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Liisa R. Speaker

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  • Lansing, MI
  • Licensed for 22 years
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About Liisa

Appellate Expert ● Advocate for Families & Children ● Law Firm Owner

Since graduating from The University of Texas School of Law, one of the nation’s top law schools, Liisa Speaker has become well known for her excellent written and oral advocacy. Her appellate skills have helped clients obtain victories in appeals ranging from custody disputes to no-fault automobile insurance litigation to real property case and to probate appeals.

Liisa has represented clients in the federal appellate courts for the Fifth and Sixth Circuits as well as the appellate courts of Michigan and Texas. She has been recognized by her peers for her appellate advocacy, receiving the 2009 Distinguished Brief Award, presented by the Cooley Law Review from among the briefs submitted to Michigan Supreme Court in the prior year. The award honored her writing efforts for the amicus curiae brief she submitted in the USF&G v Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association case in the Michigan Supreme Court.

Liisa drafted and submitted amicus briefs on behalf of organizations such as the Family Law Section for the State Bar of Michigan, the Family Defense Attorneys of Michigan, the Appellate Practice Section for the State Bar of Michigan, the Coalition Protecting Auto No-Fault, and the Michigan Association for Justice. These briefs aided the Court in drafting opinions or orders that had profound impacts on the law in Estes v Titus; USF&G v MCCA, Rowland v Washtenaw County Road Commission, Beaver v Barton Malow, U of M Regents v Titan Insurance, and McCormick v Carrier, to name a few.

She has also obtained favorable rulings for her clients, resulting in published opinions. For example, in In re Keast she obtained a victory in a published opinion in the Michigan Court of Appeals in an adoption case which is now one of the most frequently cited cases in Adoption Law. In Rose v Rose, Ms. Speaker's efforts led to a published opinion addressing whether a party who waived his right to modification of spousal support can obtain relief from judgment. In Glaubius v Glaubius, the Court of Appeals held that a couple's divorce judgement did not bar the mother from later seeking a revocation of her ex-husband's paternity. She has achieved great success in obtaining the rarely-granted peremptory reversals for clients in the Michigan Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals. In Romans v Michigan DHS she obtained a reversal from 6th Circuit of trial court's grant of summary judgment on an employee's Family Medical Leave Act claim.

Through her written and oral advocacy, Ms. Speaker has demonstrated a passion for developing an appellate practice that gives her clients a voice, while contributing to the legal community. She is a council member and the current recording secretary for the State Bar of Michigan Family Law Section, as well as a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). She was also previously appointed by the Michigan Supreme Court to two four-year terms on the Court Reporter and Recorder Board of Review. Liisa lives in Lansing with her husband, two daughters, two Great Danes and a turtle.

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Practice areas

Appeals
  1. Appeals: 100%

    The Speaker Law Firm’s main practice area is Family Law Appeals, but we also handle the following types of appeals: --- Children's Law Appeals --- Personal Injury Appeals --- Probate Appeals

