Top Civil Lawyers in ZIP 49503 | 19 available

Tom is a seasoned trial attorney with years of litigation experience recovering millions of dollars for his clients from Michigan’s auto No-Fault insurance companies.. He focuses his practice on taking care of our West Michigan clients in our Grand Rapids law office.. Tom has obtained substantial settlements and verdicts for his clients over the past 25 years, including a $1 million verdict in Huron County for a serious car accident in which the insurance company refused to pay anything for rehabilitation costs for the teenage auto accident victim.Tom also has unique insights into settling cases and maximizing value for his clients, having started on the defense side at two respected insurance defense law firms. He has taken dozens of cases to trial and specializes in recovering unpaid and overdue medical expenses from No-Fault insurance companies.

Thomas R. Behm has significant experience in the areas of personal injury law, automobile no-fault law, medical malpractice, complex commercial litigation, product liability involving defective medical implants and construction site negligence. Mr. Behm also serves as a facilitative mediator in a wide range of disputes.

Raised in northern Michigan, Jim is a 2002 graduate of the University of Michigan Law School and has developed significant experience in the areas of public sector litigation, criminal and civil ordinance enforcement, and tax and election matters.Jim assists public sector and municipal clients throughout Michigan with a variety of issues, including property tax appeals and the prosecution of criminal and civil municipal ordinance violations.. Jim also practices at the appellate level; in both the circuit court where he has worked successfully to uphold the ordinances of local municipalities against constitutional and evidentiary challenges and in the Court of Appeals where he has successfully defended clients in matters ranging from easement disputes and riparian rights to constitutional issues.Jim enjoys being both advisor and advocate for his clients and offers an aggressive, yet practical, approach which allows him to present the strongest possible case.Jim resides in Plainfield Township with his wife and daughter.

Pat partners with businesses and individuals to successfully complete their real estate and construction projects. He focuses on how best to solve problems and take advantage of opportunities. Pat regularly represents:• Landlords and tenants leasing commercial and industrial space• Buyers and sellers of commercial and residential property• Developers and other property owners seeking zoning approval• Condominium and residential neighborhood associations as general counsel• Businesses and individuals in disputes regarding their real estate or construction projects• Owners and operators of environmentally contaminated sites facing enforcement action• Commercial and residential contractors in construction liens and disputes• County drain commissioners as general counselPat shares an intense interest with his clients in improving the quality of construction developments. He is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design® Accredited Professional (LEED AP), and can lead you through the evolving legal requirements relating to green building. Pat also frequently helps entrepreneurs and small businesses with their start-up needs through a variety of economic development organizations, including StartGarden and Pure Michigan Business Connect. Pat’s practical approach helps swiftly solve legal issues so that his clients can focus on what they do best.

James R. Oppenhuizen is an experienced business and insolvency attorney in Grand Rapids.  The Oppenhuizen Law Firm, PLC is business focused and results driven.  Mr. Oppenhuizen believes that entrepreneurs and business people are the catalysts for economic growth, build and sustain stable communities, and provide opportunity to huge numbers of people.  Business people who pursue long term profits through providing needed and beneficial services to their communities are the backbone of any community.  Mr. Oppenhuizen is dedicated to helping those business people thrive, through building long lasting relationships directed toward growth and profit.. Mr. Oppenhuizen also has a strong background in insolvency and restructuring matters.  Such experience can provide a springboard to success for a business that has experienced missteps, but has learned and is ready to enter the road to success.  Creativity is the most important skill a bankruptcy attorney must have to be successful.  The same is true in business, and Mr. Oppenhuizen will put his creativity to work for your business in dealing with any issue that arises.

I have helped form dozens of companies throughout Michigan and routinely offer counsel to startups, tech companies, and other business owners on a broad spectrum of matters ranging from formation to angel and venture capital funding to interaction with third parties to merger and acquisition. My skills have been recognized by my peers in a number of publications, and am often recommended by my clients to others looking for an attorney for my pragmatic approach to both the business of practicing law and the counsel I provide.. I also help other parties resolve their disputes by serving as a facilitaitive mediator. I have taken extensive dispute resolution, and am approved by the Kent County Circuit Court to serve as a facilitaitive mediator.

I have conducted bench and jury trials to conclusion in many courts throughout the State of Michigan. I am very active in mediation and arbitration practice. I hold an AV Preeminent rating by Martindale-Hubbell.

During the first decade of practice I represented doctors and hospitals.  I now use that experience to help real people hurt by preventable, inexcusable medical errors.  A medical doctor and registered nurse assist my law partner, Rob Buchanan, and I field about 1,200 inquiries per year and select the 6-10 most meritorious claims.  Please call us if you have any questions about your (or a loved one’s) medical care.

After law school, my wife and I returned to Grand Rapids, where I have practiced law for over 33 years.  As a founding member of Gruel Mills in 1985, my practice has focused on complex litigation, where I have been privileged to help hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals and families, who have experienced personal tragedy and loss.  I am a devoted husband and father of three and a proud new grandfather.