Attorney Dustyn Coontz

Growing up in Lansing, Dustyn was mostly a pretty quiet kid—except in two types of situations: (1) when there was a playground bully, and (2) when it was time to show off his smarts in class. Standing up to bullies and running intellectual circles around people is what Dustyn was born to do. Put another way: being a criminal-defense attorney who gives regular folks a shot against the Government is what Dustyn Coontz was born to do.

Dustyn went to Waverly schools K-12, where he played football and lacrosse while balancing honors and AP classes, eventually graduating near the top of the class. He then attended Spring Arbor University, where he founded a student organization that raised money to build schools in sub-Saharan Africa, graduated second in his class, and met the woman who eventually became his wife.

His passion for international human rights took Dustyn to an internship in Washington DC where he became fascinated with international criminal law, leading him to study for the LSAT and apply to law school. Dustyn got a full ride to the Michigan State College of Law, where he served on the Law Review and graduated summa cum laude. While at MSU Law, Dustyn became passionate about fighting for human rights here on our home soil.

His first job out of law school was supposed to be in the Air Force JAG Corps, but prior medical issues kept him from serving our country in that capacity. Dustyn found his way to the chambers of the Honorable Jennie E. Barkey at the Genesee County Probate Court. Knowing Dustyn wanted to practice criminal defense, Judge Barkey introduced him to a gentleman named Michael P. Manley. Dustyn worked for Mike for a year and a half before starting his own criminal-defense law firm in Lansing.

After almost eight years of successfully running his own firm, Dustyn had the chance to reunite with Mike—and all the rest of the sharks at Manley & Manley—to help grow what he thinks is the best criminal-defense law firm in the State of Michigan. And he couldn’t be happier.

Dustyn has been married to Stephanie since the day after his 25th birthday. They are grateful to be Lily’s mom and dad, and they all love their dog Archie. Dustyn is a die-hard Lions fan (well before they were ever good), enjoys lifting heavy weights, and plays rugby for the Capital Area Crisis in his free time.