Gaylord, MI

Amy DeRouin

Amy J. DeRouin is a managing attorney with Christopher Trainor & Associates. Beginning as an associate attorney in 2007, her focus and passion have always been in civil rights and personal injury. The most rewarding work for her is to restore the voice, strength, and confidence in those individuals whom have been so wrongly abused by one in a position of authority. “Whether that abuse occurs from an employer or a police officer, my job is to hold those accountable who believe they are above the law-as they most certainly are not!” DeRouin says. Over the years, Ms. DeRouin has continued to represent employees who have been unlawfully terminated and retaliated against by their employers for federal violations under the Family Medical Leave Act, American’s with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination in Employment Act as well as for Title VII violations with a special concentration in sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and race discrimination. Her employment practice in state court has also included violations under Michigan’s Whistleblowers’ Protection Act, Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act, and Worker’s Disability Compensation Act. “Nobody should have to worry about losing their job for missing work because of a serious medical condition or for caring for a sick child, speaking out against their employer who is in clear violation of the law or for opposing their employers’ unwelcomed and grotesque sexual advances-enough is enough and I simply will not stand for it.” DeRouin says. Ms. DeRouin also shares this same passion when it comes to representing her clients who fall victim to police brutality as her federal and state practice includes a vast array of constitutional violations for excessive use of force, unlawful arrest and imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and deliberate indifference to the health, safety, and welfare of those in the custody and control of a jail or prison system. Not only has she prevailed in both the Eastern and Western United States District Courts along with the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit as to these claims, she has also obtained favorable rulings for her clients and against municipalities and police departments for spoliation of evidence. “It is simply not an excuse for a police agency to no longer have video and/or audio recordings from an officers’ dash camera or body camera because it is lost or the device has allegedly malfunctioned, if the evidence supports wrongdoings of spoliation on behalf of the police agency, we will pursue it.” DeRouin says. Ms. DeRouin is also no stranger to fighting insurance companies where she has obtained several policy limits settlements for her clients only after those same cases were valued at nuisance value by the insurance adjusters. These cases not only have included damages for pain and suffering but also for significant excess wage loss that she has recovered for her clients. In addition to obtaining policy limits on cases involving general negligence, dog bites, and third party auto negligence, Ms. DeRouin has also obtained maximum recovery for her clients who were fighting with their own insurance companies for the benefits they deserved related to first party No-Fault PIP claims involving medical expenses, attendant care, wage loss, and replacement services. Not only has she obtained maximum recovery of PIP benefits for her clients, but she has also obtained judgments against the insurance company forcing them to pay attorney fees, costs, and interest for their unlawful denial to pay these rightfully owed benefits when they were first claimed by her clients. Ms. DeRouin believes there are strength in numbers and contributes most of her success to her fearless mentor Christopher Trainor, who gives relentless representation to his clients 24/7 days per week, as well as her team of associates, paralegals, and legal assistants-it is these individuals who are the foundation to our firm as they give 100% day in and day out for our clients. “The benefit to working with our firm is that our clients just don’t have one attorney working to restore their rights and to get them the compensation they deserve, they have an entire team standing behind them.” DeRouin says. It is this teamwork that has resulted in some of the following highlighted settlements for her clients: Notable Wins Auto Negligence $1,400,000 Whistleblower’s Protection Act $1,030,000 Premises Liability $460,000 Worker’s Compensation Retaliation $355,000 No-Fault PIP-Refiled $350,000 Dog Bite $300,000 Even though she now calls the metro-Detroit area home, Ms. DeRouin grew up in Western Michigan with her parents and younger brother, who is also an attorney after proudly serving our Country in the United States Army. “My parents are two of the hardest working people I know and have instilled in me from an early age that you treat others how you would want to be treated and do what is right-always.” DeRouin says. After graduating from Fruitport High School summa cum laude, Ms. DeRouin went on to Albion College where she dual majored in Economics Management and Political Science graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In the summers between her undergraduate years, Ms. DeRouin interned in the Civil Service Department for the City of Muskegon. Ms. DeRouin obtained her Juris Doctorate from Thomas M. Cooley Law School where she was active in law review and graduated cum laude. After completing a law clerkship with a prestigious multi-practice law firm in Lansing, Ms. DeRouin is grateful for the opportunity to begin her career pursuing civil rights at Christopher Trainor & Associates. Ms. DeRouin was selected by Super Lawyers as a Michigan Rising Star and a Top Women Attorney in Michigan Rising Star Hour Detroit Magazine, Hour Detroit: The Top Women Attorneys in Michigan and Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. When Ms. DeRouin is not fighting the good fight, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their 5-year-old son whether that be camping in northern Michigan or visiting the farm and nature center at the local metro-park.

