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Joseph Michael West

Real estate Attorney at Ann Arbor, MI

5.0   41 reviews
  • Licensed for 17 years
    State MI
    Acquired 2006
    Status
    Active in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Joseph

Learn Joseph’s areas of practice.

2
Practice areas
  1. Real estate
    65%
    I handle commercial and residential real estate matters, including sales and purchases, commercial lease negotiation and drafting, easements and title matters, as well as mortgage litigation, quiet title litigation, and the like.

  2. Business
    35%
    I assist clients in the formation and maintaining of business entities, including corporations and limited liability companies, and assist with complex business transactions. I also consult with clients in the midst of business disputes to help navigate amicable resolutions.

At the Law Office of Joseph M. West, P.C., I work efficiently and effectively on behalf of a diverse group of clients, including large corporations, small and family businesses, and individuals from all walks of life.  From my southeast Michigan office, I focus my practice on the areas of business law and commercial disputes, real estate law and litigation, and appeals in the state and federal systems.

I grew up in South Lyon, Michigan, and then worked my way through college, graduating summa cum laude with an A.B.A. in Business Administration from Oakland Community College in Farmington Hills, Michigan. From there, I transferred to Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan on a full academic scholarship, and graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. in Psychology.

After completing my undergraduate education, I attended law school at Wayne State University Law School in Detroit, Michigan. There, I was a Senior Articles Editor for the Wayne Law Review and published two legal articles while pursuing my studies. I graduated first in my class, summa cum laude, and was admitted to the Order of the Coif, an honorary scholastic society that recognizes law students who attain a high degree of scholarship.

Following law school, I earned a prestigious judicial clerkship to the Honorable Ronald L. Gilman of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, in Memphis, Tennessee. There, I was exposed to a variety of areas of law and gained valuable experience in the inner workings of our nation's appellate courts.

From my clerkship, I returned to Ann Arbor, Michigan, where I worked at a Midwest-based law firm with more than 350 attorneys.  After a number of years of working alongside some of the best and brightest lawyers in the state, in 2009 I formed the Law Office of Joseph M. West, P.C. in order to provide the highest level of legal services in a cost-effective manner.

Awards

Client's Choice 2017,2016,2014
Client's Choice
2017 2016 2014

Contact Joseph

Law Office of Joseph M. West, P.C.
2750 Carpenter Road
Suite 4
Ann Arbor, MI, 48108

