<READ OUR REVIEWS> Former Active Duty Army JAG | Super Lawyer | Avvo 10.0 | Award-winning team of former feds*: *US Attorney *Two FBI Special Agents *Two JAG Attorneys *Four Federal Prosecutors < NOW ON YOUR SIDE >. WE TAKE CASES TO TRIAL AND WIN.
I have practiced criminal law almost exclusively since I graduated from law school in 1998. I began my legal career as a commissioned officer in the United States Army Judge Advocate General's Corps. I started off as a trial counsel (military prosecutor) and eventually attained the position of senior trial counsel where I was charged with training and supervising other trial counsel in the office. After serving three years on the government side, I spent my last year on Active Duty has a trial defense counsel where I defended soldiers accused of a variety of offenses ranging from AWOL to murder. After four years of active duty, I went into private practice and now specializes in criminal defense and military law. I still serve in the Michigan National Guard as a Liutenant Colonel.
I became a criminal defense attorney to help people. Going though the criminal justice system is a scary process for both the defendant and the defendant's family. The criminal justice system is not perfect and sometimes innocent people get swept up in it through no fault of their own. Other times, good people simply make bad decisions. In either case, the person needs someone they can trust to protect their rights and get them through this very difficult time.
I was named by Michigan Super Lawyers magazine as a 2009, 2011, and 2012 Rising Star. The selections for Michigan Super Lawyers are made only after a rigorous multi-phase selection process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, independent evaluation of candidates by Michigan Super Lawyer attorney-led research staff, and a good-standing disciplinary check. To be eligible for inclusion as a Rising Star, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger or in practice for ten years or less. Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state receive this honor.
Practice areas
Former Active Duty Army JAG | Super Lawyer | Avvo 10.0 | Award-winning team of former feds*: *US Attorney *Two FBI Special Agents *Two JAG Attorneys *Four Federal Prosecutors < NOW ON YOUR SIDE >
22 years, 500 cases
Former Active Duty Army JAG | Super Lawyer | Avvo 10.0 | Award-winning team of former feds*: *US Attorney *Two FBI Special Agents *Two JAG Attorneys *Four Federal Prosecutors < NOW ON YOUR SIDE >
495 cases
Former Active Duty Army JAG | Super Lawyer | Avvo 10.0 | Award-winning team of former feds*: *US Attorney *Two FBI Special Agents *Two JAG Attorneys *Four Federal Prosecutors < NOW ON YOUR SIDE >
22 years, 500 cases
Languages spoken
English
Springstead & Bartish Law, PLLC
60 Monroe Center NE
Suite 500
Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
Springstead & Bartish Law, PLLC
28 W. Main Street
Fremont, MI, 49412
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
MI | Active And In Good Standing | 2003 | 02/21/2021 |
OH | Inactive | 1998 | 10/19/2020 |
Legal answers | 25 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2017 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2016 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2015 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2014 |
Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers | 2013 |
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2013 |
---|---|---|
Rising Star | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2012 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2011 |
Top 40 Under 40 | The National Trial Lawyers | 2011 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2009 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Team Chief - Las Vegas | United States Army 117th LOD | 2019 - Present |
Partner | Springstead Bartish Borgula & Lynch, PLLC | 2011 - Present |
Expert Appellate Counsel | United States Army Defense Appellate Divsion | 2016 - 2019 |
Staff Judge Advocate | 46th Military Police Command - Michigan National Guard | 2012 - 2019 |
Senior Defense Counsel - Army Reserves | United States Army & Army Reserve | 2007 - 2013 |
Associate | Willey & Chamberlain | 2005 - 2011 |
---|---|---|
Associate | Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge | 2003 - 2005 |
Judge Advocate | U.S. Judge States Army Judge Advocate General's Corps | 1999 - 2002 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
National College of DUI Defense | Member | 2012 - Present |
Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan | Board Member | 2012 - Present |
State Bar of Michigan, Litigation Section | Council Member | 2009 - Present |
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2005 - Present |
Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan | Constitutional Warrior | 2005 - Present |
Criminal Justice Act Panel - Western District of Michigan | Panel Member | 2005 - Present |
