Stuart A. Best
Stuart digs deep into a file and analyzes it from all sides before recommending an advantageous solution for his clients.
Stuart serves as both litigator and general counsel to his clients, which include lenders, business owners, and individuals. His matters include defensive as well as plaintiff litigation, in all facets of consumer and commercial banking, asset recovery, business law, and real property in both federal and Michigan state courts. He also practices in real estate default, handling complex legal foreclosure and title issues, as well as state law foreclosure compliance.
With a wealth of federal and state court experience, Stuart has developed an excellent rapport with judges and other court personnel. His confidence and ability to negotiate has allowed him to obtain favorable results in cases involving real estate, federal and Michigan Fair Debt Collection defense, Michigan Lemon Law defense, landlord-tenant, real estate brokerage, and probate matters. He is always up for a challenge and enjoys “putting out fires” for his clients, so they can tend to their typical day-to-day activities.
Stuart has been practicing law for over 30 years. During that time he has been Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ Rated, its highest available rating for legal ability and professional ethics. He was also named Top Lawyer by DBusiness Magazine, 2010, and was selected for inclusion in the Michigan Super Lawyers List, 2011-2012, 2017-2021.
With a wealth of federal and state court experience, Stuart has developed an excellent rapport with judges and other court personnel. His confidence and ability to negotiate has allowed him to obtain favorable results in cases involving real estate, federal and Michigan Fair Debt Collection defense, Michigan Lemon Law defense, landlord-tenant, real estate brokerage, and probate matters. He is always up for a challenge and enjoys “putting out fires” for his clients, so they can tend to their typical day-to-day activities.
Stuart has been practicing law for over 30 years. During that time he has been Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ Rated, its highest available rating for legal ability and professional ethics. He was also named Top Lawyer by DBusiness Magazine, 2010, and was selected for inclusion in the Michigan Super Lawyers List, 2011-2012, 2017-2021.
Focus Areas
Credentials
Honors & Distinctions
Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated AttorneyTop Lawyer by DBusiness Magazine, 2010
Michigan Super Lawyers List, 2011-12, 2017-2021
Admissions
Bay Mills Tribal Court, Brimley, Michigan, 2021Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Court, Michigan, 2021
Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe Court - Civil Division, Michigan, 2021
U.S. Court of Appeals - 6th Circuit, 2021
Sault Ste. Marie - Chippeqa Tribal Court, 2021
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, 2003
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, 1988
Michigan, 1987
Education
J.D., Michigan State University Detroit College of Law, 1987B.A., Journalism, University of Michigan, 1984
Affiliations
Michigan Creditors Bar Association: President(11/23)-CurrentOakland County Bar Association: Member
State Bar of Michigan: Member
Board of Directors Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan (formally the Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan)
Adjunct Professor Macomb Community College
Board of Directors McDonald Computer Corporation: Secretary
Michigan Bankers Association, Michigan Traveling Circus, Nominating Committee: Chairman
Michigan Bankers Association's Retail Lending Committee: Consultant
Board of Directors Michigan Creditors Bar Association
Boy Scouts of America: Former Scout Master
Former Member Board of Directors Alan Almond Productions LTD
Presentations
“Collection Law: Start to Finish,” National Business Institute Seminar, Grand Rapids, MI, April 19, 2017“Collections, Repossessions and Recoveries,” National Marine Lenders Association Instructor, March, 2024
“Managing Strategic Defaults and Defenses,” Michigan Bankers Association, MI, March, 2024
“Legislative and Landscape and 2024 Predictions,” Community Bankers Association, January, 2024
Publications
Insights / 18 July 2024
MBA 2024 Convention Takeaways
Insights / 1 December 2023