Top best R Lawyers in Grand Rapids | 1421 available

I help businesses, local governments, and school districts reach their goals and solve their problems in creative, collaborative, cost-effective ways.. For my public entity clients – such as townships, cities, libraries, and schools – I provide advice on contracts, election law issues, Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act compliance, labor/employment matters, and litigation.  I regularly assist municipalities with special assessment districts and other infrastructure projects, property tax exemptions and valuation disputes, and zoning and land use matters.  I also represent property owners with zoning and property tax matters.. In my commercial law practice, I represent individuals and businesses in contract and collection disputes.  Recognizing that litigation is rarely anyone’s first choice, I work with clients to negotiate resolutions to make the best out of bad situations - but I have the courtroom experience necessary to fight for my clients if litigation is necessary.  I have extensive experience in bankruptcy law, where I help secured lenders, businesses, and other creditors protect their rights when a borrower or customer files bankruptcy. I also work with creditors to collect debts, negotiate workouts, and mitigate losses outside of bankruptcy, and I serve as local counsel for creditors across the country.  I currently serve as a Chapter 7 and Chapter 12 bankruptcy trustee and have served as a Chapter 11 Examiner.. I love writing and speaking about the law, which helps me stay current on the latest developments so that I can keep my clients up to date. I write a blog about new cases from Michigan's bankruptcy courts, , and I am a regular presenter at legal seminars. I also have taught bankruptcy law as an adjunct professor at Cooley Law School, and I serve as the Chair of the Federal Bar Association’s Bankruptcy Section.

I have practiced consumer debtor bankruptcy for the past 14 years and I am Board Certified in Consumer Bankruptcy Law from the American Board of Certification.  My primary areas of practice are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 Bankruptcy and representation of consumers and creditors in bankruptcy litigation matters.. I have assisted hundreds of clients with a myriad of financial issues. I not only help individuals with debt relief, but relief from wage garnishments and return of assets seized by creditors. In my Chapter 13 Practice I have helped many homeowners retain their homes, which would have otherwise been lost to foreclosure, and have assisted Small Business owbers reorganize and restructure their business and personal debts which have enable businesses owners to once again operate without the threat of closure.

I have my commercial pilots license and enjoy flying airplanes, hitting the golf ball and talking to friends on my ham radio.

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 dedicated my career to indigent defense, and strive to provide the best representation I can to those who through no fault of their own cannot afford it.  I am a Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer (Florida 2017), "evaluated for professionalism and tested for expertise."  As an Assistant Federal Public Defender for the Western District of Michigan, I am only available by appointment of the Federal Court for the Western District of Michigan and am not available for private retention.. I am admitted to practice federally in the Western District of Florida and the Middle District of Florida.  I am admitted to practice in State court in Florida.  Please contact the Office of the Federal Public Defender, Western District of Michigan, for any questions.

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.

I have been with my wife for over 30 years.  We have 3 daughters.  2 are in graduate school and one in high school.    I come from a family of lawyers and currently have 2 brothers who are also attorneys, one in New York and one in Detroit.. I love practicing law and even after more than 25 years, I have no desire to do anything else.   Being able to practice on the Lakeshore in West Michigan is just an added bonus.   What a great place to live and work.   The people, landscape and way of life just makes every day a gift.. I attended Central Michigan University, transferring to Wayne State University and graduating with a degree in Public Administration.   I went to law school at Cooley Law School in Lansing when it was relatively new and the classes small.   I still keep in touch with a number of my law school classmates, some of whom are right here in West Michigan.. I have extensive experience in civil litigation, ranging from dog bites, car accident and slip and fall cases to medical and legal malpractice and business litigation.   I have represented both Plaintiffs and Defendants and inividuals as well as large companies.  I represent Defendants and insurance carriers in litigation.  When someone hires me, they are going to get that huge array of experience that I have to offer.

I have been practicing law since 1984. During that time, I have come to the conclusion that the practice of law is as much about managing relationships as it is the pure application of the law. As a result, I have endeavored to provide legal representation to my clients from a Christian perspective, which promotes an atmosphere of trust, and results in lasting relationships with those clients.

