John W. Pestle

John W. Pestle

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

University of Michigan Law School
Ann Arbor, Michigan
J.D., magna cum laude, 1975

Yale University
New Haven, Connecticut
M.A., magna cum laude, 1972

Harvard College
Cambridge, Massachusetts
B.A., magna cum laude, 1970

Bar Admissions

Arizona

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia

United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

United States Supreme Court

Cell Tower and Telecommunications Attorney

John represents property owners nationally (35 states and counting) on cell tower leases. Since 1996, he has led the firm’s practice in this area.

Most of John’s work is on the sale of cell tower leases and future leasing rights, which as of mid-2022 sold for around twenty times annual revenues. He brings his experience to bear on helping clients decide whether to sell, getting bids for the best price and terms, and negotiating the document (typically a long term “easement”) selling the lease and future leasing rights. He also represents clients on the grant, renewal and amendment of cell leases. John emphasizes making sure the lease or sale does not harm the current use, future development or value of the property with the lease.

Experience

John has helped clients sell over 100 cell leases. Many of these were “rooftop” cell antenna leases, such as on the roof of a commercial building, or on a water tower or other municipal structure. These are particularly complicated in order to protect the building/structure, its future use, repair, maintenance, rehab and replacement for the long duration (50 years or more) of the sale, and for municipal properties, to protect essential services. 

John’s clients include businesses of all kinds, including real estate investors, schools, cities and counties as well as individuals with a cell tower on their property.  He has worked on cell lease sales to most of the major purchasers, such as American Tower, Crown Castle, SBA, Landmark, Everest and Tarpon as well as leases with Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular and others.

Before becoming a lawyer, John held a Federal Communications Commission license to work on radio, TV and ship radar transmitters. The resulting knowledge about electronic matters helps him in his practice.

John has represented municipalities for decades on cell tower and telecommunications matters and is knowledgeable on their unique requirements and procedures. As a municipal prosecutor, he had a perfect record of jury convictions in drunk driving cases.

Honors and Recognitions

Martindale-Hubbell® Distinguished™ Peer Review Rated

Michigan Municipal League, Special Award of Merit in 2006, in recognition of work for municipalities on telecommunications and cable matters

National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors: Member of the Year Award in 1996 for work on the Federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, the first major overhaul of federal telecommunications laws in 60 years.

Professional Affiliations

Federal Communications Bar Association

National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors

State Bar of Arizona

State Bar of Michigan, past Chair of Government Law Section

American Public Power Association, past Chair of Legal Section

Grand Rapids Bar Association

International Municipal Lawyers Association

Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys

Community Involvement

Beach Comber Condominium Association (MI), Secretary-Treasurer

Child and Family Resource Council (MI), past Board Member

Harvard Glee Club Foundation (MA), past Trustee

Hilltop House (now Bradley House) (VT), past Board Member

Madera Reserve Homeowners Association (AZ), President

The Good Shepherd UCC Church (AZ), past Finance Chair

Presentations

Many seminar and webinar presentations to real estate groups, municipal groups, attorneys, churches, disability rights organizations and seminar companies. Three representative presentations include:

Cell Tower Leasing and Sales for Attorneys, Commercial Landlords, Municipalities, etc. Many versions from 2006 to the present; presented to Lorman Education Services, International Municipal Lawyers Association, municipal groups, attorneys, church groups and others.

Federal Laws and FCC Rules Preempting Local Zoning for Cell Towers and Communications Towers. Many versions from 1996 to the present as laws changed; presented to Lorman Education Services, International Municipal Lawyers Association, municipal groups and municipal attorneys in several states.

Federal Emergency Broadband Discount Program (free/reduced cost Internet service and devices during COVID for people on Medicaid, food stamps, etc. or who lost jobs or with special needs), Spring 2021, presented to International Municipal Lawyers Association, Lorman Education Services, Dale Disability Rights Law Firm

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Jude W. Pereira

Jude W. Pereira

Practice Areas

Education

Wayne State University Law School
Detroit, Michigan
J.D., 1999

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
B.A., 1994

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

Family Law Attorney

Jude is a partner in Varnum’s Family Law Practice. He has experience in all areas of family law and has a particular focus in matters involving complex business valuations, hidden and/or undisclosed assets, and mental health issues as they relate to marital difficulties, custody and parenting time.

Jude represents clients throughout the State of Michigan, with emphasis in Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, and Kalamazoo counties. His goal is to assist clients in reaching fair settlements in an efficient and cost-effective manner. As a skilled litigator, Jude provides passionate and effective courtroom representation in matters where an agreement cannot be reached.

