Our Team

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Joni has a strong passion for the underrepresented, particularly children, individuals with disabilities, and the aging population. Joni believes in helping people communicate clearly and efficiently so that everyone’s voices can be heard. Joni graduated from Thomas M. Cooley Law School with both her Juris Doctor and Legal Masters Degree in Taxation. She received the Alumni Distinguished Student Award. During Law School, she was a law clerk for the Michigan Department of Attorney General, State Operations Division. She worked directly under the Department's  Ethics Officer.  After graduating, she work for Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone. Joni formed The Next Step Law Firm to interact with clients directly. 

Before being an attorney, Joni was a mediatior.  Joni has been significantly involved with Southeastern Dispute Resolution Services (SEDRS); volunteering to mediate civil matters, abuse and neglect, landlord/tenant, behavioral health, guardianship, and special education matters. Joni is on the state roaster to facilitate and Independent Education Planning (I.E.P.) and Person-Center Planning meetings. As a former SEDRS board member, she participated on the training  and budget committees. Joni is a trainer and coach for the Civil Mediation training for the center.  Currently, Joni is focused on Eldercaring Coordination program and  expanding it throughout Michigan. 

Joni has a large family.  She loves being a mother. Being outside with her family  is a wonderful respite from the world's noise. 

  Email:  joni@nextstepslawfirm.com