John Schaefer, our firm's founding partner, is one of the best-known and most highly-respected matrimonial lawyers in the United States. From its inception, Best Lawyers in America has listed John Schaefer as one of the premier matrimonial lawyers in America. More recently, Worth magazine named him one of the top 100 lawyers in America, in any practice area.
Mr. Schaefer has been practicing matrimonial law for more than 35 years. Clients from Michigan, New York, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, and around the country have regularly sought him out for representation in divorce actions where millions of dollars have been contested and, in at least one case, where more than $1 billion was at stake.
Mr. Schaefer has served on the Board of Trustees and as an adjunct professor of law at the Michigan State University College of Law. He is listed in all editions of The Best Lawyers in America, and he holds an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. Mr. Schaefer regularly appears on radio and television programs discussing legal topics, including matrimonial law.
Mr. Schaefer has been associated with numerous organizations, including: American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Past President (Michigan Chapter); Detroit College of Law, Trustee; Michigan State Bar Foundation Fellows; Oakland County Bar Association, Director; and State Bar of Michigan: Family Law Section, Past Chairman; Attorney Grievance Commission, Arbitrator; and Committee on Character and Fitness.
In addition to his courtroom accomplishments, he is also involved in numerous professional, civic, and philanthropic organizations. He was an instructor in the Michigan Judicial Institute, educating hundreds of Michigan circuit court judges in the substance of matrimonial law. He serves on the board of directors of the Oakland County Bar Association, William Beaumont Hospital, and the Detroit Police Athletic League.
Some of Mr. Schaefer's notable cases include Dart v. Dart, a case involving the laws and courts of a foreign jurisdiction and assets in excess of $1 Billion; Nasser v. Nasser, representing the 36 year wife of Jacques Nasser, the CEO of Ford Motor Company; and Iacocca v. Iacocca, representing the wife of Lee Iacocca, the former CEO of Chrysler Corporation.
Mr. Schaefer attended Cranbrook School, the University of Notre Dame, Michigan State University, and the Detroit College of Law.
Although a renowned expert on matrimonial law, he also negotiates contracts for media personalities, and buyouts and golden parachutes for leading business executives.
