Top best R Lawyers in Grand Rapids | 1421 available

I am a family man with a wife and two boys.  I can usually be found doing work around the house, watching a game or being active in the community.  I love sports and have coached both youth football and baseball.  I am trying to get back into running but I have a ways to go with that.  I also enjoy a good round of golf too.. My business is my passion.  Being able to help businesses grow and put themselves in a position that they can help out West Michigan and other businesses in this community is something I love.  There are so many young, energetic entrepreneurs in Grand Rapids that just need the right support system to be successful.  I find it very enjoyable to be a part of that system.

I am a born and raised Grand Rapidian, active in the local community in many ways.  I have also worked in Washington DC, done family law  litigation in Maryland, and during & after law school, in Detroit and Wayne County and adjoining Counties.. I have served as President of Grand Rapids Sister Cities International, my Homeowners Associations, the Polish Heritage Society and the Pulaski Days Patriotic Committee.  I have been admitted to the Michigan bar since 1980, but am also a member of the Federal Bar, through the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Cinncinnati, Ohio and both the Western and Eastern Divisions of the United States District Courts of Michigan and the US Bankruptcy Courts. I was also elected as the Trustee of Novi Township, Michigan during law school at WSU.  I have a weekly radio show with an open "ask the lawyer" format, every SATURDAY at 11 AM of radio stations WYGR 1530 AM and 94.9 FM and on the internet streaming at .

Howard Van Den Heuvel founded his firm in 1992 and he has been successfully advising individuals and businesses for more than 32 years.. Mr. Van Den Heuvel offers a comprehensive approach to meet your personal and business legal requirements. Individual business owners and consumers can depend on him to provide effective guidance with family law disputes, criminal defense cases, and civil disputes. He also works with clients in estate planning matters such as probate, wills, and trusts. Howard uses his network of expert accountants, investigators, and evaluators to work on your case and his experience in high asset divorces, complicated business divorce, and complicated white-collar crime make sure he can help you win your case.

How does someone choose the "right attorney"? I believe that the client must feel comfortable with the attorney, along with having confidence in the attorney's abilities in dealing with the issues at hand.. I  specialize in criminal and bankruptcy law. I also handle divorce, license restoration, and debt settlement. I offer personal service and have been very successful in keeping my clients out of jail. In practicing bankruptcy law, in addition to guiding my client through the bankruptcy process, I offer advice to my clients on how to avoid various debt traps and how to live within a budget , but only if they want the advise. I respect my client's right to make their own decisions regarding their lives.. Come on in for a free consultation. I may not be the right fit for every person, but you will not get any high pressure tactics, and you can decide if me representing you and your family is the right decision for you.

Hillary strives to thoroughly understand and address each of her clients’ concerns. Hillary’s motivation for attending law school was to be a voice for those who could not speak for themselves and to help her community members navigate our legal system. She chose to attend Notre Dame Law School because she resonated with their motto, to educate a different kind of lawyer, and because she views the practice of law as a service to others in furtherance of the cause of justice. During law school, Hillary explored her commitment to serving the public by helping community members establish and operate non-profit organizations and by serving as a law clerk for Michigan judges.. After law school, Hillary continued to cultivate her interest in the Michigan court system by serving the Michigan Court of Appeals as a Research Attorney. As Hillary continued to develop her strong legal analysis and writing skills, she found that her most compelling cases were the ones involving family law. She joined the Kraayeveld Law team to be an advocate for families. Hillary has compassion for people and a conscientious approach to problem-solving, which helps her effectively respond to her clients’ needs.. When Hillary is not in the office, you can find her exploring walking trails with her dog, discovering local restaurants and coffee shops, and appreciating the seasonal activities that Grand Rapids and West Michigan offer. Hillary also enjoys gardening, coaching for Grand Rapids swim teams, and volunteering at a local humane society.

