Committed. Compassionate. Respected. Responsive.

Committed. Compassionate. Respected. Responsive.

Patrick J. Wilson

Emeritus
Traverse City, Michigan
info@wilsonkester.com
Patrick J. Wilson

Bar Admissions

1963

Education

Michigan State University (Bachelor’s)

University of Michigan Law School (Juris Doctor) – 1963

Honors & Recognitions

SBM Kimberly Cahill award

Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen Award, 1998

Madeline Thomas award, GTLA Bar Association

Grand Traverse Area MSU Alumni Club

NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four

Rosebowl – QB behind Earl Morrel

Past President, GTLA Bar Association

Past President, Chamber of Commerce

Past President Michigan Society of Hospital Attorneys

MSU Board of Trustees

State Board of Ethics

State Officer’s Compensation Commission

Helped launch Rotary Charities in 1970s, which since its creation has given out more than 56 million to not for profit organizations in five northwestern Michigan counties as of 2017

Created partnership between Northwestern Michigan College and Park Place Hotel that allowed the school to form a culinary arts program at the venerable Traverse City landmark

Facilitated the founding of the Leelanau County Northwestern Michigan Horticultural Research Station

Patrick J. Wilson has been engaged in the general practice of law since 1963, with emphasis in: estate planning, wills & trusts, probate, real estate, general & professional business, corporate & business law, non-profit organizations, healthcare, labor and school law.

Pat was admitted to the Michigan Supreme Court and U.S District and 6th Circuit, Court of Appeals and is a past president of the Grand Traverse-Leelanau-Antrim Bar Association. With a long history of community service, he served as a board member and past president of the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce and served on the board for the Grand Traverse YMCA. Pat is a former member of the Board of Trustees for Michigan State University, receiving gubernatorial appointments to the State Board of Ethics and the State Officers Compensation Commission. He was named distinguished Citizen of the Year by the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, and Distinguished Alumni by Michigan State University. He is a recipient of the State Bar of Michigan’s Kim Cahill Award. Pat was also named Boss of the Year by the Grand Traverse Area Legal Professionals Association.

Pat has the unique history of having been a member of both the MSU 1956 Rose Bowl team and the MSU 1957 Final Four Basketball Team. Pat is a former United States Army pilot with a tour of duty to Korea. He married his college sweetheart, Sharalee Carter Wilson, in 1960. They are the proud parents of Shelley A. Kester and four other children, and are blessed with fourteen grandchildren.

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“I recently went through an incredibly difficult divorce, and I am pleased to say that Wilson Kester provided invaluable assistance throughout the entire process. I cannot speak highly enough of their professionalism, expertise, and dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for their clients."

— Former Client

“Shelley was compassionate and understanding through the whole process. She has an aptitude on how to read people and was very instrumental in helping me deal with my ex-husband effectively.”

— Former Client

“She is well respected in the professional community, which was evident in our court proceedings. Shelley and her staff made me feel extremely comfortable and I knew that my best interest was at heart.”

— Former Client

“My inquiries and concerns were always promptly and thoroughly addressed, even beyond regular business hours. Ms. Kester is extremely knowledgeable in the area of family law.”

— Former Client