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Practice Areas

Education

Cornell University Law School
Ithaca, New York
J.D., 1984
Moot Court Board

Alma College
Alma, Michigan
B.A., cum laude, 1981

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

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Corporate Attorney

Mike is a partner on the firm’s Corporate Practice Team and formerly served as the chair of the firm’s Policy Committee. His practice focuses on corporate governance, securities, and mergers and acquisitions. He represents several of the firm’s clients whose securities are traded publicly in corporate governance, securities law compliance, and mergers and acquisitions. He has managed and led a variety of public equity and debt offerings for financial services and manufacturing companies. Mike is also active in advising clients in venture capital transactions.

As a trusted advisor to several of Michigan’s most respected businesses, Mike has extensive experience advising officers and directors on strategic and general business law issues, governance and compliance matters, executive compensation, disclosure requirements and corporate structure. He also assists clients with corporate transactional matters such as contract negotiations and workforce management. 

Honors and Recognitions

The Best Lawyers in America®, Corporate Law, since 2005; Mergers and Acquisitions Law, 2024

BTI Consulting Group, Inc., Client Service All Star, 2012 (only four attorneys in Michigan were recognized for this honor)

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Corporate Law, since 2019

Leading Lawyers: Mergers & Acquisitions Law; Securities & Venture Finance Law

Martindale-Hubbell® Distinguished™ Peer Review Rated

Professional Affiliations

American Society of Corporate Secretaries

Grand Rapids Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan

UFPI Board of Directors

Community Involvement

Blythefield Country Club, past President, 2006 – 2017

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids; Board member, Chair of Governance Committee

“Varnum is a great firm. I work primarily with Michael Wooldridge. Mike is a thoughtful individual, and you always know he is thinking of you and your company’s legal issues. His practice is general corporate, and I find myself talking to him often about issues we are facing. He is intelligent, witty and a great guy to hang out with as well.”

General counsel, global furniture manufacturer

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