I have been practicing family law for 26 years.  It is my goal to provide each client with individual attention because each client and each case is different, and I enjoy the personal interaction with a client and working towards successful completion of each case to the benefit of each family.. I have seen a need to specialize in parental alienation cases which has led to an overall greater experience in child custody cases.. Secondly, I have specialized in complex divorce matters involving significant assets, business assets, determining complex income issues of executives, self employed, or those in the miliary for child and spousal support purposes.

I have been practicing criminal law for the past 24 years.  I graduated from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1987. Prior to going to law school I recieved my undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from the university of New Haven. Since coming to Grand Rapids, my practice has been mainly criminal defense with some family law and personal injurie law to keep thngs interesting.. The reason I chose these areas of the law is that I love being in court and arguing. I have always enjoyed that part of my job the most, representing  clients is what I love.. If you find yourself in need of a criminal defense attorney, I would be honored to represent you. Just remember what I always say .... "TALK TO ME BEFORE YOU TALK TO THE POLICE"

I have a passion for helping families through difficult times. Prior to my legal career, I worked with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. I was able to gain the compassion and knowledge to help families navigate through a complex system in times of need. Now, I guide clients through a different, yet still complex system - family court.. While working for MDHHS, I was stationed in an elementary school. The families there became “my families” and I took great pride in the simple task of greeting the students at the door every morning with a big smile and a high-five. I believe it is imperative that every child and family I work with knows their worth.. I am born and raised in the Grand Rapids area. As an only child I developed an ability to keep myself entertained. I’d put on theater, music, and dance shows in my backyard where neighbors came to enjoy the show; at least until the batteries in my beloved “boombox” would lose their charge. My love for theater and public speaking has served me well as an attorney as I advocate for my clients in court.. After completing my undergraduate degree in one of my two loves, music, I went on to attend WMU Thomas M. Cooley Law School and graduated magna cum laude to practice my second love, law. My first goal was to find a place where I could work with colleagues who would share my love for parents and children in need and where the team would value a superior knowledge of Michigan law.  I found that right away with the Kraayeveld Law team. Here, the attorneys work as a team to passionately represent clients at all stages of divorce and custody litigation.. In my free time, I enjoy spending family time with my husband and our two daughters, and my English Bulldog – Sir Howard the Magnifico – affectionately known as “Howie.”

I have 25+ years experience in estate planning and related/overlapping areas of law including wills & trusts, advanced estate/gift tax planning, asset protection, farm/business succession planning, charitable gift planning and post-death estate and trust administration.  I have an additional law degree (Ll.M. or Masters of Law) in taxation and with that have devoted my entire career to estate planning for high net worth situations (as well as more routine/basic situations).  I usually do not charge for a preliminary consultation so you can decide whether you would like to work with me "without the meter running".

I grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and graduated from Calvin College in 1996. I received my law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 1999. I am a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the Grand Rapids Bar Association, the National Committee on Planned Giving, and the West Michigan Estate Planning Council. I am certified in the areas of probate and estate planning (Institute of Continuing Legal Education and the Probate and Estate Planning Section of the State Bar of Michigan). I have a heart for those less fortunate which has led me to become a very active participant in the Legal Aid Program of Western Michigan where I am appointed as a pro bono attorney in cases. I am the chair of the finance committee at my church, possibly for life, and my wife and I are actively involved in the leadership at our church.. I have four children and love family events. I can be spotted riding my bike to work and running during lunch. I have run the Fifth Third Riverbank race (with a current streak of over 10 plus years under 2 hours), as well as a number of other community races.

I focus  my practice on general civil and commercial litigation.  I have successfully litigated numerous contractual and business disputes and have significant experience in the litigation of complex shareholder/member disputes.  In addition, my experience includes the litigation of major personal injury actions. I practice in both state and federal courts throughout Michigan.

