JOEL T. SCHRAW has been a practicing attorney with the firm since 2008. After obtaining a BA from Hope College majoring in both Political Science and English, Joel attended Thomas M. Cooley Law School and graduated in 2008. During his law school career, Joel worked full-time for a national restaurant franchisor as the Director of Franchise Operations. In doing so, Joel was able to glean a wealth of practical, real world experience in business and franchising law. In the past ten years, Joel has managed many unique legal issues on behalf of his clients. Joel is well versed in the realms of family law, criminal defense, civil litigation, property matters, business litigation and estate planning. Joel has served on the United Way Board of Directors for Emmet and Charlevoix counties since 2010, having served as President in 2016 and 2017. Joel enjoys spending time with his wife, Sarah, and his sons, Jamus, Finley and Keene. Whether at the lake, on the ski hill or jogging the lakeshore, you're likely to find them enjoying all of the natural bounty that Northern Michigan has to offer.
SARAH F. SCHRAW has been an attorney with Schraw & Associates since 2008. After obtaining a BA from Hope College majoring in English, Sarah attended Thomas M. Cooley Law School and graduated with honors. During her law school career, Sarah worked as a paralegal for a law firm specializing in employment, municipal and labor law. In doing so, Sarah experienced daily, real world application of her studies allowing for an enhanced educational experience and early development of the practical skills required of all attorneys. Since joining Schraw & Associates, Sarah has had experience in family law, estate planning, civil litigation and probate appointments. Sarah enjoys spending time with her husband, Joel, and their three sons, Jamus, Finley and Keene. Sarah presently spends the majority of her days dedicated to caring for her children; however, you will find her in the office on a regular basis assisting with estate planning and business formation. You will also find her out in the community in her role as a board member for the Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce.
TOM SCHRAW established the Schraw & Associates law firm after a fifteen-year career in transportation law and logistics. Tom is a graduate of the Widener School of Law, Wilmington, Delaware, and was certified to practice as Attorney and Counselor at Law in the Courts of Michigan in 1992. Shortly thereafter, Tom was admitted to practice as an attorney in the United States Federal District Court, Western Division of Michigan. At the Federal Bar, Tom has represented plaintiffs as both lead and local counsel.
Tom has acquired broad legal experiences, actually conducting trials over a wide variety of issues. Tom's trial experience includes: representing personal injury plaintiffs, felony criminal defendants, and litigants in divorce, custody, contract and real property disputes.
Tom has served on a variety of community boards, including the Boyne City Downtown Development Authority, the Boyne City Chamber of Commerce, the Boyne City Zoning Board of Appeals and Petoskey's Nehemiah Homeless Shelter. Tom is active in his church and is an avid fisherman, hunter and golfer when he is not traveling with his wife, Pamela.
LISA SCHROCK is our Paralegal and Legal Secretary. She completed an Office Administrative Services/Bookkeeping degree and Paralegal degree. She has worked in office management and accounting for twenty years. She is married to Ron Schrock, has two children, and two grandchildren. Lisa has served on the Boyne City School Board, Compassionate Hearts Board, Boyne Thunder Registration Committee, and as a Walloon Lake Church youth group leader. She enjoys spending time with her family, attending Boyne's sporting events, going to the beach and Euchre.
Marleen was a very big part of the law firm for many years. She served on boards with Tom including Boyne City Downtown Development Authority, the Boyne City Chamber of Commerce, the Boyne City Zoning Board of Appeals, Petoskey's Nehemiah Shelter, the Boyne City District Library Board, the Win-Some Women's Foundation Board and Walloon Lake Community Church. You will always be in our hearts and on our minds...