James W. Saffell

A graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder, James Saffell earned his law degree at the University of Denver College of Law in 1986. Mr. Saffell earned membership to the University of Denver Law Review and the National Moot Court Team for the New York Bar Association National Moot Court Competition, where he was awarded the distinction of *2nd Best Speaker* at the Western Regional Competition. Mr. Saffell also worked at the United States Department of Interior, Denver, Colorado, where he was responsible for preparation of the Department of Interior Position Paper on the Equal Access to Justice Act.

After practicing law as a trial attorney at the law firm of Nelson & Harding, Denver, Colorado from 1986 to 1989, he began a private practice in Boulder, Colorado specializing in civil and criminal litigation, family and domestic matters, business and personal injury matters. Mr. Saffell handles cases throughout Michigan and is licensed to practice in the states of Michigan and Colorado.

Mr. Saffell was born and raised in Birmingham, Michigan. After residing in Boulder, Colorado for about 30 years, he and his wife moved their family to Leelanau County where Mr. Saffell enjoyed summers since childhood.

James Saffell is licensed to practice law in Michigan and Colorado courts.

Certifications:
Trained and Certified Civil Mediator
Certified by the Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan

Member of:
Michigan Association for Justice
State Bar of Michigan
Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association (President 2013 – 14)

Conflict Resolution Services of Traverse City (Board Member; President)
Divorce Connections
Suttons Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
Leelanau Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

Volunteer Activities:
Leland Township Recreation Commission * Chairperson
Leelanau Children’s Center * Board Member
Womens Resource Center
Legal Services of Northern Michigan

Justice for Our Neighbors Citizenship Clinic
Third Level Crisis Intervention Center

Pro Bono:
James Saffell and his staff dedicate numerous hours each year to pro bono and reduced fee work.

“I believe that community service and pro bono work are integral parts of the practice of law
and I make it a priority to ensure that indigents have access to justice.”