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Stuart R. Shafer
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Stuart R. Shafer

4.9
20 reviews

1223 Turner Street, Suite 333, Lansing, MI 48906

Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support and 73 more

About Stuart R. Shafer

Stuart R. Shafer has achieved the highest rating for legal ability in Martindale-Hubbell. 50 years of Aggressive Litigation/Effective Mediation. Stuart R. Shafer, P.C., Lansing, MI, 1995—. President, Divorce and Family Litigation and Mediation, Drunk Driving, Federal and State Criminal Defense, Commercial and Corporate Litigation, Reid and Reid Law Firm, Lansing, MI, 1987-1995. Partner, Divorce and Family Litigation and Mediation, Drunk Driving, Federal and State Criminal Defense, Commercial and Corporate Litigation, Ingham County Prosecutor's Office, Lansing, MI, 1975-1987. Chief Attorney, Priority Prosecution Unit. Investigate and Prosecute Murder, Drug, White Collar, Fraud, Political Corruption, Habitual Offender, and other priority cases. Supervision and training of attorneys in screening, investigation, pre-trial, trial, and disposition of criminal cases. Listed: Strathmore Who's Who; Super Lawyers. President, American Inns of Court, Thomas M. Cooley Chapter. Email: stu@stushafer.com.

 

Stuart R. Shafer (Lansing, Michigan) View website

Awards

Platinum Client Champion
This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 10 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.5 or higher.
Champion Badge Platinum
AV Preeminent Peer Rated
This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.
Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.

Champion Badge Silver

At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.

Champion Badge Gold

At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.

Champion Badge Platinum

At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.

Stuart R. Shafer got this award in 2021

Martindale Peer Awards

A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:

Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating

AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

Stuart R. Shafer got this award in 2021

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating

Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Notable Rating

Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Avvo Awards

Avvo Top Contributor

Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.

Avvo Client Choice

Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

Reviews for Stuart

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Overall Rating
4.9
See All Reviews
20
4.8
Lawyers.com
18
5.0
Martindale
1
5.0
Avvo
1
Showing 1-10 of 18 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
89%
4 stars
6%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
6%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
4.8
Quality of Service
4.8
Responsiveness
4.8
Value for Money
4.7
Criminal Law
Posted by Eman
November 11, 2025
Hired Attorney

I would like to share my highest recommendation for Mr. Shafer. Being his client has truly been a blessing. He is not only an outstanding lawyer, but also a genuinely good human being. His deep experience, calm guidance, and strong dedication made all the difference in our case — and because of him, we were able to achieve exactly what we hoped for. What sets Mr. Shafer apart is how he treats his clients: with respect, patience, and real care. He is always there when you need him — answering questions, providing reassurance, and explaining every step of the process. You feel like you are not just working with an attorney, but with someone who stands by you like family. He is professional, compassionate, and extremely knowledgeable. I truly felt supported and understood throughout the entire journey. If you are looking for someone who will fight for you and guide you with honesty and integrity, I wholeheartedly recommend Mr. Shafer. He is exceptional in every way.

 
Child Custody
Posted by April
September 23, 2025
Hired Attorney

I had a great experience working with Mr. Shafer! He was always available to talk to or email and was very quick to respond when I needed help or had questions. He makes you feel very comfortable like you are in very good hands, he’s very knowledgeable and very experienced and knows your case like he’s known it for years, he is just very good at his job. I highly recommend Stuart Shafer for child custody cases or honestly anything he specializes in!!

 
Misdemeanors
Posted by anonymous
January 13, 2025
Hired Attorney

I worked with Lawyer Stuart R. Shafer, P.C. for my 2 dog at large tickets . He handled the case very well and the case was dismissed in pre-trial He really is a great attorney to work with and made great documents for submitting to court for dismissing the case .I highly recommend Lawyer Stuart R. Shafer for any legal issues and I am very lucky that he accepted my case and handled it in a high and sophisticated manner .

