
Steve N. Cheolas, Elder Law Attorney in Detroit, Michigan
Over 46 years of legal practice · focused on Elder Law, Medical Malpractice, and Personal Injury · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PrincipalatKitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook
Detroit, MI
Practicing elder law in Detroit since 1980.
- 46+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Steve N. Cheolas?
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Quick answer
Steve N. Cheolas is a principal based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Medical Malpractice, and Personal Injury. Steve has over 46 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 46 years
- Known for
- Elder Law · Medical Malpractice · Personal Injury
- Handles Elder Law, Medical Malpractice, and Personal Injury matters from Detroit, MI.
- Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Steve N. Cheolas: Steve N. Cheolas is a principal based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Medical Malpractice, and Personal Injury. Steve has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Steve takes on
Steve concentrates on elder law, medical malpractice, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Steve handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Elder Law
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Medical Malpractice
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Personal Injury
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Elder Law cases in Detroit, Michigan
Steve takes elder law 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 Steve agrees to represent you.
Medical Malpractice cases in Detroit, Michigan
Steve takes medical malpractice 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 Steve agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Detroit, Michigan
Steve takes personal injury 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 Steve agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Steve N. Cheolas — elder law lawyer in Detroit
Steve N. Cheolas is a principal based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Medical Malpractice, and Personal Injury. Steve has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Steve Cheolas is a member of the firm’s Detroit office, and has specialized in medical malpractice defense litigation since joining the firm in 1982. In more than three decades with the Kitch firm, Mr. Cheolas has gained extensive trial experience, including 17 consecutive trials with verdicts in the defendant’s favor.
In addition to his distinguished legal practice, Mr. Cheolas has also served as a member of the St. John Macomb Institutional Review Committee and is a former Chairperson of the Macomb County Bar’s Medical-Legal Committee.
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. Cheolas received his J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law. He earned a B.L.S. in Political Economy from Hillsdale College.
Insights & News
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Working with Steve on a elder law matter
Steve Cheolas is a member of the firm’s Detroit office, and has specialized in medical malpractice defense litigation since joining the firm in 1982. In more than three decades with the Kitch firm, Mr. Cheolas has gained extensive trial experience, including 17 consecutive trials with verdicts in the defendant’s favor. In addition to his distinguished legal practice, Mr. Cheolas has also served…
Who Steve represents
Steve reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, medical malpractice, and personal injury matters in Detroit and the surrounding Michigan area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Wake Forest University
J.D. · 1980
Hillsdale College
B.L.S. · 1977
Jurisdictions
Steve's state bar admissions
Michigan
1980 · ACTIVE
Steve studied at J.D. in Wake Forest University and B.L.S. in Hillsdale College.
Law school and academic background
Steve completed J.D. in Wake Forest University and B.L.S. in Hillsdale College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Steve runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Steve has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Steve's professional memberships and bar associations
Macomb County Bar Association State Bar of Michigan
membership
Locations
Steve N. Cheolas's office in Detroit
Steve'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.
Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook
One Woodward Avenue, Suite 2400
Detroit, MI 48226
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Steve N. Cheolas — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Steve. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing elder law 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 Steve N. Cheolas claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Steve N. Cheolas — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new elder law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Steve usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Steve charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steve'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; Steve will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a elder law attorney in Detroit, Michigan
A short list to run through before you commit: How many elder law 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 Steve
Steve discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in elder law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every elder law 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. Steve confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Steve's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many elder law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Steve N. Cheolas
How much does it cost to hire Steve for a elder law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Steve walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Steve offer a free consultation?
Steve charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steve's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check Steve's current terms during booking.
How long do elder law cases in Michigan typically take?
Simple elder law 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. Steve gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Steve take my case if I'm outside Detroit?
Steve 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 — Steve 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 Steve?
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. Steve will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Steve accepting new elder law clients right now?
Steve's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Elder Law attorneys serving Detroit, Grand Rapids and Southfield in Michigan
Steve handles elder law matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified elder law attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated elder law attorneys in Michigan
If Steve's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these elder law attorneys in Detroit handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





