MICHAEL R. BARTISH is a founding member of SBBL Law. He regularly defends and represents clients in state courts throughout Michigan and federal courts nationwide. Mike is a former active-duty officer in the Army Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps. During his active duty, Mike served as senior trial counsel and defense counsel in military court.
After four years of active duty, Mike moved to Grand Rapids and worked for two renowned law firms before joining forces with Gary Springstead to create Springstead & Bartish Law in 2011. As the firm’s reputation grew, so did the size of the firm until it evolved into SBBL Law, West Michigan’s premier criminal defense firm.
Track Record
Mike handles all types of felonies and misdemeanors in federal and state court and has won not-guilty verdicts in numerous cases throughout Western Michigan. He has won motions to suppress illegally seized evidence, including drugs, resulting in complete dismissals for his clients. He also practices extensively before the Michigan Department of State Driver’s License Appeal Division to help reinstate driving privileges for clients who lost them through OWI convictions.
Mike’s numerous acquittals in both state and federal courts speak volumes about his commitment to his clients. He also can fashion resolutions for his clients instead of trial. Mike’s reputation for honesty, honor, and ethical behavior has allowed him to cultivate trustworthy relationships with prosecuting attorneys and courts throughout the state to benefit his clients. With extensive experience in the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals and Michigan appellate courts, Mike’s record also includes numerous victories and precedent-setting published decisions.
Personal Life
Mike’s service extends to shaping future legal minds as a volunteer coach for the West Catholic High School Mock Trial Team. What spare time Mike does have, he spends with his wife Anne (an accomplished attorney in her own right) and his four children.
On weekends, Mike can usually be found on the sideline of an athletic field (often multiple fields), cheering on his children or immersed in a spirited yard or board game with his family. Whether in the military, the classroom, or the courtroom, Mike Bartish lives a life committed to principles of justice, honor, and compassion.
Military Background
In addition to his civilian practice, Mike has dedicated his life to the United States Army. Mike served on active duty in the Army Reserves and the Michigan National Guard for 26 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in May 2023. He spent the majority of his career as a trial defense attorney and defense appellate counsel defending those who defend America.
Awards
• Super Lawyer for Criminal Law, Super Lawyers Magazine
• Avvo Ranking – 10.0 “Superb”; Client’s Choice Award
Professional Affiliations
• Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, Board Member
• State Bar of Michigan, Criminal Law Section
• National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
• National College of DUI Defense (NCDD)
• Michigan Association of OWI Attorneys (MIOWIA)
• Published in the Federal Lawyer
