Jonathan Paul lives in Ann Arbor with his wife and two young children, and is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan Law School.
As a former prosecutor in both New York City and Michigan, Paul now focuses on using his experience to help Michigan residents who are charged with crimes.
Based on his 10 years of practicing criminal law, he has authored three books — the Ann Arbor Criminal Defense Playbook, “Michigan DUI Playbook: Defenses, Techniques & Strategies” and “Case Dismissed: How to Win Your Retail Fraud Case: A Proactive Approach to Criminal Defense.”
By Jo Mathis
Legal News
Favorite local hangouts? Joe Muer Seafood in downtown Detroit, Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, and Poole’s Tavern in Northville.
Favorite websites? mgoblog.com, annarbor.com, and nypost.com.
What is your proudest moment as a lawyer? When a judge compliments my client on the proactive measures they took from day one, and the client thanks me for putting them on a plan.
What is your happiest childhood memory? The New York Yankees winning the 1996 World Series when I was 13 years old.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received? When a client hugs me and thanks me for saving their future, career and life.
When you were considering law school, what was Plan B? Entry level position with an MLB team with the goal of moving up in the front office.
What would surprise people about your job? I’m always working, but never working. I’m in the loop and talking to current and potential clients 24/7/365, but it hardly feels like work, because it’s always on my terms.
What do you wish someone would invent? Teleportation to get court to court, and beat the traffic in bad weather.
What is your most typical mood? Laid back, confident and optimistic about life.
If you could have witnessed any event in history, what would it be? The 10-year war between Bo Schembechler and Woody Hayes.
What were you doing in your last selfie? Skating with my son at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube.
Who is on your guest list for the ideal dinner party? Jim Harbaugh, George Steinbrenner and Jerry Seinfeld.
What question do you most often ask yourself? How to scale and automate success to make my life easier and more enjoyable.
What’s the most awe-inspiring place you’ve ever been? The Big House for the first time in 2005 for the Michigan vs. Notre Dame game.
What is one thing you would like to learn to do? I would like to learn to deal with my favorite teams losing a bit better. But that’s what makes sports so much fun: the ups and downs.
What is the best advice you ever received? When my kids are acting up, it’s best to hug them and tell them you love them instead of getting upset.
