Practice Areas
Education
Wayne State University Law School
Detroit, Michigan
J.D., 1989
Central Michigan University
Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
B.S., cum laude, 1986
Bar Admissions
Michigan
Court Admissions
All Michigan state courts
Labor and Employment Attorney
Rick is a member of Varnum’s Labor and Employment Practice Team. He focuses on the defense of employers in workers’ compensation litigation, from managing contested cases in an aggressive and efficient manner to assessing cost-containment methods. He represents employers at all levels of the court system, including the Workers’ Compensation Appellate Court, the Michigan Court of Appeals and Michigan Supreme Court.
Rick has handled multiple Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) inspections and appeals, including appeals of citations following a complaint, serious injury or death of an employee.
Honors and Recognitions
Best Lawyers in America®, Workers’ Compensation Law – Employers, since 2005
Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Workers Compensation Law, 2019 and 2020
Leading Lawyers, Employment Law – Management
Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated
Professional Affiliations
Grand Rapids Bar Association
State Bar of Michigan
Community Involvement
Certified soccer referee
Registered Michigan high school baseball umpire
Youth baseball coach
Youth soccer coach