Heath Lynch is an accomplished trial attorney and dynamic advocate who now defends the accused after spending nine years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney with the United States Department of Justice.  Mr. Lynch has defended and prosecuted hundreds of criminal cases, and uses his extensive experience in law enforcement to help his clients understand the charges and evidence against them, and to build the most effective possible defense against those charges.  Mr. Lynch helps his individual and business clients avoid criminal charges by negotiating with prosecuting attorneys before charging decisions are made.  Where charges cannot be avoided, Mr. Lynch assists clients through every step of the case process, with personal attention to their needs, careful evaluation of the evidence, and strategic acumen.  Mr. Lynch helps his clients weigh the decision to take a case to trial, and to understand the risks and benefits of the choices they face.  Unafraid to take any case to trial or to fight for his clients before a jury, Mr. Lynch has achieved a tremendous record of success against prosecuting attorneys, achieving acquittals in complex felony cases -- including charges which carried potential life sentences -- and in misdemeanor cases as well.  Mr. Lynch and his colleagues at Springstead Bartish Borgula & Lynch, PLLC, have built the most formidable team of trial attorneys and criminal defense specialists in Michigan.

Harvey Koning works with a number of financial institutions concerning bank regulation, new bank formation, acquisitions and capital raising. He represents companies involved in mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. Harvey also chairs the firm's public corporations and securities subgroup. He works with public companies concerning securities regulation. His practice also includes venture capital and early stage investments.

Greg J. Ekdahl, a partner with the firm, focuses his practice in the areas of Consumer and Commercial Bankruptcy Law. Greg represents debtors and creditors in Chapter 7, 11 and 13 proceedings and has been featured as a speaker and lecturer regarding consumer bankruptcy.Greg is a graduate of Carleton College and received his law degree from the Michigan State University College of Law, graduating magna cum laude . He is admitted to practice in the Michigan state courts and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan.. While in law school he served as a Senior Editor for the Law Review of Michigan State University College of Law and is currently a member of the Grand Rapids Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, the Federal Bar Association and the American Bankruptcy Institute.

Former Michigan Workers' Disabilty Compensation Magistrate, and former Member, Michigan Workers Compensation Appeal Board

