David Bruegel | Mason Divorce Lawyer | Michigan

Almost every case, we make a difference. Reason is: listening. One can not arrive at a destination/objective without knowing in advance what the objective in fact is. Strategy is paramount. We do not plod. We find stream-lined, efficient means of achieving objectives. Often that involves coming to terms with an opponent, but stating clearly to them what you understand to be THEIR objective. Putting the two together can produce surprising, and quick resolutions. It is the way we approach every case, every transaction.

I have been at law for over 37 years. In each position, it has been a leading opportunity around persons with great experience and intelligence. Eventually it sticks. Not ready, shoot, aim here. We do the homework. Study the situation and the persons involved, in marketing, the approaches that express the need and lack in the market. Who could have said it better than Dale Carnegie in the 1920s: if you want someone to listen to you, you talk about them. I always want to know what the other side wants and what the other side NEEDS. Knowing that, can solve any puzzle, even quickly.

Lawyers can be drap. Sloggy. Sleepy. Lack peripheral vison. It have been at a highly regarded 350-lawyer firm for 25-years as an additional graduate school. I was a Wall Street Journal writer and a few other things (see bio). I am hard at this; I view myself as Rumpole of the Bailey. I want to be a lawyer. That is all I want to be. I have ducked becoming a judge, or worse, a political leader. I am into service, not judging. (What did the new Pope say? Who am I to judge?) I am in exactly the correct, perfect spot and my clients see that; they know I love this stuff. I am after the results and the professional and personal satisfaction I received being summa cum laude, of Phi Beta Kappa or a Rhodes Scholarship nominee. It is my life, what I do.

My grandfather was the first medical doctor in East Lansing. I had people come up to me as a child and tell me how he helped at their house taking care of whatever all night long. My father repeated the process in business and local politics. I am trying very hard to be the same. I do house calls, hospitals, hospices and jails, when necessary. I went to Notre Dame. When you go there, the idea is that you are supposed to come out good and be good.

I return every call, every email. I can't take very case. But I do listen, ask questions, and suggest an approach. Take a look at the 80 "five star" reviews online for me. Many of these people were just asking questions. They got more help from me than from any lawyer that charged them and represented them prior thereto. I just try my best. It is what I can do and endeavor to do. Never perfect. Never exactly, exactly perfect, but sincere and damn close, particularly for a fee of zero.

I take what I do very seriously, but not without humor, I trust. The object here is to provide top-notch legal assistance blended into the real-life living situations and problems confronting any given person. In many ways it often is a ""Sherlock Holmes"" mystery to discover how to proceed, and I believe both I and my client track down that path appreciatively.

I am rewarded by the privilege of being a lawyer; to me it is an honor. Nothing to be slighted or taken for granted or believed to be a greater accomplishment than it is. My wife works with neurosurgeons at the University of Michigan main hospital. Now there is talent. I just help as I can. Sometimes it really matters.

I am a member of Rotary International, which spends time and money all over the world. Nearer to home, I am a sponsor and advocate of Ele's Place for Children, the charmed, angelic locations in Michigan that see to it that children for very young to adolescent, receive support upon the death of parents and siblings.

• State Bar Association of Michigan, Committees, 1978 - 2014
  Catholic Lawyers Guild, Membership Committee, 2013 - Present
  Cranbrook Writers Guild, Board Member, 1990 - 1999
  State Bar Association of Michigan, Grievance Committee, 1980 - 1988
  State Bar Association of Michigan, Representative Assembly, 1984 - 1988
  Michigan Chapter, Air and Waste Management Association, Chairman, 1996 - 1998
  American Bar Association, Vice Chairman, Environmental Committee, 1997 - 1999
  Institute of Continuing Legal Education, Ann Arbor, Premium Partner, 2001 - Present
  German Speakers, Ann Arbor, Foreign Language Speaker, 2012 - Present
  Parents of Children with Mental Illnesses, Counsel and Advisor to Families, 2014 - Present
  Mason Chamber of Commerce, Business Member, 2014 - Present
  Ingham County Bar Association, Member, 2014 - Present
  Greater Lansing Estate Planning Council, Member, 2014 - Present
  Gaelic League of Detroit, Member, 2014 - Present
  Google Business, Premium Member, 2014 - Present
  Rotary of Mason, 2014 - Present
  Ingham County Fair, 4-H Auction, 2014 - Present
  St Casimir Lansing        , Law Sponsor, 2014 - Present
  Dansville Elementary, Sponsor, 2014 - Present
  St Cornelius-Cyprian Stockbridge, Law Sponsor, 2014 - Present
  Holt Lion's Club, Annual Golf Outing Sponsor, 2014 - Present
  Birmingham Art Association, Painter, 1980 - Present
  Ingham County Bar Association, Probate & Trust Section, 2014 - Present

• AV Rated Preeminent 5.0-5.0, Martindate-Hubbell, 2014 - Present
  Masters Section, State Bar Association of Michigan, 2013 - Present
  Lawyer of the year, International Barristers, 1978 - Present
  Notre Dame Lawyer, Writing published, 1977 - Present
  State of Michigan Balfour Award, Sigma Chi Fraternity, 1975 - Present
  Nomination in State, Rhodes Scholarship, 1975 - Present
  Governmental Achievement, National Academy of Achievement, 1972 - Present
  President of Boys' Nation, Washington, D.C., American Legion, 1970 - Present
  Member, Phi Beta Kappa, 1975 - Present

• Farm taxes - Savings in taxes due now and in subsequent years Client Guardianships - These proceedings provide a family the necessary legal authority to care for the incapcitated loved one. Being a Trustee - Clean and complete conclusion to last wishes of the Grantor(s).

• Laws Affecting Clients, Law Firm Reports, 2014
  Estate Taxation, Client Newsletters, 2009
  Succession Planning and Law Developments        , Crotty & Smyth Bulletins, 2002
  Environmental Law        , Banking Group Advising, Dickinson Wright, 1998
  Environmental Law Developments, Institute of Continuing Legal Education, Ann Arbor, 1995
  Staff Reporter, The Wall Street Journal - Chicago, 1974
  The Notre Dame Lawyer, Law Review Article, 1976
  Albion Pleiad, Editor of College Newspaper, 1975

• LinkedIn
• Google +
• WATCH MY VIDEO
• Tour My Office
• Testimonials
• Probate & Estate Administration
• Divorce
• Estate Planning
• Learn More About David Bruegel
• Avvo Profile