John A. Shea, Business Attorney in Ann Arbor, Michigan
focused on Business, Criminal Defense, and Estate Litigation
Ann Arbor, MI
Trusted business attorney serving Ann Arbor.
- 2
- Bar admissions
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Quick answer
John A. Shea is an attorney based in Ann Arbor, MICHIGAN. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and Estate Litigation. Currently practicing at John A. Shea.
- Based in
- Ann Arbor, MICHIGAN
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Business · Criminal Defense · Estate Litigation
- Handles Business, Criminal Defense, and Estate Litigation matters from Ann Arbor, MICHIGAN.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Ann Arbor) (2023).
About John A. Shea: John A. Shea is an attorney based in Ann Arbor, MICHIGAN. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and Estate Litigation. Currently practicing at John A. Shea.
Areas of practice
Legal matters John takes on
John concentrates on business, criminal defense, estate litigation, litigation, and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Criminal Defense
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Estate Litigation
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Litigation
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White Collar
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Real Estate
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Business cases in Ann Arbor, Michigan
John takes business matters in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Ann Arbor, Michigan
John takes criminal defense matters in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Estate Litigation cases in Ann Arbor, Michigan
John takes estate litigation matters in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Ann Arbor, Michigan
John takes litigation matters in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
White Collar cases in Ann Arbor, Michigan
John takes white collar matters in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet John A. Shea — business lawyer in Ann Arbor
John A. Shea is an attorney based in Ann Arbor, MICHIGAN. The practice focuses on Business, Criminal Defense, and Estate Litigation. Currently practicing at John A. Shea.
John Shea is an attorney in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he has been in private practice since 1988. He was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1983 and to Michigan's bar in 1985, and is also admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and United States District Courts in the Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Michigan, Northern District of Illinois, and Southern District of Indiana. He has a trial practice in state and federal courts devoted primarily to criminal defense, but he also represents clients in civil cases with criminal law undertones, commercial and real estate litigation, professional malpractice defense, and in proceedings before the Attorney Discipline Board and other disciplinary agencies. He has appeared before courts and tribunals throughout Michigan, and in various other states as well.
Mr. Shea is a graduate of the University of Michigan (BA Economics, 1979; JD, 1982). He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan (Chair, Prisons/Corrections Council 2011-2013; Co-Chair, Criminal Jurisprudence and Practice Committee, 2023- ); Washtenaw County, Illinois State and American Bar Associations; National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan (Rules/Laws Committee, Co-Chair 2008- ); Criminal Defense Lawyers of Washtenaw County (President, 1992-1994); and the ACLU of Michigan (Washtenaw County Lawyers Committee, 2000-2023). He also is a Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers (President, 2022) and the Michigan State Bar Foundation, is an advisory board member of Michigan Partners in Crisis, and served as a Commissioner on the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (2015-2024),.
John's approach to business cases
John Shea is an attorney in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where he has been in private practice since 1988. He was admitted to the Illinois bar in 1983 and to Michigan's bar in 1985, and is also admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and United States District Courts in the Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of…
Clients John works with
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, criminal defense, and estate litigation matters in Ann Arbor and the surrounding Michigan area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
The University of Michigan Law School
J.D. · 1982
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
Illinois, Illinois S
ACTIVE
Michigan, State Bar
ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in The University of Michigan Law School.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in The University of Michigan Law School. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
John has received 15 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Ann Arbor)
2023
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Ann Arbor)
2021
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Real Estate (Ann Arbor)
2020
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Ann Arbor)
2019
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Ann Arbor)
2018
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Real Estate (Ann Arbor)
2016
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Ann Arbor)
2012
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Real Estate
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Bet-the-Company Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — White-Collar Criminal Defense
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Ann Arbor) (2023). Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Ann Arbor) (2021). Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Real Estate (Ann Arbor) (2020). Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice (Ann Arbor) (2019). Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (Ann Arbor) (2018). Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Real Estate (Ann Arbor) (2016).
Locations
John A. Shea's office in Ann Arbor
John's primary office is at 120 North Fourth Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48104-5519. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of John A. Shea
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire John A. Shea — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Ann Arbor, Michigan
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for John
John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John A. Shea
How much does it cost to hire John for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Michigan typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Ann Arbor?
John is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with John?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new business clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Ann Arbor, Detroit and Grand Rapids in Michigan
John handles business matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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