We listen before giving you an opinion
Tell us what happened in your own words. We ask questions, look at the facts and deadlines, and avoid rushing to a conclusion.
About Michigan Legal Center
A Michigan law firm built to listen. Ready for hard cases.
Since 1989, we have helped people through serious injuries, civil rights violations, and other life-changing legal problems. You can talk with a real person, get a straight answer, and know who is handling your case.
- 1989 Founded in downtown Detroit
- $300M+ Recovered for Michigan clients
- 400+ 5-star ratings across review platforms
- 10 Offices across Michigan
Who we are
Michigan lawyers for people facing serious problems
Michigan Legal Center is a Michigan personal injury and civil rights firm founded by Christopher Trainor in downtown Detroit in 1989. We help people after serious injuries, police misconduct, employment violations, and other life-changing legal problems.
Michigan Legal Center is the name used by the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates. Same attorneys, same offices, same firm.
When you call, you reach our Michigan team. We listen first, explain the next step, and tell you honestly whether we believe we can help.
Our story
It started with two chairs, one desk, and no staff
Christopher Trainor opened the firm in a small downtown Detroit office in 1989. The room was so tight that opening the door bumped the chair where the client sat.
His first clients were referred by Neighborhood Family Legal Services. Many had complicated cases that other attorneys had declined. They needed someone to listen and take the case seriously. Chris built the practice one case at a time by investigating carefully, explaining the options, negotiating when it made sense, and going to court when necessary.
The firm is larger now, but the basic idea has not changed: listen closely, tell people the truth, and do the work a difficult case requires.
The people behind your case
You should know who is working for you
A legal case can last months or years. You work with Michigan attorneys, case managers, paralegals, and investigators who know the file and keep it moving. You should know who to call, what the team is doing, and what happens next.
What to expect
What it is like to work with us
You do not need to know the legal language before you call. Start by telling us what happened. We will help make the next step clear.
You know what happens next
We explain who is handling your case, what we need from you, and what the next step is.
We prepare carefully from the start
Most cases do not go to trial. We still gather the evidence and document the harm so the case is ready if that becomes necessary.
You get a straight answer
We tell you whether we believe we can help, what it may cost, and what options you have. If you do not need a lawyer, we say so.
Results and reviews
What you can check before you call
You should not have to take our word for it. Review real case results, read what clients say, and meet the people who may work on your case.
Selected results
Verdicts and settlements for Michigan clients. Past results do not guarantee a future result.
- $6,200,000 Police Misconduct
Jury awarded $4.91 million after an officer repeatedly struck the handcuffed client during a traffic stop; fees, costs, and interest brought the final judgment above $6.2 million.
- $5,800,000 Police Misconduct
Client beaten by police officer after exiting his car; traumatic brain injury and fractured neck.
- $5,500,000 Police Misconduct
Police misconduct resulting in severe injuries.
Client experiences ★★★★★ ★★★★★
What clients say after working with us
I highly recommend Christopher Trainor and associates to anyone looking for a lawyer! My experience with them has been absolutely amazing. They are kind, courteous, very responsive and professional!
Christopher Trainor and associates have been absolutely wonderful. They made what is typically such a stressful process, seamless. I can't thank Christopher and everyone on the team enough for all their hard work. I would highly recommend this firm to anyone in need.
Professional recognition
Recognition from legal and peer-review organizations
Best Lawyers
Lawyer of the Year 2023
Best Lawyers
Lawyer of the Year 2017
Best Law Firms
Super Lawyers
& Rising Stars
Lawdragon
The Recorder
Best of 2021
Across Michigan
Local offices. One Michigan team.
We meet with clients from Metro Detroit to the Upper Peninsula. Choose an office for its address, phone number, and directions.
- White Lake (HQ)
- Southfield
- Grand Rapids
- Ann Arbor
- Flint
- Lansing
- Kalamazoo
- Bay City
- Gaylord
- Marquette
Questions
A few things people often ask
Is Michigan Legal Center the same firm as Christopher Trainor & Associates?
Yes. Michigan Legal Center is the name used by the Law Offices of Christopher Trainor & Associates. Same attorneys, same offices, same firm.
What types of cases does the firm handle?
We handle serious personal injury, car and truck accident, civil rights, police misconduct, wrongful death, employment law, and workers’ compensation cases across Michigan.
What does it cost to hire the firm?
The consultation is free. We generally handle injury and civil rights cases on a contingency fee, which is a percentage of the recovery. If there is no recovery, there is no attorney fee. We explain the fee arrangement and any case expenses before you hire us. Call (248) 886-8650.
Do you actually take cases to trial?
Yes. Our lawyers have tried police misconduct and other cases against government defendants. We also prepare cases carefully before settlement discussions begin. See our results.
What if another firm turned my case down?
A prior rejection does not always end the matter. Lawyers may disagree about the facts, law, cost, or risk of a case. We can take an independent look, and the review is free.