Craig V. Braje

Craig V. Braje is an attorney with Braje, Nelson & Janes, LLP, in Michigan City, Indiana. His practice covers civil and criminal litigation, personal injury, medical malpractice, commercial law, real estate, and family law. He represents individuals and organizations in disputes that may involve courtroom proceedings, negotiations, or advice about their rights and obligations. Braje’s long career in Northwest Indiana also includes service in several local government legal positions.

Braje earned his J.D. from Valparaiso University School of Law in 1974 and a B.A. from Western Illinois University in 1971. He was admitted to the Indiana and Illinois bars in 1974, although his Illinois license has subsequently been listed as voluntarily inactive. His education laid the groundwork for a practice involving litigation, public law, property matters, and the legal concerns of individuals and businesses in the region.

Braje served as Corporation Counsel for the City of Michigan City from 1976 to 1979 and as LaPorte County Deputy Prosecutor from 1979 to 1987. He later served as LaPorte County Attorney from 2012 to 2014. He also served as LaPorte County Chief Public Defender, a position he began in 1994. These roles inform his perspective on civil disputes and criminal proceedings.

Braje received an American Jurisprudence Award in 1972. His professional affiliations include the LaPorte County, Indiana State, Illinois State, and American Bar Associations, along with trial lawyer and criminal defense organizations. With more than five decades in the legal profession, Craig V. Braje brings experience in private practice and local government service to matters involving litigation, injury claims, real estate, and family disputes.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Braje, Nelson, & Janes, LLP
• Member, Indiana State Bar Association
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association
• Member, Indiana Trial Lawyers Association
• Member, LaPorte County Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, American Trial Lawyers Association
• Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, LaPorte County Chief Public Defender

Licensed State

• Indiana
• Illinois

Education

• Valparaiso University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)

• Western Illinois University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges