How much does it cost to hire John for a adr 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 adr attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.

How long do adr cases in Michigan typically take?

Simple adr 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 Detroit?

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 adr clients right now?

John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

John M. Sier, ADR Attorney in Detroit

Quick answer

John M. Sier is a principal based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on ADR, Bankruptcy, and Business. John has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Detroit, MI
Experience: over 40 years
Known for: ADR · Bankruptcy · Business

Handles ADR, Bankruptcy, and Business matters from Detroit, MI.
Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

John's practice areas in Detroit

John concentrates on adr, bankruptcy, business, cannabis, and civil rights. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

ADR cases in Detroit, Michigan

John takes adr matters in Detroit, 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.

Bankruptcy cases in Detroit, Michigan

John takes bankruptcy matters in Detroit, 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.

Business cases in Detroit, Michigan

John takes business matters in Detroit, 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.

Cannabis cases in Detroit, Michigan

John takes cannabis matters in Detroit, 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.

Civil Rights cases in Detroit, Michigan

John takes civil rights matters in Detroit, 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

John M. Sier, adr attorney serving Detroit

John M. Sier is a principal based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on ADR, Bankruptcy, and Business. John has over 40 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. John works from Detroit, Michigan and takes on adr matters across the region.

John Sier heads the firm’s commercial and construction litigation practice. With more than three decades of experience, Mr. Sier concentrates his practice on dispute avoidance and resolution of commercial, healthcare, and construction issues.

Mr. Sier is licensed to practice law in Michigan, the U.S. District Courts of Eastern and Western Michigan, and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Sier is committed to helping businesses resolve their legal disputes without costly and time-consuming litigation and has received certification as a mediator from the Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Office.

In addition to his distinguished legal practice, Mr. Sier is active in a variety of professional organizations. He serves as Director of Christian Legal Aid of Southeastern Michigan, a board member of St. Joseph’s Helpers, Emeritus Director of the Catholic Lawyers Society and was a founding member of the Board of Trustees for Detroit Cristo Rey High School (DCRHS) and chaired the DCRHS Corporate Work Study Council.

On September 21, 2023, Mr. Sier was awarded The Roberts P. Hudson Award. The Roberts P. Hudson Award is the State Bar of Michigan’s highest honor. This award is periodically presented to honor an attorney for their outstanding service to and on behalf of the State Bar of Michigan, the legal profession, and the public.

Mr. Sier has been named a Michigan Super Lawyer annually since 2007. Only five percent of the attorneys in the state are named Super Lawyers, and in 2010-2021, he was recognized as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in the State of Michigan and one of the Top 50 Business Lawyers in 2013 and 2016. In 2023, he was recognized as one of the Top 10 Lawyers in the State of Michigan. In 2024, he was ranked number one. Since 2014, Mr. Sier has been recognized as a Top Lawyer by DBusiness Magazine in Construction Law and Litigation. He was recognized by Best Lawyers in America as a “Best Lawyer” in the field of Construction Law and Litigation, 2009-2026, and was recognized as Lawyer of the Year in Construction Litigation - Detroit, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025. He was also recognized as a Leader in the Law in 2020.

He is AV Peer Review Rated by LexisNexis/Martindale-Hubbell. The AV Peer Review rating is the highest rating allowed. It attests to a lawyer’s legal ability and professional ethics, and reflects the confidential opinions of the Bar and the Judiciary.

Mr. Sier is the editor of the Wolters Kluwer publication, State-by-State Guide to Architect, Engineer, and Contractor Licensing, Second Edition, in addition to being a member of the American Institute of Architects and the Engineering Society of Detroit.

He received his J.D. from Drake University Law School, as well as an M.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications from Drake University Graduate School of Journalism and Mass Communication. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communications from Loyola University in Chicago.

Designations/Training:

Mediator, Michigan Supreme Court Administrative Office, 2005

Surprise Medical Billing Arbitrator, Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, 2022

Professional Memberships:

State Bar of Michigan, Insurance and Indemnity Law Council

Detroit Bar Association, Alternative Dispute Resolution CommitteeDetroit Bar Foundation, Access to Justice/Pro Bono Committee, Chair 2017-2024

Federal Bar Association, Pro Bono Committee, Law Day Committee

Catholic Lawyers Society, President 1999-2001, Emeritus Director, 2002-2013

Associated General Contractors, Detroit Chapter, Legal Advisory Committee, 1999-2024

American Institute of Architects - Michigan

Construction Association of Michigan

American Arbitration Association, Construction Panel of Neutrals, 1999-2024

Building Owners and Managers Association of Metropolitan Detroit, Secretary, Board of Directors and Co-Chair Government Affairs Committee, 2002-2024

Defense Research Institute, Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, Construction Committee

Construction Owners Association of America, Communications/Editorial Committee, 2003-2011, Contract Documents Committee, 2005-2019, Associate General Counsel, 2008-2024

National Association of Construction Auditors, Construction Control Professional, 2011-2024

Engineering Society of Detroit, Construction & Design Committee 2004-2019; Alternative Dispute Resolution Committee, 2006-2014

Society for Construction Law, 2012-2017

Mass for Commerce, Steering Committee, 1999-2024

Board Memberships:

ACE Mentor Program (Architecture, Construction and Engineering), 2008-2024

Christian Legal Aid of Southeast Michigan, 2001-2024

St. Joseph’s Helpers, 2022-2024

Detroit Bar Foundation, 2017-2024

Detroit Cristo Rey High School, 2007-2013

Detroit Cristo Rey High School Corporate Work Study Program, Chair 2008-2017

Wayne County Dispute Resolution Center/Wayne Mediation Center, 2010-2024

National Association of Construction Auditors, Advisory Board, 2010-2024

Honors, Awards, and Other Recognitions:

