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John R. Parnell Jr.
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About John
Biography
Mr. Parnell is a founding partner at Lubera & Parnell, P.L.C., where he brings a practical and solutions-oriented approach to a diverse legal practice. Prior to joining Lubera & Parnell, PLC, Mr. Parnell Jr. practiced with his father in their family practice until Mr. Parnell, Sr. retired.
Mr. Parnell also serves his community as the Chief Judge of the Grosse Pointe Park Municipal Court.
While he started his practice focusing on criminal defense, landlord tenant, and general civil matters; he now concentrates his work in the areas of real property litigation, estate planning, estate administration, probate and trust litigation. With a strong commitment to personalized service, Mr. Parnell represents individuals, families, and closely held businesses through a wide range of legal challenges and transitions.
Mr. Parnell has extensive experience navigating complex property disputes, guiding clients through the intricacies of trust and estate matters, and advocating effectively in emotionally charged family proceedings. His thoughtful approach to estate planning ensures that clients’ wishes are clearly documented and carried out, while minimizing potential conflicts and protecting family legacies.
He is a regular presence in the circuit and probate courts of Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, and St. Clair Counties, where he has developed a reputation for thorough preparation, strategic thinking, and professional integrity.
In his free time, Mr. Parnell enjoys boating and is active in a variety of community organizations; including sitting as the Vice Commander of the Grosse Pointe Farms Police Reserve Unit and coaching baseball and travel baseball. He was elected Judge of the Grosse Pointe Park Municipal Court in November of 2025.
Mr. Parnell’s clients appreciate his responsiveness, attention to detail, and ability to explain complex legal concepts in clear, understandable terms. Whether working with individuals planning for the future or families navigating difficult transitions, he is committed to delivering effective legal solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances.
Let my family protect yours. We are here to protect and preserve your estate and property.
Don't get stuck in probate. Call Mr. Parnell, Jr. to setup your estate plan now.
Family litigators for family problems. Call John Jr. for a free consult.
Are your parents able to continuing making decisions for themselves? Did someone leave an asset in their name alone? Call for help.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Estate Planning
30%
18 years
Litigation
30%
18 years
Probate
20%
18 years
Real Estate
20%
18 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
25%-33%
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Michigan for 17 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find John online.
John R. Parnell Jr.'s Reviews
Avvo Review Score
101 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (101)
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Showing 1 - 5 of 101 reviews
Posted by John | August 12, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Estate Planning with John Parnell
My wife and I had the opportunity to work with John Parnell for estate planning. He is professional yet relatable and is very knowledgeable. What seemed very intimidating was made easier to understand with his explanations and the time he took. We never felt rushed, but rather a true part of the prac...
Posted by Julie | June 22, 2025 | Hired Attorney
John Parnell, Jr
My husband and I have had exceptional experiences with Mr. John Parnell, Jr. John has guided us through the estate planning process, and has assisted with real estate transactions. He is very thorough and very patient, making sure we fully understand the details of what we are signing. We have ne...
Posted by Denise | December 16, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Updated Estate Plan
John Parnell updated my Estate Plan which I had been putting off for years. John made the process seamless, and I am now comfortable knowing my assets and estate are properly protected.
Posted by Ellen | October 29, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Special Needs Trust
I needed to set up a Special Needs Trust for my daughter and John was very helpful in walking me through the process. He also updated the trust my husband and I had set up years ago. I would recommend him to anyone needing these services. Thanks John!
Posted by Grant | August 05, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Great help and insight with our family estate planning. Thank you!
My wife and I had a great experience with Attorney John Parnell. He helped us create a family trust. We had such a good experience with him, that we had my mom go see him as well. John was great at listening to what we wanted and also providing practical advice to us. The best part was how he explain...
John R. Parnell Jr.'s Lawyer Endorsements
"I enthusiastically endorse the legal skills and professionalism of Attorney John Parnell, Jr. He and I went up against one another for a divorce case, and he diligently and effectively represented the interests of his client in an efficient manner. If you need a Michigan divorce lawyer, you should consider contacting him."
