35 Years Later: Still Honored to Stand Beside My Clients

35 Years - Practicing Law - Michael L Steinberg

35 Years Later: Still Honored to Stand Beside My Clients

Thirty-five years ago today, I officially opened my law office.

I was young, determined, and full of energy. Over the years, my passion has remained the same, but my perspective has evolved. I’m less aggressive, less arrogant, and I’ve learned that not every police officer is the enemy. Experience has a way of teaching humility.

What hasn’t changed is how deeply I love what I do.

Every day, I have the privilege of standing between my clients and the power of the government. I get to protect people’s rights, help them through some of the darkest moments of their lives, and make a difference in ways few professions allow.

I proudly wear the title of Attorney and Counselor. To me, every client is first and foremost a human being—not a case number. They deserve to be heard, respected, and treated with dignity.

I believe the best lawyers combine passion with compassion. Anyone who has worked with me knows they have direct access to me. I don’t hide behind staff or bureaucracy. I meet my clients with honesty, empathy, and genuine care.

Long before I became a lawyer, I decided I wanted to approach life and my work holistically. That meant not just fighting the legal battle in front of us, but understanding the deeper issues so we could work together to create a better path forward. That philosophy has been guided by my spiritual center and continues to shape how I practice law today.

As I reflect on these past 35 years, my heart is filled with gratitude.

To every client who trusted me, every friend and family member who supported me, and every colleague who walked alongside me—thank you. Your belief, encouragement, and friendship made this journey possible.

Even now, almost every day, I catch myself thinking, I can’t believe I get paid to do something I love this much.

For that, I am profoundly grateful.

Thank you.

Michael L. “Miko” Steinberg

AI in the Courtroom: Why One Veteran Criminal Defense Attorney Refuses to Trust It for Legal Research

Beware of AI in court
Fellow Lawyers and also the public. You need to be wary of AI. I use it to amass data or lead me in a direction, but WILL NOT use it for legal research or brief writing. Call me old school, but I worked my way through law school, as a clerk. Including a research assistant (basically a brief writer with supervision My case on appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court was the crim law written essay question for my winter 1990 Bar Exam) for the State Appellate Defender Office. I do my own research with use of electronic tools to get me to the case law. I still cut and paste the binding holding of the case research to create briefs. Proud to say some of my briefs in the trial court became the basis of appellate law. As a long-time member of the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan I strongly encourage my fellow defenders to be leery of AI writing. You are bound to get it wrong, and you will find yourself before the Attorney Grievance Commission
 

Why People Call a Criminal Defense Lawyer 20 Times

Why people call a Criminal Defense Lawyer 20 time

A recent social media post from a metropolitan Detroit criminal defense lawyer caught my attention.

The post read:

“If you call me multiple times in a row, especially if it’s like 20 times, it adds 2-3 extra business days to my response time. If I respond at all.”

Most people reacted to the statement itself.

What caught my attention was a response from a prospective client:

“Leave a voicemail ONCE or text. That’s it. I’ll get to it when I can. I have no secretary and I’m in court all day. This is why I schedule ALL calls. I no longer will speak to someone without scheduling it.”

And another comment:

“People have no boundaries.”

While many professionals may agree with the sentiment, criminal defense is different.

When someone calls a criminal defense attorney repeatedly, it’s usually not because they lack boundaries.

It’s because they’re scared.

Fear Changes Everything

Most people never expect to need a criminal defense lawyer.

Then one day:

  • They’re arrested.
  • Their child is arrested.
  • A detective calls asking questions.
  • A warrant is issued.
  • They receive notice of criminal charges.

Suddenly, their future feels uncertain.

They don’t know whether they’ll lose their job.

They don’t know whether they’ll go to jail.

They don’t know what happens next.

In those moments, people don’t think like consumers shopping for a service.

They think like human beings facing a crisis.

That’s why some people call multiple times.

Not because they’re rude.

Not because they’re entitled.

Because they’re terrified.

The Difference Compassion Makes

The best criminal defense attorneys understand that their clients aren’t just legal cases.

They’re people going through one of the most stressful experiences of their lives.

That’s one reason so many people throughout Michigan have trusted Mike L. Steinberg.

Mike understands that behind every phone call is a person looking for answers, guidance, and reassurance.

No attorney can answer every call instantly. Court appearances, client meetings, and legal emergencies make that impossible.

But clients consistently appreciate that Mike and his team make communication a priority.

Whether it’s a phone call, voicemail, or text message, people know their concerns matter.

Criminal Defense Is About More Than Law

Winning cases matters.

Experience matters.

Strategy matters.

But when someone is facing criminal charges, communication matters too.

People want to know someone is listening.

Someone cares.

Someone is prepared to help them navigate what may be the most difficult chapter of their lives.

That’s why the best criminal defense lawyers don’t just defend cases.

They defend people.

When You Need Help, You Need Someone Who Cares

If you’re facing criminal charges or believe you may be under investigation, the last thing you need is uncertainty.

You need answers.

You need guidance.

And you need an attorney who understands not only the legal challenges you’re facing, but also the fear and anxiety that come with them.

That’s the approach Mike L. Steinberg has taken throughout his career—combining aggressive legal representation with genuine concern for the people he serves.

Because when someone’s future is on the line, they’re not looking for a case number.

They’re looking for someone who will help them through it.

35 Years as a Lawyer

35 years ago today, I was Motioned in by Ron Bretz to become a member of the Michigan State Bar. I came to law school in Lansing MI (Cooley) with one purpose. To leave as a criminal defense attorney. If ever asked, I have often said I am living the ultimate “hippy” dream. I get paid to hold the government accountable and to fight for the Constitution.

I have dedicated my entire career to indigent defense (along with also representing parents and children in abuse and neglect cases) and as an elected board member of the Criminal Defense Attorneys of MI for over 2 decades, I have had a direct hand in reformation of the indigent defense system. Our crown jewel contributing to the creation of and having critical oversight of the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission. Lawyers have resources as do our clients. Best regardless of charge, anyone accused of a crime has a lawyer at a bail hearing. As many will be enjoying a well earned time off for Memorial Day weekend, I will be at a courthouse (Sat) arraigning people countywide, who were arrested. I cannot not think of a better thing to do as we honor men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to our Country.

It has been a gift of the Creator to have had 1000s of clients on my public defense docket, along with many who paid for my services. I have never distinguished delivery of defense between those assigned and those paying. All get zealous advocacy with a holistic approach. The latter being that we will, together, explore the underlying causes/contributions of the behavior and develop strategies to address them. My personal journey of recovery is implemented but not imposed. Each client I have served is a human regardless of what they have been charged with.

I am so grateful that I have been entrusted with the lives of many people. The reviews that have been posted on my law office pages are reflective of that trust.

I have been blessed to meet some of the best colleagues in the world. Some are now sitting on benches throughout this great state. My life is better because of these folks

These are trying times for lawyers. There is regrettable action afoot to undermine the Constitution and the Rule of Law-the cornerstones of our democracy. Each day, I do a self check and ask myself, do I still have the fight in me. Each day, a resounding yes.

Creator, thank you for these 35 years as an attorney . . .

The Lawyers Oath