Former federal prosecutor and Army JAG lawyer. Now criminal defense attorney.. Tessa K. Muir brings over a decade of experience as a former federal prosecutor and Army JAG attorney. As a federal prosecutor in the Western District of Michigan, she served as the lead attorney in over 150 criminal cases and Sixth Circuit appeals. She worked closely with and trained dozens of law enforcement agencies, including the Michigan State Police, FBI, DEA, ATF, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), police departments, and sheriffs’ offices. She earned commendations for her work as a trial attorney from the FBI, HSI, and the State Bar of Michigan. Since 2015, she has been selected by fellow attorneys and federal judges in the Western District of Michigan as an instructor at the Hillman Trial Advocacy Program — the district’s premier trial practice program.. As an Army JAG attorney, Ms. Muir worked inside the military’s highest security prison, prosecuted military courts-martial, and advised servicemembers and commanders on Army disciplinary procedures and separation boards.. Ms. Muir has also served as an in-house corporate attorney at a large international tech company, where she led discreet internal fraud investigations and defended the company against lawsuits worldwide.. Ms. Muir’s combined expertise in federal and state courts, the Army justice system, federal prisons, and corporate America is unrivaled.. CRIMINAL DEFENSE. From the first stages of an investigation through the final stages of appeal, Ms. Muir knows from the inside out how the system works. As a criminal defense attorney, Ms. Muir uses her expertise as a former federal prosecutor to help her clients understand the investigative process, find weaknesses in the case, and build a strong defense.Ms. Muir specializes in:. • Federal criminal cases nationwide;• Federal sentencing guidelines;• White collar crime (including tax evasion, bank fraud, and healthcare fraud);• Internal corporate fraud investigations;• Criminal sexual conduct (CSC) investigations;• Title IX college sex assault cases;• Juvenile offenses;• Violent crime and firearms offenses; and• Drug trafficking and drug possession cases.. Ms. Muir is a persuasive courtroom advocate. She has succeeded at both the state and federal level in achieving the complete dismissal of cases after filing Fourth Amendment motions to challenge traffic stops, search warrants, and inventory searches. She has convinced prosecutors at both the state and federal level to agree with her position on motions ranging from reversing improper sentencing conditions to excluding evidence of other acts by the defendant at trial. She has persuaded prosecutors’ offices throughout Michigan not to charge clients under investigation for serious sex offenses. She used the government’s own expert witness to defeat a federal supervised release violation alleging illegal drug use. She succeeded in a motion to reverse a federal magistrate judge’s decision to deny bond to a client pending trial in a serious RICO conspiracy case. She achieved early release from a halfway house for a client suffering a mental breakdown. These are just some examples of the results she has been able to obtain for her clients.Ms. Muir’s clients routinely comment that she is responsive, empathetic, professional, and effective. Read Ms. Muir’s client reviews below.. INVESTIGATIONS, ACCUSATIONS, AND WITNESSES. Ms. Muir regularly advises people who are being investigated, accused, or called as a witness in criminal cases. As a federal prosecutor and Army JAG attorney, she worked with hundreds of victims, witnesses, and defendants during criminal investigations. She knows the ins and outs of what to expect, how to prepare, and how to protect people facing these situations.. TITLE IX COLLEGE SEXUAL ASSAULT CASES AND SERIOUS SCHOOL DISCIPLINE. Title IX and other serious school disciplinary investigations follow an administrative process handled internally by the school, and the traditional courtroom rules do not apply. Sometimes people accused in these types of cases try to defend themselves, believing that their goodwill with the school, their community contributions, or other factors will make the case go away. On the contrary, internal school investigations can have life-altering results including expulsion, termination of employment, or criminal charges. Ms. Muir comes alongside her clients to help them better understand the process, mount a thorough defense, find weaknesses in the allegations, present expert witnesses, negotiate with the school, and convince the decision makers to resolve the case favorably.. Ms. Muir has succeeded in convincing a university’s Title IX office to disqualify its full-time investigator for bias, which resulted in the replacement of the investigator and a finding of “not responsible” for the student accused of sexual assault. Ms. Muir also successfully negotiated on behalf of a school employee accused of improper contact with students, ultimately resulting in a finding of no impropriety and ensuring the investigation stayed out of the press.. INTERNAL CORPORATE INVESTIGATIONS. Ms. Muir understands confidentiality, risk management, and mitigating public fallout for companies that suspect internal fraud or are under investigation. As former in-house corporate counsel to a large international tech company, Ms. Muir is a trusted corporate advisor, especially when confidentiality and privacy are of the utmost concern.. CIVIL LITIGATION. Clients turn to Ms. Muir’s trial skills for representation in civil matters on a range of topics, both on the plaintiff’s side and the defendant’s side. Ms. Muir leverages her skills in research, writing, negotiation, and litigation to help her clients avoid the upheaval of trial. If the case goes to trial, Ms. Muir’s litigation expertise serves her clients no matter the subject area of the case. On civil matters, Ms. Muir often partners with other civil attorneys in her network to ensure a comprehensive and specialized team approach in any particular case.

For 49 years I have aggressively and successfully represented many disabled claimants/workers.. Over the last four decades I have helped lead the charge in defending the Workers Compensation Law to stem the tide of unwarranted and harmful changes.. From the moment I first meet my client I begin contemplating how to best present the case. More importantly, I believe that a good trial lawyer does not just sit back and hope that the case will try itself. Instead, I enjoy thinking and planning how to best present the case. I consider my client to be a key member of the trial team. Too often, attorneys leave their clients in the dark on important issues that may arise. I have been amazed at how often my clients are able to provide me with excellent arguments and facts to counter the latest attack from the insurance defense attorney. I enjoy the battle. I enjoy the negotiating. But most of all, I enjoy cross-examining the insurance company's witnesses. More often, than not, I will call the personnel director or supervisor as my first witness. This tends to surprise them. Even though many defense lawyers know that I will do this, I am still amazed at what good evidence we can elicit out of the mouths of the defendant’s own representatives.. Except for 7 years of college and law school in Ann Arbor and a brief stint in Washington DC, I have been a lifelong resident of Grand Rapids, MI.. See endorsement at : Posted by a Consumer on 10/30/10: “A detail-oriented lawyer who looks at every single aspect of the situation. He handled a very complicated, unusual aspect of this lawsuit to get fair compensation for future expenses etc.” Themis J. Fotieo - Lawyer in Grand Rapids, Michigan (MI) -

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.