Daniel J. Harris

Mr. Harris has focused his practice on representing personal injury victims and criminal defense. For the first few years of his career, he engaged in both public defense and court appointed cases. This gave him experience in the courtroom and many jury trials in these areas. Mr. Harris was elected to serve as the President of the Emmet - Charlevoix Bar Association. He also was a guest speaker at the Michigan Trial Lawyers annual conference in Dearborn, Michigan on the subject of “How to Obtain a Jury Verdict in a Premises Liability Case”. Mr. Harris is further a member of the Michigan Association for Justice. In 2015, Mr. Harris had 2 separate Jury verdicts upheld by the Michigan Supreme Court. In the case of Latham v Barton Malow, the Court upheld a verdict of nearly 2 million dollars in favor of Plaintiff who sustained two broken ankles in a work related accident. In a first party no-fault case, Home Owners Insurance offered zero before trial, and the jury awarded $181,000 in favor of Plaintiff. Mr. Harris has a track record of success against large business and insurance companies. Each year, Mr. Harris achieves millions of dollars of compensation for his clients. He takes the time to learn each case and the nuances necessary to win. He practices throughout the state of Michigan and handles each case with precision. Before choosing any other lawyer, a free consultation with Mr. Harris is worth your time.

Christopher Trainor

From 1989 to the present, The Trainor Law Firm has quietly developed a reputation for being one of the leading forces in Michigan. Unlike his boastful counterparts, Trainor lets his reputation, tough demeanor, and results, do his advertising. Christopher Trainor started this firm in downtown Detroit after practicing law at Neighborhood Family Legal Services, while attending The Detroit College of Law. His experience at Neighborhood Family Legal Services impacted him greatly, as his clients were underprivileged, had no money or resources, and they had no voice; or so they thought until they met Trainor. Trainor has always believed that just because another attorney doesn’t take on a client, that doesn’t mean that “I won’t, and I will help them out.” “I CARE ABOUT PEOPLE.” Even though he was offered a job at various law firms, he decided that he could do a better job for the clients he was representing if he had total control over the cases. Trainor felt that 99% of the attorneys out there had lost touch with and did not understand or care about their clients. This was the beginning of Christopher Trainor & Associates. “It wasn’t pretty at all,” said Trainor. “My office was the size of a walk-in closet. It was a desk and two chars, and when you opened the door it smacked into the chair the clients sat in,” he said. “It was so small I had to go out in the hall to change my mind,” joked Trainor. From these meager beginnings, Christopher Trainor & Associates has evolved into one of the most influential legal practices in the State of Michigan, specializing in civil rights and personal injury law. Trainor has fought governmental agencies; state, county, city, and local governments; insurance companies, police departments, hospitals, and major corporations to protect the rights of his clients that needed him most; and winning against these giant machines that too often trample on the rights of the people. “It wasn’t easy,” said Trainor, “but when you’re able to help a person that has been wronged during one of the worst moments in their lives, it makes all the difference in the world!” Trainor went on to say that, “You have to understand when I meet a client for the first time they usually feel there is no hope left. These people need my help and that is why I practice law. I’m going to even the playing field and then tilt it in my client’s favor.” Trainor and his team of lawyers are extremely good at helping people in need; winning millions of dollars for their clients each year. Trainor said, “I have been extremely lucky and blessed with the best clients, lawyers, employees, mentors, family, and friends. Without them, none of this could have happened.” Christopher Trainor & Associates has become so influential in Michigan that people from other states have sought out their experience. However as Trainor admits, “I take very few cases out of other states, as I have enough going on here in Michigan.” “I have built my reputation on providing the best legal representation possible,” said Trainor. His office manager, Susan Stepanski, said, “We definitely go through several lawyers and office staff before we find the right one for our organization. We only hire the highest quality of person to work with our team.” Trainor’s philosophy is that no one person is more important than the next. Each person working at this firm is an intricate part of the whole organization. Trainor says, “We are all equals. This goes for my clients also.” Trainor goes on to say that, “I am not your typical arrogant, egotistical, unapproachable attorney. My employees and clients are treated this way; but the opposition is not.” Mr. Trainor’s “clients first” attitude has earned him a reputation of being a fighter for the people that other attorneys and even society has stopped fighting for. While it would be virtually impossible to list all of the successes that Mr. Trainor has given to his clients over the years, below is a brief synopsis of the various types of cases Mr. Trainor has handled both in the State of Michigan and across the United States.

