Liisa R. Speaker

Liisa R. Speaker

Liisa R. Speaker
SPEAKER LAW FIRM, PLLC
Experience: 24 years
Top 30 Women in Law, Distinguished Brief Award and 2 others
Awards 4
Experience 24y
Videos 22
Online & Web 9

Biography Submit listing

Liisa R. Speaker was born in Lansing and lived her early years in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Her family relocated to Texas and Liisa attended Trinity University where she majored in Political Science and Spanish, graduating Cum Laude. After college, Liisa attended The University of Texas School of Law in Austin, Texas. Liisa was on the editorial board for The Review of Litigation. After practicing law in Texas for a few years, Liisa returned to Lansing, Michigan to be near family.

Liisa is now the owner and lead attorney of Speaker Law Firm, PLLC. The Speaker Law Firm opened in 2007 and is an appellate boutique law firm representing clients in the Michigan and federal appellate courts. The firms unique appellate experience and comprehensive understanding of the appellate process offers clients superior written and oral advocacy. Speaker Law Firm works with trial attorneys and directly with litigants from all over the State of Michigan to provide exceptional representation in their appeals.

Liisa Speaker was also a past chair of the Appellate Practice Section for the State Bar of Michigan and also a Past President of the Ingham County Bar Association. She has been a member of the Family Law Section’s Amicus Committee since 2008, and has written and presented extensively on family law topics.

Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice

Michigan

Professional Experience

2007 - Current

Speaker Law Firm

Owner/Attorney

2005 - 2007

Hicks, Mullett & Gregg PLLC

Senior Associate

Education

Activities: Litigation Review

University of Texas - Austin

J.D. (1999) | Law

Honors: Cum Laude

Trinity University

B.A. (1994) | Political Science and Spanish

Awards

year - Liisa R. Speaker
Top 30 Women in Law

Michigan Lawyers Weekly

year - Liisa R. Speaker
Distinguished Brief Award

Cooley Law School Review

year - Liisa R. Speaker
Outstanding Note Award

University of Texas School of Law

year - Liisa R. Speaker
Best Brief Award

Texas Supreme Court

Contacts

Speaker Law Firm 819 N. Washington Ave. Lansing MI 48906 Telephone: (517) 482-8933

Videos

Episode 12 - Reality
In this episode we talk about invading separate property in a divorce action, snitches in the criminal justice system, and how to select a personal injury attorney. Join Speaker Law Firm and the experts from Bailey & Terranova, Chartier & Nyamfukudza, PLC and Sinas Dramis Law Firm.
Views 35
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Episode 11 - Differences
In this episode we talk about the rights of grandparents to see their grandchildren, how federal and state criminal cases differ, and the rights of motorcycle accident victims and how it is different from auto accidents.

Join Speaker Law Firm and the experts from Bailey & Terranova, Chartier & Nyamfukudza, PLC and Sinas Dramis Law Firm.
Views 26
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My Legal - Auto Insurance
Liisa Speaker finds out from Catherine Tucker of Sinas Dramis Law Firm which 3 coverage options are best recommended. And with the recent changes in the No-Fault Law, purchasing these coverage options is even more important than ever.
Views 8
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My Legal - Marijuana
Now that Michigan has legalized marijuana, what are the rules for people who want to partake? Liisa Speaker receives some great tips from cannabis attorney John Fraser of Grewal Law PLLC about the restrictions on marijuana use.
Views 23
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Episode 10 - Resolutions
In this episode we’re going to help you in picking auto insurance under the new no-fault law. We’ll also talk about juveniles in the criminal justice system and working with a friend of the court in your family law case. Join Speaker Law Firm and the experts from Bailey & Terranova, Chartier & Nyamfukudza, PLC and Sinas Dramis Law Firm.
Views 16
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Episode 9 - Conflict
In this episode we talk about with a husband-wife attorney team about how to handle conflicts during divorce cases. We also discuss race in the criminal justice system and learn what to do if you’re in an auto accident with a semi-truck.
Views 27
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Episode 8 - Settlement
Real stories, real cases. In the Name of the Law. This week’s episode explores how eye-witness testimony frequently misidentifies perpetrators in criminal cases. We also discuss why you should settle your custody or divorce case.