During my career I have sucessfully defended my clients from overreaching and unenforceable contract provisions, provided bankruptcy protection to individuals and businesses in need, started new businesses, strengthened existing businesses through contract review and suggested changes, enforced contractual obligations and collected on debts.. I am presently defending auto insurance compaines against frivolous actions and fraudulent claims.

Denise was raised in Leelanau County where she graduated from Suttons Bay High School. Denise attended Davenport University where she obtained her Bachelor Degree in Paralegal Studies. She was a family law and criminal defense legal assistant for several years before deciding to attend law school. Denise attended WMU – Cooley Law School in Grand Rapids. While at WMU – Cooley she was on the Dean’s List and/or Honor Roll every term. At WMU – Cooley, Denise was a teacher assistant for both Evidence and Personal and Professional Responsibility. Denise had two externships during her law school career. During her externship at a Grand Rapids law firm she obtained a six-figure settlement in a personal-injury matter. Denise also externed at the Kent County Office of the Defender where she enjoyed advocating for the indigent population who were charged with misdemeanors and felonies. Denise graduated Cum Laude from WMU – Cooley Law School.. Denise has a passion for advocating for the most vulnerable clients – especially those facing prosecution. Denise focused on criminal law advocacy while she attended WMU – Cooley and had an opportunity to use her knowledge and skills to help clients facing prosecution. Denise obtained her first Nolle Prosequi (dismissal) for a client while she was an extern at the Kent County Office of the Defender.. In addition to criminal law, Denise enjoys helping clients with family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support, and adoption as well as personal injury matters and matters in local tribal courts.. Denise resides with her family in Grand Rapids. She enjoys spending time with her children and taking advantage of the many activities that the Grand Rapids area has to offer. Denise is a member of the State Bar of Michigan as well as the Grand Rapids Bar Association. Denise currently mentors middle school students at Grand Rapids Public Schools. Denise currently is on the court-appointed list for three local district courts and accepts clients on a pro bono basis for Legal Aid of West Michigan.

Decades of success is not easily overlooked. I am focused on delivering results. I have been practicing law in State and Federal courts for more than 20 years and have obtained a vast amount of experience as a result of many courtroom battles. Recent victories include acquittals for possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking (fed case#1:22-cr-169), retaliation against an informant causing injury (fed case#1:20-cr-009); reduced sentence sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking (state case#23-1409FC). You're innocent until proven guilty. It's not a crime to be accused of a crime - Don't Settle.. I've handled a wide array of criminal charges, including:. Firearm OffensesDrug distribution overdoseDrug conspiracyBank fraudArmed RobberyChild sexual abuseFelony drunk drivingMurderStalkingTerrorism-related chargesUttering and publishing. I grew up in Gary, Indiana (about 28 miles southeast of Chicago). Violent crime was commonplace in my childhood neighborhood. After graduating high school I left my old neighborhood and joined the U.S. Navy where I served six years on active duty. Afterward, I attended and graduated from the University of California, at Berkeley, Berkeley, California. From there it was on to Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing, Michigan. My early life experiences have shaped my perspective of the criminal justice system. I have personally seen what it means to have a lawyer who (1) understands your family dynamics, (2) understands environmental barriers, and (3) will fight. I understand what it is like to be accused of a crime and to find yourself in the crosshairs of the police.. I've built a reputation for delivering results for my clients. I bring a disciplined approach and steadfast commitment to work each day.

