K A T H R Y N M. S P R I N G S T E A D
is a former FBI Special Agent. She defends clients in courts throughout West Michigan and leaves no stone unturned. She is frequently called upon in complex criminal cases to lend her keen investigative skills, incisive insight on a case, thorough legal research, and persuasive writing skills. Her compassionate and friendly approach—coupled with her unique ability to take apart an investigation, a prosecution, or write a winning brief or appeal—has earned the honor of winning Avvo’s Client Choice Award and an Avvo 10.0 “Superb” rating.
Kathryn serves as the firm’s Chief Appellate Counsel. She has successful briefed cases at the Michigan Court of Appeals, Michigan Supreme Court, and United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. She has won complex suppression motions, as well as “6.500” motions for retrial in Michigan trial courts. She also handles federal habeas corpus petitions in United States District Courts nationwide.
Background
After earning her law degree from Georgetown University, Kathryn became a special agent for the FBI, where she conducted investigations into violations of federal laws. Her duties in this position included interviewing witnesses, performing surveillance, executing search and arrest warrants, testifying in federal courts, and coordinating investigations and prosecutions with the US Attorney’s Office, the Department of Justice, and other federal agencies. Kathryn’s extensive FBI training is a valuable asset as she develops defense strategies for her clients at SBBL Law.
In 2006, Kathryn began putting her experience as an award-winning investigator to work as a trial consultant in Fremont, Michigan. As a trial consultant, she assisted criminal defense attorneys with cases in federal courts by organizing and analyzing discovery materials, reviewing and preparing evidence for use at trial, and conducting witness and defendant interviews.
Education
Georgetown University Law Center, Washington, DC, JD
Boston University, Brussels, Belgium, MA, International Relations
Clemson University, Clemson, SC, BA
Professional Associations
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan (CDAM)
Michigan Association of OWI Attorneys (MIOWIA)
Newaygo/Oceana County Bar Association
State Bar of Michigan
FBI Agents’ Association
