Thirty five years in general practice
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1699 Lansing Road
Suite 1
Charlotte, MI 48813
Call today to learn more about my fee structure.
Owner
Dr. Donald J. Baranski
1988 - Present
Michigan
1988
U.S. Eastern District of Michigan
1988
U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
1988
U.S. Western District of Michigan
1988
Michigan State University
Masters (Philosophy)
1985
Michigan State University
Bachelor of Arts (Humanities-Psychology, History and Philosophy)
1982
Harvard Law School
Certificate of Achievement (Bioethics:The Law, Medicine, and Ethics of Reproductive Technologies and Genetics)
05/2018
Associations
Honors / Awards
Cases
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.
Publications
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
Please describe a case in the last year or two where you made a big difference.
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.
How did you build a successful practice?
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.
What should clients look for in a lawyer?
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.
How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
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.
What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?
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.
What information do you need in a free phone consultation?
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.
What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
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.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Working with clients and have them tell me that they can sleep at night after discussing their case with me.
What are your other interests in addition to law?
Spending time with my wife, Angela. Reading history, philosophy, and fiction. I also have a vast DVD collection of films.
Are you involved in your community?
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.
Founded 1988
Bankruptcy & Debt, Criminal, Divorce & Family Law, Employment
Dr. Donald J. Baranski has been a Premium Member since May 17, 2018.
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