DAWN M. SCHLUTER, JD LLM
ATTORNEY & COUNSELOR AT LAW
“Helping individuals and families plan for important life events is incredibly satisfying. Much of my work focuses on preserving assets through estate planning and giving my clients peace of mind.”
Being nationally recognized as a Super Lawyer means Dawn really enjoys her job. Nevertheless, it's her clients' recognition of the superb care and understanding during some of their most difficult times where she measures her success. Dawn has extensive experience in estate planning, wealth transfer planning, probate litigation, taxes, and family law matters. In addition to her juris doctorate, she has an LLM in taxation.
Dawn is a sought after keynote and educational speaker, serving on numerous civic and gift planning advisory boards, including The YMCA of Metro Detroit Camping Services Board and The American Cancer Society National Advisor Council. Her firm is commited to giving back to the community including sponsorships with The Pink Fund, Alzheimer's Association, ABA Margaret Brent Awards, Next Senior Center and Impact 100 to name few.
Her career and entrepreneurial journey also reflect a deep commitment to advancing women in the legal profession. By providing mentorship, leadership, and a platform for other women to succeed, she continues to make a profound impact on the legal field and beyond.
Dawn is a sought after keynote and educational speaker, contributor to the Institute of Continuing Legal Education, and she has served on numerous civic boards and gift planning advisory boards, including The YMCA of Metro Detroit Camping Services Board and The American Cancer Society National Advisor Council.
Some of her accomplishments and affiliations are as follows:
AWARDS & HONORS
Best Lawyers in America, Trusts & Estates, 2013-present
Michigan Super Lawyers, Estate Planning & Probate, 2008-present
Top Women Attorneys in Michigan, 2022-present
HOUR Detroit Five Star Professional Estate Planning, HOUR Detroit and DBusiness, 2009-present
DBusiness Magazine, Top Lawyers, Family Law, Trusts and Estates, 2009-present
Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Women in the Law Award, 2016
Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent Rating, 2008-present
MEMBERSHIPS & APPOINTMENTS
State Bar of Michigan, Admission, 1989
State Bar of Michigan, Probate/Estate Planning and Family Law Sections Committee
American Bar Association, Real Property, Trust, and Estate Law Section - Member
State Bar of Michigan, Family Law, Probate and Estate Planning Sections - Member
Oakland County Bar Association, Probate, Estate and Trust Sections - Member
Financial and Estate Planning Council of Metropolitan Detroit - Member
Oakland County IMPACT 100 – Evergreen Member, 2023-present
YMCA of Metro Detroit Camping Services Board Member, 2002-present
Beaumont Foundation, Planned Giving Committee, 2013-2015
American Cancer Society National Gift Advisory Council, 2013-2014
Birmingham Community House, Planned Giving Committee, 2011-2013
EDUCATION
Wayne State University Law School, L.L.M., Taxation, 2019
Babson College, Executive Studies, 2013
Penn State Dickinson School of Law, Vienna, Austria, 1994
Wayne State University Law School, J.D., 1989
Kalamazoo College, B.A., Political Science, 1986
Some of her recent presentations and speeches are as follows:
“To Have and to Hold…Pursuant to the Terms of this Contract. A 2025 Update to Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements in the State of Michigan,” State Bar of Michigan Family Law, Section Mid-Winter Seminar, 2025
“Legal Documents Check-up. It's Time for a Review,” Cedarbrook Senior Living, 2024
“Elevating Wealth Through Health Series,” Northern Trust Bank, 2024
“Charitable Giving Estate Planning Strategies,” Birmingham Senior Men's Club, 2024
“2025 Tax Law Changes: What to Expect and How to Prepare,” The Village Club, Dentists'
Professional Group, 2024
“Estate Planning for 18-Year Olds,” Detroit Country Day and UofD High School, 2005-2024
“The Importance of Estate Planning”, Detroit Country Day, Guest Instructor, 2023/2019
“Estate/Trust Nuts and Bolts, What does administration really involve? To be a Trustee or not to be a Trustee?” Birmingham Senior Men's Club, 2023
“Lunch and Learn,” Northern Trust Bank, 2023
“Growing Older in America,” Birmingham Community House, 2022
“What's New in 2022?”Birmingham Senior Men's Club, Baldwin Library, 2022
“Generation Skipping/Dynasty Trusts,” National Business Institute, Trusts from A to Z Seminar, 2021
“Domestic Asset Protection Trusts (DAPTs) What you need to know,” State Bar of Michigan Family Law Section Mid-Winter Seminar, 2019
“Trusts Used for Tax Reduction,” National Business Institute, Trusts 101 Seminar, 2019
Get in Touch
Email: [email protected]
Office: 248.692.7392