J. Schafer Law Firm, PC, is dedicated to building strong client relationships, advising and counseling clients in real property law, estate planning, and business matters, as well as civil litigation, mediation, and appeals. Clients can and should expect experience-based legal analysis and advice, forthright communications, strong advocacy for each client’s interests, and skilled representation both in and out of the courtroom.
25 years of diverse experience in civil & criminal litigation, transaction management, alternative dispute resolution, teaching, public service, and private practice. Graduated Michigan State University 1992, Bachelor’s Degree – High Honors in Criminal Justice. Thomas M. Cooley Law School – January 1996, Juris Doctor with Honors. St. Clair County Prosecutor’s Office, 1994-96 as assistant prosecutor and researching/writing appellate briefs to Michigan Court of Appeals & Supreme Court, with more than 70 appellate briefs to date. Assistant prosecutor, Emmet County, 1996-2001, criminal cases in probate, district, & circuit courts. Attorney Magistrate, 90th District Court, Emmet & Charlevoix Counties, all search/arrest warrants for 9 police agencies, attorney pretrial conferences, civil infraction & small claims hearings. Civil law practice starting 2004, focus on real estate, estate planning, civil litigation, appeals. Molosky & Co. 2011-2021, real estate, estate planning, civil litigation, business matters. Joined Harris Law in December 2021, as Legal Services Manager. Taught Research & Writing and Civil Litigation Procedure to paralegal students at North Central Michigan College for over 10 years. Instructor with National District Attorneys Association, teaching Essential Trial Advocacy. Trained mediator and a court-approved case evaluator. State Bar Representative Assembly – Committee for Libraries, Legal Research & Legal Publications, & Drafting Committee.
