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About the Attorneys

Meet Attorneys Jesse Reiter, Rebecca Walsh and Juliana Plastiras

Reiter & Walsh, P.C., is the professional corporation law firm which owns and operates American Baby & Child Law Centers. The two senior partners of the firm are Jesse Reiter, J.D. and Rebecca Walsh, J.D.

Jesse M. Reiter, Juris Doctor

2006 "Michigan Lawyer's Weekly" Lawyer of the Year

Attorney Jesse M. Reiter is owner of Reiter & Walsh, P.C. and American Baby & Child Law Centers, and a past president of the Michigan Association for Justice (MAJ). Mr. Reiter has been practicing law for over twenty years and we are proud to announce that he was just named a 2012 Michigan Lawyer's Weekly Leader in the Law. Only 25 attorneys are chosen for this honor from a wide pool of nominated attorneys and judges. The Lawyer's Weekly panel then selects the Leaders in the Law honorees based on multiple factors including their commitment to legal practice, record of winning cases, character and integrity.  He was named a "Michigan Lawyer's Weekly" Lawyer of the Year in 2006.  More recently, Jesse Reiter was described in a Michigan Lawyers Weekly article as being one of three "medical malpractice gurus"….(who) have secured nearly one-third of the total $32.6 million in reported settlements." He began his legal career with a major law firm in Detroit. After years of honing his medical malpractice expertise, he formed American Baby & Child Law Centers. Jesse Reiter is admitted to practice in Michigan, Washington, D.C., Ohio and the United States Supreme Court.

A native of Kensington, Maryland, Jesse Reiter earned a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science with high honors from the University of Michigan in 1984 and his Juris Doctorate from DePaul University College of Law in 1987. He worked for two federal judges and a prominent Chicago malpractice defense firm while in law school. Starting out as a defender of hospitals and doctors in 1987, Mr. Reiter also served as an adjunct professor of legal writing at the Detroit Mercy College of Law.

In 1989, when he began doing plaintiff’s work, attorney Jesse Reiter joined the Michigan Association for Justice (MAJ), one of the nations’ most powerful pro-plaintiff bar associations. In this position, Jesse Reiter is immediately aware of - and contributes to - changes in laws which affect patients’ rights on a daily basis. Since he joined in 1989, Mr. Reiter has been a sustaining member of MAJ. He has risen through the ranks from being on the Executive Board in 1995; the Constitutional Challenge Committee in 1997; Chair of the Coalition/Community Action Committee 2000-2002; Treasurer from 2002-2003; Secretary from 2003-2004; Vice-President from 2004-2005; President-Elect from 2005-2006; to his role as MAJ past president. It is because of Jesse Reiter's character and reputation as an outstanding person and trial lawyer that his colleagues and peers have elected Jesse to serve as past president, the highest leadership position within the Michigan Association for Justice.

Attorney Jesse Reiter serves as a case evaluator in Michigan's Wayne and Oakland Counties and is a frequent speaker and moderator at seminars. He is involved in the American Association for Justice (AAJ) where he is currently the Co-Chair of the Birth Trauma Litigation Group, as well as a Fellow of the AAJ National College of Advocacy, participating regularly in intensive focus group workshops. Jesse Reiter served as co-editor of the Birth Trauma Litigation Group Newsletter from July of 2009 through July of 2011, and he is currently editor of the AAJ's Professional Negligence Section newsletter. Mr. Reiter is currently Secretary of the Professional Negligence Section. Mr. Reiter has been a member of the MAJ Judicial Qualifications Committee since 2004 and has been Co-Chair of that committee since 2008. Mr. Reiter is also a member of the District of Columbia Bar Association, the Michigan Bar Association, the Oakland County Bar Association (Past Chair, Negligence Committee), the American Bar Association, the Ohio Association for Justice, the Academy of Trial Advocacy, and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. He is a lifetime member of The Fellows of the Michigan State Bar Foundation. Mr. Reiter has also appeared in Who's Who in American Law, Who's Who, and Who's Who Among Rising Young Americans. He is currently listed in Best Lawyers in America, Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine, DBusiness Magazine's Top Lawyers, Crain's Detroit Business's The Best Lawyers in Metro Detroit and under Metro Detroit’s Top Ten Personal Injury Lawyers.  

