Lawyers join forces to form firm

The principals of two Detroit-area law firms have decided to join forces as Schmidt & Long, PLLC, based in downtown Ferndale.

Lisa J. Schmidt, one of the partners who previously ran Schmidt Law Services, PLLC, of Ferndale said coming together is a way of providing a wider variety of services to the community.

"By coming together as a firm, we will be able to handle more of our clients' needs under one roof."

Joining Schmidt in the new venture is Benjamin Long of Detroit Business Lawyers, who founded his firm in October 2013. A native of Detroit, Long said he is eager to deepen his investment in the community. He is the founder of the Ferndale Cat Shelter and offers estate planning for pet and their owners. Long is also a member of the Ferndale Area Chamber and other local networking groups.

For her part, Schmidt serves on the board of the Ferndale Area Chamber. She has a growing reputation as a knowledgeable and creative family lawyer focused on LGBT family issues and revocation of paternity cases. She was invited to speak at the 2015 Family Law Institute in front of divorce attorneys and judges across the state and writes online as the "Legal Linguist" (www.legallinguist.com)

Schmidt & Long PLLC will offer specialized business planning advice and networking opportunities to the growing freelancer market.

"I'm excited to announce the Metro Detroit Freelancers Network," says Long. "We're going to offer freelancers a one-stop solution to their business and legal needs, while connecting them with other professionals in complementary industries."

Independent professionals can join the Metro Detroit Freelancers Network to receive legal advice and basic attorney services, as well as a listing in the network's directory and access to regular networking and training events. They will also get reduced rates on extended legal or writing services.

Published: Mon, Nov 14, 2016