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  41 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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Client's Choice 2017
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by anonymous | September 12, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Buyer
If you are looking for a lawyer to help with purchasing your home, I highly recommend Joe West! He is incredibly organized, responsive, reviewed all our documents thoroughly, gave highly insightful comments, and was on our side all the way in this transaction. His law firm is not super huge so you know you are getting individualized attention from Joe himself, which is reassuring. I don't write many reviews but Joe is an excellent attorney who will provide just excellent services as your lawyer. I have no regrets! 
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Posted by Alex | July 1, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thorough and clear
Joe helped my wife and I buy a house. He was very thorough -- even noticing that some reference number was off in the purchase agreement. He also responded very quickly to our many questions with clear answers. On top of all that, his invoice was very reasonable. Highly recommended!
Posted by John | January 20, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Established LLC
Joe was a phenomenal help to me! We had year old twins at the time and I needed someone to establish an LLC for me. With minimal discussions and time on my part, Joe handled everything from start to finish. I would not be where I am at now without Joe West.
Posted by anonymous | July 1, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptional Attorney
Joe was an outstanding choice to guide us through the home buying process. He was very detail oriented, while also skilled at seeing the broader picture of the transaction. He did a thorough review of the sales contract and disclosures, catching relevant details that we may not have seen. He was very responsive to our many questions about the title and closing documents. He consistently represented our interests and went above and beyond for us. Joe was extremely knowledgable and was a superb communicator. He was great to work with and a trusted ally throughout the process. We highly recommend him.
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Posted by Bill | November 19, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
An Outstanding Attorney and Business Partner
Joe worked with me for the first time on a recent commercial property acquisition. From initial property assessment, through the due diligence process, and to closing the transaction, he provided helpful and insightful business advice as well as expert legal counsel. Throughout the process I found Joe to be responsive, knowledgeable, thorough, and concise-all while being cost conscious as well. He is very much client focused, generates outstanding work product (the best I have seen in commercial real estate), and is a pleasure to work with. I look forward to the next opportunity to engage Joe's services and support, and would recommend him highly to anyone seeking outstanding legal counsel and business advice.
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Posted by George | May 8, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent
Just wanted to thank you again for all of your professional help and support selling my business I’m really happy with Mr. Joseph Michael West.. I will gladly refer anyone I know that needs an excellent law firm to represent them in the future. You are the best and may God bless you as he has blessed. George P
Posted by anonymous | December 7, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Real Estate Attorney in Ann Arbor
I hired Joe 4 weeks ago when considering attorney options in Ann Arbor. At the very start, he was extremely transparent about his rates and what the process would look like for us working together. This was my first purchase and it also was an investment property. It was an extremely messy closing and Joe went above and beyond to ensure all the boxes were checked off for the purchase to be completed. His attention to detail was extremely high and he was always available if I had a question via email or phone. I am not confident I would have moved forward with the purchase without Joe's assistance. I cannot thank him enough for all of his help and I will continue to use Joe for all of my real estate purchases in Ann Arbor.
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Posted by anonymous | October 18, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
LLC Formation
Joe helped us form an LLC for our real estate business at a reasonable price. He answered all of our questions and customized the document to our specifications. We did most of the correspondence via email which was very convenient since we were very busy while this was going on. I would definitely recommend him!
Posted by Deb | September 12, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Real Estate Client
Joe was just wonderful to work with. I have no hesitation at all in recommending his service. He's professional, dedicated and will advocate for you. With his help (and only because of his help) i was able to close on a summer cottage in Northern Michigan. The closing was challenging and Joe was on top of things right for the beginning. Having Joe as a sounding board was a great decision and I'm convinced the whole process was made smoother by his work. My family will enjoy many years at this cottage and Joe was a huge part of that.
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Posted by Anon | September 4, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic!
We were in the process of moving to Ann Arbor from out of state and Joe was referred to us for our closing and title work on our house. Our experience with him was fantastic. He was prompt, pleasant, and knowledgeable. He raised several potential concerns but also was able to give a realistic and clear explanation of the issues and reassure us. We are planning to do some renovations to the house now and will hire him again immediately to help us with our contract. Would highly recommend him to anyone for residential real estate.
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Posted by Kari | September 3, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Commercial dispute
As a return client for Joseph West, I can tell you that his professionalism, and knowledge of the law was absolutely phenomenal. He was able to settle my commercial dispute WITHOUT litigation. He was honest and straight forward with me. Due to my emotional desire to go to court, he was able to provide me with the pros and cons of litigation. He helped me settle this case without actually going to court. He walked me through the entire case with honesty, legal knowledge, but no judgement. I have and will continue to recommend Joseph West to my friends and family. If you are looking for someone to be on your side...... Joseph West is the perfect attorney.
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Posted by Matias | September 3, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent attorney!
Joe helped us through the process of buying a new home. He was an outstanding attorney all around: knowledgeable, approachable, and clearly representing our interests. He was always available for consultation. We had several long conversations over the phone about some issues that arose during the transaction, but he did not charge us extra (beyond the originally flat rate we agreed on). Overall, I would recommend him without any hesitation and will certainly hire him again in the future.
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Posted by Real Estate Client | July 6, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding Attorney, very resourceful
Joe was very responsive to our needs and an excellent communicator via phone, email, text. He was very thorough and knowledgeable of all available resources (local people and real estate records). His options and recommendations were excellent. He even agreed to meet us at his office on a weekend. I highly recommend him for all real estate issues large or small.
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Posted by Alexus | June 5, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Incredibly Friendly and Super Helpful
As a first time home buyer, I felt very reassured working with Joe. I could tell he had my best interests in mind and was looking out for me to make sure everything went smoothly. A co-worker recommended him to me and I would definitely recommend to a first time home buyer, or anyone else looking for support with their home purchase.
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Posted by Brian | June 2, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Efficient and honest
Joe helped with my home sale, which was very smooth. He was very honest and a great communicator. He was very clear about what services he billed for and how the invoices would work. Final cost came in under budget.
Posted by RLD | June 1, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding legal RE guidance and performance.
Originally contacted Joe 2 months ago on initial consultation about my intention to sell my home by owner, while living out of State. He promptly scheduled a time to speak in spite of the fact that his schedule was very tight at the time, to meet my needs, and was incredibly generous with his time and advice. From the get go I felt he was a highly experienced professional. He also was very personable in our interaction, and empathetic; he took the time to listed to all my initial concerns and needs and address my many questions. Once I decided to enter my home sale's process, I retained Joe as my RE legal counsel without hesitation. Throughout the past 6 weeks I have felt entirely supported legally, and that he had my best interest in mind at all times. A few tricky issues arose with my buyer during the sale process and Joe was always available and accommodating, even on short notice, to provide his advice considering all possible angles. Thanks to his timely efficiency and dedication, we were able to clear all hurdles and move along the process without delays or later surprises and, what's most important, minimizing additional stress in the process, and having complete peace of mind and a positive outcome in the end. I highly recommend Joe, without any hesitation, as an outstanding highly diligent and dedicated Real Estate Attorney. Plus being a friendly, empathetic, very easy to work with person. When I decided to sell my home on my own I was worried and anticipated a complex and/or stressful process. Joe proved my fears wrong. My experience with him could not have been better, in all aspects.
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Posted by James | April 22, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great experience with Joe
My experience with Joe was positive from the first phone contact I had with him where he was professional and courteous. Thereafter, through every step of the process of defending me in my title dispute having to do with adverse possession, Joe was honest, helpful, and detail oriented. The result we achieved was beyond my expectation and I felt I was billed fairly and honestly. Being skeptical about almost everything these days I kept waiting for the experience to turn sour but it never did, right to the end. Thanks for your attentive work Joe!
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Posted by Real estate clint from Ann Arbor Area | April 13, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Real Estate
Joe was very helpful with our land purchase. He responded to emails and voice mails timely. He answered our questions and provided guidance. Joe is someone that you trust and he is always looking out for his client. This was our first time using a real estate lawyer and I highly recommend his services to anyone.
Posted by Sean | April 10, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Business Client
I am very happy to have hired Mr. West to peruse and counsel me on a contract I received earlier in the year. His straightforward and honest assessment of the terms of the contract helped me make a sound business decision that best suited both me and my family. Not only that, but Mr. West’s prompt return of emails and phone calls that made this a pain-free process. I look forward to working with Mr. West again in the future.
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Posted by Katharine | February 16, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I was beyond satisfied!
Joe worked with me on a joint-ownership property contract and was so thorough and knowledgeable. He went out of his way to explain the different senarios for how the contract could be drawn up protecting both parties. Joe is down-to-earth with high integrity and a clear understanding of legal issues!
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Owner
  • Law Office of Joseph M. West, PC
  • 2009 - Present
  • Associate
  • Dykema Gossett
  • 2006 - 2009
  • Judicial Law Clerk
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
  • 2005 - 2006

