With over 30 years of experience, Attorney Barry C. Schroder is dedicated to helping clients in Grand Rapids navigate workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability claims. When you choose SchroderLaw to represent you, you benefit from Barry’s extensive experience and deep commitment to advocating for people with disabilities.
Barry’s dedication to disability law is personal. While he was a student at New Buffalo High School, his father became disabled and faced significant challenges applying for government benefits. Witnessing these struggles firsthand inspired Barry to pursue a career in law to help others overcome similar obstacles.
During his time at Michigan State University, Barry gained firsthand experience serving his community. He interned with the New Buffalo Police Department and worked for the local funeral home and ambulance service. His experiences as a police cadet—and the path that led him to law school—were featured on NPR’s The Story in a segment titled “Shootout in New Buffalo.”
Barry began his legal career at a large Grand Rapids law firm, representing clients in Workers’ Compensation, Social Security Disability, and discrimination cases. One of his most notable cases involved advocating for his former police mentor, Ed Lyons, who had played a key role in inspiring Barry’s legal career.
In 1986, Governor Jim Blanchard appointed Barry to the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board, where he was soon promoted to Workers’ Compensation Magistrate—a trial judge handling disability claims. Over two terms as a magistrate, he presided over more than 12,000 cases. Following his judicial service, Barry founded SchroderLaw, P.C. in Grand Rapids, where he continues to fight for the rights of disabled workers and individuals seeking Social Security Disability benefits.
Bar admission
- State of Michigan
Education
- New Buffalo High School
- Michigan State University, B.A., criminal justice, with high honors
- Wayne State University Law School, J.D., 1980
Professional organizations