Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers was founded by Benton Harbor native Bruce Conybeare. Bruce handled a variety of legal matters since starting his practice in the 1960s. By the 1980s, the firm was the largest insurance defense firm in Southwest Michigan. In 1984, Bruce decided that specializing in plaintiff’s personal injury law would best serve the community. He was well known for his successful jury trial work in the personal injury field, as he was willing to fight insurance companies and corporate defendants for the money his clients deserved.
Growing up hearing Bruce’s stories of jury trial work, Bruce’s son Barry Conybeare became interested in the law. He was drawn to plaintiff’s personal injury work after losing two close friends in car accidents while he was in college – one to a drunk driver. Before he attended law school, he had the opportunity to work closely with his dad as a law clerk at the firm on an important personal injury jury trial. In 1994, Barry officially joined Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers as an attorney.
Bruce and Barry’s work together grew Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers to be the largest full-service personal injury law firm in Southwest Michigan. We represent victims of automobile accidents, medical malpractice, defective products, premises liability, animal attacks, recreational accidents involving boats and ATVs, and almost any other manner in which people are hurt by the negligence of another. Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers has employed many of the area’s top lawyers at different points in their careers. We are proud to have worked with and learned from Kevin Haight, Robert Ehrenberg, and Michael Marrs on personal injury matters until their retirement.
Bruce retired in 2005 and Barry has led the firm since. Under Barry’s leadership, Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers expanded its practice areas to meet the needs of Southwest Michigan.
In 2010, St. Joseph native Nathaniel Harrington joined Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers. He has grown to represent personal injury clients in what he describes as a battle for the value of human life and human dignity. Nate’s philosophy that “people deserve better” truly aligns with the service Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers strives to provide to our clients. He handles a variety of personal injury matters for the firm.
In 2018, we opened an office in Kalamazoo to better meet the needs of our clients in that area. The addition of the Kalamazoo office has made it easier for our clients in Allegan, Barry, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Cass, and St. Joseph counties to connect with us. Its central location gives our clients the flexibility to meet with us where it is convenient for them.
Bob Schlacks joined Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers in 2022. He represents individuals injured in automobile collisions, dog bites, and premises liability actions. Bob is thrilled to be part of a team that works to support people, their families, and their dignity during difficult times in their lives.
Conybeare Injury and Accident Lawyers and its attorneys have been consistently recognized for their outstanding work in representing personal injury victims. We were named a Tier 1 law firm in the Kalamazoo (Southwest Michigan) Region for Plaintiffs Personal Injury Litigation in 2021 and 2022 by U.S. News – Best Lawyers ® “Best Law Firms.” Barry Conybeare was selected as Best Lawyers ® “Lawyer of the Year” for Plaintiffs Personal Injury Litigation in the Kalamazoo (Southwest Michigan) Region in 2013, 2017, and 2021. You can read about our attorneys and their accomplishments and accolades here.
Our top-rated lawyers know how insurance companies and employers can make it very difficult for you to get the compensation you deserve after a serious personal injury, disabling illness, or wrongful death. No matter where you are in Michigan or where you were injured in Michigan, if it’s not fair, call the Bear. Your consultation will be free and you will only pay us if there is a recovery. Let’s talk. Our experienced personal injury lawyers are ready to help you.