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Practice Areas

Education

University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia
J.D., 1969

Colgate University
Hamilton, New York
A.B., 1966

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Estate Planning Attorney

Dirk is a member of the Estate Planning Practice Team. He provides a combination of legal experience and counseling in the most sophisticated estate plans as well as basic estate plans which enable him to assist clients as their needs change. He has particular experience in strategic planning which he brings to his work with families as they implement their own goals and objectives into their estate plan. He has also been both a board member and chair in many nonprofit organizations in Western Michigan, reflecting his commitment to our community and his goal that any project undertaken must be done well and with enthusiasm.

Honors and Recognitions

American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, fellow, 1988 – 2020

Best Lawyers in America®, Trusts and Estates, since 1989

Grand Rapids Community College, Distinguished Alumni Award 2016

Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Chaille Award, 1999

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Trusts and Estates, since 2020

Leading Lawyers, Trust, Will & Estate Planning Law

Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

Michigan Council of Foundations, Philanthropy Award, 2013

Michigan Super Lawyers® since 2011

Professional Affiliations

Grand Rapids Bar Association, past trustee

State Bar of Michigan: Crossroads Task Force on Judicial Reform, 2010 – 2011; Probate and Estate Planning Council, chair, 2002 – 2003

Community Involvement

Author, “Just Good Food for Good Friends” and line of spices “Dirk’s Good Seasonings”

Frederik Meijer Gardens: Board of Directors, 1997 – 2005; secretary, 2001 – 2005

Frederik Meijer Gardens Foundation: trustee 2006 – present; Board president, 2015 – 2016

Grand Rapids Art Museum, past Board member; Live Artfully recognition in 2018

Grand Rapids Community Foundation: Board of Trustees, 1992 – 2000; chair, 1997

Grand Rapids Downtown Market, past Board member

Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation, Board chair, 2008 – 2009

Kendall College of Art and Design: Board of Trustees, 1982 – 1991; chair, 1987 – 1989

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