Keela P. Johnson
Emphasis
Experience
Ms. Keela Johnson is an equity shareholder in the Family Law group at Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton, P.C. Ms. Johnson concentrates her practice in all areas of matrimonial law, domestic relations, and matters impacting the family unit. She understands that these matters often require a combination of negotiation, mediation and litigation. She assists her clients in protecting the assets they consider most valuable, often ranging from sophisticated, complex assets to the children and everything in between. Ms. Johnson has extensive experience representing clients in high asset, complex divorce matters, as well as multi-jurisdictional custody disputes.
Prior to practicing law, Ms. Johnson was a mental health therapist for more than seven years in multiple states. This experience allows her to bring a different perspective to emotionally charged and high conflict cases. Ms. Johnson’s experience and education as a mental health therapist combined with her legal experience has provided her with the opportunity to assist families and serve as a court appointed guardian ad litem in complex parenting time and custody matters, often during contentious custody proceedings.
Ms. Johnson cares about her clients and their concerns about the legal process. She understands that a divorce is a time of transition and strives to help her clients understand the process from beginning to end.
Legal Organizations
Awards
CLE Presentations
Legal and Professional Organizations
· State Bar of Michigan; Family Law Section Council Member (2021-2023)
· State Bar of Michigan, Family Law Section, Guardian ad Litem Sub-Committee Chairperson
· American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Fellow
· Oakland County Bar FoundationFellow
· Oakland County Bar Association
· Michigan Inter-Professional Association on Marriage, Divorce and the Family; Treasurer
· Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, Oakland County Chapter
· Macomb County Bar Association
· Genesee County Bar Association
· American Bar Association, Family Law Section
· Association of Family and Conciliation Courts
· Oakland County Bar Association Family Court Section, Past Chair
· American Inns of Court, Oakland County Chapter, past Barrister
Education
· Bachelor of Arts summa cum laude, from Upper Iowa University
· Master of Science in guidance and counseling from University of Wisconsin-Stout
· Juris Doctorate., cum laude, from Western Michigan Cooley Law School.
Bar Admissions
· Michigan 2009
· U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan 2017
Presentations
· Presenter at State Bar of Michigan, Family Law Committee, Mid-Summer Conference, 2022. “What to Expect from Your GAL and What Your GAL Should Expect from You.” Co-Presented
· Lecturer at Eastern Michigan University, School of Social Work, Winter 2017
· Presenter at State Bar of Michigan, Family Law Committee, Mid-Summer Conference, 2015. “Getting the Help you Need – Choosing between a Guardian ad Litem and Parenting Coordinator.”
· Moderator for Oakland County Bar Association Introduction to Practice Seminar, Family Law January 2014
· Attorney Mentor in the Professionalism in Action New Student Orientation at WMU Cooley Law School. (2016, 2017, 2018)
Guest Lecturer at WMU Cooley Law School in Evidence, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure and Family Law (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 2018)
· Presenter for Oakland County Bar Association Introduction to Practice Seminar, Family Law January 2011
Publications
· Is there a “Formula for Parenting Time?, State Bar of Michigan Bar Journal, February 2023
· A Return to Civility in the Legal Profession, Oakland County Bar Association, Laches, 2019
· The New Face in Paternity, Oakland County Bar Association, Laches, 2012
· Think about Your Future before Contracting Away Your Rights, Oakland County Bar
Association, Laches, 2011
Honors
· Best Lawyers in America (2024)
· Leading Lawyer, dBusiness (2022, 2023)
· AV Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell
Author