Join Speaker Law Firm and the experts from Bailey & Terranova, Chartier & Nyamfukudza, PLC and Sinas Dramis Law Firm.
Views 37
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Episode 7 - Holidays
Real stories, real cases. In the Name of the Law. In this week’s episode we meet a family that was saved by the no fault system and learn about how divorced parents & their children can survive the holidays. Join Speaker Law Firm and the experts from Bailey & Terranova, Chartier & Nyamfukudza, PLC, and Sinas Dramis Law Firm.
Views 19
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Episode 6 - Life's Not Fair
Real stories, real cases. In the Name of the Law. Sometimes life is not fair. But sometimes it’s about moving on and accepting the unfairness. In this week’s episode we learn how to navigate through difficult situations. Stories of home displacement due to a gas company’s mistaken information, unfair prenuptial agreements that divide property and other assets, and Fourth Amendment rights in today’s technological age.

Join Speaker Law Firm and the experts from Bailey & Terranova, Chartier & Nyamfukudza, PLC and Sinas Dramis Law Firm.
Views 37
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Episode 5 - Tragedy
Real stories, real cases. In the Name of the Law. This week’s episode is about tragedy and how to navigate through life-altering situations. What happens to a child when the parent that has custody unexpectedly passes away? Are there situations where stepparent adoptions are the best option?

Other topics covered in this episode include when you can claim self defense in certain instances, and police misconduct cases and how they are handled in civil litigation.

Join Speaker Law Firm and the experts from Bailey & Terranova, Chartier & Nyamfukudza, PLC and Sinas Dramis Law Firm.
Views 21
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Episode 4 - Hope
Real stories, real cases. In the Name of the Law. This week’s episode is about finding hope in difficult situations. Hear the amazing stories of hope from burn-survivors to exonerated prisoners. Join host Liisa Speaker of Speaker Law Firm and the experts from Bailey & Terranova, Chartier & Nyamfukudza, PLC and Sinas Dramis Law Firm.
Views 30
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Episode 3 - Starting Over
Real stories, real cases. In the Name of the Law. This week’s episode features a story of how 3 wrongfully accused dogs were saved from death row. We also talk about starting over after an injury or the end of a marriage.

Guests include: Celeste Dunn, PLC., Lizzy Carry, Mary Chartier, Takura Nyamfukudza, Stephen Sinas, Amy Bailey and Karen Gallagher.

Join host Liisa Speaker of Speaker Law Firm and the experts from Bailey & Terranova, Chartier & Nyamfukudza, PLC, and Sinas Dramis Law Firm.
Views 54
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Episode 2 - Loss
Real stories, real cases. In the Name of the Law is the show that informs and discusses everything from laws, settlements, conflicts, hope, tragedy, resolutions and inspiration. Join host Liisa Speaker of Speaker Law Firm and the experts from Bailey & Terranova, Chartier & Nyamfukudza, PLC, and Sinas Dramis Law Firm. This week’s episode is on remarkable stories and real cases of loss of life, liberty, and marriage.
Views 15
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Episode 1 - Changing Laws
Real stories, real cases. In the Name of the Law is the show that informs and discusses everything from laws, settlements, conflicts, hope, tragedy, resolutions and inspiration. This week’s episode is all about the recent changes in Michigan’s laws. Do you know the new laws? Join host Liisa Speaker of Speaker Law Firm and the experts from Bailey & Terranova, Chartier & Nyamfukudza, PLC and Sinas Dramis Law Firm.
Views 69
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8. What do I Need to do to Retain Speaker Law Firm?
Hello, I'm Liisa Speaker. The owner and lead attorney at Mid Michigan's only appellate boutique, the Speaker Law Firm.

If you know that you need to appeal the trial court's decision in your case or if the opposing party has already filed an appeal, here's what you need to do to hire our law firm for the appeal.