    22 years

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Client's Choice 2017

Photos and videos

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Contact

Speaker Law Firm

819 N. Washington Ave.
Lansing, MI, 48906

Website
http://www.SpeakerLaw.com 

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
MIActive And In Good Standing200311/22/2021
TXEligible To Practice In Texas 199908/23/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers0
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Women in the LawMichigan Lawyers Weekly2014
Distinguished Brief AwardThomas M. Cooley Law School Law Review2009
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
OwnerSpeaker Law Firm2007 - Present
AssociateHicks Mullett & Gregg2005 - 2007
AssociateGallagher Law Firm2003 - 2005
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
American Academy of Matrimonial LawyersMember2020 - Present
Ingham County Bar AssociationPast President2008 - Present
State Bar of Michigan, Family Law SectionMember and Amicus Committee2007 - Present
Appellate Practice Section, State Bar of MichiganImmediate Past Chair2005 - Present
Ingham County Bar AssociationBoard Member2008 - 2016
Appellate Practice SectionBoard Member2005 - 2013
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Michigan Association for Justice JournalCourt of Appeals Changes the Prenuptial Agreement Landscape2017
State Bar of Michigan Probate and Estate Planning JournalUsing Motions to Remand in Probate Appeals2012
State Bar of Michigan Probate and Estate Planning JournalThe Mysterious World of Stays Pending Appeal in Probate Matters2011
Family Advocate (ABA)Communicating with Children in Custody Disputes2010
Family Law Journal of the State Bar of MichiganWhat happens to custody of child when adoption falls apart?2008
Appellate Practice Section newsletter of the State Bar of MichiganAn overview of stays pending appeal2008
Appellate Practice Section Newsletter of State Bar of MichiganMichigan Supreme Court's Citation to Wikipedia2008
Appellate Practice Section Newsletter of State Bar of MichiganA Review of MCR 7.215--Execution and Enforcement of Court of Appeals Orders2007
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
The University of Texas School of LawJD1999
Trinity UniversityBA - Bachelor of Arts1994
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
WebinarNew Circuit Court Appeal Rules2012
Family Law Section Mid-Summer SeminarTo appeal or not to appeal? Reversal in Custody Cases2012
Mid Summer SeminarHot Topics in the Michigan Supreme Court and Court of Appeals2008
Employment Law SeminarCases you need to have in your hip pocket2007
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
In the Matter of Alyssa and Amber Keast, Minorshttp://publicdocs.courts.mi.gov:81/OPINIONS/FINAL/COA/20080205_C279820_48_42O-279820OPN.PDF
In the Matter of Steven Zimmerman Minorhttp://publicdocs.courts.mi.gov:81/opinions/final/coa/20080103_c279696_44_3o.279696.opn.coa.pdf
In the Matter of Steven Zimmerman Minorhttp://publicdocs.courts.mi.gov:81/opinions/final/coa/20080103_c279696_44_3o.279696.opn.coa.pdf
United States v. Stuarthttps://casetext.com/case/us-v-stuart-5
Rose v Rosehttp://publicdocs.courts.mi.gov:81/opinions/final/coa/20100622_c286568_51_94o-286568-final.pdf
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Reviews

(13)5.0 stars
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
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1 Star
0%
Review Liisa Speaker

The Cream of the Crop

5.0 stars

Posted by

Liisa Speaker is a true leader of the law in Michigan. Liisa's analysis of legal issues are clear, compelling and persuasive. She is responsive, engaging and accessible. Liisa is recognized for her substantial contributions to continuing legal education, particularly during the pandemic. When others struggled, Liisa brought a voice of calm and clarity. I hold Liisa in the highest regard and strongly encourage anyone looking for appellate counsel to engage Liisa!
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This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Effective, Successful, Professional

5.0 stars

Posted by

Over the last 15 years of post divorce, I have worked with various lawyers. Not one can compares to Liisa. She was amazingly prepared and thorough throughout the appeal process. Knowing she had multiple other cases much larger than mine, she always took the time to update and communicate with me. It was the first time I ever walked into court feeling 100% confident. My thoughts were, "I have Liisa, we got this". Watching her present the case in a clear, efficient and statute grounded format was impressive. I feel quite privileged to have had her as my attorney. Her thorough preparedness and convincing argument helped us prevail and get the case overturned and published.
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This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

hands down the best

5.0 stars

Posted by

I hired Speaker Law over the phone about one year due to a recommendation by my local attorney. I had very little time to do any research because my case was extremely time sensitive. All my contacts with Speaker Law were over the phone or email including payments and signatures. I only have good things to say about Speaker Law. There was no procrastination, or extra paperwork or filings. The one thing that impressed me the most was Liisa's ability to do exceptional research of my prior two year case and everything that went along with it. She pieced it all together as if she had lived through my life. Also, she was able to eliminate drama that had been woven into my case prior to her taking over. She kept me updated every step of the way all the way through reconsideration of appeal by the opposition and supreme court filing. Thank you.
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This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Outstanding appellate attorney!

