About Us
Our Origin Story
Recently, in a land not so far away, lived a lawyer named Angel Rodriguez. Jaded by unpleasant experiences in corporate America, and desperate to find a schedule that would allow her the time she needed to raise her miracle baby – born after 14 years of infertility – and to care for her husband who suffers from a genetic disorder called Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Angel decided it was time to hang her own shingle, and ACR Law Office was born. In its infancy, ACR Law offered general legal services, but given the founder’s passion for service, and her experience at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School Estate Planning Clinic, Angel decided to focus her practice on Estate Planning and Long-Term Care solutions. While growing this fledgling firm, Angel discovered the long list of people in need of legal representation for guardianship and conservator cases, mental illness proceedings, and other probate matters, as well as the very short list of attorneys available to represent those in need. So, Angel donned her cape, and joined the ranks of Probate Court Appointed Attorneys.
Within a year, ACR Law expanded its services to include Trusts and Special Needs Planning. This was also when Angel realized that the success she was experiencing was negatively impacting the family-friendly schedule she required. At this time, while assisting another firm with a litigation project, Angel met another attorney, Brianne Gidcumb. During their work on this project, the two women found they were both raised in blue-collar, family-oriented homes, enjoyed a challenge, and have dedicated themselves to service. They exhibit a strong work ethic, love of books, and are committed to excellence and integrity in their personal and professional lives. However, they also found some significant differences. Angel is not athletic in any way, but Brianne loves playing and watching sports. Angel loves reading the Classics, while one will usually find Brianne with a Stephen King or Louis L’Amour book in hand. Angel loves her tiny Chihuahua, Macho; Brianne is a regular dogsitter to a big, silly Lab named Earl. The list goes on…
In your average origin story, so many fundamental similarities and differences usually lead to the development of a nemesis. Fortunately, for Angel and Brianne, the story is much more exciting. What started out as a short-term contract meant to temporarily lighten the workload for Angel evolved into an amazing partnership. ACR Law experienced fast and furious growth, and now serves clients throughout the State of Michigan – including the UP!
ACR Law has reached the next stage in its evolution. The firm is thrilled to sprout into Michigan White Pine Law, with a new look, expanded services, and a brand new website.
The best part? Clients still have the same great team of attorneys dedicated to serving families navigating the Estate Planning Process. Learn more about the individuals below!
Our Values
Michigan White Pine Law – A firm rooted in compassion, service, and inclusion.
Compassion is rooted in the recognition of the humanity of others, and the desire to alleviate the stress or suffering of those with whom we interact.
At MWPL, we practice compassion not only with our clients and our communities, but toward ourselves, too. Lawyers are human, and our humanity deserves the same mindful understanding and grace we offer others. Working and living a compassionate life allows for deeper connections with clients and the community.
While MWPL doesn’t expect our approach to practicing law to harmonize the entire world, we DO recognize the fact that through compassion, we might provide peace for one person, one couple, or one family each time we create an estate plan.
Service is a contribution to the welfare of others.
As a law firm rooted in service, MWPL cares deeply about providing a high-quality, meaningful experience to the clients we serve. This service mindset extends to include supporting our community, our colleagues, and our team.
Inclusion is a state of belonging, in which people of different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are valued, integrated, and welcomed equitably as clients and colleagues. Ultimately, inclusion is the environment that allows our differences to thrive.
MWPL recognizes and appreciates the value in humanity. We welcome all people to our law firm, and respect those we serve. Distinct identities, perspectives, and worldviews enhance our society, provide everyone an opportunity to learn and grow, and make our law firm, our lawyers, our clients, and our communities stronger.
Our Team
Angel C. Rodriguez, Esq.
I focus my practice on Estate Planning, Estate Administration, Guardianship, and Conservatorship, and serve as the “face” of Michigan White Pine Law. I am an active member of the Macomb County Probate Bar Association, as well as the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan.
I graduated from Oakland University with a Bachelor of Arts in East Asian Studies – Japanese Language and Culture. Following my graduation, I traveled the world as a part-time missionary with various Christian organizations, spreading the Word of God through my love of music. In addition to my missionary work, I worked in sales, office administration, music instruction, and even started my own music business with my husband.
Eventually, I decided it was time to follow my childhood dream of helping others using the law. I was a scholarship student at Thomas M. Cooley Law School, and was very involved with Phi Alpha Delta fraternity, and the Christian Legal Society. I also had the pleasure of working for the Honorable Michael Warren in Oakland County during law school, and am pleased to have earned my Juris Doctor from Cooley Law.
Following my graduation, I served as an Associate at a small firm, but realized I would be better able to serve others by opening my own law practice. As owner of ACR Law, I worked as an Estate Planner, designing custom Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Trusts, and helped small businesses get started on the right path. I was also regularly appointed by Macomb County Probate Court to represent the disabled and mentally ill in our community, and continue these activities today at Michigan White Pine Law.
In addition to my legal service, and my church ministry, I am a dedicated wife and mother. I love spending time with my family, and we make a point to camp nearly every weekend in the summer. We love exploring new campgrounds, and getting to know our great State!
Brianne M. Gidcumb
I focus my practice at Michigan White Pine Law in the Estate Planning and the Veterans Pension Planning Departments, and maintain the Veterans Affairs accreditation for our office. I am a member of the Elder Law and Disability Rights Section of the State Bar of Michigan, serving on the Caregiver Contracts Special Committee, as well as the Membership Committee.
I graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and earned my Juris Doctor from Michigan State University College of Law, with concentrations in Intellectual Property Law and Corporate Law. I was awarded Dean’s List recognition in both Sports Law and Entertainment Law. Upon graduating from law school, I worked for Elder Law of Michigan, where I provided legal aid to Michigan’s senior citizens, and drafted an End-of-Life Preparation Guide.
Prior to joining ACR Law, the predecessor of Michigan White Pine Law, I spent over ten years working in professional baseball. I handled all aspects of the business of baseball with Minor League teams in Michigan and California, and served as part of the sales, service, and marketing teams with Major League Baseball’s Oakland Athletics.
I have been an active volunteer in every community in which I have lived, dedicating time to organizations such as the USO, the Honor Flight Network, BUILD, local food banks, Wardrobe for Opportunity, Soldiers’ Angels, and anywhere else I am needed. My work with veterans served as the inspiration for my move away from professional sports, and toward building a law practice focused on providing Estate Planning assistance to America’s soldiers and veterans.
In my spare time, I volunteer, spend time with my family in Flint, explore the outdoors, and try new sports. I am also learning Spanish and American Sign Language.