I earned a B.A. from the University of Michigan in history, with a minor in moral and political philosophy in 2005.  Following my studies, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to clerk at Willey, Chamberlain, & Yates, which was my first experience with criminal law.  I received a J.D., with distinction, from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2009.  While in law school, I served as an associate editor of the Thomas M. Cooley Law Review and Chairman of the Mock Trial Board, Grand Rapids Campus.  Additionally, I had the opportunity to intern in the Ottawa County Prosecutor's Office which provided experience with trial work and criminal law.. Prior to joining Willey & Chamberlain LLP as an associate attorney, I used my education and experiences from law school to open a private practice devoted exclusively to criminal law.  During that time, I focused on alcohol related offenses, drug offenses, and violent crimes and was able to gain valuable experience in state courts throughout West Michigan.  Since joining Willey & Chamberlain, I have continued to develop my expertise in these areas while expanding my practice into federal criminal defense.

I earned a B.A. from Hope College in Spanish and International Relations, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. While a student at Hope College, I took advantage of their numerous study abroad opportunities, and studied in Mexico, Spain, and India. After graduating from Hope College, I volunteered for a year as an AmeriCorps Vista volunteer at the Seattle Red Cross chapter, where I worked in their International Services Department and helped reconnect families who had lost contact due to war or natural disaster.. In 2017, I received my J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, and graduated with distinction. While there, I received a certificate honoring my commitment to pro bono work. In addition, I served as an associate editor of Case Western's Journal of International Law. While in law school, I interned at several prominent Grand Rapids law firms as well as the Kent County Office of the Public Defender.. Prior to joining Springstead Bartish Borgula & Lynch PLLC as an associate attorney, I used my education and experiences from law school at the Ottawa County Office of the Public Defender. During that time, I focused on alcohol related offenses, drug offenses, assaults, and violent crimes and was able to gain valuable experience. Since joining Springstead Bartish Borgula & Lynch PLLC, I have continued to develop my expertise in these areas while expanding my practice into federal criminal defense.

I care fiercely about my clients.  I have seen what insurance companies and businesses do to those that have been injured at the hands of negligent, careless, and irresponsible individuals and companies.  I will fight to the end for you to obtain the best result possible for your case.

I am passionate about helping people with their family law problems.  I help my clients with issues of divorce, child custody, parenting time, child support, and family abuse protection orders.  As a parent myself, I understand how important these issues are to my clients.  I view my job as a compassionate guide through a complex legal system that can be difficult for non-lawyers to navigate on their own.  I try to resolve these issues as amicably as possible, although I have taken many cases to trial when it is necessary and appropriate to do so. I draw on my over 20 years of experience as an attorney to find the best solution to life's challenges.

I am passionate about helping people in West Michigan through divorces and other family crises.. West Michigan is my home.  For over a decade, it has been my privilege to help people through difficult family situations.. My clients appreciate my honesty and responsiveness.  Please read their reviews.  Together, we have achieved exceptional results.. It would be my pleasure to assist you through your divorce, custody, child support, or other family law matter.  Please call me.

I am an experienced commercial litigator and construction lawyer, representing clients large and small in courts throughout Michigan.. My litigation experience includes handling everything from routine collection cases through representing the plaintiff in a shareholder oppression/fraud case that resulted in the largest jury verdict in the history of Kent County, Michigan (roughly $7.9 million) in November 2010.. My construction practice involves all aspects of construction projects, as I have represented owners, architects, general contractors, construction managers, subcontractors and suppliers and sureties on projects throughout Michigan. I offer full services concerning construction projects, from drafting and reviewing contracts through enforcing those agreements and (if necessary) litigating issues relating to liability for damages suffered or contract balances owed by the various parties.. I have also served as a court-appointed arbitrator, and have served as a "neutral" case evaluator in the Kent County Circuit Court for more than a decade, recognizing the fact that my background in handling plaintiffs' and defense work positions me well to evaluate cases without bias or slant toward either side in a lawsuit.

