Steven J. Morren

Steven J. Morren

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

University of Michigan Law School
Ann Arbor, Michigan
J.D., 1991

Calvin College
Grand Rapids, Michigan
B.A., Business, German, 1988

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

Corporate Attorney

Steve is experienced in corporate transactions and real estate, representing developers, owners and investors as well as businesses and institutions for whom real estate is necessary to their operations. He handles all types of real estate transactions, including contract drafting and negotiating for projects, purchase and sale agreements, leases, exchanges and financing.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Real Estate Law, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers: Antitrust Law; Real Estate Law; 2019 and 2020

Professional Affiliations

Grand Rapids Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan

News and Insights

Timothy P. Monsma

Timothy P. Monsma

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

Wayne State University Law School
Detroit, Michigan
J.D., magna cum laude, 2008
Order of the Coif

Calvin College
Grand Rapids, Michigan
B.A., Psychology, 2004

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

Supreme Court of the United States

United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit

United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Litigation Attorney

Tim is a partner on the firm’s Litigation and Trial Practice Team. His practice focuses on helping clients resolve business disputes, including complex commercial tort and contract litigation, supply chain disputes,  trade secret and unfair competition matters, and corporate governance issues. He has represented clients in a broad range of industries including automotive, banking, energy, construction, manufacturing, trucking and logistics, and health care. This diverse experience allows Tim to tailor his approach to each case with the client’s particular business objectives in mind. He has litigated cases in state and federal courts around the country and has experience in all forms of alternative dispute resolution.

Tim also regularly represents clients in cases involving complex employment-related matters, including breach of non-competition agreements, misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of fiduciary duty, tortious interference with contracts, and unfair competition. He has successfully represented both plaintiffs and defendants in these cases, obtaining numerous multimillion dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients.

Tim is also actively involved in the firm’s recruiting and retention efforts. He currently serves as the chair of the firm’s Associate Recruiting Committee and is the past chair of the firm’s Summer Associate program.

Experience

Successfully defended international telecommunications provider against multiple tort and breach of contract claims filed by a competitor and totaling $6 million following the acquisition of local fiber company and alleged denial of splicing rights to an extended fiber network purchased as part of the transaction. Obtained summary disposition of all claims in client’s favor as well as a declaratory judgment terminating the plaintiff’s rights to access the network, pursuant to the terms of the agreements assumed in the transaction.

Successfully defended national less-than-truckload provider against complex misappropriation of trade secrets and unfair competition claims filed by a competitor and totaling $70 million in litigation spanning Michigan, Delaware, Utah, Texas, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, and Kansas. Obtained summary judgment of all claims against client, along with a significant attorneys’ fee award in client’s favor.

Represented international electronics component distributor in pursuing complex misappropriation of trade secrets, tortious interference and fraud claims against former executive and competitor, obtaining $600,000 verdict in client’s favor, following a two-week trial.

Served as national litigation counsel to a Fortune 500 manufacturer.

Successfully defended electronics manufacturer against breach of contract claims arising out of licensing agreement and totaling more than $10.1 million, obtaining nuisance value settlement.

Represented nationwide logistics broker in pursuing complex misappropriation of trade secret claims against a competitor and several former high-level employees after competitor and employees solicited client’s employees and customers and misappropriated massive amounts of confidential information, obtaining a multimillion dollar recovery.

Defended limited liability company against claims for withdrawal distributions totaling $1 million filed by several former members. After obtaining judgment in client’s favor in a case of first impression, the decision was unanimously affirmed by the Sixth Circuit.

Represented former shareholders in pursuing litigation against the purchaser of a large beverage manufacturer in litigation arising out of the purchaser’s breach of a stock purchase agreement through failure to pay accrued tax benefits following the sale, obtaining an $8.5 million settlement on clients’ behalf.

Successfully defended limited liability companies against contract and successor liability claims exceeding $1 million arising out of plaintiff’s alleged right to receive sales commissions following the termination of his relationship with the defendant companies.

