Varnum is once again ranked in the latest edition of Chambers USA, which ranks lawyers and law firms based on client and peer research. The firm was ranked in the areas of Banking & Finance, Corporate/M&A, Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation, Labor & Employment and Real Estate.
Chambers guides are the culmination of thousands of in-depth interviews by the largest research team of its kind and are trusted globally to objectively rank the world’s best lawyers and law firms. Being ranked in Chambers is a significant achievement. The qualities on which rankings are assessed include technical ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment and other qualities most valued by the client.
Chambers USA published the following about Varnum in the 2020 edition:
Banking and Finance
“Strong Grand Rapids team typically advising on loan origination and acquisition financing mandates and ably supported by considerable resources in the firm’s Novi and Birmingham offices. Acts on behalf of an array of banks and other financial institutions. Offers further expertise in governance and regulatory affairs.”
Client comments: One client hails the team as “extremely responsive, and its knowledge is spot on; it is great all around.” Interviewees add that its lawyers “have a tremendous talent set.”
Corporate/M&A
“Broad offering with experience advising on M&A, securities, venture capital financing and a range of general corporate matters. Possesses complementary expertise in antitrust, tax and immigration. Also offers specialist private equity transactional advice.”
Client comments: One highly impressed client states: “In all my experiences with them, I found the entire Varnum team to be experts in their fields, diligent, pragmatic and tireless.” Another client appreciates “their expertise in each area and their ability to support what we are looking for and help us in the most efficient way possible.”
Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation
“Experienced team advising on the drafting and administration of a wide variety of benefit programs. Expertise covers pension plans, including ERISA-related matters. Further well placed to advise on ESOPs, health care and cafeteria plans, in addition to providing counsel on contentious issues arising out of benefits and compensation programs.”
Client comments: “Its lawyers are always knowledgeable and professional. They bring value and experience to the table.” Another client enthuses that it “does a wonderful job.”
Labor and Employment
“Grand Rapids-headquartered firm noted for its high-quality labor and employment offering and complementary expertise in immigration law. Routinely advises large human resources departments on workforce reduction strategies, contract issues and labor relations. Especially well known for its active and successful arbitration practice.”
Client comments: Sources praise the group as “knowledgeable and dependable, with a good understanding of our business. Varnum is also fair with billing.” A client praises the team as “very down to earth and able to relate to our people – our employees feel comfortable with and trust their lawyers.”
Real Estate
“Compact real estate team based in Grand Rapids, with a strong transactional focus and significant experience in finance-related matters. Adept at advising clients on high-value commercial, industrial and residential development work. Regularly acts alongside other departments in the firm on significant, multi-stranded real estate matters. Clients include banks, hospitals, developers, brokers and individual investors.”
Client comments: One interviewee notes: “Varnum responds to my requests immediately and is able to meet all associated deadlines.”