David is one of his firm's founding partners. He started his first business when he was 13, and he made his first corporate acquisition when he was 18. In his nearly twenty-year career, he has owned approximately one dozen companies, including: a high-availability website hosting company, an efficiency consulting company, a weekly print magazine, a fast-food restaurant, and a law firm.. Dave’s entrepreneurial mindset makes him well-suited for our business clients, and his extensive technical-oriented background makes him a knowledgeable, invaluable asset to our technology and intellectual property clients.. Dave excelled in law school; he graduated near the top of his class, and he received the highest grade in over ten of his classes. He also obtained a coveted, 25 hour-per-week student clerkship with Hon. Richard Suhrheinrich of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

Daniel J. Broxup is a leading securities arbitration and litigation attorney who represents investors nationwide. He is a member of the Public Investors Arbitration Bar Association (PIABA) and a former Director of Michigan State University’s Investor Advocacy Clinic. He regularly speaks and writes about legal issues affecting investors and the investment industry and has passed Level 1 of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) examination series. Dan currently serves on his firm’s 3-person Management Committee and is vice-chair of his firm’s litigation practice group. For information regarding Dan's case results and pending investigations, visit his securities law blog by clicking here. For information on some of the claims that Dan routinely handles, click on the links below.. • Suitability• Breach of Fiduciary Duty• Excessive Concentration• Selling Away• Churning• Unauthorized Trading• Ponzi Schemes• Securities Fraud

Daniel B. Hess, JR. was raised in Grand Rapids, MI. Daniel went on to attend Michigan State University where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 1992. Daniel then attended California Western School of Law, where he graduated in 1995.. While obtaining his law degree, Daniel interned at the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office where he gained a tremendous amount of experience working within the criminal justice system. Daniel was admitted to the California Bar in 1997.. In 1999, Daniel accepted a position at Hess, Hess & Kmetz, PC along side his Father, the late Daniel B. Hess, Sr., and his Uncle, the late John H. Hess. Daniel was admitted to the Michigan Bar in 2000.. While with Hess, Hess & Kmetz, PC. , Daniel’s main areas of practice were bankruptcy law, criminal law and family law with a primary focus on protecting men’s rights through the firms affiliation with the American Divorce Association for Men (ADAM).. With the emergence of Gordon & Hess, PLC, Daniel now continues to seek justice for men and woman alike in both the family and criminal court systems and to carry on the legal family tradition of his late Father and Uncle. Daniel is a strong and savvy advocate and has obtained a significant amount of courtroom experience in his areas of practice.

Corey Volmering is dedicated to providing his clients top-notch legal services in both family law and estate planning matters.. Corey mainly concentrates his practice on divorce, custody, parenting time, child support, paternity, and guardianship cases. He also handles matters involving adoption, grandparenting time, and LGBTQ+ law.. Corey earned his law degree, magna cum laude, from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School. He received numerous academic awards during law school and interned at the Access To Justice Clinic. In addition, Corey participated in WMU-Cooley’s nationally recognized Mock Trial program, which crafted his skills as a tenacious litigator.. After law school, Corey interned with then-Chief Judge Robert Jonker of the U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan. In that role, he conducted legal research in many high-profile federal cases.. Corey is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is active in the Grand Rapids Bar Association, the Ottawa County Bar Association, and the Kalamazoo Bar Association. In addition, he is a proud veteran of the United States Air Force.. A native of Hudsonville, Michigan, Corey attended Grand Valley State University. He earned two bachelor’s degrees from GVSU: one in Communication Studies and one in Radiologic and Imaging Studies.. In his spare time, Corey enjoys traveling, playing tennis, and spending time with his husband and their two dogs, Cooper and Fish.

