Meet Jodi Debbrecht Switalski | Attorney and Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jodi Debbrecht Switalski and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jodi, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I had practiced in many arenas as a former judge, assistant prosecutor, attorney, national speaker and advocate. Each one fabulously rewarding but in their own silo, limiting. The combination of the tools, experiences, education and opportunities, along with wanting the flexibility to impart change on society and especially individuals or to be a part of the catalyst that they need/ed to stand on their own and find their own sense of power and purpose fueled the decision to hang my own shingle. So I began by building a law practice that specializes where I want to have a direct impact including addiction, domestic violence, mental health, veterans and family law that touches every socio-economic status. Whether I am speaking about substances and mental health, training doctors how to mitigate their liabilities when prescribing opioids, litigating a child abuse case or custody/divorce/parenting time issue or other, having my own business allows me the freedom to help ANYONE that I saw value in or where the need is apparent while pursuing a passion to use my skills to help the greater good.

When one in four families has someone with a substance abuse issue or a mental health need, our business works to steer individuals and outcomes that better the entire family system as well – with a focus on positive outcomes for the children in that same system. I love to help people and am incredibly fortunate to be in a position where I can do that in a diverse set of ways.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are more than just a law firm, we are a team. We are truly a family of women (and my husband) who every day kick major behind for others. Each person in the firm is a major spoke that without, we would not be as successful.

Additionally, I’ve woven my background and passion into the work that we do. With a specialty in substance abuse and mental health (trauma) and a master’s education in child development and family studies/divorce and stepfamilies, clients and families are not just “cases” to me. We walk them through some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. We believe in them, we validate them and we hear them. After a case is closed, those relationships don’t just go away – they can’t – they’ve all got my personal cell phone! We get updates or they stop by the office. Last year a former criminal client texted out of the blue. He did jail time and wanted to thank me for giving him his life back. He went back to school and will be a doctor in a couple of years! We recently finalized a divorce for a woman who went through emotional, verbal and financial abuse. We stood by her side offering trauma-informed legal guidance that helped her to recognize the manipulation and redirect her life. Afterwards, she thanked us for empowering her. Stories like this are why we do what we do.

Is the legal business hard? Yes, but life is hard. Giving up is never an option. I don’t even understand the question when people ask it. Life is about moving forward. Picking yourself up, “straightening your crown,” sometimes yelling a profanity or two, and then move yourself forward. I just always start with one step and then suddenly things move forward on their own… and I am along for the ride in what is typically a very positive synergy.

I believe in treating people with respect; I am driven; despite tears or laughter at times, I remain undaunted. I persistently remain committed to doing the right thing and working hard. No matter the obstacle or issue, we are going to find a way around it, through it, over it and simply resolve to be with people on their journey, which, at many times, is tough. I have a tremendous team that I call family as well and they share that work ethic and commitment. It is truly unique and I am very blessed to be a part of it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We are blessed to live in the Great Lakes state with lakes, rivers and trails surrounding us. You can often find my family at Lake St Clair Metropark playing pickleball, kayaking or walking the trails. My husband is also a former judge who now handles mediation out of our office and my kids have worked at the firm while growing up. On weekends, we might bike to the office to do some catchup on work then stop by Clementines for pastry, Black Cat Coffee and Mae’s for brunch. Our office is in the downtown area of Mount Clemens housed in a building from 1891 that we recently restored blending a modern presence with its rich history. And of course, I have to mention Detroit! The city is thriving and living nearby affords us endless opportunity. One of our favorites is Eastern Market, a historic open-air market with more than 150 food, specialty vendors and restaurants. Detroit is a sports city where the fans turn out in force. Our family’s love of baseball and soccer is fueled by Detroit Tiger games and trips to Hamtramck where the Detroit City FC professional soccer team plays. And yes, we also manage to sneak a few Detroit Lions games in too!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Two things come to mind. My grandmother raised me to be who I am today. I was born a bit of a wild child but through Grandma Schlezes (as she used to say, pronounced as in “Jesus”), I learned humility, strength, sacrifice and commitment. She solidified my faith and love for God. Grandma had an extraordinary impact on my life and the lives of so many others. She was fearless and a true tower of strength. And while there are others who are certainly instrumental, she is “the one.” She remains the one. Sort of a “WWGD” impact.

The other source of inspiration is actually a song that came out years ago. The lyrics from Guy Clark’s “The Cape” really speak to my core:
“He’s one of those who knows that life
Is just a leap of faith
Spread your arms and hold your breath
Always trust your cape”

Website: https://switalskilaw.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/switalskilaw/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/switalskilaw/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SwitalskiLaw

Image Credits
Emma Burcusel