Stowers, PLLC
The beginning
I have dedicated this page to share the story behind the firm’s name, Stowers. It is an inspiring story, that I treasure. I hope you will consider reading on.
When I was planning the details around my firm I considered doing the obvious thing and naming it after myself, but thankfully I decided otherwise. I have always been a history enthusiast and as a child I enjoyed listening to stories of my own family history. Today, I often think about the legacy I will leave for my five children and the stories they will tell. Here I would like to share the legacy of my great-great-grandfather Walter Haslip Stowers, the man behind the name.
Walter Haslip Stowers was born February 7, 1859 in Canada, where his parents, Jesse and Hester Stowers, had fled to escape the persecution of slavery. At the age of seven, his family relocated to Detroit, MI where Walter received his formal education. Walter graduated from Detroit High School in 1879 and went on to attend Mayhew’s Business University from which he graduated in 1883. Soon thereafter, Walter entered law school. Walter became the first of two black graduates from Detroit College of Law, which is now Michigan State University College of Law. Walter was admitted to the Michigan State Bar in 1895.
Walter’s legal career saw many accomplishments, including arguing multiple cases before the Michigan Supreme Court. His crowning achievement, though, was co-founding The Detroit Plaindealer, a newspaper dedicated to covering topics relevant to the African American community. The mission of The Plaindealer was: “To overcome distrust; to demonstrate that The Plaindealer is an impartial advocate of everything for the welfare of Afro-Americans; to set an example that there is no field of labor which cannot be successfully explored and cultivated by the Afro-American who is energetic and painstaking; to provide a medium for the encouragement of literary work; for the creation of a distinctive and favorable Afro-American sentiment; for the dislodgment of prejudice; and for the encouragement of patriotism.” The Plaindealer saw tremendous success throughout Southeast Michigan and stood as one of its vital institutions.
Over a century after Walter Stowers began his legal career, I, Nathan M. Saunders, Walter’s great-great-grandson, formed Stowers, PLLC. The firm was founded to carry on the ideals embodied in Walter’s life work: commitment to service; excellence in legal representation; and cultivation of an environment in which both business owners and laborers can successfully explore their chosen fields by any lawful means. With over a decade of real-world business acumen combined with top-notch legal education and experience, I am uniquely positioned to serve your legal needs.
Let’s talk legal
No matter what your legal needs are, feel free to reach out. If I can’t help, I’ll point you in the right direction.