Education

  • Wayne State University Law School
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2005
  • Wayne State University
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 2002

Associations

  • State Bar of Michigan
  • N/A
  • State Bar of Michigan, Real Property Law Section
  • N/A
  • State Bar of Michigan, Business Law Section
  • N/A
  • State Bar of Michigan, Agricultural Law Section
  • N/A
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Rising Stars
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2015
  • Rising Stars
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2014
  • Rising Stars
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2013
  • Rising Stars
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2012
  • Rising Stars
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2011
  • Rising Stars
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2010
  • Rising Stars
  • Super Lawyers Magazine
  • 2009
View all awards

Publications

  • Mich. Int'l Lawyer Vol. XVIII, No. 2
  • Application of the [Organization For Economic Cooperation and Development] Anti-Bribery Convention
  • 2005
  • Wayne Law Review
  • Federal Fraud Prosecutions of Schemes to Defraud Foreign Sovereigns of Import Taxes
  • 2004

Attorney endorsements

Received (6)
Given (8)
Endorse Joseph
Litigation Attorney | Aug 11
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Joe is one of the brightest and most conscientious attorneys I've had the pleasure to work with. His practice combines the sort of experience--including a prestigious federal appellate clerkship and work on sophisticated, high-profile, corporate matters--you'd expect from a partner at a large corporate firm, with the accessibility, personal touch, and common sense of a solo practitioner. I can also say from firsthand experience that Joe's a superb writer and researcher who produces the kind of concise and engaging briefs that win cases. I would refer my own friends or family members to him without a second thought."
Commercial real estate Attorney | Feb 15
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Joe was opposing counsel on an unusual commercial matter. He was thorough, professional and reasonable, leading to an amicable resolution of the case."
Litigation Attorney | Feb 07
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I have been practicing law for over 20 years and Joe was opposing counsel on a very contentious and complicated litigation matter involving mortgage and banking issues. I found Joe not only to be extremely competent and thorough in handling all aspects of this difficult case, he was at all times the consumate professional. Because of my experience with Joe he is on the top of my list when people or businesses request a referral and I would never hesitate to recommend his services. never hesitate to refer clients to him when the ocassion arisesn this If I were in need of a lwayer tAs a result when ce our"
Litigation Attorney | Feb 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Joe is a very talented and highly effective lawyer. He is honest, responsive, passionate and an excellent advocate for his clients. I have referred him work in the past and would not hesitate to recommend him to clients."
Litigation Attorney | Jan 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Joe is an extremely intelligent and hard working attorney with a particular expertise in litigation. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a great attorney at a reasonable price."
Litigation Attorney | Jan 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have know Joseph West personally & professionally as long as either of us have been licensed attorneys. Attorney West is one of the most capable and intelligent and ethical practitioners in southeastern Michigan. He represents his individual and corporate clients with aggressive zeal and treats each client with the respect that they deserve."
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Ann Arbor Real estate Lawyer Joseph Michael West
Joseph Michael West
Real estate Attorney
Ann Arbor, MI
Licensed for 17 years