional Ethics | 2010
  Michigan State University College of Law | Professional Ethics | 2009
  Emergency Medical Tech Law | Emergency Medical Technicians | 2004
  Book | Emergency Medical Technicians | 2004
  Booklet | Adopting a Newborn In Michigan | 1999
  Planned Parenthood | Adoption Law for newborns | 1999
  Book | Adoption Law and Procedure | 1998
  Ingham Medical Center | Adoption Law for newborns | 1997
  Hayes Green Beach Hospital | Adoption Law for newborns | 1996
  Western Michigan Cooley Law School | Law Office Management | 1995
  Ingham County Bar Association | Setting and Collecting Your Fee | 1995
  Book | Setting Attorney Fees | 1994
  Book | Law Office Management | 1993

 Evenings and weekends by appointment. Home visits available if needed due to health reasons.

Donald J. Baranski has been a Premium Member since May 17, 2018.
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Adopting a Newborn In Michigan  (2018-05-22 10:25:13)
Procedure for Adopting a baby in Michigan. The do's and don'ts for the adopting couple.

Step parent Adoption In Michigan  (2018-05-22 10:32:10)
Adoption procedure for a parent and step parent to adopt the parent's child. Termination of the parental rights of the other parent.

Family Adoption/Grandparent Adoption  (2018-05-22 10:40:14)
Family member adoption, Grandparent, Aunt, Uncle, brother, sister, any one related to the adoptee.

Trusts  (2018-05-22 19:46:49)
What a trust is. The common problems that occur with a trust.

Deceased Estates and Medicaid Claims  (2018-05-22 19:59:49)
Deceased Estates, and medicaid claims

Last Will and Testament and Probate  (2018-05-22 20:08:07)
Last Will and Testament creation and probate court

Minor Guardianships  (2018-05-22 20:13:54)
Obtaining a guardianship over a minor.

Guardianship and Conservatorship  (2018-05-22 20:28:25)
Guardianship and Conservatorship for an Adult

Grandparenting/Visitation Time  (2018-05-23 09:09:03)
Grandparent Parenting or Visitation time with their grandchildren if the parent(s) say no.

Child Custody, Parenting Time and Child Support  (2018-05-23 09:13:43)
Definition of Child Custody, Parenting time and Child Support in a Divorce

Divorce, Property Division, Debts and Alimony  (2018-05-23 09:18:20)
Basic principles of divorce, property division and alimony.