David Goukassian’s path to law started at home. His grandfather was a highly respected judge in Armenia, and David grew up wanting to follow in his footsteps.
He earned his undergraduate degree in criminal justice at Wayne State University, then graduated magna cum laude from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2017. In law school he served as president of the Mock Trial board, won competitions, was named best junior and senior litigator, and earned Certificates of Merit in several subjects. He also worked as a teaching assistant in criminal procedure.
Before graduating, David interned in the Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office, and he later clerked for Judge Leo Bowman of the Oakland County Circuit Court. That experience taught him how the other side builds a case — knowledge he now uses for his clients, whether he is defending someone accused of a crime or pushing an insurance company to pay a fair injury settlement.
David is admitted to practice in all Michigan state courts and in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. He is fluent in Armenian and conversational in Russian, so many clients and families can talk with him in the language they’re most comfortable with.
Published author
David is a contributor to Michigan Drunk Driving Law and Practice, Sixth Edition, published by the Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE), the education provider of the State Bar of Michigan. ICLE’s practice guides are written by experienced attorneys to help other Michigan lawyers handle their cases — and David is listed in ICLE’s contributor directory.
Recognition
- Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2025–2026
- Elite Lawyer, Criminal Defense, 2025, and Elite Lawyer award, 2026
- NAFLA Nation’s Premier Top Ten Ranking, 2022
- Member, National Academy of Family Law Attorneys (NAFLA)
- Reviewed attorney on Avvo
- Contributor, ICLE’s Michigan Drunk Driving Law and Practice
How David works
Clients consistently describe the same things: he returns calls, explains what’s happening, and tells the truth about what to expect instead of making empty promises. You work with David directly, not a revolving door of staff.
David is a resident of West Bloomfield and practices from the firm’s office on Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Hills.