Charter fellow, Construction Lawyers Society of America

Chapter Recognition Award, Federal Bar Association, 2024

Roberts P. Hudson Award, 2023, State Bar of Michigan

Leaders in the Law 2020, Michigan Lawyers Weekly

Frank Murphy Award, Detroit Bar Association, 2020

President’s Award, Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of Metropolitan Detroit, 2018

Rey of Hope Award, Detroit Cristo Rey High School, 2014

fellow, Michigan State Bar Foundation, 2014

fellow, Litigation Counsel of America, 2014

Monsignor Charles J. Mallory Lifetime Achievement Award, Catholic Lawyers Society of the Archdiocese of Detroit, 2010

Michigan Super Lawyer, Construction Litigation, 2007-2024 [Michigan’s Top 100 Lawyers, 2010-2022, Michigan’s Top 10 Lawyers, 2023 & 2024, Michigan’s Top Lawyer, 2024]

Best Lawyers in America, Construction Law 2009-2026[Lawyer of the Year in Construction Litigation - Detroit, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025]Distinguished Service Award, Engineering Society of Detroit, 2007

Supplier Member of the Year, Building Owners and Managers Association of Metropolitan Detroit, 2006

Distinguished Service Award, Building Owners and Manager Association of Metropolitan Detroit, 2003

Insights & News

August, 2025 - Recent Highlights

Kitch Attorneys & Counselors Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America

August, 2025 - Recent Highlights

Kitch Attorneys & Counselors Attorneys Earn Super Lawyers Recognition

Kitch Attorneys & Counselors Attorneys Earn Super Lawyers Recognition

March, 2025 - Recent Highlights
Kitch: Proud to be a Sponsor of the DBusiness Top Corporate Culture Awards
November, 2024 - Recent Highlights, Community Involvement
Kitch Attorneys Honored at 20th Annual Dennis W. Archer Public Service Award Gala
November, 2024 - Recent Highlights
Kitch Attorneys Recognized by DBusiness as Top Lawyers for 2024

Working with John on a adr matter

John Sier heads the firm’s commercial and construction litigation practice. With more than three decades of experience, Mr. Sier concentrates his practice on dispute avoidance and resolution of commercial, healthcare, and construction issues. Mr. Sier is licensed to practice law in Michigan, the U.S. District Courts of Eastern and Western Michigan, and the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. Mr. Sier…

Who John represents

John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, bankruptcy, and business matters in Detroit and the surrounding Michigan area.

Credentials

Credentials — where John studied and practices

Drake University Law School J.D.
—
Drake University Graduate School of Journalism and Mass Communication M.A. Loyola University B.A.
—

Jurisdictions

John's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
2003 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1996 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1991 · ACTIVE
Iowa
1986 · ACTIVE
Michigan
1986 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1986 · ACTIVE

John studied at — in Drake University Law School J.D. and — in Drake University Graduate School of Journalism and Mass Communication M.A. Loyola University B.A..

Law school and academic background

John completed — in Drake University Law School J.D. and — in Drake University Graduate School of Journalism and Mass Communication M.A. Loyola University B.A.. 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

John's legal honors and published work

John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

John M. Sier's office in Detroit

John's primary office is at One Woodward Avenue, Suite 2400, Detroit, MI, 48226. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook

One Woodward Avenue, Suite 2400

Detroit, MI 48226

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of John M. Sier — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in Detroit.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John M. Sier claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire John M. Sier — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new adr 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 adr attorney in Detroit, Michigan

A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 adr practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every adr 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 adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about John M. Sier

How much does it cost to hire John for a adr 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 adr attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in Michigan typically take?
Simple adr 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 Detroit?
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 adr clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Michigan residents in the last few months, answered by adr attorneys like John M. Sier. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can I Choose The Mediator For My Divorce In Michigan?
In my divorce proceedings in Detroit, MI, my lawyer mentioned that mediation might be beneficial. However, I want to ensure that I have a say in selecting the mediator. Am I allowe
1 verified answer · ADR · Michigan
Can Mediation Be Used To Resolve A Workplace Harassment Claim In Illinois?
I reported a workplace harassment issue in Chicago, IL, but I want to avoid a lengthy legal battle. My HR department suggested mediation as a way to resolve the issue amicably. I’m
1 verified answer · ADR · Illinois
Is Mediation Confidential For Business Disputes In Nevada?
I’m involved in a business dispute in Las Vegas, NV, and I’m thinking about mediation. I’m concerned about privacy and what might happen if the details get out. Is mediation confid
1 verified answer · ADR · Nevada
Can Mediation Help Resolve A Debt Dispute In South Carolina?
I live in Charleston, SC, and I’m dealing with debt collectors regarding an unpaid medical bill. I really want to resolve this without going to court. I’ve heard mediation can be a
1 verified answer · ADR · South Carolina
Can I Mediate A Child Custody Dispute In California If We Agree?
I live in Los Angeles, CA, and my ex-partner and I have agreed to some terms regarding child custody after our separation in June 2023. We think mediation could help finalize our a
1 verified answer · ADR · California
Can Mediation Help Resolve An HOA Dispute In Arizona?
I’ve been having issues with my homeowners association in Scottsdale, AZ, over some unfair fines. I feel like we could reach a compromise, but I don’t know if mediation is an optio
1 verified answer · ADR · Arizona

Areas served

ADR attorneys serving Detroit, Grand Rapids and Southfield in Michigan

John handles adr matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.

John M. Sier, ADR Attorney in Detroit, Michigan

Quick answer