Honors and Recognitions

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Family Law, since 2019

Professional Affiliations

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), an organization that represents abused/neglected children

Grand Rapids Bar Association: Family Law Section; former trustee

State Bar of Michigan, Family Law Section

Community Involvement

YWCA, past Board member

Presentations

State Bar of Michigan Family Law Section 2018 Mid-Summer Conference, presenter

State Bar of Michigan Family Law Section 2014 Mid-Summer Conference, presenter

State Bar of Michigan Family Law Section 2013 Mid-Summer Conference, presenter

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Melissa B. Papke

Melissa B. Papke

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

University of Michigan Law School
Ann Arbor, Michigan
J.D., 1998

Dartmouth College
Hanover, New Hampshire
B.A., Japanese, 1995

Bar Admissions

Michigan

New York

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

Supreme Court of the State of New York, Second Judicial Department

United States District Court for the Southern District of New York

Commercial Real Estate Attorney

Melissa is a partner and leads the Real Estate Practice Team. She focuses her practice on corporate and real estate matters, with an emphasis on commercial sales, acquisitions, leasing and redevelopment, as well as construction law. She has extensive experience in structuring primary and replacement real estate financing with banks, private investors, and joint ventures, including mezzanine and other uniquely structured secured loan facilities.

Melissa offers her clients significant experience in negotiating commercial and industrial design and construction contracts, and counsels her clients throughout the construction process. In addition, she has developed a strong background in numerous aspects of residential and mixed use condominium projects, as well as environmental transactions, ranging from conservation easements and charitable donations, to sustainable forest management and carbon offset credits.

Experience

Coordinated consolidated master lease of 300,000 square feet of commercial and industrial space in the Chicago metro area, that was formerly leased in multiple locations, with non-coordinated terms and durations.

Negotiated fast-track large-scale industrial build-to-suit lease, with multiple-phased construction and buildings, economic incentives, and various future expansion, redevelopment, and acquisition options.

Handled acquisition and financing of $100+ million multifamily communities in the Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Lansing metro and suburban areas, including structured loans and securitization.

Orchestrated and negotiated construction and design agreements for a $70 million expansion project for tourist attraction and conservation project.

Provided real estate, labor, corporate and regulatory counsel for first-in-its industry national client’s service business and entrance into the Michigan market, which included rapid growth and acquisition of multiple sites, assets and work forces.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Commercial Finance Law, since 2019

Best Lawyers in America®, Real Estate Law, since 2016

Best Lawyers in America®, Women in the Law Spring Business Edition, Real Estate Law, 2017

Crain’s Detroit Business, Notable Women Lawyers in Michigan, 2017

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Real Estate Law, 2019 – 2021

InMotion Commitment to Justice Award for pro bono representation of domestic violence victims and low income women, 2001

Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Go To Real Estate and Condo Lawyer, 2021

Professional Affiliations

American College of Mortgage Attorneys: Board of Regents, 2015 – 2020; Co-Chair of Membership Development and Engagement Committee and Chair of Mentorship Subcommittee, 2011 – 2021; Bylaws Committee, 2022 – present; Fellow, 2009

American College of Real Estate Lawyers: Fellow, 2017

Grand Rapids Bar Association: Real Estate Section, President, 2014 – 2015; Vice President, 2012 – 2014; Secretary and Treasurer, 2010 – 2012; member, 2004 – present

International Council of Shopping Centers: member, 2018

State Bar of Michigan: Real Property Law Section, Council member, 2011 – 2017; Environmental and Energy Law Committee, co-chair, 2007 – present; member, 2004 – present

Community Involvement

Habitat for Humanity: Family Services Committee for Home Ownership Program, Board member, 2010 – 2014

Varnum’s Diversity Committee and liaison to Hispanic law student groups

West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce: Board of Directors; Membership Committee chair, 2011 – 2014

Presentations

Panel speaker, International Council of Shopping Centers, “Clicks and Bricks, Stronger Retail Together,” Novi, Michigan (2018)

Panel speaker, Real Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan Conference, “That Lease Suits Me Fine: The Dynamics of Negotiating a Build-to-Suit Lease,” Scottsdale, Arizona (2016)                       

Speaker, Grand Rapids Bar Association Real Estate Section Meeting, “Riding the Magic Bullet of Title Insurance without Falling Off,” Grand Rapids, Michigan (2015)

Speaker, American College of Mortgage Attorneys Conference, “Don’t Be the Defendant: Understanding the Complexities of Seemingly Simple Ethical Situations,” Bretton Woods, New Hampshire (2014)

Discussion leader, Real Property Law Section of State Bar of Michigan Roundtable re “Legal Opinion Letters: The Importance of Being Earnest,”  Crystal Mountain, Michigan (2013)

Co-chair, Real Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan Conference, “Redevelopment after the Great Recession, Lessons from the Sunshine and Great Lakes States,” Orlando, Florida (2012)