Defended physicians group, its management company, and several corporate officers against numerous tort and contract claims in multimillion dollar litigation brought by the co-owner of an outpatient surgical center, obtaining dismissal of all claims, a result affirmed in its entirety on appeal.

Successfully defended real estate developer against statutory conversion and UCC claims totaling in excess of $1.5 million. The multiday trial resulted in a decision in favor of the developer on all counts. The decision was affirmed in its entirety on appeal.

Honors and Recognitions

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Litigation – Commercial, 2020, 2023; Trade Secrets, 2020

Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Up and Coming Lawyer, 2018

Michigan Super Lawyers®, Rising Star since 2013

Professional Affiliations

Federal Bar Association

Grand Rapids Bar Association: Litigation Section; former Executive Board member

Grand Rapids Economic Club

State Bar of Michigan

Transportation Lawyers Association, Litigation Committee

Community Involvement

Conductive Learning Center, Board member

Heart of West Michigan United Way, Project Blueprint, former Board member

Literacy Center of West Michigan, Board member

South End Community Outreach Ministries (SECOM), former Board member

West Michigan Arthritis Foundation, Board member

Presentations

“Protecting the Keys to the Kingdom: Managing Information and Competition in Today’s Work Environment,” Varnum Labor and Employment Seminar, March 2015

“This is the End: How to Handle Employment Terminations,” Varnum Labor and Employment Seminar, March 2016

News and Insights

Robert D. Mollhagen

Robert D. Mollhagen

Practice Areas

Education

Detroit College of Law
Detroit, Michigan
J.D., 1977

Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
B.A., 1972
Honors College with high honors, B.A., 1979

Bar Admissions

Illinois

Indiana

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois

United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Indiana

United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Michigan

United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Restructuring and Finance Attorney

Bob is a member of the Banking, Finance and Restructuring Team concentrating on commercial and real estate finance, loan restructurings and workouts, receiverships, bankruptcy sales and acquisitions, Chapter 11 bankruptcy case representations, including serving as counsel for debtor, secured creditor, creditors’ committee and other interested parties. Bob also provides federal tax advice in bankruptcy cases and to real estate investors.

Experience

Represented buyer in bankruptcy 363 sale-purchase of manufacturing company assets in Dallas, Texas.

Bankruptcy counsel to affiliated debtors in 363 bankruptcy sale of farm leases, machinery and equipment for 25,000 acre grain farm operation.

Advised partner in liquidating real estate limited partnership on tax basis issues and related tax planning.

Represented unsecured creditors’ committee and liquidating trustee in Chapter 11 hospital case, including negotiating and obtaining confirmation of creditors’ committee plan of liquidation.

Expert witness for liquidating trustee in bankruptcy lien avoidance adversary proceeding relating to real estate perfection issues.

Counsel to lender to mixed use nursing home facility and loan sale to facilitate HUD guaranteed refinancing of facility loan.

Counsel to receiver for 90,000 acre grain farming operation.

Corporate and tax counsel to affiliated corporate automotive supplier group.

Counsel to insider senior secured creditor in successful golf course resort Chapter 11 reorganization case.

Certifications

Certified Public Accountant, Michigan, 1974

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, since 2018

C. Robert Wartell Distinguished Service Award recipient, State Bar of Michigan, Real Property Law Section, 2008

Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

Professional Affiliations

Illinois State Bar Association

Indiana State Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan: Business Law Section; Real Property Section; Bankruptcy, Debtor/Creditor Rights Committee, past chair; Council of the Real Property Law Section; Land Title Standards Committee, past chair

Presentations

Grand Valley State University: Master of Science in Taxation instructor – Partnership Taxation; Estate Planning; Estate and Gift Taxation

Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, instructor – Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Reorganizations; Real Estate and Civil Procedure

Frequent lecturer and continuing legal education instructor – Commercial, Asset-Based and Real Estate Loan Documentation; Leveraged Buyouts, Loan Workouts and Bankruptcy