5.0 stars

Posted by

I couldn't be happier with Speaker Law Firm! Liisa and her team worked diligently on my appeal, communicating with me the process, filings, timelines and all possible outcomes. After the case was won the opposing team appealed to the supreme court. Liisa and her team were persistent and never stopped communicating with me. Thanks to the diligence of Liisa and her team the supreme court denied the opposing team a hearing and our appeal stands! Thank you Liisa! Thank you Speaker Law Firm!
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This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Content with Closure

5.0 stars

Posted by

Speaker Law handled our appeal with great communication, building trust and confidence along the way. I highly recommend Liisa and her team!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Best Appeals Attorney!

5.0 stars

Posted by

I had been in family court for years over child custody issues and went through two trials. My ex then took me to the COA and that's when I hired Lissa Speaker. She was also highly recommended by my family court attorney as well. After talking to Lissa about my case she gave me so much confidence that there was nothing to worry about and she was right! I cannot say thank you enough for what Lissa has done for me and my children. I am more than pleased with the outcome of my case. Lissa is very experienced, knowledgeable and genuinely cares about her clients. You cannot go wrong by retaining this attorney!
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This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Caring, knowledgeable, detail-oriented and trustworthy

5.0 stars

Posted by

I came to her firm in tears, another lawyer pretty much having ruined my case by not giving it the attention necessary or filing important things when required. Liisa Speaker was able to correct some of that on appeal and I am grateful to have found someone with the knowledge, experience, heart, and skill to fight for the best interests of my children.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Forever grateful.

5.0 stars

Posted by

I find it very hard to explain with this few of words how grateful I am to have found Lissa. She was the first person who actually engrossed herself into the facts, and truths, of my experience after explaining to her what had happened. Which was a first. She not only did her job, she restored my faith in humanity, which I had all but lost . She went so far beyond her duties to me, and most definitely, and vigorously, presued justice for me . With out going into details it's tough for me to explain how amazing this lawyer is. I would recommend Lissa Speaker any day, all day, to anyone I know, and definitely do. Lissa Speaker is one of a kind, she believes in right, and wrong, and will go to any extent to try and make sure justice prevails. I can not thank her enough , nor can I ever repay her for what she's done for me. From a sincerely grateful father.
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This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Speaker Law Firm

5.0 stars

Posted by

Liisa Speaker from Speaker Law Firm is an attorney with the utmost regards for her clients. All through the process of the appeal filed against us she took the time to explain each step of the process and what was going on at all times to ensure that any unnecessary concerns or worries were alleviated. At all times through the appeal process including pre-hearing briefs, responses to the opposing attorney’s briefs, and the trial itself she always had our best interests at the forefront of her actions. This does not take into account her actual lawyering ability. Ms. Speaker outwitted and out-argued the opposing lawyer so thoroughly during the pre-trial activities that he was not even allowed to make arguments in person to the appeals judges during the appeals hearing at all. She ensured that he had to sit and listen through the process as she dismantled each individual part of his case until the judges decided in our favor without even taking the time to have to deliberate the case at all. I would recommend Speaker Law Firm for anyone that is need of an appeals lawyer.
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This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great appeallate lawyer

5.0 stars

Posted by

Liisa worked very hard on my case and presented very well before the appeallate court. While the outcome wasn't what I had hoped, she still did the best she could.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
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Attorney endorsements

(21)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer
Lawyer Justin Michael Bahrie

Justin Bahrie, Appeals Attorney on Apr 20, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Rachel Linzi Gruetzner

Rachel Gruetzner, Appeals Attorney on Mar 2, 2020
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

Liisa is an appellate whiz. I have worked for her, with her, and been opposing counsel with her, and under all of those professional relationships, she has been knowledgeable, pleasant and professional. She is the REAL DEAL.

Lawyer Justin Michael Bahrie

Justin Bahrie, Appeals Attorney on Apr 20, 2021
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Rachel Linzi Gruetzner

Rachel Gruetzner, Appeals Attorney on Mar 2, 2020
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

Liisa is an appellate whiz. I have worked for her, with her, and been opposing counsel with her, and under all of those professional relationships, she has been knowledgeable, pleasant and professional. She is the REAL DEAL.