Mr. Reiter makes extensive use of focus groups and mock trials in his daily law practice and trial preparation. His wife Susan, is a trial consultant and co-owner and president of InFocus Research Group, a corporation which conducts mock trials and focus groups. This allows Mr. Reiter to test cases on a frequent basis. Mr. Reiter and his wife were interviewed and featured in an article about the value of focus groups which appeared in Michigan Lawyers Weekly's January 29, 2007 edition, entitled: Test driving Arguments - Focus Groups and mock juries could mean the difference between winning and losing.

Jesse Reiter has a passion for the practice of law and achieves a great sense of personal satisfaction from helping injured kids and their families. He enjoys the challenges of cross-examination and finds nothing more satisfying than a hard-fought cross-examination where a doctor or nurse admits to malpractice. Many times he has been able to discover that medical records were altered to cover up malpractice. Jesse Reiter's drive is fueled by his desire to help his young clients to obtain their dream of semi-independent living and some semblance of a normal life.

"As a young boy growing up, I remember my father telling me: 'There are people who represent the people and there are people who represent the powerful, and we in our family represent the people.' I have never forgotten these words. I bring to my work a burning desire to help the people - injured children and their families - to the best of my ability each and every day." Mr. Reiter has won multiple million dollar settlements and verdicts for injured kids for many years now. Meticulous attention to detail and exhaustive preparation are the keys to success. "I tell people I have the greatest job in the world and it's true."

