What motivated you to become a trial lawyer? Family. My paternal grandfather was a worker’s compensation lawyer in the Detroit area for nearly three decades. I remember listening to his stories about helping workers fight large corporations and protecting their rights. Then, a few weeks after my first year of law school ended, a cousin was killed in a workplace incident—that loss motivated me to become a trial lawyer. I wanted to help good people through tough times.

When did you become a member of MAJ?  Why did you decide to join? Originally, I joined MAJ in 2008 to learn from leaders in the worker’s compensation field, like John Charters and Robert MacDonald. Every year for the MAJ worker’s compensation seminar, the leadership would produce a binder of form letters, sample pleadings, caselaw summaries, and other documents for the section membership. Those binders helped make the section stronger. I was grateful the leadership was willing to share their best practices with all of us.

Why do you feel it is important for trial lawyers to be a part of MAJ? Being a part of MAJ feels like being a part of the largest law firm in the state. The listserv is an invaluable resource. MAJ members are quick to answer questions and offer advice on how to handle challenging issues.

Please describe the extent of your MAJ participation (offices held, committees, AAJ, etc.): I am a sustaining member of MAJ and a member of the executive board. I am also a member of AAJ and the AAJ workers’ compensation section.

You have made a strong commitment to the JUSTICE PAC.  Why do you feel supporting the PAC is important? In 2010-2011, when the legislature embraced big business’s desire to reform the worker’s compensation laws, MAJ led the fight against awful versions of the draft bills. I saw first-hand the importance of giving those who support the goals of MAJ the resources they need to fight back.

What is distinctive about your practice?  And your firm? I like to describe my practice as “worker’s compensation and…” I enjoy handling worker’s compensation cases that include first or third-party auto claims OR a worker’s compensation case that includes a medical negligence case OR a worker’s compensation case that includes a product liability claim. My firm, Conybeare Law Office, P.C., is located is the southwest corner of Michigan. Since 1984, Conybeare Law Office has proudly upheld the rights of thousands of clients.

What was your most satisfying case? I represented a construction worker who fell through a roof and suffered a spinal cord injury resulting in paraplegia. We went through multiple rounds of litigation to get his medical benefits and wage loss benefits paid. He struggled to find a wheelchair-accessible living arrangement while we were in litigation. I was able to work with the rehabilitation provider to find housing for him. Ultimately, we secured the benefits he needed to secure long-term housing, buy an accessible van, and re-enter the workforce.

Please provide a brief description of your interests outside the practice of law. I am passionate about aviation. I am a licensed private pilot working on an instrument rating. I also enjoy traveling with my wife and two children—especially summer camping trips and winter ski trips.