Neilson Law Group, P.C.
July 2025 to Present
Co-Founder / Owner
- Family and probate law, including contested and post-judgment matters.
Experience Matters
Experience That Matters
Nearly ten years as a judge and more than two decades in the legal profession. Lisa Neilson's judicial service, legal practice, professional leadership, and community involvement have prepared her to serve on the Oakland County Circuit Court.
Judge, 2012 to 2022 Attorney since 2003 Mediator and Arbitrator
The key difference in this race
Judicial Experience
Lisa served nearly ten years as a judge in the Juvenile and Family Divisions, deciding cases involving children, families, and vulnerable individuals.
10
Years on the bench
2012
Took the bench
20+
Years in the legal profession
August 2012 to May 2022
Judge, Wayne County Probate Court
Assigned to the Third Judicial Circuit Court, Family Division
- Presided over high-volume dockets involving divorce, custody, parenting time, child support, juvenile delinquency, and probate-family jurisdictional matters.
- Conducted trials, evidentiary hearings, motion practice, and emergency proceedings requiring prompt, legally sound decisions.
- Developed complete evidentiary records and issued rulings grounded in statute and case law, with attention to applicable appellate standards.
- Coordinated with court staff, attorneys, service providers, and community agencies to promote due process, stability, and improved outcomes for children and families.
- Served on the Michigan Supreme Court Court Improvement Program Statewide Task Force, addressing issues affecting children and families in the court system.
- Partnered with the William Booth Legal Aid Clinic of The Salvation Army to establish and oversee a specialized docket assisting self-represented litigants while providing law students meaningful courtroom experience.
Judicial Training and Continuing Education
- National Judicial College
- National College of Probate Judges
- National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
- Domestic violence and VAWA-related judicial training
Publication
Neilson, L. M., Glazier, S., & Sherburn, C. J., "Contempt of Court in Michigan: Frequently Misunderstood, Frequently Misapplied," Michigan Family Law Journal, State Bar of Michigan Family Law Section (2017).
A three-part series addressing the statutory framework, procedural requirements, and effective remedies relating to contempt proceedings.
Two decades in practice
Legal and Professional Experience
From court staff attorney to private practice, mediation, and firm ownership, Lisa has served the justice system from nearly every perspective.
Neilson Consulting, PLLC
May 2023 to PresentFounder / Owner
- Litigation consultation and alternative dispute resolution in family and probate matters.
Lipson Neilson, P.C.
May 2023 to 2025Of Counsel / Director of Alternative Dispute Resolution, Family Law Department
- Family law and alternative dispute resolution, including mediation, arbitration, and complex domestic relations matters.
Dickinson Wright PLLC
November 2010 to September 2012Of Counsel Attorney
- Divorce, including post-judgment matters, and probate law.
Zivian & Neilson, P.C.
May 2006 to November 2010Shareholder / Attorney
- Domestic relations and probate litigation.
- Court-appointed representation in estate and trust matters, abuse and neglect proceedings, mental health matters, guardianships, conservatorships, and adoptions.
- Served as Guardian ad Litem.
Oakland County Probate Court
January 2004 to May 2006Staff Attorney to Hon. Linda S. Hallmark
- Conducted legal research, drafted opinions and orders, and provided judicial advisement in probate and related matters.
Thurswell, Chayet & Weiner
April 1999 to December 2000Litigation Paralegal
- Birth trauma and complex civil litigation.
Academic background
Education
University of Michigan, School of Social Work
Master of Social Work (MSW), 2024
Concentration: Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Juris Doctor, May 2003
Madonna University
Bachelor of Science, July 1998
Leadership and service
Professional Service and Memberships
Professional Service
- Council Member, Alternative Dispute Resolution Section, State Bar of Michigan (2025 to present)
- Contributor, Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE)
- Former Michigan State Representative, National College of Probate Judges
- SCAO-Approved Domestic Relations Mediator
- SCAO-Approved Arbitrator
Professional Memberships
- State Bar of Michigan
- Michigan Retired Judges Association
- Oakland County Bar Association
- Detroit Bar Association
- Women Lawyers Association of Michigan
- Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
- National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges
- American Bar Association
- National Association of Social Workers
- American Psychological Association
- Phi Kappa Phi
Beyond the courtroom
Community Involvement
Lisa's service to the community includes ongoing advocacy and support for patients and families.
Advisory Council Member and Patient Advocate, Henry Ford Hospital Transplant Institute
Donor and Sponsor, University of Michigan Transplant Center
Donor and Sponsor, Henry Ford Hospital Transplant Institute
Experience Matters
Experience You Can Trust.
Lisa Neilson has already done the work, assumed the responsibility, and earned the experience that only comes from serving as a judge.