BENTON G. RICHARDSON
EXPERIENCE:
Attorney Benton G. Richardson is a former pre-hearing attorney with the Michigan Court of Appeals. Handling appellate matters remains a part of his practice. Following his work for the Michigan Court of Appeals, Mr. Richardson joined an active litigation practice in Southeastern Michigan. Practicing extensively areas of Family and Criminal Law, he has acquired experience in the areas of divorce, custody/parenting time, child support, alimony, paternity, property settlement, misdemeanor and felony criminal law. Benton G. Richardson’s practical experience has spanned the district and circuit courts in Michigan counties from Iron Mountain to Monroe. Now, with the COVID-19 pandemic, Benton G. Richardson has become proficient in meeting with clients and attending court hearings through remote technology platforms. This extends to use of remote technology to conduct mediations and guardian ad litem representation. Since 2006, courts have turned to Benton G. Richardson to represent the interests of children, who need a voice and an advocate in contested domestic relations matters. Some of Benton G. Richardson’s most challenging and rewarding work has been in his roles as guardian ad litem for children in these matters.
HONORS
- Frank Murphy Honor Society Inductee
- Dean’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence
- U of D Professional Responsibility Moot Court Competition Semifinalist
- Book Awards in Basic Federal Tax (A) and Estates & Trusts
- National Merit Scholar
- DBusiness Magazine Top Lawyer 2012 Honoree
- Best of Thumbtack 2016 – Best Divorce Attorneys Honoree
EDUCATION
- Juris Doctorate – Cum Laude University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, Detroit, Michigan
- Bachelor of Science – with a Major in Psychology Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
- Forty-hour Mediation Training Certified
- Eight-hour Domestic Violence Screening Certified
- Advance Mediation Training Certified
DAVID T. ZALEWSKI
EXPERIENCE
David T. Zalewski began his career as a creditor’s rights attorney, representing national banks and other major creditors in their debt collection litigation. He handled a very high volume of cases in courts throughout the entire state of Michigan for more than a decade, while serving on the Michigan Creditor’s Bar Association Board of Directors for several years. David transitioned to Family Law when he joined The Richardson Law Firm in 2008, where he has gained experience representing clients in family law matters, including divorce, paternity, child custody, parenting time, and both spousal and child support. He also has gained experience in representing clients in civil, criminal, probate, and collection matters. Since COVID-19 has changed the way we all do business and live our lives, David has become quite skilled in using remote technology for everything from client communications to court hearings. However, David takes the most pride in the many favorable settlements, both in family law and civil cases, that he has skillfully negotiated for his clients.
HONORS
- Dean’s Scholar for Academic Excellence
- Editor-in-Chief, In Brief, UDM School of Law student newspaper
- National Merit Scholar
EDUCATION
- Juris Doctor – Cum Laude – University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
- Bachelor of Arts – Michigan State University Honors College – Major in Communication with an additional degree in Advertising