Shanel T. Thomas, Esq. is a Metro Detroit-based attorney whose practice is rooted in GRIT: defined by guts, resilience, integrity, and tenacity. She earned her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Michigan State University.

Since entering practice, Ms. Thomas has handled complex civil and criminal matters across Michigan’s state and federal courts, including high-stakes litigation involving Fortune 500 companies, multi-claimant arbitrations, felony jury trials, and sophisticated corporate and employment disputes. Her experience spans roles at large-size law firms, Michigan's largest county prosecutor’s office, Michigan's largest Plaintiff's personal injury firm, and federal court, where she has argued dispositive motions, managed cases from inception through resolution, and advised clients in high-pressure, legally and emotionally sensitive situations. Ms. Thomas is also the founder of The Legal Laboratory, LLC - a platform designed to increase the representation of minorities in the legal field by aiding in pre-law preparation, law school application assistance, and general law school advising.

Thomas Legal Advisory was founded to bring that same rigor and clarity to estate planning, ensuring individuals and families receive thoughtful, practical guidance built on preparation, accountability, and long-term protection.