---|---|---|
State Bar Criminal Law Section | Member | 2004 - Present |
Federal Bar Association (Western District of Michigan chapter) | Member | 2004 - Present |
State Appellate Defenders Office Forum | Member | 2003 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Traverse City Record Eagle | 'A living nightmare'; Jury acquits man accused of sexual assault | 2019 |
Live: Grand Rapids Press | Murder Trial Gamble Pays Off with Aquittal | 2016 |
MLive: Grand Rapids Press | Woman who took 3-year-old child from bus found not guilty of kidnapping | 2014 |
@Law magazine (NALS) | "You Can't Handle the Truth!; Dispelling the Myths About the Military Justice System" | 2014 |
Grand Rapids Press | Raogo Ouedraogo leaves jail after judge acquits him in Saranac man's 2007 disappearance | 2011 |
CDAM Newsletter | Spotlight on Attorney - Michael R. Bartish | 2007 |
---|
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Judge Advocate General's School, U.S. Army | Officer Advance Course | 2007 |
Judge Advocate General's School, U.S. Army | Officer Basic Course | 1999 |
University of Cincinnati College of Law | J.D. | 1998 |
University of Notre Dame | B.S. | 1995 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan Winter Conference | Walking the Minefield: Preparing Your Client to Testify in CSC Trials | 2019 |
University of Notre Dame College of Law Practice Tracks Program | Military and Criminal Law as a Practice | 2011 |
U.S. Army Trial Defese Service Great Lakes Regional Conference | Defending UCMJ Sex Crimes | 2010 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
People v. J.P. | Not Guilty |
People v. P.M. | Implied Consent Refusal Dismissed; Operating With the Presence of a Controlled Substance Dismissed in exchange for plea to careless driving following filing of motion to suppress. |
City of Wyoming v. E.B. | Plea to a civil infraction and non-dui misdemeanor. Client able to keep his CDL. |
People v. B.P. | All charges against the client dismissed. |
United States v. John Mekediak | Original sentence overturned and client resentenced to half the original sentence. |
People v. A.P. | Motion to suppress was granted and the case was dismissed. |
---|---|
People v. K.A. | Case dismissed following successful suppression motion. |
M.M. v. Secretary of State | Restoration of client's driving privileges. |
United States v. Raogo Ouedraogo | Murder conviction overturned, Judgement of Acquittal Granted. Client released from jail days before Christmas |
U.S. v. MM | Client received a significantly lower sentence than recommended by the guidelines. |
People v. J.N. | Evidence was suppressed and the case was dismissed. |
United States v. S.F. | 6th Circuit Victory and Significant Sentence Reduction |
People v. M.J. | Not Guilty |
United States v. W.L. | Client acquitted of lone contested charge. |
United States v. Timothy Gibbs | At resentencing hearing, the district court ordered both sentences to run concurrently. Client's overall sentence was reduced by five years. |
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Mon Jun 17 2019
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Michael Nichols, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 17, 2011
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Mike Bartish is an excellent attorney. He is bright and works hard for results for every one of his clients. I have worked on cases in which Mike represented co-defendants and I was very impressed with his work. I refer cases to Mike with confidence that he will get results!
Robert Whims, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 8, 2011
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I needed an attorney for a client/friend of mine that had a family member who was accused of 'resisting and obstructing' police officers downstate where Attorney Bartish works. It was a difficult case to defend, and I needed somebody who was both competent and trustworthy. In the state of Michigan it doesn't take much for a prosecutor to win a case like this. In fact, our law holds that you could be found guilty of resisting or obstructing a police officer if you delay or disobey a police order, even if they give you a clearly unlawful command! Results matter, and in this case Attorney Bartish was able to win the jury trial in thundering fashion - the jury took all of about 10 minutes to vote NOT GUILTY. If you need an excellent lawyer, do yourself a favor and hire Attorney Bartish.
Heath Lynch, Criminal defense Attorney on May 31, 2017
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I litigated against Mike in several cases while I served as a Federal prosecutor. He was unfailingly prepared and a fearless advocate for his clients. I also observed him in trial, where he brought a cutting edge learned as an Army JAG to cross-examining prosecution witnesses. I endorse him as an attorney and am grateful to now call him a colleague.