 
Divorce
Posted by Vince
November 15, 2024
Hired Attorney

Stu is compassionate, very experienced and knowledgeable, patient and accommodating. He is personable and likable, a calming influence when you're in rough waters. He is considerate of the client's unique needs and always mild-mannered and professional. When you're in a stressful situation and you want an attorney who can calm all parties involved, Stu is the guy. He has one of those magic personalities which causes even your opponent to respect his wisdom(which is beneficial in your obtaining the outcome you desire). Stu is not hard-headed and not an egotist. If you as client have a good idea, Stu will consider it and use it if he can. His focus is on success and resolution. Stu made my tough situation come out as good, and as smoothly, as it could have. Very reasonably priced for an attorney who offers services at such a high level. He knows the court system and the judges. Itemized monthly bills that always reflect actual work performed. No high pressure to pay up fast.Thanks, Stu!

 
Criminal Law
Posted by James
August 01, 2024
Hired Attorney

Stu did an outstanding job representing me on an old case from my younger, dumber days, that I was never aware existed until fairly recently. He conducted himself professionally and handled everything with care and expertise, and the resolution was better than I could have hoped for. I hope to never find myself in a similar situation again, however, should that happen I would not hesitate to call upon Stu for representation. Thank you!

 
Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
August 01, 2023
Hired Attorney

My recommendation pertaining to the excellent skills and abilities of Attorney Stuart R. Shafer begins with me as a public official and falsely accused of a misdemeanor assault. After completion of a criminal investigation that took eleven (11) months including two (2) pre-trial conferences, a “Brady” motion hearing to require evidence be produced that had not been provided to Mr. Shafer by the prosecutor or the law enforcement agency and lastly a Judge trial, I was acquitted. Mr. Shafer consistently worked methodically and tirelessly with his “never give up attitude” through a myriad of very challenging issues involved with my case. He respectfully exposed a poor law enforcement investigation, an ill-advised decision by the prosecutor to issue the criminal complaint and the significant lack of credibility exhibited by the witnesses for the prosecution. These efforts and results were ultimately confirmed by the trial Judge and are reflected in the transcript of the trial.

 
Divorce
Posted by Brett
October 12, 2021
Hired Attorney

I needed a Divorce and I called Stu...and He answered the phone! I highly recommend Attorney Stuart R. Shafer P.C. to anyone who needs proven, successful, top shelf legal representation with the first call you make. Stu's resume and deep background speaks for itself and hopefully this testimonial by a working class American veteran will convey my absolute satisfaction for the outstanding service, respect, integrity, empathy and just plain downhome friendliness that I experienced every step of the way.c

 
DUI/DWI
Posted by Robert
October 06, 2021
Hired Attorney

Stu did a terrific job representing our son. He walked us through the steps of legal procedures we should expect, telling us about possible outcomes, without promising too much. He insisted that our son take a series of concrete steps to show that he understood what he had done wrong, and that he was committed to doing better in the future. Those steps were important, both for putting our son on a good path, and for persuading the judge that behavior would be better in the future. We believe the latter led to a more lenient sentence.

 
Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
February 19, 2021
Hired Attorney

Stu was very helpful and supportive through all proceeding and very reasonable with his fees. He was very knowledgeable and professional. His previous experience and work makes him a great choice for legal defense.

Alternative Dispute Resolution
Posted by anonymous
January 31, 2021
Hired Attorney

Mr. Shafer was very easy to work with, responded very quickly when contacted. Did a great explaining all laws and options that were available. Mr. Shafer seemed to have great communication with the courts and had easy moving thru the system. Rates were explained right up front with no surprises. Would recommend Mr. Shafer highly.