Mark A. Aiello

Focusing primarily on cases pertaining to Social Security disability, workers compensation, estate planning and veteran’s benefits, it’s clear to see Mark A. Aiello’s passion is finding justice for hard-working and deserving people. Attorney Mark A. Aiello is one of few who can boast a 90% success rate for acquiring compensation for cases having to do with Social Security, and has recovered millions of dollars for countless clients over the years. He is a member of the National Advocates Top 100, recognizing him as one of the top disability attorneys in Michigan. His VA accreditation allows him to travel anywhere throughout the country and service the men and women who have fought for our country by representing them in their claims to receive the disability benefits they deserve. His passion for helping good people, vast knowledge, experience, and determination to seek out justice for those who cannot fight for themselves is what allows him to win nearly every case. With over 20 years of experience, working with men and women who have suffered and lost so much, his goal is to continue providing excellent legal representation for people and families who have nowhere else to go, and no one else to trust. By trusting in attorney Mark A. Aiello’s legal advice and capabilities, you can rest easy knowing that you are taking the best approach to get the justice you deserve.

Krystina Doss

Krystina R. Doss has been an attorney with Christopher Trainor and Associates since 2015. As an associate attorney Krystina concentrates her practice in the areas of civil rights and police brutatility as well as personal injury law with her focus on first and third-party no-fault automobile negligence cases, including motorcycle accidents and pedestrian versus motor vehicle accidents. Prior to becoming an attorney, Krystina completed her undergraduate studies at The University of Michigan-Dearborn where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology. She then attended law school at Thomas M. Cooley Law School where she received her Juris Doctorate degree. Krystina also received her mediator certification through the Oakland County Mediation Center while attending law school. From a young age Krystina wanted to pursue a career in the legal field as she comes from a family of attorneys including her mother, grandfather, and uncles. When she could, Krystina would go with her mother to her law office and to the court house where she would see what it takes to become an advocate for her clients and what it takes to become a successful attorney. Once Krystina saw how an attorney can have such a significant and positive impact on an individual’s life, she knew that she wanted to have a career in the legal field. As an associate attorney at Christopher Trainor and Associates, Krystina has successfully recovered significant compensation for her client’s pain and suffering claims as well as obtained thousands of dollars of no-fault benefits for her clients. Krystina pays special attention to her clients’ treatment and recovery as well as each client’s unique circumstances, which allows her to effectively advocate for her client to receive the compensation they deserve. Krystina has been taking on insurance companies in which she has obtained policy limits on a multitude of cases. Krystina has prepared for many trials and has served as lead trial counsel. Krystina has represented a client regarding a first party no-fault claim as well as a third party pain and suffering claim where her client sustained multiple fractures, laceration to her spleen, and a collapsed lung as a result of automobile accident. Not only did Krystina obtain policy limits for her client for her third party pain and suffering claim against the insurance company and their insured, but also obtained significant sums for the client’s First Party No-Fault claim. Krystina has also represented a client who was struck by a driver who ran a red light, resulting in the client requiring multiple surgeries. The insurance company refused to pay policy limits even though it was clear that their driver was the cause of the accident. However, after Krystina’s refusal to back down, she was able to obtain policy limits for her client. Not only has Krystina sustained policy limits for her clients on third party bodily injury claims resulting from motor vehicle accidents, but has obtained multiple settlements for clients for First Party No-Fault claims after the insurance companies refused to pay following previous settlements made. Specifically, Krystina has obtained both a third and fourth, first party settlement for clients who required multiple surgeries and attendant care services as well as medical mileage as a result of their motor vehicle accidents. As result of her professional achievements and peer recognition, Krystina has been selected for inclusion as a Rising Star for 2019-2020 in Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers in the area of plaintiffs’ personal injury litigation. Outside the office, Krystina enjoys traveling, being outdoors and spending time with her friends and family, including her husband and two children.

