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