Conybeare Law Office 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 Law Office as an attorney.
Bruce and Barry’s work together grew Conybeare Law Office 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 Law Office 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 Law Office expanded its practice areas to meet the needs of Southwest Michigan. In 2009, Conybeare Law Office merged with Smit & Kragt, the pre-eminent Workers’ Compensation and Social Security Disability law firm serving Southwest Michigan.
With the merger, Matt Conklin joined Conybeare Law Office and became the head of the Workers Compensation and Social Security Disability Department. Matt’s interest in personal injury law started during law school when his cousin was killed while working at a golf course. His expertise in Workers Compensation law is invaluable. Matt also handles a growing number of other personal injury matters, including car accidents and medical malpractice.
In 2010, St. Joseph native Nathaniel Harrington joined Conybeare Law Office. 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 Law Office strives to provide to our clients. He handles a variety of personal injury matters for the firm.
Sasha Boersma from Three Oaks joined the firm in 2016, specializing in Social Security Disability and Veterans Disability. Sasha’s family served in law enforcement and the military. Their service inspired her to want to become a lawyer, to help people. Sasha is committed to advocating for people with mental health disabilities and veterans. In addition to disability, she also practices Workers Compensation.
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.
In 2019, Anne Buckleitner from St. Joseph joined Conybeare Law Office, bringing 30 years of experience in civil rights, employment law, facilitative mediation, and neutral workplace investigations. She entered the profession not knowing exactly where it would take her, but it has led her to fighting back against bullies. With her addition to the team, people in Southwest Michigan now have a local firm to represent them in wrongful termination, discrimination, sexual harassment at work and at school, police brutality, and wrongful convictions.
Conybeare Law Office 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: (link to our team page).
Our top-rated lawyers know how insurance companies, employers, and the Social Security and the VA offices 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.