About
Background & Early Life
Phoebe’s diverse upbringing and education allow her to connect meaningfully with clients and understand their legal concerns. Raised on a sheep farm in Northern Oakland County, she grew up in a community‑oriented, entrepreneurial environment—while never missing a trip to Torch Lake.
Education
Phoebe graduated from Smith College, where she pursued her passion for liberal arts and athletics. She earned Dean’s List honors, was named NCAA Athlete of the Year, and was inducted into the Smith College Hall of Fame in 2014 for her record‑setting achievements, including serving as the All‑Time Leading Scorer.
She earned her law degree from New England School of Law, receiving multiple academic distinctions, including Best in Class, and served as Editor‑in‑Chief of the International Law Review.
Early Legal Career
After law school, Phoebe returned to Michigan to begin her legal career in the Detroit area. She joined Kohl Secrest Wardle Lynch (now Secrest Wardle), then the fifth‑largest defense firm in the state, where she developed strong litigation skills and prevailed in her early trials involving automobile negligence and product liability.
She later joined Lipson Neilson Jacobs & Cole, expanding her litigation practice into legal malpractice defense and family law. She also assisted with corporate, employment, and estate‑planning matters, and began her appellate work.
Community‑Based Practice in the Thumb
Phoebe moved to Michigan’s Thumb region to raise her family and establish her own law firm. There, she represented families, neighbors, and small businesses—providing both excellent legal representation and practical, steady guidance. She continued her success in personal injury, employment litigation, commercial matters, and family law, while expanding her transactional practice to include real‑estate development and small‑business formation.
Phoebe has served her community through Rotary International—earning Rotarian of the Year in 2026—and through positions on boards including Habitat for Humanity and Caro Community Schools.
Appellate Practice & State Advocacy
After two decades of community‑based practice, Phoebe became an advocate for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) across all Thumb‑area counties. She developed a robust appellate practice, representing the State of Michigan in child protection matters and, through peer referrals, a broad range of civil appeals.
Over the past ten years, Phoebe has served as counsel in more than eighty cases before the Michigan Court of Appeals and the Michigan Supreme Court, maintaining a success rate exceeding 85%. Her depth of experience enables her to analyze complex factual records and present compelling, strategic arguments.
Current Practice
Now based in downtown Traverse City, Phoebe continues her appellate practice and assists clients in resolving legal disputes through alternative dispute resolution. She also offers general legal representation to small businesses across Michigan. Her thorough understanding of state law allows her to serve clients throughout the entire state.
Personal Interests
Phoebe is an avid outdoor enthusiast. You might find her cycling along Northern Michigan lakes, swimming in the Bay during summer, or hiking Grand Traverse trails with her two Labrador retrievers. She lives on the Old Mission Peninsula with her wife and their three children—and remains dedicated to community service and volunteer work.