First, speak with our new client coordinator or, on occasion, an attorney. Once the firm and the potential client have decided they want to work together on an appeal, our firm will send the potential client an engagement letter. This letter is also known as a fee agreement.

In order to hire the Speaker Law Firm for your appeal, the potential client must, one, sign and return the engagement agreement and, two, pay the retainer amount indicated in the engagement letter.

The Speaker Law Firm will not begin to work on the appeal or file an appearance until we have received those two items.

Thank you for considering the Speaker Law Firm for your appeal.

https://www.speakerlaw.com/
Views 59
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1. Why Should Your Attorney Recommend You to an Appellate Attorney?
Why should your trial attorney recommend you to hire an appellate attorney?

Hi, I'm Liisa Speaker, an appellate attorney at the Speaker Law Firm.

Many attorneys have very busy trial practices and simply do not have the time to focus on the research and writing required to develop an effective appellate strategy which is why your trial attorney may refer you to an appellate advocate.

An appellate attorney brings a fresh perspective to your case, and can pinpoint appealable errors and reanalyze the case to select the best arguments to persuade the court in your favor.

An appeal could also be a daunting hurdle for your trial attorney, who may not know all the intricacies of the appellate process.

An appellate attorney is aware of the pitfalls of appellate procedure, the likes and dislikes of the appellate judges, new developments in the rules and their interpretations.

Whether you won or lost in the trial court, it takes a lot of time to prepare an appeal, and our attorneys have the time needed to give you the best chance to get the outcome you want.

https://www.speakerlaw.com/
Views 113
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2. Do I Have an Appeal?
Hello, I'm Liisa Speaker of the Speaker Law Firm.

We are an appellate boutique. A lot of potential clients ask, "Do I have an appeal?"

That's actually a pretty complex question to answer and we can't answer it off the cuff.

First and foremost, we need to have a copy of the trial court order to help you analyze the trial court decision. And if you don't have a copy of the trial order, then hopefully your trial attorney can provide one to us.

At some point, our team will need to review your file, which includes the trial court documents and the transcripts. Then we can advise you about the viability of your appeal.

So don't delay in contacting us about your case so we can help you determine whether you can appeal.

https://www.speakerlaw.com/
Views 65
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3. At What Point Can You Hire an Appellate Attorney?
Hello, I'm appellate attorney, Liisa Speaker of the Speaker Law Firm in Lansing, Michigan.

I am often asked at what point can you hire an appellate attorney?

The answer is, the sooner the better. Preferably you should hire an appellate attorney shortly before the trial court's ruling if you are anticipating a bad outcome. If the result is not in your favor and takes you by surprise, then you should hire an appellate attorney quickly after the bench ruling. Even if you are waiting for a written opinion or order.

Nonetheless our firm has been hired at various points in the appellate proceedings. Preferably we are hired in the early stages, such as before the trial court rules on the case. But the most typical time to hire appellate counsel is right after the trial court signs the written order.

We have also been hired after an appeal is filed even if it is just to file a reply brief, or attend oral argument. When appealing to the Supreme Court, we can be hired after the court of appeals issues it's decision.

Or, if a Supreme Court application has already been filed, we can be hired at the Supreme Court request, oral argument, or additional briefing.

If the case is already in the appellate courts, or if you think you will need to appeal a trial court decision, contact Speaker Law Firm right away, so we can help you through the process.

https://www.speakerlaw.com/
Views 92
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4. How Much Time do I Have to Appeal?
Hello, I'm Liisa Speaker, owner and lead attorney of the Michigan appellate boutique, the Speaker Law Firm.


One question that is frequently asked is, "How much time do I have to appeal?"


The timing for an appeal depends on the type of case, but usually there is not much time, you must act quickly.


Depending on the type of order you want to appeal, you could have as little as 14 days or as long as six months. Most commonly, the appeal period is 21 days from the day the order is signed by the trial judge.