Britt Cobb, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 7, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Victoria Smith, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 4, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. My experience with Mr. Bartish depicted his passion for the law and representing his clients. He strives to represent each of his clients to the best of his ability and to ensure that his clients understand the process as well as what is in their best interest.
Joshua Covert, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 27, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Michael is a wonderful attorney who really works hard for his clients. I worked with Michael on a federal case where he represented a co-defendant and was impressed with his level of work.
Matthew Borgula, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 8, 2015
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer. As a federal prosecutor for many years who has opposed Mike Bartish on variety of cases, I know Mike to be a zealous advocate who routinely obtains the best possible outcome for his clients. Mike has a reputation among government attorneys as a skilled trial attorney who also cares about his clients. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone facing criminal charges.
Peter Iocona, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 6, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Michael Bartish is a great lawyer who achieves great results for his clients. He is a zealous advocate for his clients. I highly recommend this lawyer.
Marlo Cordero, Criminal defense Attorney on May 6, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. If you are in need of a great criminal defense attorney in Western Michigan, you should definitely contact Mr. Bartish of Springstead and Bartish Law.
I endorse this lawyer.
Judy Jenkins, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 27, 2014
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 4, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
Peter VanGelderen, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 1, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. I have had the opportunity to work with Mike on multiple cases and always came away impressed with his ability to find the best results for his clients. Whether it was navigating a complex trial or negotiating a favorable result through a plea, Mike passionately represented his clients. I am confident he can handle any criminal matter placed before him.
Cathryn McGinn, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 17, 2012
Relationship: Other
Mike Bartish recently provided legal defense services to a family member of mine. Mike was recommended to me by a partner in a major law firm in Grand Rapids, MI with whom I do business and we were very pleased with his knowledge and conduct every step of the way . Mike provided comprehensive, legally sound counsel to my young family member, taking the time to explain the options, potential outcomes, next steps, etc. He was extremely responsive, supportive, and caring during this very scary time for my family member - and he achieved a wonderful outcome. I would refer family, friends and business clients to Mike without hesitation based on his sound legal counsel, his responsiveness and caring, as well as his extensive expertise.
I endorse this lawyer.
Callista Gloss, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 29, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Bartish is truly an asset to the legal profession. He is very passionate about what he does and is willing to fight for his client's rights.
Jennifer Johnsen, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 12, 2011
Relationship: Friend
I wholeheartedly support Michael as the best criminal defense attorney I've had the pleasure of knowing. I do not hesitate to refer clients to him, and the feedback from their experiences with Michael are nothing but positive. Michael is the type of attorney to whom I would trust my family and friends as well.
Robert Whims, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 8, 2011
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I needed an attorney for a client/friend of mine that had a family member who was accused of 'resisting and obstructing' police officers downstate where Attorney Bartish works. It was a difficult case to defend, and I needed somebody who was both competent and trustworthy. In the state of Michigan it doesn't take much for a prosecutor to win a case like this. In fact, our law holds that you could be found guilty of resisting or obstructing a police officer if you delay or disobey a police order, even if they give you a clearly unlawful command! Results matter, and in this case Attorney Bartish was able to win the jury trial in thundering fashion - the jury took all of about 10 minutes to vote NOT GUILTY. If you need an excellent lawyer, do yourself a favor and hire Attorney Bartish.
Shawn Worden, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 23, 2011
Relationship: Co-worker
For several years Mike and I worked together at a large Grand Rapids law firm. Mike is tireless in his pursuit of legal knowledge and has become my "go to" guy for criminal referrals in the Grand Rapids area.
Hal Ostrow, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 12, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mike is a fantastic criminal defense attorney. I have observed him in court handling a difficult matter with great professionalism, and I am comfortable sending referrals to him knowing that he will do a fantastic job.
Erica Wikander, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 4, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I absolutely endorse Michael Bartish. Michael is an excellent criminal defense attorney; I always refer potential clients to him. Michael is ethical, honest and hardworking. I am confident that he provides outstanding legal services to his clients, always keeping their best interests in mind.
Robert Buchanan, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 25, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Bartish is a bright, creative, and dedicated criminal defense attorney who works hard and obtains great results for the clients he represents. He goes to court well prepared and has the respect of the prosecutors on the other side and the judges. Our firm regularly refers people faced with criminal issues to Mr. Bartish.