News and Insights

Daniel C. Molhoek

Daniel C. Molhoek

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

University of Michigan Law School
Ann Arbor, Michigan
J.D., magna cum laude, 1967
Michigan Law Review, Assistant Editor, 1967
Order of the Coif, Barristers Society

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
B.S.E., Industrial Engineering, 1963

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

Business Law Attorney

Dan’s practice includes the capitalization and structure of business entities, strategic and governance issues for public and private companies and structuring and negotiating mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic alliances. He has worked with large and small businesses and regularly advises directors on corporate and strategic issues.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Corporate Law, International Trade and Finance Law, since 1993

Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year – International Trade and Finance Law, 2014

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers: Corporate Law; Mergers & Acquisitions; 2019

Leading Lawyers: Closely & Privately Held Business Law; Mergers & Acquisitions; Publicly Held Corporations Law; Securities & Venture Finance Law

Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

Michigan Super Lawyers®

Professional Affiliations

Grand Rapids Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan: Business Section, Multi-Disciplinary Practice Committee

Community Involvement

Community Counseling and Personal Growth Ministry: founder; past director

Cornerstone United Methodist Church: past Council chair; Building Committee member; Sunday school teacher

First United Methodist Church: past trustee; youth counselor

Friends of the Yankee Clipper Library, founder and past director

Habitat for Humanity of Kent County: Board of Directors, past president; Capital Fund Drive, co-chair

John Ball Zoo: Board of Directors, past vice president; Capital Fund Drive, co-chair

Kent County Zoo: Advisory Committee, past chair

North East Neighborhood Association, founder and past director

West Michigan Dental Foundation, founder

News and Insights

Nicholas B. Missad

Nicholas B. Missad

Practice Areas

Education

Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Grand Rapids, Michigan
J.D., 1988

Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
B.A.,1983

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

Family Law Attorney

Nick is known as an assertive divorce attorney, representing complex multimillion dollar and high profile divorce cases, custody matters, and domestic relations. He brings more than 30 years of experience to our clients in the areas of divorce and family law and criminal defense. After witnessing every nuance of human behavior in family matters, his firm but fair approach translates to effective results for clients. He regularly acts for other attorneys on challenging family law arbitration and mediation proceedings.

Though not directly related to family law, Nick’s criminal defense experience in felony and misdemeanor cases at the state and federal level has enhanced his skill with complex family law cases. He is adept at presenting the facts to override potentially unfavorable human interpretations of the law. Nick also handles driver’s license appeals, criminal expungement and domestic and criminal appeals.

His background also includes several years representing inmates charged with crimes perpetrated in the large prison system of Ionia County.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Family Law, since 2020

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Family Law, 2019 – 2023

Leading Lawyers: Criminal Defense Law – Felonies & Misdemeanors; Family Law

Martindale-Hubbell® Distinguished® Peer Review Rated

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association

Fellows of the Michigan State Bar Foundation

Grand Rapids Bar Association; Family Law Section, past chair

Ionia County Bar Association: past president

State Bar of Michigan

News and Insights

Zachary J. Meyer

Zachary J. Meyer

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

Northwestern University School of Law
Chicago, Illinois
J.D., cum laude, 2010
Northwestern Journal of International Law and Business, Senior Editor

Cornell Law School
Ithaca, New York
First year J.D. curriculum, 2008
Dean’s List
Langfan Moot Court Competition

Calvin College
Grand Rapids, Michigan
B.A., European History, with honors, 2007
Minors in Latin and Greek
Dean’s List
Presidential Academic Scholarship Recipient
Peter D. Hoekstra History Scholarship Recipient
McGregor Scholar

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

Corporate Attorney

Zach is a member of the Business and Corporate Services Practice Team, assisting clients in matters of business law. He serves as Co-Chair of the firm’s Health Care Practice Team. He practices in the areas of corporate governance and structuring, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory compliance, with a particular concentration on matters in the health care industry. In addition, Zach has significant experience working with startups and emerging companies and in the forestry products and manufacturing industries.