Connie was named “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyer in 2016 for Grand Rapids in the area of Collaborative Divorce Practice, as well as “Lawyer of the Year” in 2011, 2015, and 2017 in the area of Family Law. She is named by the organization “The Best Lawyers in America” for family law, collaborative practice, and family law mediation in Grand Rapids.. Connie is a Fellow in the prestigious American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML). Only 1,600 Attorneys across the entire country are members of this prestigious organization. To become a member, Ms. Thacker completed the intensive interview, anonymous peer review both by judges and other attorneys as well as successfully completed a four-hour exam-related entirely to family law. She has received formal training and certification from the AAML Matrimonial Arbitration Training Institute and is only one of few Attorneys in Western Michigan certified by the AALM as an arbitrator.. Ms. Thacker is the only Attorney in Western Michigan who is designated as a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA) by the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts, (IDFA). To obtain the designation, Ms. Thacker was required to complete a series of exams testing her understand and proficiency in complex financial, tax, and business valuation issues related to Divorce. The IDFA is the most established and recognized organization in the country related to the financial aspects of the divorce process.. Connie has been licensed to practice law in Michigan since 1994; she is active and in good standing. Connie also successfully passed the Bar Exams in Colorado, Maryland, and the District of Columbia; however, she is inactive in these states.. Connie is also a Michigan real estate Broker. She and Allison are the owners of Esquire Realty LLC. Connie also practices in the area of estate planning, business, and real estate.

Chris Shourds has spent his estate planning career helping people navigate tough seasons.. Losing a loved one is difficult, and dealing with the administrative and legal process of probate and trust administration is usually last on the list of things you want to do while grieving. Chris has dedicated his time and energy to relieving his clients from navigating the legal maze of post-death matters alone. Additionally, his experience in estate administration gives him a unique advantage when helping families make their own estate plan.. Chris understands the big picture when it comes to estate planning. No matter what season you're in, Chris will make sure your plan protects your current and future way of life.

Chris focuses his practice on State and Federal litigation, family law, criminal law, and mediation. Named 2023 Top Family Law and 2022 Top Criminal Defense Lawyer in Grand Rapids by Grand Rapids Magazine!. Experienced.. “I have had the pleasure of working with Mr. Wirth - often as opposing counsel - in family court, including several trials. He is a knowledgeable and skilled attorney. Most significantly, however, he possesses innate psychological understanding and quick wit that together translate into excellent courtroom skill. I would endorse him to anyone facing serious legal challenges in family or criminal law.” Attorney Michael Brown. "Chris -- you gave your client one of the best defenses I've seen in a long while." Adam Dreher, Ionia County Assistant Prosecutor. Respected.. "Chris has the respect of his colleagues because he believes our laws must be applied without political or personal bias," Abraham Gonzales, past President of the Ottawa County Bar Association. Knowledgeable.. “Chris is trusted by Ottawa County to care for our most vulnerable citizens,” Steve Eckert, retired Director of Bethany Christian Services.. Reasonable.

Charissa Huang represents individuals and businesses in litigation and transactional law matters. She counsels businesses, immigrants, students, professionals, and others on issues related to immigration matters such as green cards, nonimmigrant visas, deportation, and removal proceedings. She advises municipalities on matters including eminent domain and governmental immunity.  Additionally, Charissa represents parties in employment law cases involving the Whistleblower’s Protection Act, Michigan Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act, and racial discrimination under Title VII and the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act.

Britt Morton Cobb has been practicing law since 1998. She practices in both Michigan and Colorado. She has worked exclusively as a defense attorney, representing the accused in criminal cases at the trial level and in appeals at both the federal and state court levels. Britt's focus is on her federal practice, handling everything from serious drug trafficking and fraud offenses to more minor federal offenses. But, she also handles criminal cases in trial and appellate courts across Michigan and Colorado.. Britt is a conscientious, caring, and detail-oriented legal advisor. She puts clients at ease with her positive attitude, her warmth, and her penchant for problem solving.. Britt worked in Denver, Colorado for 8 years after graduating law school at the Law Firm of Abraham Hutt. When her family relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2006, Britt landed with the acclaimed criminal defense firm of Willey & Chamberlain. She worked at Willey & Chamberlain as associate then partner for 18 years. Recently, Britt's family has relocated back to Denver and she started a solo practice, handling cases in both Michigan and Colorado.. Bar Admissions. Honors & Awards. Professional Associations. o Treasurer, 2019-2021. o President-elect 2021-2022. o Newsletter Editor, 2019-2021. o President, 2022-2023

Brian Gordon was raised in East Lansing area where he attended and graduated from Okemos High School in 1989. Brian attended and graduated from Michigan State University in 1994 and Michigan State University College of Law in 1999 (formerly known as the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University).