Martha Mothershead, Virtual Attorney

Martha is a seasoned researcher and writer, devoted to plain English. She believes that for their hard-earned dollars, clients are entitled to documents they can understand. Creative, well-written arguments win cases. Clean contract language prevents breaches. Martha is excited to be working with the Traverse Legal team as an independent contractor.

EDUCATION

University of Detroit School of Law, Detroit, MI, Juris Doctor, 1985 (Although Martha has her law license, she is performing paralegal work for Traverse Legal at this time.  She is a great value at her paralegal rate). Won 'Best Brief' and 'Best Oral Advocate' awards in law school’s Moot Court Competition. Participated in two national moot court competitions with law school's travel team. Member, Order of the Barristers.                                 

Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, MI, Bachelor of Arts, English, 1980. Recipient of a local history research grant in sophomore year. Lived and studied in Bonn, Germany, for two semesters. Speak conversational German.

EXPERIENCE

Traverse Legal, PLC, Traverse City, MI.  Virtual paralegal providing litigation support.

Smith & Johnson Attorneys, Traverse City, MI, Litigation support, 2003-2005.

Martha F. Mothershead, P.C, Mothershead & Henderson, P.C., St. Clair Shores, MI, 1990-93. Founder of a general-practice law firm, concentrating in divorce and probate law.

Thomas, Garvey, Garvey & Sciotti, P.C., St. Clair Shores, MI, 1987-90. Responsibilities at this personal injury law firm included arguing motions in court; representing clients at depositions, mediations and pretrial conferences; conducting research and discovery; drafting pleadings, motions and briefs.

Institute for Continuing Legal Education, Ann Arbor, MI, 1987.
Researched, wrote and edited most of a lawyers' professional practice guide to no-fault automobile insurance law in Michigan.

Addison Group, Inc., Grosse Pointe Farms, MI, 1987-90. As house counsel, handled all legal matters, as well as all purchasing, payroll, billing and collections, for family-owned marketing firm.                                              

Gromek, Bendure & Thomas, P.C., Detroit, MI,  1984-86. Responsibilities at this insurance defense firm included legal research, writing appellate briefs, and arguing before the Michigan Court of Appeals.

The Oxford Leader, Oxford, MI, 1980-82.  Reporter and jack-of-all-trades for a small weekly newspaper. Duties included conducting interviews and research, writing news and feature articles, and photography. Won 1982 Michigan Press Association award for Photography. Ability to meet deadlines was absolutely essential.

MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS

State Bar of Michigan, admitted July, 1985, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Antrim Bar Association,
Leelanau Children’s Center, finance committee, Leland Education Foundation, Leelanau Historical Society, Leelanau Conservancy.

PERSONAL

Martha enjoys skiing, swimming, boating, bicycling and reading. Pottery and tile making are her long-time loves. She has also written two children’s books and is in the process of self-publishing the first.