Business Details
31 Years
experience
Trusted Legal Representation in Manistee, Michigan
Established in 1995, our law office has served Manistee, Michigan, delivering accessible, high-quality legal representation across diverse practice areas. With over 25 years of experience in criminal, family, real estate, and business law, we combine deep local knowledge with a commitment to personalized client service. Our founder, Leslie E Van Alstine II, brings decades of courtroom expertise and a dedication to ethical practice, supported by a seasoned paralegal and a team focused on community needs.We prioritize affordability through tiered consultation fees and maintain strong relationships with local courts and tribal legal systems. Our practice philosophy centers on treating clients as individuals, not case numbers, ensuring transparent communication and tailored legal strategies. This approach has earned us consistent client referrals and positive recognition from peers and clients alike.
Services
Criminal Defense
Family Law
Estate Planning
Real Estate Law
Business Law
Tribal Court Representation
Probate
Personal Injury
Landlord/Tenant
Wills & Trusts
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer free initial consultations for criminal matters and affordable $150 consultations for other legal needs.
- Our attorney has practiced in Manistee since 1995 with admission to both state and tribal courts.
- We provide personalized legal strategies treating clients as individuals, not case numbers.
- Our team includes an ABA-certified paralegal with specialized legal training and experience.
- We maintain strong local court relationships and focus on practical, results-oriented solutions.
Associations and certifications
- State Bar of Michigan
- Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Court
What people say
Knowledgeable attorney
Respectful treatment
Affordable fees
Successful outcomes
Personalized approach
Services
Criminal Defense
We provide aggressive legal representation for clients facing criminal charges in Michigan state and tribal courts. Our practice covers OWI, drug offenses, assault, and felony/misdemeanor defense. With decades of courtroom experience and free initial consultations, we focus on minimizing legal consequences while maintaining client dignity.
Family Law
Our family law services include divorce, child custody, support, and post-judgment modifications. We emphasize practical solutions that protect client interests while minimizing emotional stress. The attorney personally handles all negotiations and court appearances to ensure consistent representation.
Estate Planning
We create customized estate plans including wills, trusts, power of attorney, and medical directives. Our approach considers long-term care needs and tax implications while ensuring legal documents reflect client wishes. Services include probate administration for both simple and complex estates.
Real Estate Law
We handle residential and commercial real estate transactions, including purchase agreements, title disputes, and lease arrangements. Our services cover contract drafting, title examinations, and closing representation to protect client interests in property matters.
Business Law
We assist businesses with formation, contract drafting, and litigation. Our services include LLC/corporation setup, business dispute resolution, and contract review to prevent future legal issues. We focus on practical legal solutions tailored to small business needs.
People
Leslie E Van Alstine II
Attorney
Admitted to practice in Michigan since 1995, Leslie brings over 25 years of experience in criminal, family, and business law. A Manistee resident, he combines courtroom expertise with personalized client service, emphasizing ethical representation and community-focused legal solutions.
Ellen M. Van Alstine
Paralegal
An ABA-certified paralegal with specialized training from Lansing Community College, Ellen provides critical case support since the firm's founding. She ensures document accuracy and client communication quality while maintaining ethical legal practice standards.
Andrea Shack
Legal Assistant
Joining the team in 2017, Andrea manages office operations and client coordination. Her organizational skills ensure efficient case processing and timely client communication across all practice areas.
Questions
What legal services do you specialize in?
We specialize in criminal defense, family law, estate planning, real estate transactions, and business law matters within Michigan and tribal courts.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, we provide free initial consultations for criminal matters and $150 consultations for other legal services.
How long have you served Manistee residents?
Our office has provided legal services in Manistee since 1995, with the attorney admitted to practice in Michigan that same year.
Can you handle tribal court cases?
Yes, we're admitted to practice in the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Court since 2004, handling civil and criminal matters.
What makes your legal approach unique?
We combine courtroom experience with personalized service, treating clients as individuals while maintaining transparent communication throughout their cases.