"Mr. Parnell is dedicated to accomplishing the long term goals of his clients, protecting their wealth and creating strategic resolutions to complicated problems."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I strongly endorse John. Highly respected in the legal community with an outstanding reputation for client advocacy and dedication."
"I endorse this lawyer with no reservation. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community. Very hardworking and diligent. Consistently achieves superior results. Advice is always practical and on point. I recommend to anyone looking for an attorney who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of clients and achieving the most favorable result possible.I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Highly regarded in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. A real go-to guy in his practice area."
"I endorse this lawyer. I thoroughly enjoy reading Attorney Parnell's AVVO responses because I believe they are straightforward and provide the readers (attorney and non-attorney alike) useful information and advice."
"I endorse this lawyer. Honest advice, practical answers on AVVO. He is a skilled and concerned advocate for his clients."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"John Parnell is an excellent lawyer - conscientious and caring about his clients. I heartily endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I spent time working with John in Washtenaw County during law school. He is a vigorous fighter for his clients. Even today, I am happy to have a friend to bounce theories and ideas off of. John is a true asset to the legal community."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyer
2024
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2013
Clients Choice for Estate Planning, AVVO
2012
Client's Choice for Foreclosure, AVVO
2010
Respect for Law, Optimist International
2008
Book Award for Probate Practice, Thomas M. Cooley Law School
N/A
Honor Roll, Thomas M. Cooley Law School
N/A
Deans List, Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Work Experience
2022 - Present
Founding Partner, Lubera & Parnell, PLC
2008 - 2024
Attorney, The Parnell Firm, PLC
2007 - 2007
Student Attorney, The Washtenaw County Public Defender's Office
2004 - 2006
Legal Intern, Robert R Lubera PLC
Associations
2014 - Present
Lakeshore Bar AssociationVice President
2014 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2014 - Present
National Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2008 - Present
Macomb County Bar AssociationMember
2008 - Present
Macomb County Probate Bar AssociationMember
2008 - Present
State Bar of Michigan, Consumer Law SectionMember
2008 - Present
State Bar of Michigan, Probate and Estate Planning SectionMember
2008 - Present
State Bar of Michigan, Criminal Law SectionMember
2008 - Present
State Bar of Michigan, Elder Law and Disability Rights SectionMember
Sample of Legal Cases
People v J.W.
Jury Verdict: not guilty on all counts
PS v. KS
Clients inheritance deemed separate property and short sale approved
People v M.P.
Jury verdict: Not Guilty on all counts
People v A.K.
Case dismissed
R.M. v NIA
resulted in judgement against seller and for our client and title quieted in our client.
Education
2008
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
2005
University of North Carolina
BA - Bachelor of Arts
N/A
Grosse Pointe South
Speaking Engagements
2015
Divorce in Michigan
Family law for the new family law attorney
2014
Senior Education, Location TBA
Who Should You Trust: Avoiding Estate Planning Mistakes
2014
Private Conference
2014 Dodd Frank and Land Contracts
2013
2014 Business Planning
Estate Planning & Probate Avoidance
2012
Private Conference
Realtors and Short Sales
Publications
2014
Scrivener's Corner
Inherited IRA's no longer protected
2013
Blog
Scrivener's Corner
2013
Scrivener's Corner
Mortgage Debt Relief Act Extended
2013
Scrivener's Corner
Divorce & Your Estate Plan
2013
Scrivener's Corner
As Your Life Changes, So Should Your Estate Plan
2013
Scrivener's Corner
HUD Mortgagee Letter 2013-23 Update
2011
Website
Parnell Firm
2005
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Is there a moritorium period, in Michigan, where they do not evict tenants during Christmas/holidays?
26 Nov 2013
Q&A
How do I stop a guardianship petition?
23 Nov 2013
Q&A
If we redeem our property from foreclosure can Jr lien holders still subordinate their liens or have they lost their rights?
19 Nov 2013