– Jesse Reiter

Jesse M. Reiter: Speeches and Seminars

  • May, 1998: Speaker, MAJ Rapid Fire Seminar entitled "Medical Record Alterations."
  • November 7, 2003: Moderator, MAJ Medical Malpractice Seminar entitled "Medical Malpractice."
  • December 3, 2004: Moderator, MAJ Medical Malpractice Seminar entitled "Medical Malpractice: Winning in a Hostile Environment."
  • May 13, 2005: Speaker, MAJ Annual Rapid Fire Seminar entitled "Focus Groups: Not just for Trial any More."
  • May 14, 2005: Moderator, 60th Annual MAJ Banquet
  • May 22, 2005: Speaker, MAJ Evening Forum: "Daubert/Frye: Using Science to Prove Your Claim." - Topic: Birth Trauma and Daubert/Frye.
  • May 13, 2006: Speaker, 61st Annual MAJ Banquet
  • September, 23, 2006 - Speaker/Participant in Mock Trial Presentation - "American Association of Nurse Life Care Planners 6th Annual Educational Conference."
  • October 6, 2006 - Moderator, MAJ Medical Malpractice Seminar entitled "Michigan Medmal Law Update Caution: Not for the Faint of Heart."
  • November 2, 2006 - Guest Lecturer, University of Detroit Mercy Law School, Lecture entitled "Admissibility of Scientific Evidence : Daubert; Davis-Frye."
  • January 25, 2007 - Featured Speaker, MAJ 2007 Deposition Workshop - a Legal Workshop for New Lawyers and Student Members.
  • May 4, 2007 - Speaker, Rapid Fire Seminar, Using Focus Groups Early in Discovery: Learning your Strengths and Weaknesses in Time to Make a Difference.
  • October 11, 2007 - Moderator, MAJ Medical Malpractice Seminar entitled "The Medical Malpractice (ISN'T) For Dummies Seminar."
  • November 27, 2007 - Guest Lecturer, University of Detroit Mercy Law School, Lecture entitled "Admissibility of Scientific Evidence : Daubert; Davis-Frye."
  • 2008 - Article Reviewer, American Association for Justice, Professional Negligence Law Reporter.
  • "Emergency Cesarean Sections: When 30 Minutes is Not Fast Enough" published in the Birth Trauma Litigation Group Newsletter for July, 2008
  • “Oxytocin: The New ‘High Alert’ Medication”, co-authored with Juliana Plastiras, published in the Birth Trauma Litigation Group Newsletter for July, 2009
  • November 13, 2008 - Moderator, MAJ Medical Malpractice Seminar entitled "Your Medical Malpractice Case Still Needs Critical Care: The Essential Updates."
  • Quoted in Michigan Lawyers Weekly Article “Majority rules on `majority’ rule”, Vol. 23, No. 27 May 18, 2009
  • Speaker/Participant in American Association of Nurse Life Care Planners 7th Annual Educational Conference” (October, 2009)
  • November 12, 2009 - Moderator, MAJ Medical Malpractice Seminar entitled "Seeking Recovery for Medical Malpractice in Michigan: Is There Light at the End of the Tunnel?"
  • Co-Editor, BTLG Newsletter July, 2009 - July, 2011
  • July, 2010: Speaker, AAJ Annual Covention, Birth Trauma Litigation Group Seminar Presentation entitled "Vaginal Birth after Cesarean Section (“VBAC”)"
  • November 12, 2010 - Moderator, MAJ Medical Malpractice Seminar entitled "Winning Strategies for Med Mal Cases."
  • November 29, 2010 - Co-Author, “Solving the statute of limitations puzzle for minors in medical malpractice cases”, Published in Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Vol. 25, No. 3
  • 2011, Awarded American Association for Justice’s 2011 Outstanding Newsletter for the Professional Negligence Section Fall 2011 Newsletter
  • Moderator, AAJ’s Litigating Medical Negligence and Injured Infant Cases Seminar – April 8-9, 2011 in Miami, FL
  • Winter/Spring, 2011 - Author, “Letter from the Editor”, Published in the Professional Negligence Newsletter, Vol. 18, No. 1
  • January, 2011; July, 2011 & February, 2012 - Co-Author, “Letter from the Co-Chairs”, Published in the Birth Trauma Litigation Group Newsletters - Summer and Winter 2011 Editions
  • October 14 - 15, 2011 - Co-Ordinator & Moderator - Birth Trauma Conference in Amsterdam, held jointly by the American Association for Justice’s Birth trauma Litigation Group and the Pan European Organization of Personal Injury Lawyers 
  • November, 2011: Speaker, MAJ New Lawyers “Expert Deposition Workshop” :  Presentation titled “Cross-Exam of Defendants – Getting Admissions.”
  • December 2, 2011 - Moderator, MAJ Medical Malpractice Seminar
  • February, 2012 - Co-Author, “Forcep Deliveries: Are They Worth The Risk?” Published in the Birth Trauma Litigation Group Newsletter

Interviews

Rebecca Walsh

Rebecca Walsh began her career working in the insurance industry both as a claims adjuster and as defense counsel. She also taught Legal Methods at Cooley Law School as an adjunct professor. In 2010, she was accepted at the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College and successfully completed that program in July, 2010. For the past 20 years she has worked as a trial attorney prosecuting high profile personal injury lawsuits and successfully obtaining numerous verdicts and settlements in excess of $1 million for her clients. Rebecca is a member of the AAJ’s Birth Trauma Litigation Group, and a sustaining member of Michigan Association for Justice, where she serves on the executive board and on several committees, including the Amicus Committee. She has been chair of the Daubert section of the Amicus Committee since 2006. Rebecca’s recent accolades include recognition for the pro bono work she did with Trial Lawyers Care (TLC) representing victims of 9/11 to receive compensation for their injuries after the terrorist attacks; being named Michigan Association for Justice Pacesetter and her selection to Michigan Super Lawyers in 2010 and 2011. Rebecca is frequently invited to speak on legal issues, including insurance litigation and trial practices, and has published several articles on these topics.