Experience

Represented global top-10 insurance brokerage Acrisure in its $3.45 billion capital raise, consisting of a $3 billion refinancing of the company’s senior preferred stock and a $454 million private placement of junior preferred stock.

Represented privately-owned Zeigler Automotive Group in acquisition of three Chicago-area luxury car dealerships, estimated to add 5,000 new units and $350 million in annual sales.

Represented a leading carbon steel service center in its sale to a private equity fund. Negotiated the purchase agreement and provided counsel regarding the transaction structure, employee benefits, tax matters and antitrust filings under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act.

Represented Granger Energy Services division’s sale of 16 landfill gas-to-energy sites across six states to an Australian company. Negotiated sale agreement, coordinated antitrust filings, and advised on tax, employee benefits and energy regulatory matters.

Represented a publicly-traded bank holding company in its merger with a similar sized publicly-traded bank holding company, resulting in the third-largest bank holding company in the state.

Lead and supported 100+ serial acquisitions across the U.S. for holding company of insurance brokerage, employee benefits and risk management agencies (more than $2.3 billion in aggregate upfront value since July 2013).

Advised various physicians’ groups in business acquisitions, dispositions and combinations, including the sale of a medical device business line, acquisition of a 70-physician multi-specialty practice by a health system, the spinoff of a five physician specialty practice, and the combination of two specialty practices into one 38-physician specialty practice.

Counseled hospitals in their acquisitions by regional health systems, including the disposition of a $22 million hospital and a $109 million hospital.

Supported a food processing company in the negotiation of new commercial lending facilities, including the $16 million retirement of old lending facilities through the issuance of equity.

Advised clients in the development, commercialization, acquisition and disposition of medical device product lines, including surgical implants and surgical tools.

Coordinated execution of Pre-Seed, Series Seed, Series A Preferred and subsequent rounds of capital investment through the private issuance of convertible debt and common and preferred stock by, among others, a medical device development company, a space propulsion company, a virtual reality hardware company and other technology-driven startup and emerging companies.

Advised clients in the forest product industry regarding harvesting, supply, manufacturing, consignment and distribution agreements.

Supported an alternative energy developer in the establishment of a business structure for developing, contracting and building biodigesters, including analyzing licensing agreements and drafting manufacturing and raw material supply contracts.

Assisted an alternative energy developer in the sale of an industrial facility energy supply business to a developer with second-stage financing.

Aided an advanced aerospace tooling company in the $33 million sale of its business assets to a private equity firm.

Supported a privately owned tooling company through advanced stage business growth, including by assisting in the negotiation of a $56 million joint venture with a manufacturing subsidiary of a publicly traded company.

Advised engineering firms on licensing and other compliance requirements across the United States.

Analyzed and advised on matters of corporate governance, including issues of ownership and control; fiduciary duties of directors, managers, officers, shareholders and members; and majority and minority rights.

Evaluated and managed commercial risks by reviewing or drafting commercial contracts, including asset and stock purchase agreements; manufacturing, supply and distribution agreements; employee, contractor and consultant agreements; and confidentiality, non-competition and non-solicitation agreements.

Honors and Recognitions

Crains Grand Rapids Business, 40 Under 40, 2023

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Health Care Law, 2019 – 2022

Professional Affiliations

Grand Rapids Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan

Community Involvement

Catherine’s Health Center: Board member; past Board vice president

West Michigan Better Business Bureau, Board member

Presentations

Zachary J. Meyer and Louis C. Szura, “Basics of Starting a Medical Practice in Michigan,” State Bar of Michigan Health Care Law Section, January 2015

Michael S. Mc Elwee

Michael S. Mc Elwee

Practice Areas

Clerkships

United States Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Michigan, Honorable David E. Nims

Education

Wayne State University Law School
Detroit, Michigan
J.D., 1983

Grand Valley State University
Allendale, Michigan
B.A., 1979

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

United States Court of Federal Claims

United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

United States Supreme Court

Commercial and Bankruptcy Attorney

Mike has a multistate practice focused primarily on debt restructuring and complex commercial litigation. He serves many businesses, but specializes in automotive and agriculture. He also regularly represents health care facilities and other health care clients. Mike served as a law clerk to the late Hon. David E. Nims, a United States bankruptcy judge in the Western District of Michigan. Prior to joining Varnum, Mike was an FBI agent working primarily in foreign counterintelligence.

