Law Office of Dean E. Patrick , PLLC
Meet The Team
Dean Patrick
Managing Partner/Senior Attorney
Mr. Patrick is a licensed Michigan lawyer with a focus in probate law. He has the legal counseling skills, experience, and dedication that your legal matter deserves. Whether you are looking for a probate attorney, an estate attorney or need legal advice when dealing with these emotional issues, trust our office to guide you through the process and deliver results.
Mr. Patrick’s specialized knowledge of estate planning and probate law topics set him apart from general practitioners. Prior to opening his own practice, Mr. Patrick clerked for a seasoned elder law/estate planning firm. Since establishing his own probate and estate law practice, Mr. Patrick has personally counseled hundreds of individuals in legal matters and has educated thousands throughout Michigan as an estate planning speaker and author.
In order to provide the most current state of the law to his clients, Mr. Patrick enrolls in a variety of continuing legal education courses. As such, Mr. Patrick has been recognized and awarded a certificate in the areas of estate planning and probate. When you are in need of a dedicated probate litigation lawyer or an estate lawyer, contact the Law Office of Dean E. Patrick, PLLC and rest assured that your legal issues will be handled professionally and completely. The Law Office of Dean E. Patrick, PLLC serves southeast Michigan in traffic, estate planning, and estate administration matters – call now at (248) 663-2566 today for your free consultation!
Education
J.D., University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, 2004
B.S., Central Michigan University, 1998
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Michigan, 2004
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, 2012
Professional & Bar Association Memberships
Litigation Section of the Michigan State Bar
Probate & Estate Planning Section of the Michigan State Bar
Elder Law & Disability Rights Section of the Michigan State Bar
Health Care Law Section of the Michigan State Bar
Wayne County Probate Bar Association
Michigan State Bar
Memberships
Brain Injury Litigation Network
Alzheimer’s Association
Richard Baker
Associate Attorney
Richard joins Patrick & Associates with ten years of experience practicing probate law including litigation
and contested hearings. He administers both estates and trusts as well as guardianships and
conservatorships in counties across Michigan. He also provides estate planning and trust formation for
Patrick & Associates.
Prior to being admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 2012, he interned for the Wayne County
Prosecutor’s Office gaining invaluable courtroom experience as a result.
Education
J.D. Thomas Cooley Law School 2012
B.A. University of Michigan-Dearborn 2009
Richard is an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Air Force.
Jason Dandy
Litigation Director/Senior Attorney
As the director of our litigation department, I handle our most contentious litigated cases and assist other members of our team with litigation in the cases assigned to them. I also handle cases involving complex trusts and estates, and cases with complicated legal issues.
Practice Areas
Probate Litigation
Probate Administration
Appeals
What I do at Patrick Legal
As the director of our litigation department, I handle our most contentious litigated cases and assist other members of our team with litigation in the cases assigned to them. I also handle cases involving complex trusts and estates, and cases with complicated legal issues.
Education
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law – Juris Doctor
President of Student Bar Association
Member of Law Review published in the Law review
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor – Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies
Yonsei University – Seoul, South Korea as part of degree program
Memberships
State Bar of Michigan (2006 – Present)
United States District Court – Eastern District of Michigan
Achievements
Secured millions of dollars for clients, with a $1.4 million judgment after trial being the one I am proudest of to date
Successfully argued before the Court of Appeals
Numerous successful written appeals before the Court of Appeals
Published author both of legal/academic writings and of fiction
Who I Am
Outside of work, I most enjoy spending time with my son, my step-son, my wife, and our dog and cat. I am a member of the Animal Law Section and a member of the LGBTQA Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, as I believe that how we treat the most vulnerable among us defines our character. Having a two year-old and a puppy (as of late 2021) leaves very little time outside of work and family, but I still manage to make time for small gatherings with friends.
Kara Krajci
Super Paralegal
I LOVE staying active, usually you can find me in my garage gym or hanging out with family or friends. I enjoy golfing, reading, traveling, lake days, camping, and hiking. My favorite hiking trip was to Asheville, North Carolina.
What I do at Patrick Legal
I provide support to the attorneys using my considerable multitasking skills and customer service experience. I assist clients by providing regular contact and updates. I also maintain the case/client calendar and deadlines and draft applications and letters.
Education
Oakland Community College – Paralegal Post Baccalaureate Professional Certificate
Magma Cum Laude
Walsh College – Bachelor of Business Administration – Marketing
Who I am
I LOVE staying active, usually you can find me in my garage gym or hanging out with family or friends. I enjoy golfing, reading, traveling, lake days, camping, and hiking. My favorite hiking trip was to Asheville, North Carolina. For five years, I had the most wonderful experience as a nanny for a family who encouraged me to follow my dreams, one of which was to become a paralegal. Family means a lot to me, so it only seemed fitting to join a firm who helped families in need.
Eric Ruth
Associate Attorney
Eric has an extensive background as a litigator and has been securing favorable results for clients since 2016. He brings many years of experience to the team and is well-versed in a variety of areas of the law, particularly probate litigation.
More Info
Practice Areas:
Probate Litigation
Guardianship/Conservator Litigation
Probate Administration
General Civil Litigation
What I do at Patrick Legal
As a member of our litigation department with Jason, we litigate the most contentious and contested cases. I also handle guardianship and general civil litigation.
Education
University of Western Michigan, Cooley Law School – Juris Doctor
Old Dominion University, Virginia – Bachelor of Arts, Political Science and History
Memberships
State Bar of Michigan (2016 – Present)
United States District Court – Eastern District of Michigan
Who I Am
Eric served honorably in the U.S. Navy and is a veteran of various campaigns in the Global War on Terror. In his free time, Eric enjoys writing, baseball, golf, and spending time outdoors with his wife and young son.
