Ellis Freatman

email: efreatman@roberts-freatman.com

Ellis Freatman has been in practice since November of 1982. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan in 1979 and his juris doctor from U of Detroit in 1982. He was appointed by the Governor of Michigan in 1987 to the Michigan Municipal Bond Authority. He served on that commission for three years and was responsible for assisting municipalities and schools in obtaining bond financing for various projects and improvements.

Ellis concentrates his practice in the areas of business formation and litigation, real estate development, general civil litigation, domestic relations, estate planning, contracts and employment issues. Ellis represents the Ann Arbor Housing Commission as well as a number of condominium and homeowners associations, private landlords and real estate developers.

A native of Ypsilanti, Ellis continues to reside in the area with his wife of 17 years, Sara, and their three children, ages 14, 8, and 6 years.

Virginia Cardwell

email: vcardwell@roberts-freatman.com

Virginia Cardwell received her undergraduate degree with honors in 1989, and juris doctor in 1992, both from the University of Michigan. Since becoming member of the bar in 1992, she has concentrated her practice in the areas of probate and estates, domestic relations, contracts, and general civil litigation. Virginia has received a Certificate of Completion in the areas of probate and estate planning issued by the Institute of Continuing Legal Education and the Probate and Estate Planning Section of the State Bar of Michigan.

Virginia lives in Pittsfield Township with her husband, Brian, and three little boys, Robert, James, and Eric.

Virginia specializes in estate planning and legal research.

Mark Linton

email: mlinton@roberts-freatman.com

Mark Linton earned his BA in Political Science from Michigan State University in 1999, and his Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan, in 2003. In Law School he was an Honor’s Scholar and on the Dean’s list. He was admitted to the Michigan Bar in 2004.

Mark was an attorney for the City of Lansing where his duties included criminal prosecution and extensive work in the areas of zoning and housing laws. Previously, he worked for the State of Michigan as a law clerk for Legal Research Division of the Legislative Service Bureau.

Mark concentrates his practice in the areas of general civil litigation, real estate, municipal law, contracts, domestic relations, and criminal law.

Mark has been married to his wife Alissa since 1996 and they have a daughter named Ella.

Chris Easthope (Of Counsel)

Chris Easthope earned his BA in Communications and History from Western Michigan University in 1990, and his Juris Doctor from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan, in 1995. In Law School, he was the president of the student assembly, was on the Dean's list and participated in the 60+ legal clinic. He was admitted to the Michigan Bar in 1996.

Chris concentrates his practice in the areas of real estate, municipal housing, criminal law, contracts, general civil litigation, personal injury, and domestic relations.

Chris is an elected member of the Ann Arbor City Council, representing the city's 5th Ward. He is also the Vice President of the Board of Directors at the Ann Arbor Community Center.

Outside of his career, Chris enjoys reading, travel and recreational sports including basketball, football, and running. He and his wife Sarah have two children, Aidan David and Conor Thomas.

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OFFICE STAFF
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Janice Gout

Janice Gout has been a legal assistant and office manager for Roberts & Freatman since 1992. She assists with drafting pleadings, meets with clients, draft probate documents, accounts payable and accounts receivable, and takes care of the day to day business of the firm. She graduated with honors from Eastern Michigan University in with a BA in technology and legal assistant major and an accounting minor. She is a member of the Washtenaw County Legal Secretaries' Association and the National Association of Legal Secretaries.