Legal Services & Lawyers

Michelle McLean received her Bachelors of Science from Cornerstone University in 2002. She later received her Juris Doctorate Cum Laude from Michigan State University College of Law in 2007. While earning her law degree, Ms. McLean served both on the Inns of Court (Lansing) and also worked as an extern for Kent Countyâs 17th Circuit Judicial Court.

Prior to practicing law, Ms. Mclean worked for a national mortgage lender and has over fifteen years experience in this capacity. She worked as an underwriter, collector, manager, and finally as an account executive. By combining her vast experience in mortgage lending/real estate industry with the practice of law, Ms. McLean offers her clients a unique perspective as their advocate.

Michelle has extensive knowledge in mortgage lending law and also has experience handling foreclosure rescue scams, mortgage lending abuses, mortgage fraud, mortgage modifications, and is familiar with relevant mortgage banking laws. In addition, Michelle handles many other consumer law issues from deceptive and fraudulent trade practices, lemon laws, breach of warranty issues, consumer debt collection violations, fair credit reporting issues, and student loan law issues. In addition, Michelle has handled several landlord tenant cases involving breach of lease, default, eviction, etc.

In the area of family law, Michelle has handled several cases involving contested custody, divorce, parenting time disputes, child support review, spousal support, grandparent visitation, adoption, and conservatorships/guardianships.

Michelle handles criminal cases such as domestic violence, drunk driving, larceny, retail fraud, embezzlement, and criminal sexual conduct.

Michelle McLean is dedicated to the effective and efficient advocacy of her clients. She promises to be readily available and easily accessible, to be fair and honest with billing, and to zealously and rigorously represent her clients. If you hire Michelle, you will have hired an energetic attorney who is dedicated and passionate about best serving your legal needs.

Aric K. Melder has assisted each of his clients with the finest legal representation possible while upholding the ethics, spirit, and intent of the law. He was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 1996. He graduated from Detroit College of Law, at Michigan State University with a Juris Doctor, in 1996, and Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in 1993.

Aric K. Melder has concentrated his expertise and experience in the areas of Family Law, Divorce, Adoption, Bankruptcy, Debt Collection /Debt Collection Defense, Asset Protection, Real Estate, Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning, Criminal Defense, Drunk Driving, Traffic Matters and Insurance Disputes.

Areas of Practice:

Family Law
Divorce
Adoption
Bankruptcy
Debt Collection /Debt Collection Defense
Asset Protection
Real Estate
Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning
Criminal Defense
Drunk Driving
Traffic Matters
Insurance Disputes

Barry Shoults is a graduate of Lapeer Public Schools. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Michigan - Flint and then received in 1981 his Juris Doctorate from the Detroit College of Law, now the Law School at Michigan State University. He was admitted to the practice of law in Michigan Courts in 1981 and in Federal Court in 1984.

He worked his way through college and law school at various jobs including selling building supplies for Church’s Lumber. He started his legal career working for Legal Services of Eastern Michigan in Flint which provided legal aid to the poor of Genesee and Lapeer counties before starting this law firm in Lapeer in 1982.

Barry Shoults is a member of various sections of the Michigan State Bar Association as well as the Lapeer County Bar Association of which he was President from 2004 - 2005. He is one of the few Lapeer County attorneys who is a member of the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan. He is also a member of the Lapeer Area Chamber of Commerce, the Lapeer Downtown Business Association and Calvary Bible Church.

Barry Shoults was the Mayor of Lapeer between 1981 - 1989 during which he was on the Downtown Development Authority and the City Planning Commission. Prior to that he served on the Lapeer County Planning Commission, the Genesee-Lapeer-Shiawassee County Regional Planning Commission, and the Genesee-Lapeer-Shiawassee County Health Systems Agency. He was elected City Commissioner in 1973 and served one term as an elected County Commissioner (1977-78) during which he influenced the decision to build the current court house in downtown Lapeer.

Barry Shoults has taught seminars on the state regulations regarding the use of the evidentiary breath test called the "Breathalyzer" and on "How to Get Along with the Friend of the Court" He has also appeared on the television program, "Ask a Lawyer" when it was being produced by Channel 28 in Flint.

W. Jay Brown PLC is a 21st Century civil litigation law practice with an emphasis in real estate, construction, business, and commercial law. The Mission of W. Jay Brown PLC is to provide its clients outstanding service and value through the use of technology and innovation.