For attorney John C. Cahalan, that destiny was clear from birth. John’s great grandfather, John C. Cahalan, Sr., was admitted to the Michigan Bar in 1878 and started a line of barristers that sent FDR to the White House, ran successful law practices, and held City, County, and Statewide elected offices. And we haven’t even gotten to John’s mother’s side. 

John graduated from University of Detroit Jesuit High School on Seven Mile Road in Detroit. John continued in the Jesuit tradition receiving his Bachelor of Arts from Marquette University, and his Juris Doctorate from University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.

While in law school, John clerked for Wayne County Circuit Court Judge John H. Gillis, Jr., Michigan Supreme Court Justice Maura D. Corrigan, the law firm of Morgan & Meyers, PLC, and The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.

Since law school, John has spent every day in the courtroom advocating for others. John began his career as an Associate at one of Michigan’s largest law firms. Later, John served as Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Detroit.  

After running for Wayne County Circuit Judge in 2018, John realized that his passion was fighting for individuals. As he’s stated, “If I cannot mete out justice from the bench, I will seek out justice for my clients.”

In 2019, opened the Law Office of John C. Cahalan, PLLC and hasn’t looked back. John’s current practice includes family law, probate and estate planning, civil litigation, criminal defense, and election law. John is also frequently hired as a mediator/facilitator by his colleagues for disputes ranging from domestic issues to real estate challenges.  

John is currently a member of countless community organizations servicing the Metro Detroit area as well as the legal community.