Craig W. Elhart
Attorney at Law craig@eklawtc.com
Craig is a true Traverse City native. Growing up on a cherry farm, he learned the importance of hard work at a very young age. After graduating from high school, he headed off to college. Craig then graduated with honors from Michigan State University and went on to Detroit College of Law to pursue his Juris Doctorate. Upon obtaining his degree, he returned to the Traverse City area to practice law.
Known around the area as one of the toughest defense attorneys available for hire, potential clients seek his counsel knowing they will be receiving the very best legal services.
When Craig is not putting in long hours at the office, he enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, boating, and taking on a variety of projects.
Lauren R. P. Kreinbrink
Atttorney at Law lauren@eklawtc.com
Lauren was born and raised in Ludington, Michigan. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and attended law school at the Michigan State University College of Law, where she graduated with honors.
After passing the Michigan Bar Exam in 2016, Lauren practiced as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Manistee and Mason Counties from 2017 to 2020. From 2021 through 2024, Lauren served as the elected prosecuting attorney for Mason County.
As a prosecuting attorney, Lauren has handled and tried a wide variety of cases, including drunk driving, first-degree criminal sexual conduct, domestic violence, and more. She also served as counsel for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Mason County for various civil issues. Having served as a prosecutor for several years, Lauren brings insight into how law enforcement and prosecutors think about and handle cases in the courtroom. She understands how the criminal justice system works and is not afraid to work diligently and ethically to zealously advocate for the rights of her clients inside and outside of the courtroom.
In her spare time, Lauren enjoys spending time with family and friends in the Traverse City area, long-distance running, and exploring new areas of Northern Michigan.
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Dennis M. Swain
Of Counsel dennis@eklawtc.com
Mr. Dennis M. Swain is an alumnus of Michigan State University and the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He has been practicing law in Northern Michigan for over 45 years. He began practicing with Zerafa Law Office, P.C. in Elk Rapids, Michigan.
Since 1981 Mr. Swain has practiced in the Manistee and Benzie County area. He held the office of Manistee County Prosecuting Attorney from 1985 through 2000. In 2001 he began serving the 19th Circuit Court as the Friend of the Court and the Director of Family Division Services. That appointment included duties as the Circuit Court Referee in all matters assigned to the referee for hearing in the Family Division of the Circuit Court, including domestic relations cases, child support enforcement, child abuse and neglect matters, and juvenile justice cases.
During his public career Mr. Swain received three Professional Excellence Awards from the Michigan State Police. He received the William F. Delhey Award, the association’s highest honor, from the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan. He retired from public life in 2009.
Upon his retirement, Mr. Swain returned to private practice. He currently serves as General Counsel to the Ogema of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, and maintains a limited general practice.
Judy L. Schroeder
Legal Assistant
Judy Schroeder has lived in the Traverse City area her entire life. After graduating from high school, she married and had two wonderful children. Judy has worked for Craig Elhart for over 45 years and is his "Right Hand Woman."
Judy has profound knowledge of multiple court systems and the various requirements of each county. When she is not typing at warp speed, she is most likely assisting our clients, or dealing with other attorneys or court personnel.
In her spare time, Judy can be found playing cards or fishing with her husband and her two grown children.
Chloe Ellis
Paralegal
Chloe was born and raised in Maple City. She graduated from Glen Lake Community Schools where she participated in the Early College Program studying Accounting at Northwestern Michigan College. After high school, Chloe continued her education at Grand Rapids Community College.
In her free time, Chloe enjoys spending time with her family and being on the water. You'll also often find her running, horseback riding or spending time with friends.
Shawn Vogelheim
Paralegal
Shawn graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1993. She went on to study with the University of Phoenix, earning an Associate's of Science degree. She has worked as a Legal Assistant and Paralegal for 13 years, working in criminal and family law, driver's license restoration and probate court.
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In her spare time, you will find Shawn spending time with her three children and her two Lab babies. She also enjoys spending time on the water in the summer.
Bevin Buchler
Receptionist/Legal Assistant
After growing up in Leelanau County, Bevin received her ABA Certification and specialized in Small Business Banking and Merchant Services while living in Texas and North Carolina before moving back to her home state. As the first point of contact with our firm, her best quality is treating our clients with respect and efficiency. She can often be found scheduling, handling case files and ensuring the office runs smoothly.
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In her free time, Bevin enjoys camping and hunting, photography, crafting and spending time with family.