Experience

Debt Restructuring and Insolvency Cases

Multiple dairy receiverships in several states.

Creditors Committee for Cheboygan Memorial Hospital.

Automotive

Many Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers to OEMs, with an emphasis in supply chain intervention and management.

Litigation

Many avoidable transfer cases.

The prevailing party in a bankruptcy related appeal to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals (In re Hechinger Investment Company of Delaware, Inc.) Hechinger v Universal Forest Products, Inc., 489 F.3d 568 (3rd Cir. 2010)

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America® since 2010

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Mediation, 2023

Leading Lawyers: Bankruptcy & Workout Law – Commercial; Creditor’s Rights/Commercial Collections Law

Professional Affiliations

Grand Rapids Bar Association

National Association of Diocesan Lawyers

State Bar of Michigan

Turnaround Management Association, Grand Rapids chapter, director

Community Involvement

San Juan Diego Academy, Board member

News and Insights

Joseph B. Levan

Joseph B. Levan

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

University of Michigan Law School
Ann Arbor, Michigan
J.D., cum laude, 1993

University of Notre Dame
South Bend, Indiana
B.B.A., Accountancy, magna cum laude, 1990

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States Tax Court

Corporate Attorney

Joe is a partner on the Business and Corporate Services Practice Team and has been with the firm since 1993. His practice focuses on corporate governance and counseling, securities matters, and mergers and acquisitions along with certain tax matters. He represents publicly-held and privately-held clients in a variety of industries and matters, from board governance to securities law compliance to buying and selling businesses, as well as structuring business transactions and successions.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Corporate Law, since 2013; Mergers and Acquisitions Law, 2024

Martindale-Hubbell® Distinguished™ Peer Review Rated

Professional Affiliations

Catholic Lawyers Association of West Michigan, member

Grand Rapids Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan

Community Involvement

Grand Rapids Symphony, Board member and Finance Committee

Kent Country Club, Membership Committee, director, vice president, secretary

News and Insights

Marilyn Lankfer

Practice Areas

Education

University of Michigan Law School
Ann Arbor, Michigan
J.D., cum laude, 1978

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
M.A. and B.A., with high distinction

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

Estate Planning Attorney

Marilyn is an attorney on the Estate Planning Practice Team. Her practice includes estate planning, estate and trust administration, estate taxation and charitable giving. She was elected by her peers to be a fellow in the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. Marilyn is semi-retired and is not taking on new clients or new matters.

Honors and Recognitions

American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, fellow

Best Lawyers in America®, Trusts and Estates, since 1993

Best Lawyers in America®, Women in the Law Spring Business Edition, Trusts and Estates, 2017

Grand Rapids Community Foundation Philanthropic Leadership Award

Grand Rapids Magazine, Top 10 Lawyers in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Trusts and Estates, 2019, 2020, 2023

Leading Lawyers, Trust, Will & Estate Planning Law

Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Women in the Law, 2012

Michigan Super Lawyers®, 2005 – 2020

Michigan Super Lawyers®, Top 50 Women, 2009

Michigan Super Lawyers®, Top 100, 2009

YWCA, TRIBUTE – Professions Award

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association

Grand Rapids Bar Association

Michigan Estate Planning and Probate Council, 2003 – 2010; past treasurer

Michigan Uniform Trust Code Committee, one of the drafters of Michigan’s new Trust Code

Michigan Women Lawyers Association Western Michigan Estate Planning Council, past officer

State Bar of Michigan

Community Involvement

Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Board of Trustees, past chair

Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Professional Advisory Committee and LGBT Fund Advisory Committee

Leadership Grand Rapids

Planned Parenthood of West Michigan, past chair

Fountain Street Church, past chair

News and Insights