Lisa Dwyer

After graduating law school, I went to work for the Wayne County (Detroit) Public Defenders' Office. I tried every imaginable case: murder, carjacking, armed robbery, assault cases, theft cases, a disinterment case (!)--all with not guilty verdicts each time. Naturally, I negotiated many plea agreements with the prosecutors' office and the Court. These plea agreements were outstanding. My clients are set apart. I work with them on their cases, I work with them on their personal matters and I give them my devoted time.
Now, after over 25 years of criminal defense practice, I have the same fire I had day one at the Defenders' Office. I fight my cases. Today I have gun, drug, RICO and explosives cases in federal court and I have a couple sex crime cases and DUIs in state court, to name the ones that immediately come to my attention. Most are set for trial or dispositive motions. I have confidence in them and can report back to you, if you're interested.
Essentially, I love my work and think it is a privilege to speak for those who can not be heard.

Call for free consultation!

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law

J.D. (1992) | Law

1990 - 1992

Saint Louis University

B.A. (1989) | English; Science & Technology;

1985 - 1989

Honors: Honors Society

Activities: Student Government V.P. Newspaper

President

Law Office of Lisa Dwyer, P.C.

1999 - Current

Specially-appointed Attorney

State of Michigan Attorney General's Office

2017 - 2019

I represented a state defendant in the Flint Water Crisis criminal and civil cases. My co-counsel and I negotiated a dismissal of his state case. Presently, I have resigned as his civil attorney, as the case requires a specialist.

Mayor

City of Clawson, State of Michigan

2003 - 2007

Senior Associate

Law Office of Kevin Ernst. P.L.C.

1998 - 1999

Criminal defense and civil section 1983 claims in federal court.

Adjunct Professor Entertainment Law

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law

1997 - 1998

Public Defender

Legal Aid and Defenders' Association of Michigan

1994 - 1998

Associate

Advantage Legal Services

1994 - 1994

Family law, plaintiff and defense, in a fast-paced, low-fee structure, firm. Great background for my criminal practice on all levels.

Associate

Sheldon Halpern, P.C.

1992 - 1993

Worked with Shelly as a law student, then, as a practicing attorney. Got my writing lashes there. Man, he was tough on the paper page. But, I grew and fostered my voice.

Legal Affairs Intern

St. John Hospital and Medical Center

1992 - 1992

Taught defensive litigation techniques, risk management and general legal functions for the hospital, as in, posting timely notices regarding federal and state regulations, for one.

Research Intern

Professor Howard Abrams (U of DM)

1992 - 1992

I was Prof. Abrams research assistant as he was writing his Copyright Treatise for Clark Boardman. I easily evaluated over 100 law review articles for topics and accuracy, while source-checking and proof-reading numerous chapters for publication. Loved this work. Prof. Abrams became a mentor of mine in Entertainment Law.

Probation Services--Is there better to come?, Oakland County Brown Bag, Oakland County Bar Offices

January 19, 2017

Oakland County Bar

Cross-Examination of Police, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan Fall Conference, Boyne City, MI

November 14, 2018

CDAM

Presented twice over weekend conference with great feedback.

Top Criminal Defense Attorney

Lawyers of Distinction

2020

Exceptional Achievement

Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan

2019

Awarded to the attorneys representing the FGM Defendants.

Top Criminal Defense Attorney

Lawyers of Distinction

2019

Top Criminal Defense Attorney

DBusiness Detroit Business Journal

2018

Voted on by my peers

Top Criminal Defense Attorney

Lawyers of Distinction

2018

Voted on by national peers.

NACDL

Life Member

2017 - Current

Activities: First Amendment Strike Force

State Bar of Michigan Appellate Law Section

Member

2017 - Current

Americana Music Foundation

Voting Member

2015 - Current

State Bar of Michigan Marijuana Law Section

Member

2015 - Current

Activities: Daily list-serv reader and attends fall conferences. In 2017, accepted appointment to Section Council and attended monthly meetings to advance the educational purposes of the section. Resigned in 2019, due to professional commitments.

Federal Bar Association

Sustaining Member

2007 - Current

Eastern District of Michigan

Since 1993

Michigan

State Bar of Michigan

ID Number: 47961

Since 1993

6th Circuit

Since 2005

U.S. Supreme Court

Since 2007

• Free Consultation
  Over 30 minutes on the phone, probably means we should set an office meeting.
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