Atty. Michael R. Bartish

Atty. Michael R. Bartish

MICHAEL R. BARTISH is a founding member of SBBL Law.

Grand Rapids Grand Rapids 28 yrs experience 28 year
Call (616) 773-2031 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About Michael R. Bartish at a glance

Michael R. Bartish is a Partner based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, practicing at SBBL Law. They have 28+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1998. Their practice focuses on criminal defense, federal crimes, litigation, military, and appellate. Admitted to practice in Ohio (Inactive) (1998) and Michigan U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixt (2003). Educated at University of Cincinnati College of Law (J.D., 1998) and University of Notre Dame (B.A., 1995). Recognitions include Peer Reviewed. Serands clients in Grand Rapids, MI and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • MICHAEL R. BARTISH is a founding member of SBBL Law
  • He regularly defends and represents clients in state courts throughout Michigan and federal courts nationwide
  • Mike is a former active-duty officer in the Army Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Corps
  • During his active duty, Mike served as senior trial counsel and defense counsel in military court
  • After four years of active duty, Mike moved to Grand Rapids and worked for two renowned law firms before joining forces with Gary Springstead to create Springstead & Bartish Law in 2011
  • As the firm’s reputation grew, so did the size of the firm until it evolved into SBBL Law, West Michigan’s premier criminal defense firm
  • Track Record Mike handles all types of felonies and misdemeanors in federal and state court and has won not-guilty verdicts in numerous cases throughout Western Michigan
  • He has won motions to suppress illegally seized evidence, including drugs, resulting in complete dismissals for his clients
  • He also practices extensively before the Michigan Department of State Driver’s License Appeal Division to help reinstate driving privileges for clients who lost them through OWI convictions
  • Mike’s numerous acquittals in both state and federal courts speak volumes about his commitment to his clients
  • He also can fashion resolutions for his clients instead of trial
  • Mike’s reputation for honesty, honor, and ethical behavior has allowed him to cultivate trustworthy relationships with prosecuting attorneys and courts throughout the state to benefit his clients
  • With extensive experience in the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals and Michigan appellate courts, Mike’s record also includes numerous victories and precedent-setting published decisions
  • Personal Life Mike’s service extends to shaping future legal minds as a volunteer coach for the West Catholic High School Mock Trial Team
  • What spare time Mike does have, he spends with his wife Anne (an accomplished attorney in her own right) and his four children
  • On weekends, Mike can usually be found on the sideline of an athletic field (often multiple fields), cheering on his children or immersed in a spirited yard or board game with his family
  • Whether in the military, the classroom, or the courtroom, Mike Bartish lives a life committed to principles of justice, honor, and compassion
  • Military Background In addition to his civilian practice, Mike has dedicated his life to the United States Army
  • Mike served on active duty in the Army Reserves and the Michigan National Guard for 26 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in May 2023
  • He spent the majority of his career as a trial defense attorney and defense appellate counsel defending those who defend America
  • Awards • Super Lawyer for Criminal Law, Super Lawyers Magazine • Avvo Ranking – 10.0 “Superb”
  • Client’s Choice Award Professional Affiliations • Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, Board Member • State Bar of Michigan, Criminal Law Section • National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys • National College of DUI Defense (NCDD) • Michigan Association of OWI Attorneys (MIOWIA) • Published in the Federal Lawyer

Practice Areas Explained

Michael R. Bartish's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael R. Bartish handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

Michael R. Bartish is one of 214,270 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Michigan →

Federal Crimes

Michael R. Bartish is one of 6,773 federal crimes attorneys indexed nationally. Browse federal crimes attorneys in Michigan →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

Michael R. Bartish is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Michigan →

Military Law

Military attorneys for court-martial, discharge upgrades, veterans benefits, and military family matters.

Michael R. Bartish is one of 8,613 military attorneys indexed nationally. Browse military attorneys in Michigan →

Appellate Practice

Appellate attorneys for civil and criminal appeals at state and federal court.

Michael R. Bartish is one of 86,319 appellate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse appellate attorneys in Michigan →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Michigan

Practicing law in Michigan. Legal matters in Michigan are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Grand Rapids are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Michigan state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Michigan brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Michigan courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Michigan attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Grand Rapids or all attorneys in Michigan.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Michael R. Bartish

Where is Michael R. Bartish's law office located?
Michael R. Bartish's law practice is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The firm is SBBL Law. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Michael R. Bartish handle?
Michael R. Bartish focuses on criminal defense, federal crimes, litigation, military, appellate. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Michigan.
How long has Michael R. Bartish practiced law?
Michael R. Bartish has 28+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1998.
Where did Michael R. Bartish go to law school?
Michael R. Bartish earned their education at (J.D., 1998); (B.A., 1995).
How can I contact Michael R. Bartish for a consultation?
You can contact Michael R. Bartish directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Michael R. Bartish received?
Michael R. Bartish's notable recognition includes: Peer Reviewed.

Education

J.D.
University of Cincinnati College of Law
- 1998
B.A.
University of Notre Dame
- 1995

Awards

Peer Reviewed

Bar Admissions

Ohio (Inactive)
Admitted: 1998
Michigan U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixt
Admitted: 2003

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