Varnum is pleased to announce that partner Jessica Visser has been named a 2026 Crain’s Grand Rapids Business 40 Under 40 honoree. The annual recognition highlights rising professionals making an impact across West Michigan’s business community.
Visser is a partner on the firm’s Business and Corporate Practice Team and co-chair of its Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Practice. She advises educational institutions and businesses on legal and regulatory matters, with a significant portion of her practice focused on helping K-12 schools, colleges, and universities navigate issues affecting their students, operations, and athletics programs.
Her corporate practice includes advising clients on contract drafting, review, and negotiation, commercial matters, and federal government contracting. Before entering private practice, Visser spent 10 years as an in-house attorney, including serving as associate general counsel for a major university, and previously worked as a contracting officer for the U.S. Department of Defense.
“Jessica’s recognition as a 40 Under 40 honoree is a reflection of the strong practice and reputation she has built,” said Jon Bylsma, firm chair of Varnum. “She has become a trusted adviser to educational institutions and businesses on the legal and regulatory issues they face.”
Visser’s higher education work includes Title IX matters, student disability accommodations, investigations, policy development, student conduct, dispute resolution, and institutional compliance. She advises clients in Michigan and nationally on collegiate athletics matters, including NIL compliance and collective structuring, as well as related governance and agreements.
Visser was profiled alongside the other 2026 40 Under 40 honorees in the September 21 edition of Crain’s Grand Rapids Business.
