Donald E. McGinnis, Jr. has practiced law in the State of Michigan for many years. Prior to his admission to the State Bar of Michigan, he attended the University of Colorado where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree and the Detroit College of Law/Michigan State University where he received his Juris Doctorate degree. Thereafter, he clerked for the Honorable Arthur E. Moore at the Oakland County Circuit Court where he had the opportunity to observe courtroom procedures long before he was licensed. Once he obtained his license, Don chose to become involved in trial litigation criminal cases and family law matters.
Don specializes in family law and has concentrated his practice in this area for over three decades. He has represented clients in various facets of family law, which include divorce, child custody, child support, parenting time, paternity, spousal support, mediation and other post-judgment issues.
Don is a member of the Family Law Committee of the State Bar of Michigan and previously served as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the State Bar of Michigan. Prior to that, Don served as a Director of the Oakland County Bar Association and was the President of the Oakland County Bar Association from 2005–2006. He has also lectured for the Michigan Trial Lawyers for their continuing legal education arm and has written many articles with regard to the practice of law and the standards which attorneys should follow.
Don has been acknowledged by multiple professional associations including, but not limited to, Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Crain's Detroit Business, dBusiness Magazine, Leading Lawyers and AVVO. He has received the Award of Excellence for the top attorneys in Michigan and has been recognized by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys as one of the 10 Best Attorneys.
Don is also the recipient of numerous awards for his outstanding accomplishments in the legal community. He was awarded the OCBA's highest award for professionalism, pro bono contributions award for providing the public with free legal services and has been awarded the preeminent “AV” rating by Martindale-Hubbell, the most trusted attorney rating service available.
Don had a brief political career wherein he was elected as the President of the School Board for the City of Troy, during which time he oversaw multi-million dollar budgets and the formation of the fine school district, which exists in the City of Troy today. Throughout his career, he has been very active in local committees and associations and taught a basic law course in a community-based education program through the Troy School District for more than 10 years. Don continues to serve his community by acting as the Chairman of the Act 78 Commission for the Troy Police and Fire Departments. He is also a member of the Oakland County Community Trust, a trust that awards scholarships to deserving students from Oakland County schools.
Don previously practiced family law under the firm name of McGinnis Chiappelli Spresser, P.C. before the reorganization of the firm to its present status of McGinnis Chiappelli, P.C.
“ I have devoted my entire legal career in serving the best interests of my clients and their families. It is my solemn promise to continue to provide unparalleled legal services to my clients and public service to my community.”
–Don
Recommendations
- “Don is an excellent attorney. Paid attention to detail. I highly recommend him.”
- “ I hired Don to represent me in a child support case with my ex-husband. I waited until the last minute to hire an attorney. Don and his staff hustled to get the paperwork done to be filed with the court because my court date was the next day! He was able to go to court with me and my case went ...
- “ Amazing lawyer. He and his office staff were kind and courteous. He answered my questions quickly and helped speed things up! 2nd Divorce, this was the best lawyer in Metro Detroit. PERIOD.”
- “When my husband asked me for a divorce, I was totally blindsided! I was really scared and didn't know what to expect. This was my first divorce and Don answered all of my questions. When we went to court, it was evident that he knew what he was doing which made me feel at ease. I would recommend...
- “Don and his team were exceptional regarding my divorce proceedings; consistently going above and beyond. I didn't know what to expect having never gone through anything like this before. Don was patient and provided the highest level of service. He was available day or night. I knew that Don had...