About Us

Jim Schuster, Certified Elder Law Attorney

Jim Schuster has been licensed as an attorney since 1978 and practices Elder Law. He is:

• Former Chair of the Elder Law and Advocacy Section of the Michigan State Bar
• A Certified Elder Law Attorney by the, A.B.A. accredited National Elder Law Foundation
• A member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
• Member, Professional Speakers Bureau, Alzheimer's Association

Prior to attending law school Jim Schuster was a social worker for the Department of Social Services (now Family Independence Agency). After he passed the bar he worked as a law clerk for United States District Judge Noel P. Fox and as a Judge for the Chippewa Ottawa Conservation Court. He served on the Council of the General Practice Section of the State Bar of Michigan from 1985 to 1997 in all capacities including as Chair of the Section in 1991.

He has had articles on Elder Law published in the Michigan Bar Journal, including the February 2002 article titled "Medicaid and the Practice of Law," Michigan Lawyers Weekly, the Detroit Legal News and Laches, the publication of the Oakland County Bar Association. He has also presented course material for the Institute for Continuing Legal Education.

Jim is involved in the aging network community. He is a member of the professional speakers bureau of the Area Alzheimer's Association, Greater Michigan Chapter. He is a member of the Geriatric Social Workers, the Council on Aging, and the Senior Coordinating Area Network. He is a frequent speaker on Elder Law to professional and support groups.

Meet the "Law" Cabin Office Staff

Kelly Balow is a paralegal in the office, handling client interviews, drafting estate documents, Medicaid applications, probating decedent's estates and filings with the County Probate Courts. She received her certificate from the Paralegal Program at Macomb Community College and will be continuing baccalaureate studies at either the University of Detroit Mercy or Wayne State University.

Kelly is the office athlete, participating in every intramural sport available! Go Pistons!
Email Kelly

Marjorie Brooks is one of the Paralegals in Jim's office. She has been with Jim since 1990. Marjorie has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and her Paralegal certificate, which she received from Oakland University. Marjorie's work in the office mainly encompasses client interviews, Medicaid applications, estate documents and probating decedent's estates.

While away from work Marjorie enjoys her five grandchildren and her four cats. She is active in Boy Scouts and has been involved with them for 23 years. Recently she was awarded the Silver Beaver which is the highest award that one can receive from the Boy Scouts at the Council level. If you need to know how to build a campfire or identify a certain bird she's your woman.
E-Mail Marjorie

Dawn Roffey is a paralegal in the office, handling client interviews, drafting estate documents, Medicaid applications, marketing, and developing the www.jimschuster.com website. She attended the University of Michigan-Dearborn and received her Legal Assistant associate's degree from Macomb Community College.

Dawn is co-chair of the Scottish Terrier Club of Michigan's Rescue Committee, as well as being on the Board of Directors, and is involved with rehoming approximately 25 Scotties each year. She is collecting used inkjet and laser cartridges as a fundraiser for rescue, so please contact her if you have any to donate!
E-Mail Dawn

Kiana is our Administrative Assistant and General Gofer and takes care of the "little things" and any errands that need running. She enjoys her work and meeting the clients with compassion and understanding. Here in the office, she is a shining star (or beaming ray of sunshine, take your pick)

At home, Kiana is a mother of three children, an avid reader and disc golf aficionado (you can tell which car is hers in the parking lot with all those disc golf stickers). She usually carries her discs with her for a quick round, so if you know of a course, let her know.
Email Kiana