Richard D. Small

Richard D. Small is the founder of Small Law PLLC in Pontiac, Michigan. His practice includes criminal defense, immigration, automobile accidents, personal injury protection, dog bites, and slip-and-fall matters. He represents individuals facing criminal charges as well as clients dealing with injury and immigration concerns. His firm emphasizes direct service and practical access to counsel, including flexible scheduling. He is licensed to practice in Michigan and remains an active member in good standing with the State Bar of Michigan.

Small earned a B.A. in History from the University of Michigan in 2006 and a J.D. from Wayne State University Law School in 2011. His undergraduate work emphasized research, writing, and critical analysis, skills that carried into his legal education. While at Wayne State, he participated in the Black Law Student Association and Hispanic Law Student Association. His academic background prepared him for legal research and case analysis across criminal, immigration, and personal injury matters where detailed facts and written advocacy can significantly affect strategy.

Small worked with the Federal Defender Office for the Eastern District of Michigan during law school and contributed research and writing on criminal matters, including work connected to the Hutaree militia prosecution. His later professional experience included clerk and internship roles before he established Small Law PLLC. In private practice, he handles criminal defense alongside immigration and injury cases, requiring him to move between courtroom advocacy, client counseling, administrative processes, and civil claims involving accidents or negligence.

Richard D. Small is a member of the American Bar Association and Oakland County Bar Association and speaks Spanish. His practice reflects a broad service model for clients who may face criminal accusations, immigration issues, or physical injuries. He combines legal research experience, courtroom-oriented training, and direct client representation to address cases that can affect liberty, immigration status, finances, and recovery after an accident. From his Pontiac office, he serves clients across Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb Counties and surrounding Michigan communities.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Small Law PLLC
• Member, State Bar of Michigan
• Member, American Bar Association

Licensed State

• Michigan

Education

• Wayne State University Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Michigan
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges