Varnum, one of Michigan’s largest law firms, and Law Weathers, the oldest firm in Grand Rapids, are combining their legal and administrative teams, effective Jan. 1. The move is projected to strengthen and grow key areas of legal practice while taking advantage of efficiencies created by a streamlined administrative environment.
“We are excited to welcome Law Weathers, a firm with a long and respected history in Grand Rapids,” said Scott Huizenga, Varnum’s Chairman. “As neighbors in Bridgewater Place since 1993, we have worked together on many matters, sometimes for the same clients. That level of familiarity, along with many mutual business opportunities, made this an easy decision.”
The news marks a busy period of growth for Varnum, which has seen rapid expansion in Southeast Michigan at both its established Novi location and its new downtown Detroit office, which opened in September. West Michigan continues to be a focus of the firm’s Michigan growth strategy, and the combination of Law Weathers with Varnum’s Grand Rapids office provides an opportunity to further increase market share in the region.
Mike Roth, the president of Law Weathers, added “Varnum provides a broad platform from which we can expand and deepen our client relationships. We are delighted to combine with this innovative firm whose attorneys are already our colleagues and friends.”
Culturally similar, both firms have a history of maintaining long-term client relationships and providing excellent service and responsiveness. A number of Varnum practice areas will see their ranks expanded, including Corporate (business transactions), Estate Planning, Regulatory, Real Estate, Litigation, Labor and Employment and Family Law.
The members of the Law Weathers firm joining Varnum include: Tony Barnes, Bob Buchanan, Dave Caldon, Stu Cheney, Stephanie Fekkes, Brad Fowler, Tony Gauthier, Stacey George, Bill Hineline, John Huff, Jim Komondy, Kevin Krauss, Nick Missad, Mike Roth, Terry Tobias, and Kurt Yost.
“The Law Weathers team is an outstanding addition to our firm,” said Varnum Executive Partner Tom Kyros, “They certainly have been a sought after firm, and we are glad they chose Varnum for their new home. Combining the skills and experience of both firms positions Varnum well relative to our growth goals, and enhances our ability to create opportunities for our clients.”
Kyros also commented on an important addition to the rich history of the combined firms.
“We look forward to hanging a portrait of Law Weathers’ most prominent alumnus, President Gerald Ford, in our client reception area, alongside those of Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt, Howlett and the other greats from our firm’s past.”