Deel announces candidacy for Probate Court judge

Ryan Deel, the judicial staff attorney to Oakland County Chief Probate Judge Linda S. Hallmark, has announced he is running for Oakland County Probate Court Judge. Deel is running for the seat being vacated by Judge Elizabeth Pezzetti, who cannot run again due to age limits. Deel, 39, has been a practicing attorney since 2001. He maintained a law practice with his wife, Melinda Deel, before he joined the Oakland County Probate Court in 2006. As a judicial staff attorney in the Oakland County Probate Court, Deel deals directly with the judges, attorneys and parties appearing in probate court. "Every day, Ryan has the opportunity to work with the attorneys and parties that appear before the court," Judge Hallmark said. "Parties who have contact with the probate court are often at a difficult point in their lives. A probate court judge handles decedent estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, divorce, child protection proceedings, juvenile delinquencies, and numerous other types of cases. Sometimes parties and families need help to resolve very difficult issues in their lives, and Ryan derives great satisfaction in helping them do that." "I am grateful to work with such wonderful and dedicated judges and court staff, who work together to serve the public," said Deel. John Yun, Oakland County Public Administrator, said, "I have known Ryan Deel for over 15 years, both as a private attorney and staff attorney for Judge Hallmark. He possesses knowledge as a practitioner and from the perspective of the bench. This is a unique characteristic and a broad base of knowledge for a judicial candidate. Ryan Deel would make a very effective probate judge." Deel serves as the treasurer for the Rochester Hills Public Library and was recently appointed to the City of Rochester Hills Building Authority. He is married to his college sweetheart, Melinda. They have been married since 2000 and have twin sons, Jackson and Brennan. Deel is an active member of and frequent presenter for the Oakland County Bar Association. He has presented on legal issues for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education and the State Bar of Michigan. Deel has also authored a number of articles for the Oakland County Bar Association's publication, Laches. For more information, visit http://ryandeel.com. Published: Thu, Feb 25, 2016