Robert W. Dietrich, Attorney

A lifelong resident of the East Lansing area, Bob Dietrich is an experienced trial attorney in Michigan courts with expertise on a full range of legal issues and a particular focus on personal injury, bankruptcy, real estate, estate planning and trust administration.

Bob serves as Vice President and Board Member of Gilda's Club-Greater Lansing, an organization dedicated to providing emotional and social support to people living with cancer. He is also a past president of the Accident Fund Policyholders' Association.

Getting to know Bob Dietrich. . .

What I like most about being a lawyer is. . . getting to know my clients and helping them solve their legal problems.

My most rewarding case was. . . I think of two. One was a young engaged couple who were involved in a bad car accident. Rob's hand was gravely injured. Jemi's injuries were less significant. Rob was a truck driver and without the use of his hand, he would be out of a job. I was able to obtain a very fair and appropriate settlement for this couple which covered their medical bills and lost wages, plus other damages. Rob's hand healed, eventually to almost complete use again. This saved his job and provided enough money for them to get their lives back together and continue their wedding plans. I really enjoy helping my clients recover from these tragedies.

The other was when I defended a business client in a minority shareholder dispute brought by the minority shareholders. It was basically a dispute over running the business wherein the other side was claiming over $500,000 in damages against my client. The opposing attorney was someone whom I had worked with and had mentored me when I first began practicing law, so there was a personal challenge in handling the suit. I successfully defended my client saving him the significant money damages sought by the other shareholders and bested my former mentor.

I founded Dietrich & Cuzydlo because. . . Chuck and I were both in solo practice in the same office building. After becoming acquainted, I found I liked Chuck Cuzydlo's attitude towards his clients and his legal ability. I admired Chuck's character and reputation for being a really tenacious lawyer. We both wanted to combine sincere concern for clients' needs with practicing first class law to resolve their problems. It has been great practicing together. We see eye-to-eye on almost everything.

What makes Dietrich & Cuzydlo different from other lawyers? I think many times lawyers give the impression that they are too busy to answer their clients' concerns or too busy to explain what's going on to them. We talk to our clients in person. We listen. We make sure they understand what is going on with their case. We answer their questions and concerns. We do everything we can to assist our clients. They are not just a means of paying our bills. At Dietrich & Cuzydlo, we do the best job we can for each client.

I was very pleased. . . To get a thank you note from a client who had bad experiences with lawyers in the past. Promises were broken and advice was poor. After discussing her bankruptcy problems with a number of attorneys, Kris allowed me to advise her and felt the advice was sound and helpful. I am pleased every time my clients tell me I have helped them in their situation.

Someone I really admire is. . . Abraham Lincoln. He dealt with very challenging issues and made many difficult decisions. He did not quit when many would have resigned or turned away from the problems.

My favorite quote is. . . "DO or DO NOT, there is no try." Yoda in Star Wars. To succeed, we must persevere.

When not at work, I enjoy. . . Working with my hands such as building projects at home. I have been married 32 years to my wonderful wife, Lynn, and enjoy the time we get to spend together.