Miranda J. Bailey-Quick

Miranda J. Bailey-Quick focuses her practice primarily on family law, criminal law, estate planning, and personal injury. Although these areas may seem diverse to one another, Miranda believes they are more often interrelated than most tend to believe. Often, as a family law attorney, clients have found themselves involved in the criminal justice system because of a domestic dispute with their spouse, or in personal protection matters. It is important to have thorough knowledge and experience in both areas of law as criminal charges can and often drastically affects a client’s family law case and vice versa. Lastly, a family law client can never be too cautious in preparing for the unexpected. Estate Planning is vital in protecting your children’s future, should anything happen to you as their parent, whether that includes preparing guardianship and conservatorship plans and documentation in your Last Will and Testament, or having your Estate Planning executed to save your adult children from the conflict involved in probating the estate of a deceased parent who did not leave a will or trust instrument. Further, Miranda is experienced in handling the protection of assets in estate planning for any child (adult or minor), who may have special needs or disabilities, without affecting or interrupting their disability benefits. Miranda can assist in your estate planning needs to alleviate you and/or your children’s stress in the future. Miranda, a native of the Upper Peninsula, Drummond Island, and returned to the Northern Michigan Area in 2007. Miranda received a Bachelor of Science from Central Michigan University in 2001. While at Michigan State University College of Law, Miranda received her Juris Doctor degree in 2006 with certificates in the Geoffrey Fieger Trial Practice Certificate Program, Criminal Law Certificate Program, and Indigenous Law Certificate Program. As part of the Trial Practice Program, Mrs. Bailey-Quick was selected as a 2005 Intern for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan specifically to assist in showcasing their electronic courtroom. Also while at MSU College of Law, Miranda was an extern with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and Chippewa County Public Defender’s Office. Miranda began her career in Grayling, Michigan where she lived and worked for three years before moving to Gaylord, Michigan where she has continued to live and work since 2010, handling all aspects of law, with focuses on family law, criminal law, estate planning, and personal injury. Miranda has served indigent clients in Roscommon County in neglect and abuse cases, as well as indigent clients in Crawford County in neglect and abuse cases, and criminal cases in Crawford County 87-C District Court handling misdemeanors, and felony matters in the 46th Circuit Court for Crawford County. Miranda served as the indigent defense contract administrator for a number of years until January 2017. Miranda further served as the defense team member for the Northern Michigan Regional DWI Treatment Court. Miranda, beginning June 2017, will begin serving as the defense team member for the Montmorency County Veteran’s Treatment Court. Miranda is a member of the State Bar of Michigan Family Law Section, and has held section memberships in the Criminal Law Section, Medical Marijuana Section, Indigenous Law Section, and Negligence Law Section. Miranda has further held memberships with the State Appellate Defender’s Office, Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, as well as having served the 46th Circuit Bar Association. Miranda believes continuing education is a necessities for attorneys to maintain current in all areas of law and has routinely participated and continues to participate in continuing education. Miranda has received the Institute of Continuing Legal Education Family Law Certificate and is currently working toward the Institute of Continuing Legal Education Estate Planning Certificate. In August 2013, Miranda completed the State Court Administrative Office 40 Hour General Civil Mediation Training, and in May 2017, will have completed the 40 Hour Domestic Relations Mediation Training. In May 2017, Miranda further completed the Collaborative Divorce Training. Miranda has been involved in the community serving as a board member and Vice President of the Grayling Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Rotary Club of Grayling, a sponsor of the Alpen Frost 5k, a member of the Grayling Youth Boosters, a member of St. Mary’s Cathedral Church, and a Volunteer Mediator with Community Mediation Services in Gaylord.

Jonathan B. Steffy

Jonathan B. Steffy received his Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts in 2004. He received his law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 2008. During law school, Mr. Steffy clerked for the Office of the Illinois Attorney General. Mr. Steffy was admitted to the State Bar of Illinois in 2008, and after relocating to Michigan with his family, he was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 2018. Mr. Steffy spent the last ten years practicing criminal defense through the Law Office of the Cook County Public Defender in Chicago, and the Illinois Office of the State Appellate Defender. During his career as a trial lawyer, Mr. Steffy has represented hundreds of clients facing a wide range of misdemeanor and felony charges, including a various assortment of criminal defense cases such as drunk driving, assault and battery, possession of controlled substances, gun offenses, sex crimes, armed robbery, and attempted murder. In addition to extensive jury and bench trial experience, Mr. Steffy has also enjoyed success as an appellate attorney, winning new trials for clients convicted of murder and other serious felonies. He is also skilled at writing and arguing pretrial motions, which if successful, often mean charges are dismissed without the risk of going to trial. Each of Mr. Steffy’s clients benefits from his experience and dedication to protecting their rights and obtaining the best possible result. Mr. Steffy is excited to be joining Harris Law, where his practice will be focusing on criminal defense and bankruptcy cases. Since beginning his practice in Northern Michigan in 2019, Jon has taken many felony cases to jury trial in several counties, including capital cases and four Criminal Sexual Conduct trials. Notable results include winning not-guilty verdicts on Domestic Violence and Criminal Sexual Conduct (First, Second, and Third Degree) charges, as well as convincing the government to drop charges against clients in multiple cases. Not every defense attorney is prepared to go to trial when necessary, but Mr. Steffy has the trial experience and local expertise you need to contest the most serious allegations any citizen can face.