Justin Bahrie was born and raised in Okemos. His father, Ronald Bahrie, has been a sole practitioner in Lansing since 1979, and he has been working at his father’s law office since middle school.
Upon graduation from Okemos High School, Bahrie studied engineering and human biology at Michigan State University before eventually following his father’s footsteps by finding his passion in the law. He graduated from Michigan State University College of Law in 2012 while working part time at his father’s law office. After passing the Michigan Bar in July 2012, he officially joined his father’s practice henceforth known as Bahrie Law. Bahrie Law specializes in injury and disability law.
Residence: Lansing.
Currently Reading: Mark Twain’s “Pudd’nhead Wilson and Those Extraordinary Twins.”
Most treasured material possession: 1990 Boston Whaler Montauk 17. There is nothing more enjoyable than being on a boat in open water.
What advice do you have for someone considering law school: Have an exit plan. Law school is not a place to find yourself… it is way too expensive.
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be? Either a downhill ski instructor or a salmon fishing captain.
Favorite local hangouts: The Michigan Athletic Club beach volleyball courts.
Favorite websites: Google.com, wunderground.com, southwestairlines.com, iflscience.com, uncrate.com, cleansnipe.com
Proudest moment as a lawyer: Bringing justice to a deserving client.
Worst moment as a lawyer: Explaining to a deserving client that they lost their social security case, and that there was minuscule chance to win on appeal.
What is your happiest childhood memory? Spending time with family and friends near Leland on the shore of Lake Michigan.
Which things do you not like to do? Run. I like to stay active, but despise turning to the treadmill to stay in shape.
What would surprise people about your job? Not all attorneys are empty suits.
What do you wish someone would invent? A teleportation device.
What is the most awe-inspiring place you visited? Sunrise at Haleakala volcanic crater in Hawaii, followed closely by sunsets over Lake Michigan.
What is your greatest achievement? Graduating from law school and passing the Michigan Bar, July 2012, (the exam that the BLE removed the curve on the essay portion).
If you had one super power, what would it be? Flight.
What would you say to your 16-year-old self? Slow down and smell the roses… time will fly by.
Favorite Joke: In a murder trial, the defense attorney was cross-examining the coroner: Q: “Before you signed the death certificate, did you take the pulse, listen to the heart or check for breathing?” A: “No.” Q: “So, when you signed the death certificate, you weren’t sure the man was dead, were you?” A: “Well, the man’s brain was in a jar on my desk, but I suppose he could have still been practicing law for a living.”
What is guaranteed to make you laugh? My parent’s golden retriever.
Must-see TV: “The Wire,” “The Newsroom,” “House of Cards,” “Cosmos: A SpaceTime Odyssey,” and “Sherlock.”
What’s your biggest regret? Not traveling overseas when I had the free time to do it.
What’s one thing you would like to learn to do? Golf. I can usually keep up with my group; however, I tend to wind up in the water hazards and sand bunkers a little too often.
What word do you overuse? “Basically,” and the phrase: “In other words…”
Can’t live without technology? The internet.
Favorite CD? Dirty Heads – Cabin By The Sea.
Favorite law related movie: “The Paper Chase.”
What’s the best advice you have received? “Be kind to people on your way up because you are going to need them on your way down.”
If you can help it, where will you never return? Any seat on Spirit Airlines.
What do you drive? 2006 Mazda 3, hatchback.
What would you drive if money were no object? Lexus IS F.
Favorite place to spend money? Vacation.
What is your motto? The Golden Rule.
Where would you like to be when you’re 90? Not in a nursing home. And able to live independently.
What would you like carved onto your tombstone? I would rather have my ashes spread in Leelanau County and have my friends and loved ones celebrate my life.
