About Nicholas Opalewski
Nick is a seasoned legal professional, dedicated to the rule of law, public service, and accountability. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to discipline, fairness, and protecting the institutions that uphold a free and orderly society.
Before entering the legal profession, Nick served in the United States Army as a Sergeant, where he led troops into combat in Iraq on two separate deployments. In that role, he was entrusted with the lives of those under his command and was required to make sound, disciplined decisions under pressure. His military service instilled in him a deep respect for duty, leadership, accountability, and the rule of law.
After completing his military service, Nick pursued higher education, first attending Schoolcraft Community College, where he earned two associate degrees in criminal justice and homeland security. He then attended Concordia University Ann Arbor, where he earned a degree in Law and Public Policy, graduating summa cum laude. He went on to attend Cooley Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 2014, and was admitted to practice law in 2015.
Since he began practicing law, he has specialized in several areas of law, including criminal defense, family law, general civil matters, probate, and estate planning. This broad experience has given him a well-rounded perspective on the legal issues individuals and families face at every stage of life.
In recognition of his professionalism and legal ability, Nick has been named a Super Lawyers “Rising Star” for three consecutive years, an honor awarded to a select group of attorneys based on peer evaluation and independent research.
A Garden City resident for more than 20 years, Nick is an active member of the community with deep roots in the area and a strong understanding of the values and concerns of the people he serves. He believes judges should not be distant from the communities they serve, but grounded in them.
Nick is a loving husband to Lee Ann and a devoted father to his three children, and believes that strong families and strong communities are essential to a healthy justice system.
Nick believes a judge must be firm but fair, patient but decisive, and always impartial. He is committed to applying the law as written, treating every individual with dignity, and ensuring that justice is administered evenly and without bias.
He lives by the principles of service before self, accountability, and respect for the law — values he brings to the bench and to the community he seeks to serve.
