By Julie Freer
Legal News

As a kid, there was never any question for Dana Freers what she wanted to be when she grew up.

The oldest of four children, Freers was raised in Warren and attended Cousino High School, followed by James Madison College at Michigan State University, then MSU College of Law.

“I always knew I'd be an attorney like my dad,” said Freers, who came to work at her father's law firm in Fraser after passing the bar in 2004. “I never really thought about doing anything else. My dad has taught me everything I know.”

Freers will use her 20 years of experience as an attorney, and all that she's learned from her father along the way, to lead the Macomb County Bar Association as president. Her term began on July 1; the installation ceremony was held July 18 during the Fraser Lions Club Carnival.

“My main goal is to bring people back to the (Macomb) Bar,” said Freers. “We went through a bit of limbo last year as we searched for a new executive director and it's time to get back to what we do and engage our members.”

The MCBA's executive director position was vacant for almost a year, following the departure of Rick Troy, who held the job since 2000.

Kelly Bennett, previously the head of circulation at the Ferndale Library, was hired as the executive director last May.

“Kelly is doing an amazing job,” said Freers. “She's definitely helping us get the organization back on track. We have events for our members almost every month and we've kept these events free or low cost.

“We have continuing education opportunities for our members that need those and we've been working hard to make sure our monthly publication, Bar Briefs, is interesting and informative for our members.”

Freers became a member of the MCBA in 2016. Currently, there are approximately 1,200 members. It is run by a 16-member volunteer board of directors.

“It's great networking and meeting other attorneys, especially outside your practice area,” said Freers, who handles a wide variety of cases that come through 39th District Court in Roseville — criminal, civil, family, probate, business, real estate, and consumer protection and collection cases. “I've gotten to rise through the ranks and learned a great deal about the bar association. I truly value my time here.'

Freers said while there's something for everyone at the MCBA, it's especially helpful for new attorneys to get to know everyone in the Macomb County legal community.

“It's also fun to get to connect with each other outside of work, meet each other's families, and be social with one another,” said Freers.

While in college, Freers interned for Sen. Arther Miller Jr. and Sen. Bill Bullard Jr. While in law school, she worked for Bullard as his director of constituent relations.

“I've always been interested in politics,”said Freers. “I worked for a few senators, both Democrat and Republican. I absolutely adored Senator Arthur Miller. I miss him! I ran for judge in 2018 and I'll run again in a couple of years. I think both politicians and lawyers have a unique capability to truly improve others' lives.”

In 2006, Freers purchased a Biggby Coffee franchise that she and her husband ran for a few years.

“My husband is from the Lansing area and we both loved Biggby Coffee, so we thought that might be a fun adventure,” said Freers. “Our store was in Roseville at 696 and Gratiot. Unfortunately, the costs just became too much, but we loved our time there and especially our customers and staff!”

In 2009, Freers returned to the family practice with her dad, Steven, and sister, Erin Freers-Cole.

“Last year my sister took a job with the Macomb County Public Defender's Office, so now it's just me and dad,” said Freers, whose father just marked his 50th year of practice.
One of her father's greatest lessons was simple, but critical: “He taught me to always be kind and treat everyone with respect,” said Freers.

One of the most fulfilling elements of her work is helping clients clear their criminal records from the past.

“We're all human and we all make mistakes. Most people seeking expungement are embarrassed about their pasts and still affected in both housing and employment,” said Freers. “A lot of people just want to volunteer at their children's schools and can't with a criminal record. Often these people are extremely loyal and hardworking because of their experiences.”

In addition to her involvement with the MCBA, Freers is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, the Eastpointe-Roseville Chamber of Commerce, the Fraser Lions Club, the Fraser First Booster Club and the Roseville Optimist Club. She is also active in her children’s schools.

Much of her community involvement was influenced by her mother, Christine, who stayed at home raising her and sisters, Erin and Stephanie, and her brother, Fred.

“Growing up, my mom didn't work, but volunteered her time at the school and throughout the community,” said Freers. “I think she passed that on to us. I truly believe that we are all responsible for shaping the type of community we want to live in. I like volunteering my time to improve my community and I'm trying to raise my children to do the same.”

Freers and her husband, Patrick O’Dell, a Fraser city council member who works for Macomb County, have four children. Their daughter, Sidney, is grown and lives on her own, while sons Quinlan, 13, Grayson, 11 and Sebastian, 9, keep them busy with youth sports.

“They play football, baseball and basketball, so outside of work and community events, my life is consumed with youth sports,” Freers said. “And I love it!”