Brandon Grysko enjoyed being a Livonia police officer “with the best police department in the state” and working in his hometown. But his desire to have the flexibility to spend more time with his family was the genesis of his decision to go to law school and become a lawyer.

It turned out to be a perfect fit for the 2008 Livonia Churchill graduate.

He graduated magna cum laude and was second in his class at Western Michigan University Cooley Law School. In 2018 he joined Jim Fausone’s community-focused Michigan law firm based in Northville, which has been helping people and businesses navigate a wide range of legal issues for three decades.

The name was recently changed to Fausone & Grysko.

In just five years, Grysko went from a proud Livonia police officer to having his name on the building of one of the most prestigious law firms in Michigan.

It wasn’t an easy transition.

“Going to law school while working as a police officer with kids was a challenge and my wife picked up a lot of the slack,” said Grysko, who added that his wife is a “saint”.

“I brought a good work ethic to the table and gradually started to hit all the milestones and then the conversation of me possibly becoming a partner started and I saw it as a great opportunity.”

Jim Fausone, who has a deep commitment to community, was a founding partner and launched the firm in 1995. They focus on corporate and business law, probate and estates and municipal law, along with civil litigation and environmental regulatory work.

Fausone said he was proud to name Grysko an equity partner in the firm.

“We have been here in Northville for 27 years, and it’s time for a new and younger leadership that will be here for many more years,” he said. “As I retire out, Brandon will take on more of the managing of the firm’s business responsibilities. Because he has that experience of being a police officer, he is great at dealing with people and can realize when he might not be getting all the facts from someone.”

The firm’s other partners are Christopher Frescoln, an experienced civil trial lawyer and leader of the firm’s civil litigation practice, and Mike McNamara, lead prosecutor in the 18th District Court of Westland.

Grysko currently serves as counsel to businesses, nonprofit entities, as well as local government boards and commissions. His practice includes employment, HR and labor relations issues, commercial contracts and transactions, business succession planning, and real estate/land-use transactions. He also helps individuals and families with their estate planning goals and probate and trust administration needs.

Grysko earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Madonna University and remains active in the community through the Livonia-Westland Chamber of Commerce and other community causes.

“The firm has a great structure with wonderful employees who are doing great work,” Grysko said. “I think with the help of technology we will be able to take it to the next level. It’s all about how we can provide our clients with the best service, and making sure we have the best tools and technology in place so our attorneys feel supported and can provide the excellence in legal services that Jim Fausone has been providing for 30 years.”