Angela Bilen is an estate attorney who enjoys helping clients plan their lives.
A graduate of L’anse Creuse High School Central, Bilen earned her undergraduate degree in English from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and her law degree from Detroit Mercy School of Law.
Bilen’s other passion is photography, and she and her friend, Jen Dera, are co-owners of Capture A Moment Photography, previously located in Mount Clemens and now located in New Baltimore. The pair have won First Place for Detroit A-List Best Portrait Photography and Second Place Wedding Photographer in the Metro Detroit Channel 4 WDIV “4 The Best” contest, and travel all over Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and southern St. Clair counties taking photos at different venues.
By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
Residence: Harrison Township in Macomb County.
What do you enjoy about estate law? Estate planning is almost always a difficult but necessary conversation. I’m proud to be able to help people talk through their fears and concerns and find a solution that gives them peace of mind.
What’s your favorite law-related TV show? “Law & Order SVU.” But if I dare date myself, my favorite law program was “Ally McBeal,” which ended while I was still in law school.
Who are your law role models – real and/or fictional? While in law school, I clerked at a law firm and respected and looked up to many of the attorneys. Linda Hagan and Gene DeAgostino, both estate planning attorneys, stand out. In addition, as a young girl, I imagined myself as a prosecuting attorney and have always respected the work they are faced with and accomplish.
What advice do you have for someone considering law school? Go in with the mindset of giving it your all. Go to class, do the homework, join law review, clerk. Make it your primary focus. Soak in everything you can. Once you graduate, you will be glad you made the most of that experience.
What do you enjoy about being a professional photographer? I love getting the chance to capture a moment that will be treasured forever. It isn’t always easy, and I have had to learn, practice, and learn some more in order to achieve the outcome that will bring smiles for years to come.
What other career path might you have chosen? Well, my second path has been a photographer. I have, however, considered to be both a doctor and a lawyer.
What would you say to your 16-year-old self? Learn to live, accomplish your goals, and never stop believing in yourself.
If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would that be? A famous singer. I’ve always dreamt of having the chance to get on stage and be amazing.
Favorite hangouts? My local hangouts involve anything my kids enjoy such as the YMCA, local playgrounds, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt.
Favorite websites? www.caputreamomentphoto.com for obvious reasons, and Amazon.
Favorite app? Facebook.
Favorite music? My middle child is big into current pop music and we enjoy learning and loving new songs together.
What is your happiest childhood memory? Fishing with my dad. I had a great family life full of many great memories.
What is your most treasured material possession? The cross I wear around my neck, given by my grandparents when I was baptized as an infant. When I was married, I wore this cross and my grandfather, who was dying, touched my cross and said as long I have this cross, he will always be with me. I have rarely taken it off since.
What do you wish someone would invent? A better way to treat and care for children with mental illness and challenges.
What’s the most awe-inspiring place you’ve ever been? Michigan and all its northern glory is an amazing and inspiring place to visit. My bucket list includes a visit to Hawaii.
If you could have one super power, what would it be? The ability to create a force field, to protect my children, myself, and innocent people from injury.
What’s one thing you would like to learn to do? This one is crazy, maybe impulsive, but I would love to learn how to drive a racecar.
What is something most people don’t know about you? Many people have no idea I have an identical twin sister.
If you could have dinner with three people, living or dead, who would they be? I would love to have dinner with both my grandfathers who passed many years ago. My living dinner would be with Michelle Obama. She is an amazing woman, mother, wife and professional.
What’s the best advice you ever received? Never change who you are to make other people like you.
Favorite place to spend money? Amazon and Target, and Best Buy for camera equipment.
What is your motto? Treat others as you would like to be treated—always.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? My ability to stay true to myself even when I have been pressured to do or be something else to make others happy. I decided very young that I would be an attorney and then I chose to start a photography business because it allowed me to take care of my family while practicing estate planning.
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