Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) University of Michigan School of Social Work National Association of Social Workers National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges National Association of Social Workers (NASW) National Judicial College Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

Bar & Court Admissions

State Bar of Michigan Oakland County Bar Association Detroit Bar Association Macomb County Bar Association MIchigan Retired Judges Association Women’s Lawyers Association of Michigan and Oakland County American Bar Association (ABA)

“Effective Use of Guardian Ad Litems”, ICLE Family Law Institute (2017)

Michigan Family Law Journal – State Bar of Michigan, Family Law Section Co-Author, Contempt of Court in Michigan – A Three-Part Series (2017) Part 1: Overview and Appellate Parameters (Aug 2017) Part 2: Procedural Nuts and Bolts (Oct 2017) Part 3: Practical Challenges and Alternatives (Nov 2017)

University of Michigan – Ann Arbor Master of Social Work (MSW), May 2024 Concentration: Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health & Substance Abuse Thomas M. Cooley Law School Juris Doctor (JD), May 2003

CERTIFICATIONS & ADVANCED TRAINING

SCAO-Approved Domestic Relations Mediator National Judicial College National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges National Institute on Domestic Violence / VAWA Training Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) National Association of Juvenile and Family Court Judges American Bar Association (ABA) National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Addictions Certification Student -University of Michigan School of Social Work Continuing Education

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Hon. Lisa M. Neilson (ret.)

Founding Partner

Hon. Lisa M. Neilson (ret.), LLMSW, is a founding partner of Neilson Law Group and one of Michigan’s foremost authorities on family law. With over 25 years of experience as both a practicing attorney and a former family court judge, she brings an unparalleled understanding of the legal, emotional, and strategic dimensions of family disputes.

Prior to her appointment to the bench, Judge Neilson built a recognized practice focused on complex domestic litigation and mediation, earning a reputation as a fierce advocate and thoughtful advisor. She is a court-approved domestic relations mediator and arbitrator, and in 2024, she expanded her expertise by earning a master’s degree in social work from the University of Michigan’s School of Social Work.

She is the founder of Neilson Consulting and the creator of Family LAW 360, a methodology that integrates legal strategy with empirically-based social science practices to help families navigate emotionally charged legal issues. Judge Neilson maintains a formal affiliation with the University of Michigan School of Social Work, where Neilson Consulting serves as an approved training site for graduate social work interns, bridging academic theory and practical application.

Judge Neilson is frequently called upon as a lecturer, contributor, and mentor in family law, particularly in complex and high-conflict cases. She maintains close affiliations with state and national legal associations. Her approach is pragmatic, compassionate, and deeply client-focused.