Lawyer Darren M. Findling

Darren Findling, Appeals Attorney on Jul 31, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Lana A. Panagoulia

Lana Panagoulia, Appeals Attorney on Mar 27, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Liisa Speaker is a top Michigan appellate attorney. She is very knowledgeable in the law and procedure of appeals, prompt and a pleasure to work with. I highly recommend Liisa Speaker.

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Angela Borders, Appeals Attorney on Mar 27, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. I referred a former client to Ms.Speaker for an appeal. He later contacted me to thank me for the referral and informed me of the hugely successful results. I would refer to her again in a heartbeat!

Lawyer John J. Bursch

John Bursch, Appeals Attorney on Mar 27, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Liisa is a delightful person and has a great deal of experience litigating appeals, especially in the area of child custody. I have referred matters to her in the past, and she has handled those with aplomb.

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Dan Barrett, Appeals Attorney on Mar 27, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. She got a bad probate decision reversed by the COA for my client.

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Deborah Adams, Appeals Attorney on Mar 27, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Liisa Speaker is an excellent appellate attorney that I recommend without hesitation.

Lawyer Susan Philpott-Preketes

Susan Philpott-Preketes, Appeals Attorney on Mar 22, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Lisa is the best.

Lawyer Tiffany Lynn DeBruin

Tiffany DeBruin, Appeals Attorney on Mar 4, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. She poured her heart and soul into each case. You will never be just another number to this lawyer. I have sent her many cases for appeal and intend to send her anymore. She is a fantastic lawyer and a genuinely wonderful person .

Lawyer Byron P. Gallagher Jr.

Byron Gallagher, Appeals Attorney on Feb 19, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I refer clients to Liisa for appellate work with confidence. I always receive positive feedback as to Liisa's work from the clients I refer to Liisa.

Lawyer Joseph W. Poprawa

Joseph Poprawa, Appeals Attorney on Feb 7, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Loyd J Bourgeois Jr

Loyd Bourgeois, Appeals Attorney on Jan 20, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Liisa is a great appellate attorney with numerous reported and unreported legal decisions that won important battles for her clients.

Lawyer Saraphoena Boudrie Koffron

Saraphoena Koffron, Appeals Attorney on Mar 25, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

As with any other group of professionals, it is important for attorneys to have a strong community of peers that are trustworthy and skilled in their area of practice. Liisa is undoubtedly one of the foremost experts in Family Law in Michigan. She is a reliable person to call on whether there is a need to conduct an in-depth analysis of a change in the law, or simply a need for a "sanity check." As her focus is appeals, she is often aware of new changes to Family Law before others in our professional community, which makes her a valuable resource for attorneys (like me) who have a primary practice of Family Law litigation at the trial level. When I am unable to represent clients for certain appeals, I regularly refer them to Liisa because I know that they will receive phenomenal representation. I give Liisa the highest endorsement and praise.

Lawyer Bridget Brown Powers

Bridget Powers, Appeals Attorney on Mar 21, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer. I have had the opportunity to work with Ms. Speaker on behalf of a mutual client and have also served as her opposing counsel. She is a competent, professional, ethical, and dedicated attorney.

Lawyer Michelle Louise Steffen

Michelle Steffen, Appeals Attorney on Nov 3, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Ms. Speaker is a talented and determined lawyer. A great choice to handle any legal matter you may be facing.

Lawyer Brandon William Gardner

Brandon Gardner, Appeals Attorney on Oct 1, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have known Ms. Speaker for a few years and have come to respect her ability as an advocate. She is the first attorney I think of when someone asks for a referral to an appellate attorney.

Lawyer Laurie S. Longo

Laurie Longo, Family Attorney on Apr 22, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I strongly endorse attorney Liisa Speaker for family law appeals. She is knowledgeable, experienced and uses the utmost care to protect her client's interests. She is also a delight to work with and, as a result, judges respond well to her and to her clients.

Lawyer Gail M. Towne

Gail Towne, Appeals Attorney on Mar 20, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Liisa is an extremely talented and knowledgable attorney. I routinely recommend her for all appellate work. I endorse this lawyer.

Lawyer Scott P. Zochowski

Scott Zochowski, Appeals Attorney on Sep 24, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer.

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  • Hourly Rates $350-$500/hour
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