Richard W. Schaaf

Richard W. Schaaf is an attorney with OWL Legal Services P.L.C. whose practice includes criminal defense, divorce and family law, and estate and probate matters. He brings prior experience as a judicial court clerk and as an extern with the Michigan Attorney General’s Office. In criminal cases, he uses that background to evaluate the prosecution’s position and prepare defense strategy. His broader practice allows him to assist clients with family disputes and planning or administration issues involving estates and probate proceedings.

Schaaf attended Wayne State University of Law in Detroit and Western Michigan University. His professional training also includes an ICLE probate and estate planning certificate and 40-hour civil mediator training. These educational and certification experiences support work across litigation, family matters, estate planning, probate, and dispute resolution. His background reflects both courtroom-oriented preparation and structured problem-solving, which are relevant when clients face contested criminal or family cases as well as legal matters that benefit from negotiated or mediated solutions.

Schaaf’s earlier work as a judicial court clerk and Michigan Attorney General’s Office extern exposed him to legal research, court procedure, and the way disputed matters are evaluated from institutional perspectives. In private practice, he handles criminal defense alongside divorce, family law, estate, and probate matters. His civil mediator training gives him an additional framework for resolving disputes when agreement is possible, while his courtroom background supports preparation for hearings and litigation when negotiated solutions do not resolve the issues between the parties.

Richard W. Schaaf represents Michigan clients who need practical assistance across several areas that can directly affect family relationships, personal freedom, property, and future planning. His mix of clerkship experience, government legal exposure, probate and estate training, and mediation education supports a flexible approach to legal problems. Whether the matter involves a criminal accusation, a divorce or family dispute, or an estate-related concern, he focuses on understanding the facts, identifying legal options, and preparing the case for the next required step.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, OWL Legal Services P.L.C.
• Member, State Bar of Michigan

Licensed State

• Michigan

Education

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

Awards & Badges