Speaker Law Firm encourages potential clients to contact our firm without delay. Even if the order has not yet been signed, you should start looking into your appeal options.


Thank you for visiting the Speaker Law Firm.


https://www.speakerlaw.com/
Views 79
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5. What Can't You Appeal?
Hello, I'm Liisa Speaker, an Appeals Attorney at the Speaker Law Firm.

It's important to know that there are a few things you can not do an appeal. In most types of cases you can not appeal mistakes made by your trial attorney.

For example, you cannot appeal because you're unhappy with what your trial attorney did such as not presenting evidence or witnesses to the judge or the jury. You also can not appeal what the opposing counsel has done.

What you can appeal is the trial court's decision and any mistakes made by the trial judge. The purpose of the Court of Appeals is to correct trial court errors. Whether those errors are legal or factual errors.

If you obtain a trial court decision that you are unhappy about, you should contact the Speaker Law Firm, right away.

https://www.speakerlaw.com/
Views 93
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6. Does My Appeal Go Back to the Same Trial Court Judge?
Hello, I'm Liisa Speaker, an appellate attorney at the Speaker Law Firm.

A lot of people who are appealing a trial court decision want to know what happens after the Court of Appeals decides their case. Does it go back to the same trial judge that made the mistakes in the first place? Unfortunately, the answer is yes.

It is exceedingly rare for a case to be sent back to a different judge. We have seen this occur in very few situations, and only in extreme cases, will the Court of Appeals send it back to a different judge. I would say that no more than one out of a thousand will go back to a different judge. And that is not an exaggeration.

If the case does go back to a different judge, it is usually because a judge has retired, and another judge has been assigned to the case. In some counties, for example, the counties realign the dockets, and so the judge assigned to a new docket, they may no longer be on the bench for that particular type of case that you had before it. Such as when a family law judge is moved to the regular circuit court docket.

But you really should not hold out hope that a different judge will be on the case. You must be prepared to deal with the same judge after you went on appeal. The good news is that the appeal will be decided by a panel of three judges. And those judges come from all over the state, and typically are not from the same county where the trial court judge sits.

And the Court of Appeals judges are basically the boss of the trial courts, because they can decide whether to overturn the trial court's decision. Many judges do take it to heart when a higher court, like the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court tell them they did something wrong.

Thank you for visiting the Speaker Law Firm.

https://www.speakerlaw.com/
Views 1069
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7. How Much Does an Appeal Cost?
Hello, my name is Liisa Speaker of the Speaker Law Firm, an appellate boutique firm in Lansing, Michigan.

One of the top questions potential clients have is, how much will an appeal cost?

There are many factors that go into the cost of appeal, including the out-of-pocket expenses, and the attorney's fees, which are charged at an hourly rate.

One of the factors to consider is the number of issues that the client wants to raise on appeal. The more issues there are, the more time it will take to prepare the brief. The number of days of hearings or trial will very definitely impact the cost of appeal, not only because the transcripts will cost more if you have a long trial, but also because it takes more time to review the transcripts.

Another factor that increases the cost of an appeal is when the proceedings or issues are complex, because it takes more time to explain to the Court of Appeals what happened in the case. What the opposing counsel files also impacts the cost of an appeal. If opposing counsel files a lot of motions or includes a lot of information in their brief that requires a response, it will take more time to respond to them.

Whether the case has legal or factual issues can also impact the cost of an appeal. For example, factual issues usually take more time to brief because we have to analyze the facts when we are arguing on appeal that the trial court's findings are against the great weight of the evidence. Trial court error on a legal issue could make an appeal simpler, but a legal issue of first impression, which means the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court has never addressed the issue, could take more time to write about in the appeal.

And the last thing that impacts the cost of an appeal is how much client communication is required on the client side. So if a client has a lot of questions that cannot be answered by support staff and requires a meeting with an attorney, that will definitely take more time and will cost more for the overall appeal. I hope that gives you an idea of what goes into how much an appeal will cost.

Thank you for considering the Speaker Law Firm.

https://www.speakerlaw.com/
Views 402
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