Mowitt (Mitt) S. Drew III

Known for his tenacious litigation style coupled with an innovative approach to providing effective solutions in myriad legal scenarios, Mitt has provided clients with the favorable outcomes they require in a variety of disputes. Mitt focuses his practice in the areas of Family Law and Personal Services, Family Office Business, Real Estate Law, Estate Planning, Municipal Law, and Corporate matters.

Mitt’s Business Law experience includes corporate formation and governance, succession planning, and mergers and acquisitions. Throughout his career, Mitt has had the privilege of representing closely-held, generational, and family corporations, numerous local nonprofits, and municipalities. When serving in a corporate counsel role, he has successfully supported his corporate clients by providing value-added guidance at the speed of business.

When disputes arise, Mitt is prepared to protect clients’ personal interests and those important to their businesses. His strong background as a litigator, including real estate litigation, commercial and contract matters, probate and trust litigation, and more, have repeatedly led to successful outcomes. His experience encompasses counseling, negotiation, and litigation of disputes in all levels of the court system, including mediation, arbitration, and facilitation.

Mitt represents individuals and business entities in a broad range of family office business and family law matters focusing on wealth preservation and meaningful transitions. The depth of his experience includes estate planning, probate and trust administration, and matters such as high net worth divorce, custody, paternity, and related matters. In the realm of the family office, he handles all aspects of the multitude of legal services required by entrepreneurs running operations of all sizes including labor and employment, succession planning, philanthropic endeavors, and more.

In the often complex area of Real Estate Law, Mitt provides clients with counsel and representation concerning the sale and acquisition of property and land use and zoning matters. He is well-acquainted with the countless jurisdictional and governmental regulations inherent in real estate matters at all levels of government.

Mitt is Managing Shareholder of the firm’s Southwest Michigan office. He enjoys strong relationships among clients and the community in Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana. Having established deep roots in the area, he freely gives his time to numerous local philanthropic organizations. In one such organization, the YMCA of Greater Michiana, he serves as chairperson where he has led growth through the consolidation and regional partnership of several branches.

Prior to joining Butzel, Mitt served on the board of directors and as the managing director and general counsel for a large firm with offices across Michigan. He received his juris doctor from Valparaiso University School of Law and his Bachelor of General Studies from the University of Michigan. He has been recognized time and again by various prestigious legal publications in the areas of Family Law, Commercial Litigation, and Land Use, Zoning and Condemnation Law.

All Related Practice Areas

Education

Valparaiso University School of Law, J.D.

University of Michigan, B.G.S.

Admissions

Memberships

• State Bar of Michigan
• American Bar Association
• Berrien County Bar Association - Past President 
• Cass County Bar Association - President, 2022-present
• Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys
• Michigan Municipal League
• Collaborative Practice Institute of Michigan
• International Academy of Collaborative Professionals

Awards & Recognitions

Martindale-Hubbell® - Peer Review Rated AV-Preeminent®

The Best Lawyers in America®- Family Law, 2019-2024

The Best Lawyers in America® - Lawyer of the Year - Kalamazoo Area, Family Law, 2022

Michigan Super Lawyers - Family Law, 2023

Leading Lawyers - Commercial Litigation; Family Law; Land Use, Zoning and Condemnation Law, 2019-2023

Leader Publications, Reader’s Choice, Best of the Best - Silver Winner 2015-2017, Gold Winner 2018, Silver Winner 2019-2020

Community & Professional

YMCA of Greater Michiana - Board of Directors, President

City of Niles, Parks and Recreation - Board of Directors, former President

Fernwood Botanical Gardens

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berrien & Cass Counties

Detroit Athletic Club (DAC) – Member

Lost Dunes – Member