Education

  • Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Juris Doctor
  • Central Michigan University, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Memberships & Appointments

  • State Bar of Michigan, 1991
  • United States District Court
  • Eastern District of Michigan, 1996
  • Western District of Michigan, 2007
  • Additional States Admitted to Practice Pro Hac Vice: Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Mexico, South Carolina, Virginia
  • American Association for Justice Member – 2011
  • Birth Trauma Litigation Group Member - 2011
  • Michigan Association for Justice – Sustaining Member
  • Executive Board, 2007- Present
  • Amicus Committee, 2006-Present; Co-Chair Daubert/Causation 2006-Present
  • Community Coalition Committee Co-Chair, 2007-2008
  • Young Lawyers Committee Co-Chair, 2007-Present
  • Media Committee
  • People’s Law School Committee
  • Mentor law students
  • Ronald McDonald House Charities Board of Directors – 2009 - Present
  • Thomas M. Cooley Law School
  • Alumni Association Board of Governors
  • Extern Supervisor
  • Student Mentor
  • National Trial Team Member – John Marshall Competition
  • Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity
  • Federal Bar Association Member – 2008-2010
  • Justice Caucus Board of Directors – 2009 – present
  • Oakland Gymnastics Booster Club, Founder and President, 2008-Present
  • Huron Valley School Board, Elected to a four year term beginning January, 2010
  • Auxiliary Committee – 2010
  • Education Committee – 2010-2011
  • Athletics Committee – 2010-2011
  • Middle School Utilization Committee – 2010-2011
  • Communications Committee Chair – 2010-2011
  • Huron Valley Schools, Year Round Task Force, 2008

Awards

  • Selected to Michigan Superlawyers 2010, 2011
  • Certificate of Appreciation - Roseville Community Schools Project Challenge Program, 2008
  • U.S. District Court – Eastern District of Michigan, Certificate of Appreciation, Pro Bono Recognition, Recognition for work done with Trial Lawyers Care (TLC) representing victims of 9/11 to receive compensation for their injuries after the terrorist attack, 2007
  • Michigan Association for Justice Pacesetter – 2007
  • Martindale-Hubble BV rating
  • Appreciation Award presented by the Thomas M. Cooley Law School Law Student Division of the American Bar Association, 2004
  • Student Bar Association Outstanding Service Award

Lectures

  • Speaker – “Legal Ways to Leave Your Employer/Lose Your Employee" – Michigan Association for Justice, Rapid Fire Seminar, May 4, 2012
  • Moderator – “How To’s of Trial Practice from Start to Finish!,” – Michigan Association for Justice, April 1, 2011
  • “What Judges Want You to Know,” NBI, Inc., Southfield, MI – May 8, 2009
  • “Daubert Update,” Michigan Association for Justice, Novi, MI, November 13, 2008
  • “Is this a Case? Can I Handle It?,” Michigan Association for Justice, New Lawyers Seminar, September 10, 2008<
  • “The Verdict is in...Now What?,” Michigan Association for Justice Rapid Fire Seminar, May 8, 2008
  • Moderator and Organizer – “The Verdict is in...Now What?,” Michigan Association for Justice, January 31, 2008
  • “Evidence and Expert Testimony Best Practices: Supporting Your Case,” National Business Institute, Southfield, MI, June 21, 2007
  • “Personal Injury Case Management for Seasoned Litigators,” National Business Institute, Southfield, MI, May 24, 2007
  • “Anticipating the Use of DaubertFrye” Using Science to Prove Your Claim, DaubertFrye Forum, Michigan Association for Justice, May 22, 2006
  • “The ABCs of Federal Practice,” Michigan Association for Justice, May, 2006
  • “Keys to Successful PreTrial Preparation in Michigan,” NBI, Inc., January, 2005
  • “Damages Caps and their Effect on the Judiciary,” International Legal Studies, Vienna, Austria, 2004
  • “Governmental Immunity Issues in Michigan,” Lorman Education Services, May, 2004
  • “Challenges in Michigan Insurance Coverage Litigation,” National Business Institute, Southfield, MI, November 7, 2002
  • “Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Law in Michigan,” National Business Institute, Southfield, MI, February 26, 2002
  • “Adjusting the Automobile Injury Claim,” National Business Institute, Southfield, MI, March 24, 1999

