Neilson Law Group, P.C.
July 2025 to Present
Co-Founder / Owner
- Family and probate law, including contested and post-judgment matters.
Experience Matters
There Is No Substitute
for Experience
Lisa Neilson is the only candidate in this race with prior judicial experience. Ten years as a Family Court Judge (2012 to 2022) and twenty-two years in the law have prepared her to serve on the Oakland County Circuit Court.
Family Court Judge, 2012 to 2022 22 Years as an Attorney Mediator and Arbitrator
01Chapter 01: Master of Social Work
Master of Social Work
University of Michigan School of Social Work | 2024
Following ten years as a Family Court Judge (2012 to 2022), Lisa completed her Master of Social Work at the University of Michigan in 2024.
Concentration
Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse
University of Michigan Commencement, 2024. Lisa is a member of the National Association of Social Workers.
02Chapter 02: Judicial Experience
Will Lisa Neilson make a good judge?
She Already Has.
Lisa served ten years as a Family Court Judge, from 2012 to 2022, in the Juvenile and Family Court Divisions, deciding cases involving children, families, and vulnerable individuals. She is the only candidate in this race who has already done the job.
JUDICIAL EXPERIENCE
Family Court Judge, 2012 to 2022
LEGAL EXPERIENCE
Attorney, Mediator & Firm Owner
ONLY CANDIDATE
With Prior Judicial Experience
August 2012 to May 2022
Family Court Judge
Served in both the Juvenile Court Division and the Family Court 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.
"A lawyer is one thing. A judge is very different.Lawyers argue, but judges decide."Lisa Neilson spent ten years, from 2012 to 2022, making those decisions for Oakland County children and families.
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.
03Chapter 03: Legal Experience
Twenty-two years in the law
Depth of Legal 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.
From court staff attorney to private practice, mediation, and firm ownership, Lisa has served the justice system from nearly every perspective.
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
04Chapter 04: Service and Community
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
She's The Judge for the Job.
There is no substitute for experience. Lisa Neilson has already done the work, assumed the responsibility, and earned the experience that only comes from serving as a judge.