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Ellen K. Michaels
also known as Ellen K. Michaels and Associates PLLC, E. Michaels Law
About Ellen
Biography
Ellen Michaels is an experienced attorney with a stellar education from some of the country’s top schools. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan in 1986, and she went on to earn her Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law in 1990. She has been practicing law for several decades.
After graduating from law school, Ellen Michaels spent time working as a Public Defender, which gave her exposure to and experience with a multitude of crimes. During this time, she was in the courtroom all day, every day. Because of these experiences, Ellen Michaels knows the courtroom inside and out, and she was also able to develop deep relationships with all of the different courts, which helps her to better serve her clients today.
Ellen is a passionate sports enthusiast, player and coach. She has played softball for over 15 years. She is retired from the Detroit Dark Angels; semi-pro football team. Ellen has played with the Detroit Tigers Fantasy Camp as a second baseman and catcher. She is known as AD Ellen in her role as Athletic Director and life long coach.
"Just the way I fight to win on the field, I fight to win in the courtroom. I don't let up." Ellen Michaels
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
34 years | 1,500 cases
White Collar Crime
20%
34 years | 125 cases
Sex Crime
15%
34 years | 150 cases
Violent Crime
15%
34 years | 200 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Michigan for 21 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
Location
Ellen K. Michaels & Associates PLLC.
4301 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 180-233, West Bloomfield, MI, 48323
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Ellen K. Michaels's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
39 Client Reviews
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Showing 1 - 5 of 39 reviews
Posted by TIM | January 22, 2026 | Hired Attorney
She is the BEST!!
In August 2025, I was arrested in my home and accused of domestic violence. Once I got out of jail, I knew I needed to get a really good Attourney. So I used Google and sought out many different lawyers, but then came across Ellen. I read her Bio and was intrigued by her results, honesty, and work e...
Posted by anonymous | September 18, 2024
Wise advice
I had a scary situation and needed some sound advice. Ms. Michaels was professional, compassionate and extremely helpful. She was able to clearly explain her legal advice and I was able to navigate through a difficult situation. I strongly recommend her services.
Posted by anonymous | September 18, 2024
So patient and caring
Ellen was patient with me as i asked questions, so many questions. She was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I appreciated her compassion and willingness to hear me out. I would not hesitate to use Ellen as an attorney
Posted by anonymous | August 28, 2023
Victim blaming unnecessary
This Lawyer obviously has no human decency after not paying attention to a victim during their impact statement and victim blaming right before sentencing. Not sure how she sleeps at night.
Posted by Tressa | March 03, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Amazing Person
Ms.Ellen is amazing lawyer i truly appreciate her i was facing two years with a felony conviction she got my whole case dismissed i truly love her she very professional i would recommend her to everyone who needs a lawyer GREAT JOB Ms.Ellen
Ellen K. Michaels's Lawyer Endorsements
"From my perspective, Ellen Michaels excels in her advocacy skills within the courtroom. She represents her clients with fervor and effectiveness that are a testament to her commitment."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ellen is a compassionate and dedicated defender. She doesn't shrink at a challenge and is always pursuing the best for her clients."
"I have known Ellen for many years. She is an exceptionally smart and tough litigator who always has the best interests of her clients at heart, and is not afraid to fight the prosecution. I strongly recommend Ellen for any criminal law matters a client may have."
"Ms Michaels is a fantastic attorney. I strongly endorse this lawyer."
"I have consulted with Ms. Michaels on several cases and highly endorse her. She has a command of the subtleties of criminal procedure that allows her to get every advantage in negotiating the best possible outcome for her clients."
"Ms. Michaels is a skilled and seasoned defense attorney who works hard to get the job done. Never daunted by prosecutors or judges, she is able to help navigate one through the chaos of a criminal matter with the proper emotional support and superb legal skills with aplomb."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ellen takes the time to find out all the facts and works hard to represent her clients with care. I know that when I refer clients to Ellen, they are in good hands."
"As a fellow criminal attorney, I have worked with Ms. Michaels on many cases. She is an outstanding attorney who will always go the extra mile to defend her clients. She knows the law and is an excellent trial attorney. I have recommended her on many occasions to represent clients when my schedule does not allow. I highly endorse this attorney."
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Experience
Honors
2021
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2021
Excellence in Criminal Defense, Lawyers of Distinction
2021
Attorney of the year, National Alliance of Attorneys
2020
Top 100 National Trial Lawyer, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
Work Experience
2005 - Present
Attorney, Ellen K. Michaels and Associates PLLC
1994 - 2003
Attorney, Cook County Public Defender's Office
1988 - 1990
Attorney, Federal Defender Program
Associations
2009 - Present
Wayne County Criminal Defense Bar AssociationMember
2010 - 2017
Criminal Defense Attorneys of MichiganMember
Sample of Legal Cases
K.S. Detroit Murder Case
Not Guilty all counts. Client released from custody
Education
1990
Northwestern University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1986
University of Michigan
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
Know Your Rights
MIP Law: Knowing Your Constitutional Rights If Stopped By The Police
Publications
2013
Legal News
Love of the Game
Languages
English
Spanish
Hebrew
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I be arraigned before arrested??
15 Sep 2018
Q&A
My daughter has 4 pending charges two weapons charges, larceny and home invasion, how much time is typical?
10 Aug 2018
Q&A
WWill I go to jail at my pretrial conference for a super drunk 1st offense dui and dwls?
19 Apr 2018