Publications

  • Rebecca S. Walsh, “What Judges Want You to Know,” NBI, Inc., Southfield, MI, May, 2009
  • Rebecca S. Walsh, “Daubert Update,” Michigan Association for Justice, Novi, MI, November 13, 2008
  • Rebecca S. Walsh, “The Verdict is in...Now What?,” Michigan Association for Justice, 2008
  • Daniel V. Padilla, Rebecca S. Walsh, and Martin C. Weisman, “Evidence and Expert Testimony Best Practices:
  • Supporting Your Case,” NBI, Inc. 2007
  • Margaret A. Costello and Rebecca S. Walsh, “Personal Injury Case Management for Seasoned Litigators,” NBI, Inc., 2007
  • Rebecca S. Walsh, “The ABCs of Federal Practice,” Michigan Association for Justice, 2006
  • Rebecca S. Walsh, “Using Science to Prove Your Claim,” DaubertFrye Forum, Michigan Association for Justice, May, 2006
  • Rebecca S. Walsh, “Keys to Successful PreTrial Preparation in Michigan,” NBI, Inc., 2005
  • Rebecca S. Walsh, “Governmental Immunity Issues in Michigan,” Lorman Education Services, 2004
  • Rebecca S. Walsh and Mark E. Williams, “Challenges in Michigan Insurance Coverage Litigation,” NBI, Inc., 2002
  • Rebecca S. Walsh and Mark E. Williams, “Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Law in Michigan,” NBI, Inc., 2002
  • Douglas Moseley and Rebecca S. Walsh, “Adjusting the Automobile Injury Claim,” NBI, Inc., 1999

Juliana Sabatini Plastiras

Juliana Plastiras is an associate attorney of Reiter & Walsh, P.C. and American Baby & Child Law Centers. Ms. Plastiras received her Bachelor's Degree in Accounting at Oakland University in 2001, and her Juris Doctorate from Cooley Law School in 2003. She graduated Cum Laude (with Honors), Dean's List, Law Review, and Class Senator. Ms. Plastiras was recently honored as a Michigan Lawyers Weekly 2008 Up & Coming Lawyer.

Ms. Plastiras has prior experience with a major insurance defense law firm in Detroit on the Birth Trauma Team. After some years, Ms. Plastiras came back to what she truly believed in, representing children with special needs. She is honored to represent all of the clients and uses her efforts to help each one of them and their families.

Ms. Plastiras is a member and executive board member of Michigan Association for Justice (MAJ). She is also a Member of American Association for Justice (AAJ), and a Member of the AAJ National College of Trial Advocacy and the Birth Trauma Litigation Group. She was listed in DBusiness Magazine's Top Lawyers for 2010, and has been selected to Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine Rising Stars in 2009, 2010 and 2011. In November, 2011, Ms. Plastiras Moderated the MAJ New Lawyers “Expert Deposition Workshop”.  In 2009, she co-authored an article titled  “Oxytocin: The New ‘High Alert’ Medication”, published in the Birth Trauma Litigation Group Newsletter. She also co-authored “Solving the statute of limitations puzzle for minors in medical malpractice cases”, published in Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Vol. 25, No. 3, November 29, 2010 and “Forcep Deliveries: Are They Worth The Risk?” published in the Birth Trauma Litigation Group Newsletter in February 2012.