I am an attorney with over 16 years of experience in all West Michigan and Metro Detroit counties specializing in:. Criminal defense representation for all misdemeanor and felony charges, including:  Drunk Driving/OWI/OUID, Drug Crimes, Criminal Sexual Conduct, Armed/Unarmed Robbery, Assault and Battery, Assault with Intent to Commit Great Bodily Harm, Felonious Assault, Domestic Vioence, Larceny/Theft crimes, Home Invasion, Trespass, MIP, Creating a Disturbance, and Resisting/Obstructing Police.. Juvenile Neglect and Abuse Cases.. Juvenile Delinquency Cases.. Driver License representation:  all issues involving license restoration hearings before the Secretary of State, circuit court appeals, and Implied Consent hearings.. Seizure/Forfeiture cases.. Criminal Record Expungements.. We also provide referrals for all legal matters that we choose not to handle ourselves.

I am an aggressive and professional litigator.  Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to providing the highest degree of representation available to persons accused of any crime.  A former collegiate swimmer (and current dog lover), I use my relentless work ethic to obtain the best possible results for my clients.. During my years in Central Florida, I handled thousands of cases ranging from violent felonies (murder, sexual assault, armed robbery, etc.) to civil mental health commitments, and every manner of charge in between.. In Michigan, I defend all types of criminal cases - misdemeanors, felonies, and expungements - all over southwest and central Michigan.. Several traits set me apart from other attorneys: I treat my clients like valued human beings, I love what I do, and I'm not afraid to go to trial.  In order to best serve my clients, I utilize an aggressive motion practice.  It has been my experience that aggressive litigation improves my position to negotiate favorable outcomes for my clients. Luckily for many of my clients, I also have strong Spanish language abilities.. It is my privilege to represent anyone accused of a crime. I will proudly stand alongside you on some of the worst days of your life, and I will fight for you.

I am a trial lawyer that specializes in personal injury and criminal defense, although I have handled nearly all areas of litigation in my career.  I focus my practice in these areas of law becuase of my passion to help those in need.  Whether the individual has been wrongfully injured or is facing criminal charges; I am willing to fight for the rights of the abused, neglected and underserved.  I have achieved favorable outcomes for my clients  against some of the largest corporations in the United States and am not afraid to go toe to toe with big business or any prosecutor.  I will take the time to listen to you about your case and will vigorously advocate on your behalf.  My practice is based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan, but I have appeared as counsel of record throughout the state of Michigan and in various other states as needed by my clients.  If you need someone in your corner that is willing to actually listen and advocate for YOU, feel free to give me a call.

I am a health-literacy lawyer, plain-language consultant, and law professor.  I create clear, user-friendly legal documents that people can understand. It is very rewarding to take a hard-to-read document and turn it into something that is usable. Over the years, I've drafted all sorts of documents: from employment and labor agreements to healthcare consent forms, life-science agreements, user agreements, and all sorts of corporate contracts.. I am an expert on informed consent and often speak on how to create effective organizational processes that both engage the patient and better protect the healthcare organization. I have spoken for the Institute of Medicine and the FDA on informed consent, risk communication, and best practices for communicating clear messages to the public. Additionally, I have presented seminars and webinars for many health organizations, such as United Health Group, Maximus, and the Institute for Healthcare Advancement.. As a law professor, I have taught many subjects over my twelve years in academia. I teach Property, Torts, and each one of my school's legal writing courses.. Simply put, I am a strategic communicator. I know how to use words to help people accomplish their goals. I'm an expert healthcare drafter, plain-language writer, and editor. I also am an effective public speaker, who knows how to engage audiences and convey technical information in clear, practical ways. So if you're looking to infuse clear communication into all facets of your organization, please contact me. Together, we can help your organization succeed.

I am a Grand Rapids attorney providing quality legal services in the family law area, including divorce, custody, support and adoption. I consistently monitor new developments in the law in order to provide my clients with the most effective representation possible. I enthusiastically take the time to get to know my clients on a personal level in order to provide them with an unparalleled level of personalized legal service.Specialties: Family Law; including Divorce, Custody, Support, Adoption.While I practice in a variety of areas, If I am not the best person to help with a legal matter - I am always happy to take the time to refer my clients to the person or business who is.