Meet Ayanna

Attorney Ayanna Alcendor is a strategic advocate who combines practical legal counsel with a client-centered approach to help individuals, families, and businesses navigate life’s most challenging legal matters. Known for her thoughtful advocacy, meticulous preparation, and unwavering commitment to her clients, Ayanna approaches every case with the understanding that behind every legal issue is a person whose future deserves to be protected.

As a Partner at Great Lakes Legal Group PLLC, Ayanna concentrates her practice in family law, probate and criminal defense. She represents clients through a broad range of complex legal matters, including divorce, child custody, parenting time, probate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, traffic offenses, misdemeanor and felony criminal matters, and probate court proceedings. Whether negotiating a resolution or advocating in the courtroom, Ayanna is committed to achieving practical, results-oriented outcomes while providing compassionate guidance throughout the legal process.

Prior to joining Great Lakes Legal Group, Ayanna founded Allied Legal Counseling, where she successfully represented clients in criminal defense and traffic matters before expanding her practice to include family law and probate. Her diverse litigation background allows her to approach every matter strategically, balancing strong advocacy with thoughtful problem-solving to help clients move forward with confidence.

Beyond traditional litigation, Ayanna serves as a Michigan State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) Certified Family Law Mediator, helping families resolve disputes through a collaborative and solutions-focused process. She also serves as a Guardian Ad Litem for the Wayne and Oakland County Probate Courts, where she protects the interests of vulnerable individuals and ensures their voices are heard throughout court proceedings. These roles reflect her commitment to resolving conflict with professionalism, fairness, and integrity while always keeping the best interests of those she serves at the forefront.

Ayanna’s commitment to service extends well beyond the practice of law. She serves on the Program and Administrative Operations Committee for The Children’s Center, helping support one of Michigan’s leading organizations dedicated to strengthening children and families. Through her professional and community involvement, she has cultivated strong relationships throughout the legal community and continues to advocate for initiatives that improve access to justice and strengthen families across Southeast Michigan.

A respected member of Michigan’s legal community, Ayanna has served on the Institute of Continuing Legal Education’s Criminal Law Advisory Board, helping shape continuing legal education for attorneys throughout the state. She is an active member of the Oakland

County Criminal Defense Bar Association, the Wayne County Criminal Defense Bar Association, and the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, remaining engaged with current developments in criminal and family law while collaborating with colleagues to better serve her clients.

Ayanna’s dedication to excellence has earned her numerous professional recognitions, including being named one of the Michigan Chronicle’s 40 Under 40 and receiving the Martindale-Hubbell Silver Client Champion Award for outstanding client service. In 2018, she was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States, reflecting her continued commitment to professional growth and legal excellence.

Originally from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Ayanna earned her bachelor’s degree from Denison University before receiving her Juris Doctor from Western Michigan Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She is admitted to practice law in the State of Michigan and is dedicated to providing trusted legal counsel with professionalism, compassion, and unwavering advocacy.