Top best State Lawyers in Grand Rapids | 349 available

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.

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.

Brittany T. VanDam, JD, earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Ferris State University in 2017 and went on to earn her law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2020. Brittany has been working in the legal field since 2016 and has been inspired by the compassion and care of our justice system. With a strong and fresh background in criminal justice, she brings a fresh approach to the practice through her use of interpersonal communications and a true passion for helping people. Brittany understands the importance of getting the help you need not only now, but also when you cannot be there in the future. Brittany’s practice focuses on Estate planning; Trust Administration; Probate Administration for Estates, Guardians, and Conservators; and Long Term Care Medicaid planning.. In addition to working for the Elder Law Firm, PC, Brittany dedicates her time to doing pro bono work and strives to become actively involved in The Innocence Project. Brittany is also a member of the Women’s Lawyer’s Association and is a strong advocate for giving back to the community. Her passion for clients and dedication to helping people make her a strong leader in the legal field.

Brianna is an associate at Rhoades McKee, PC, focusing on estate planning and elder law in West Michigan. She attended Michigan State University College of Law and graduated in 2018. Before law school, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with minors in Philosophy and Psychology from Loyola University Chicago in 2014.. Previously, Brianna externed at the Ingham County Probate Court, where she conducted guardianship reviews and assisted in court proceedings. She also interned for a small estate planning firm in Ada, where she drafted estate planning documents and had constant client contact.. During law school, Brianna focused on honing her research and writing skills and was a teaching assistant for the Writing Specialist and a student associate for LexisNexis.. When Brianna is not working, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, hanging out with her kitties, traveling, and being involved in the community.. Undergraduate Education: Loyola University Chicago, 2014Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with minors in Philosophy and Psychology. Graduate Education: Michigan State University College of Law, 2018Journal of Animal and Natural Resource Law, Board member of St. Thomas More Society, Women’s Law Caucus. Clubs/Organizations: Member of the Women Lawyers’ Association of MichiganMember of the Grand Rapids Bar AssociationMember of the Caregiver Resource Network. Previous Legal Jobs: Externed at Ingham County Probate Court; interned at Cottrell & Jacobs, PLC, associate at Shea Aiello, PLLC

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).

Brett Liefbroer graduated with a BA from the University of Michigan in 2008 and a JD from Michigan State University in 2011. He started working in the tax department at Ernst & Young in Fall 2011. Brett joined Law Weathers in Fall 2014 as a real estate and business attorney. Brett aspires to grow as a legal and accounting professional and to continue to serve his clients with dedication and integrity.

Brent Geers specializes in helping people empower those they trust and provide for those they love. Brent has been an attorney since 2012, working with individuals and families to marshal their time, talent, and treasurer for the benefit of their children, family, and community. He is a Grand Rapids Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” honoree, and currently operates his own practice, Geers Law.. Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Brent is a proud product of the Grand Rapids Public Schools (Creston High School). He went on to graduate from the University of Michigan as a first-generation college student, earning a BA in American Culture, with a minor in African American Studies. Brent spent a year as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer working locally on adult literacy and neighborhood improvement issues before joining the US Army. Thereafter, he graduated from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School before being licensed to practice law throughout Michigan.. Brent served on active duty for five years in the Military Police Corps. His duty placed him in Baumholder, Germany and Fort Knox, Kentucky, with deployments to Iraq from 2003-2004 and Afghanistan from 2005-2006. Brent’s military honors include the Valorous Unit Award as part of the 527th Military Police Company for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy, and the Griffin Award as part of the 92nd Military Police Company for being the best MP unit in the US Army – Europe command. Brent as was awarded the Combat Action Badge, and is a four-time recipient of the Army Commendation Medal.. Besides a thriving estate planning practice, Brent serves on advisory boards for the Grand Rapids Community Foundation and Well House. His legal advice can be found in the Grand Rapids Times' column Oughta Be A Law. He helps teach legal topics to and mentors 9th grade students at Ottawa Hills High School through the Grand Rapids Bar Association's 3R's – Rights, Responsibilities, and Realities – Program.  He is also an attorney representative for Kent County’s Veterans Treatment Court, assisting in the treatment instead of punishment of post-conviction veterans.. Brent is married to an educator, who employs his services as a chaperon for various school functions. He is also a father to a daughter determined to break down barriers for women everywhere.

Born and raised in West Michigan, I have a unique insight into the needs of the people within this area. I tailor my areas of practice to best maximize what my clients will need and work hard to make sure they get their desired result. When dealing with issues that intimately affect people’s lives, only the utmost care can be tolerated. That is why I strive to treat every clients case as if it were my own, to treat my clients with respect, and to work hard to get them the result they deserve.

Attorney Tom Flickinger concentrates his practice in the areas of business transactions, estate planning, probate and trust administration, and real estate law.  He has spoken on business and estate planning topics and has published articles on estate planning and taxation in the Michigan Business Law Journal, Fordham Journal of Corporate and Financial Law, and Trusts & Trustees.  Tom has also served as an extern for the Hon. Maura D. Corrigan, during her service as the Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court.. Tom graduated summa cum laude from Franciscan University, earning a degree in accounting. He received his law degree, magna cum laude, from Ave Maria School of Law, where he was a Senior Editor for the Ave Maria Law Review and the President of the school's Business Law Society.  Tom was also a member of the State Bar of Michigan's Law Student Section Governing Council. Tom has received a Certificate of Completion in the areas of probate and estate planning issued by the Institute of Continuing Legal Education and the Probate and Estate Planning Section of the State Bar of Michigan.

Attorney specializing in estate planning and real estate transactions.

Attorney Meaghan Miracle concentrates her practice on estate planning, estate and trust administration, guardianships and conservatorships, estate litigation, family law. Whether developing case strategy or drafting motions or documents, she consistently delivers a high level of service to her clients.. Meaghan particularly enjoys working with families of various backgrounds as they face important milestones. “Every family should receive legal counsel tailored to meet their unique needs. My goal is to assist families in making decisions that will foster stability and align with their values.”

Attorney Adam Kimball takes pride in dedicating himself to the service of others while still finding time to meet his personal goals.. Adam graduated Magna Cum Laude from Cooley Law School in April of 2024 and was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in October of the same year. During his tenure at Cooley, Adam proudly served as Editor-in-Chief of the Thomas M. Cooley Law Review. He also represented his school at the Chicago Bar Association’s 2022 National Moot Court Competition, where he argued complex constitutional issues.. Before law school, Adam attended Grand Valley State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy with a minor in Hospitality and Tourism Management. His philosophy training coupled with his deeply-rooted commitment to serving others has instilled in Adam a fundamental sense of obligation to care for his community and improve their well-being.. Adam currently lives in Grand Rapids with his loving and supportive partner, Phoebe. When he’s not working, Adam enjoys spending time with his partner, nights out at the movies, learning new board games, and enjoying time outdoors with friends and family.

Aileen practices in the areas of commercial and real estate litigation and construction law. She has represented a variety of clients in these areas, including developers, design professionals, contractors, subcontractors, owners, sureties, manufacturers, governmental agencies, insurers, and suppliers. For the past 20 years, she has been a lecturer and author on many topics involving contract and construction law including Alternative Dispute Resolution, Bidding on Public Works, Public Works Act, MIOSHA Compliance, the Michigan Construction Lien Act, and the Builders Trust Fund Act. Aileen assists clients with transactional and litigation needs, including contract review, preparation, and negotiation, and pre-suit claims evaluation and facilitation.