$ 200-250 per hour
I was born and raised in Flat Rock, Michigan. My small town upbringing shaped my conservative values and strong work ethic. Always patriotic and ever thankful for the benefits of living in America, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during college and earned a commission as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation in 1985. I served as an officer of Marines from 1985 until 1999, in both active and reserve roles in the United States and overseas. Durng my years in the Marine Corps, I served as a member of various units cited for superior performance, participated in contingency operations in the eastern Mediterranean in 1989 and was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal for leadership in 1992.
I earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University in 1985, a Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree from Mary Washington College in 1995, a Juris Doctor degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1998, and a Master of Arts in Bioethics from Trinity International University in 2007.
I am admitted to practice law in State of Michigan and the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan in 1998, in the United States Court of Appealsfor the Sixth Circuit in 1999 and in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan in 2002. I regularly litigate cases in all Michigan trial and appellate courts.
Prior to forming the Phelps Legal Group, I served as an associate attorney with the Traverse City law firms of Smith & Johnson, P.C. (1997-1999) and Smith, Haughey, Rice & Roegge, P.C. (1999 to 2004). I also served as a partner at the Traverse City law firm of Zimmerman, Kuhn, Darling, Boyd, Quandt & Phelps (2004 to 2011).
I am a member of New Hope Community Church, the Christian Legal Society, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the State Bar of Michigan. I currently serve on the Michigan Board of Directors for Bethany Christian Services and am the former Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Traverse City Christian Schools.
In my time outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with my family and exploring our state and national outdoor areas.
4
Practice Areas
28 years | 500 cases
28 years | 250 cases
28 years | 400 cases
28 years | 200 cases
$ 200-250 per hour
State: Michigan
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Fax
13919 SW Bayshore Drive, Ste. G02, Traverse City, MI, 49684
phelpslegal.comOther places you can find Eric online.
Showing 1 - 5 of 7 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Lindsay | July 25, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Eric is professional, discerning, wise and calculated. His knowledge and experience coupled with his foresight make a winning combination in the court room. I give Eric Phelps the highest of recommendations.
Posted by JH | June 13, 2016 | Hired Attorney
I came to Mr. Phelps feeling defeated and with an uphill battle before me after being denied my change of domicile request. I had a negative experience with a previous attorney who left me feeling scared, helpless, and completely unprepared. Mr. Phelps listened, and he agreed to take on my change o...
Posted by Rhonda | September 4, 2015 | Hired Attorney
Mr. Phelps was the calm voice of sanity on the other end of the phone as I went through a difficult divorce. He was incredibly patient while I was freaking out over misinformation, answered my questions, and walked me through the process of child custody hearings and divorce. Eric was honest about ...
Posted by Ann | September 3, 2015 | Hired Attorney
We have had a wonderful experience with Eric Phelps. He has assisted us throughout our DRC adoption journey and has done so with integrity, honesty and high ethical standards. We would highly highly recommend his services to anyone in need of legal advise and support.
Posted by Jennifer | May 24, 2012
We work with Eric because he has integrity, wisdom and compassion. We have sought his advisement for both business and personal matters and always been pleased with his care and results.
"I have known Attorney Phelps for approximately 7 years and in that time have litigated a number of cases against him/his clients, and a few where we were on the same side of the relevant issues. He is a dedicated, honorable and fearless attorney. Combined with his level of competence, he is an excellent advocate who I highly recommend."
No Endorsement Data Available Yet
This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.
2024
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2022
Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell®
2021
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2021
Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell®
2020
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2020
Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell®
2019
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2019
Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell®
2018
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2018
Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell®
2017
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2017
Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell®
2016
Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2008
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2007
Magna Cum Laude, Trinity International University
2006
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2005
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2004
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1995
Final Honors in History, Mary Washington College
1992
Navy Commendation Medal, United States Marine Corps
2011 - 2012
Owner, Phelps Legal Group, PLC
2004 - 2011
Partner, Zimmerman, Kuhn, Darling, Boyd, Quandt & Phelps, PLC
1999 - 2004
Associate Attorney, Smith, Haughey, Rice & Roegge, P.C.
1997 - 1999
Associate Attorney, Smith & Johnson, P.C.
1985 - 1999
Officer, United States Marine Corps
2011 - Present
National Fertility Support CenterBoard Member
2007 - Present
American Society for Reproductive MedicineMember
2005 - Present
Bethany Christian ServicesBoard Member, Michigan Board
2002 - Present
United States District Court for the Eastern District of MichiganMember
1999 - Present
United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth CircuitMember
1998 - Present
Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar AssociationMember
1998 - Present
State Bar of MichiganMember
1998 - Present
United States District Court for the Western District of MichiganMember
1995 - Present
Christian Legal SocietyMember
2010 - 2012
Traverse City Christian SchoolsVice-Chairman, Board of Trustees
Client obtains desired results in custody, support and parenting time decisions
Affirmed
Obtained summary dismissal of case in trial court in favor of client. Affirmed on appeal on all issues but one, which was remanded to trial court.
Order changing custody and an award of attorney fees in favor of client in trial court. Affirmed on appeal.
Dismissed on standing issue in trial court. Affirmed in split decision on appeal. Application for Leave to Appeal to be filed in Michigan Supreme Court.
Michigan Court of Appeals decision in favor of clients and subsequent Trial Court victory in 9 day jury trial
Michigan Court of Appeals decision in favor of clients, the paternal grandparents
2007
MA - Masters
1998
Juris Doctor
1995
B.L.S.
1985
BS - Bachelor of Science
2012
Reproductive Law
2011
Embryo Adoption & Donation
2015
2015
2011
2011
2011
English
Legal Answers