The people
Three attorneys, one very organised paralegal
A small team on purpose. You will have one lead attorney from the first meeting to the signing, a second attorney who reads every plan, and Marcus, who knows exactly where your file is.
Founding attorney
Ruth Fairholme
Licensed in Michigan since 1994
- Living trusts
- Couples and blended families
- Plan reviews
Ruth spent twelve years at a larger firm before opening Fairholme in 2006 with one desk and a borrowed conference table. She wanted a practice where families could understand every page they signed.
She still leads most first meetings for trust clients, and she reads every draft before it leaves the office. Outside work she keeps a slightly overgrown garden and sings alto in a community choir.
“The best plan is the one you understand well enough to explain to your children.”
Partner
Daniel Cho
Licensed in Michigan since 2009
- Business succession
- Trust funding
- Property in more than one state
Before law school Daniel worked in a small accounting office, which is why he is happy to sit at the table with your accountant and talk numbers. He joined Fairholme in 2012 and became a partner in 2018.
He handles most of our business owner clients and anyone with a cottage up north or land out of state. He coaches a youth soccer team and claims to enjoy the early Saturday games.
“A business plan and a family plan have to agree with each other, or neither one works.”
Attorney
Leah Brandt
Licensed in Michigan since 2015
- Special needs planning
- Trust administration
- Probate
Leah grew up helping care for a younger brother with a disability, which is part of why she does this work. She knows the benefit rules well and explains them without making anyone feel behind.
She also guides most of our trustees and personal representatives after a death. Clients say she is calm, organised and quick to call back.
“Grief is hard enough. The paperwork should feel like the easy part.”
Senior paralegal and signing coordinator
Marcus Bell
With the firm since 2015
- Deeds and trust funding
- Signing days
- Home visits
If you call the office, there is a good chance Marcus answers. He prepares deeds, tracks every funding letter and runs our signing days, including the ones at kitchen tables across the county.
Marcus is not a lawyer and does not give legal advice, but he knows exactly where your file is and when the next step is due.
“I like the moment a family realises the hard part is already done.”
Working together
How the team looks after your plan
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One lead attorney
The person you meet first stays with you through drafting and signing. No hand-offs to someone you have never met.
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Two sets of eyes
A second attorney reads every plan before it reaches you. It catches the small things that matter later.
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A file that keeps moving
Marcus tracks every deed and funding letter, and he will call you before a step is due, not after it is late.
Talk to one of us
Book a free first meeting at the office, in your home or by video. Tell us who you would like to see, or we will match you with the attorney who fits.
Book a free consultation