Update #2

I recently headed to the 47th District Court in Farmington Hills, Michigan to watch my uncle hear cases in the Magistrate's court.  The day started with an assortment of traffic tickets, followed by some sentencing through web conference at a few local prisons. He then heard a small claims matter and delivered a judgement after deliberating in his quarters.  Some zoning infractions were presented after the small claims case.  I then received a private tour of the courthouse from a court officer.  Afterwards, I my uncle showed me his office right across the street and we went out to lunch at La Marsa to discuss more.

Getting Started

Byuko Mikey, my Ukrainian uncle, is a criminal litigator and magistrate.  He hears cases in Farmington Hills and defends clients in the metro Detroit area.  Because of his background, his personal skills are astounding- always responding to emails within the hour, networking and creating opportunities for others, which, in turn, creates opportunities for himself.  On Thursday, March 14th, he has generously offered to show me the ropes of the court room.  I will watch him hear cases, he will show me around the police station, and he’ll answer any of my questions regarding criminal law and litigation in general.  He has also extended his services to put me in contact with a diverse selection of environmental and patent lawyers, varying from corporate lawyers to litigators and big firms to small firms.

I also contacted Mr. Sparshu, a patent lawyer.  I am waiting to hear back from him, as I posed a fair number of questions in the most recent email.  He works in corporate law.