Doug earned his undergraduate degree in Anthropology from the University of Michigan and his law degree from Michigan State University College of Law. While in law school, Doug served as an Articles Editor and Sanctions Committee member on the International Law Review, as well as maintaining membership in the Business and Securities Law Institute. He also interned for Judge James S. Jamo of the Ingham County Circuit Court. Doug’s interest in business law culminated in his receipt of the Jurisprudence Achievement Award for the highest grade achieved in his Contract Drafting course.

Doug’s interest in business, and commercial law generally, derives from his multitude of experience before entering the practice of law. He previously worked in commercial real estate leasing at one of the largest mall REITs in the United States, as a manager at a midsize manufacturing plant in Michigan, and as an assistant golf professional at a club on Chicago’s north shore. Prior to joining Zausmer, Doug gained valuable experience representing school districts, focusing on business and contract law, labor union negotiations, labor and employment matters, and construction disputes. His experience both in and outside law places him in a unique position to connect with his clients from a point of shared experience and understanding.

Doug is married and remains close with his immediate and large extended family, who gather multiple times yearly. He and his wife enjoy spending time outdoors with friends and family, especially in Doug’s Northern Michigan hometown of Petoskey and his family’s cottage in the Upper Peninsula’s Les Cheneaux Islands. Doug enjoys teaching golf with the First Tee of Greater Detroit, is an avid runner, and spends as much time on the lake as possible. When he isn’t at work, you’ll find him with his wife or friends, trying new restaurants, golfing, boating, and skiing.