From the Martindale-Avvo Legal Network

Services

Areas of Law

  • Family Law 8
    • Divorce
    • Child Custody
    • Child Support
    • Spousal Support
    • Premarital Agreements
    • Paternity
    • Military Divorce
    • Visitation Rights
  • Gay and Lesbian Family Law
  • Family Mediation
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution 1
    • Mediation
  • Domestic Violence
  • Domestic Partnerships
  • Restraining Orders
  • Collaborative Family Law
  • Annulment
  • Criminal Law 10
    • DUI/DWI
    • Federal Criminal Law
    • Expungements
    • Felonies
    • Homicide
    • Misdemeanors
    • Sex Crimes
    • Theft
    • Traffic Violations
    • Weapons Charges
  • Drivers License Suspension
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Corporate Law 1
    • Corporate Litigation
  • Other 45
    • Alimony
    • Marital Property Distribution
    • Marital Property Settlements
    • Marital Property Law
    • Cohabitation Agreements
    • Non-Traditional Family Law
    • Legal Separation Agreements
    • Postnuptial Agreements
    • Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs)
    • Post Divorce Modification
    • Name Changes
    • Marital Agreements
    • Divorce Mediation
    • Divorce Arbitration
    • Interstate Support
    • Family Arbitration
    • Matrimonial Law
    • No Fault Divorce
    • Domestic Relations
    • Uncontested Divorce
    • Criminal Defense
    • Driving While Intoxicated
    • Assault and Battery
    • Burglary
    • Capital Offenses
    • Civil Forfeiture
    • Criminal Conspiracy
    • Criminal Forfeiture
    • Criminal Fraud
    • Criminal Investigation
    • Electronic Surveillance
    • Extortion
    • Extradition
    • Grand Jury Practice
    • Habeas Corpus
    • Manslaughter
    • Murder
    • Money Laundering
    • Search and Seizure
    • Sexual Assault
    • Shoplifting
    • Stalking
    • Vehicular Homicide
    • Wire Fraud
    • Wiretapping

Practice Details

  • Payment Information
    Payment & Cost Features
    Fixed hourly rates
    Accepted Credit Cards
    American Express
    Discover
    MasterCard
    Visa
  • Video Calls
    Offers Video Calls
    Video Call Options
    Zoom
    Skype
  • Firm Information
    Position
    Principal
    Firm Name
    Stuart R. Shafer, P.C.
  • Additional Links
    http://www.stushafer.com

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1975, Texas (Inactive)
    1975, Michigan All Courts
    1988, United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan
    1988, United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
    1989, United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth District
    1989, United States Supreme Court
    2017, United States District Court for the Western District of New York
    1975, Michigan
    Memberships
    State Bar of Michigan

    Ingham County Bar Association

  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    St. Mary's University School of Law
    Class of 1974
    J.D.
    Law Review
    Other Education
    Temple University
    Class of 1970
    B.S.

    Michigan State University
    Class of 1971
    M.A.
    Legal Certifications
    Divorce Mediation, Family Law Mediation
  • Personal Details & History
    Age
    Born in 1947
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 4, 1947

Contact Stuart R. Shafer

Principal at Stuart R. Shafer, P.C.
4.9
20 reviews

The Grand Center, 1223 Turner Street, Suite 333Lansing, MI 48906U.S.A.

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Fax: 517-487-6604
Office Hours:
  • Monday 08:30 AM - 05:30 PM
  • Tuesday 08:30 AM - 05:30 PM
  • Wednesday 08:30 AM - 05:30 PM
  • Thursday 08:30 AM - 05:30 PM
  • Friday 08:30 AM - 05:30 PM
  • Saturday By appointment
  • Sunday By appointment

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Attorneys FAQs

  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review rated?
    Yes, Stuart R. Shafer has a 5.0 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • How many attorneys are in this law firm?
    Stuart R. Shafer, P.C. has 3 attorneys at this location.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    Stuart R. Shafer attended St. Mary's University School of Law.
  • Does this attorney maintain any other responsibilities in the firm outside of legal work?
    Stuart R. Shafer is the Managing Partner of the firm.
  • What year was this attorney's law firm established?
    Stuart R. Shafer, P.C. was established in 1995.

Attorney information displayed in this FAQ section is based upon information the lawyer has included on their profile, in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals.

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