Co-chair, Real Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan Conference, “The ABCs of Regulatory Reform: A Big Change,” Washington, DC (2011)

Speaker, Real Property Law Section of State Bar of Michigan Conference, “Turning REDD Credits into Green Carbon,” Phoenix, Arizona (2010)

Speaker, Real Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan Conference,  “What Goes Down Must Come Up; Advising Clients about Real Estate in Michigan: After the Purchase Agreement, Issues that Arise on the Way to Closing,” Traverse City, Michigan (2008)

Speaker, Lorman Seminar: Plats and Subdivision Law – Condominium Development, Grand Rapids, Michigan (2008)

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Justin K. Ooms

Ooms Justin Web

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

Indiana University Maurer School of Law
Bloomington, Indiana
J.D., magna cum laude, 2017
Order of the Coif
Articles Editor, Indiana Law Journal

Bucerius Law School
Hamburg, Germany
Graduate Coursework, 2016

Calvin College
Grand Rapids, Michigan
B.A., History, with honors, 2014
B.A., German, 2014

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Environmental, Natural Resources and Energy Attorney

Justin is an associate on the Environmental and Natural Resources Practice Team. He focuses his practice on energy regulatory matters, representing renewable energy project developers, independent power producers, manufacturers and other industrial business interests as well as public entities in negotiations with Michigan’s utilities and in cases before the Michigan Public Service Commission. He also advises clients on environmental compliance and permitting matters and on zoning and land use matters. 

As a complement to his work in the energy and environmental areas, Justin leverages his experience advising clients in connection with significant business transactions (including mergers & acquisitions and other corporate reorganizations) and with corporate governance and securities law matters (including private placements of securities and registered offerings) to provide holistic legal advice driven by an understanding that his clients’ immediate legal needs often represent only a small part of their overall business strategy.

Professional Affiliations

State Bar of Michigan

Community Involvement

Servants Center, board

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Deborah Ondersma

Practice Areas

Education

University of Michigan Law School
Ann Arbor, Michigan
J.D., cum laude, 1996

Calvin College
Grand Rapids, Michigan
B.A., English, 1993

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

United States Tax Court

Tax Attorney

Deborah has extensive experience handling all levels of property tax appeals. She has represented both petitioners and respondents in matters involving assessed values, taxable values, exemptions, abatements and tax increment financing. Her successes include cases in the state Tax Commission, the Tax Tribunal, the Court of Claims and the Court of Appeals.

Professional Affiliations

American Inns of Court, West Michigan Chapter

Grand Rapids Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan

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John P. O’Connor

John P. O'Connor

Practice Areas

Education

Community College of the Air Force
Denver, Colorado
Law Enforcement coursework, 1992

 

Litigation Paralegal

John has a wide range of experience in litigation matters with both plaintiff and defense. He works on complex cases in intellectual property, class and collective actions, medical/dental malpractice defense, products liability, contract disputes and personal injury.

He focuses on the use of technology in all aspects of a case, including throughout discovery and in settlement negotiations and trial. As a paralegal, he works with attorneys, clients and experts to manage cases electronically, using document management and legal presentation software including Relativity and Trial Director.

Professional Affiliations

National Fire Protection Association

State of Michigan Bar Association, Legal Assistant Section

United States Air Force, sergeant, 1988-1996

 

Community Involvement

Emmett Charter Township: trustee; Planning commissioner, 2006 – 2012

Harper Creek Community Schools: Technology Committee; Key Communicator Network

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Larry Murphy

Larry Murphy

Practice Areas

Education

Wayne State University Law School
Detroit, Michigan
J.D., 1979

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
B.G.S., 1976

Bar Admissions

Illinois

Indiana

Michigan

Wisconsin

Court Admissions

All Illinois state courts

All Indiana state courts

All Michigan state courts

All Wisconsin state courts

United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit

United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit

United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois

United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

United States District Court for the Federal District of Nebraska

United States District Court for the Southern District of New York

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin

Employment Litigation Attorney

Larry is an experienced trial attorney concentrating on the defense of individuals and organizations in employment litigation, including matters involving discrimination, harassment, wrongful discharge and employment contracts. He has extensive experience advising employers on executive employment contracts, personnel policies and procedures, discipline issues, corporate downsizing, trade secret and non-compete agreements, and drug and alcohol testing.

The most recent issue of Chambers USA, which ranks top lawyers and law firms, notes that Larry “has extensive experience in contentious labor and employment matters. This includes cases relating to allegations of wrongful discharge and workplace discrimination.”

Experience

Representing large retailing chain in workforce reduction and right-sizing measures in multistate region, including assisting with analysis and implementation of the reduction-in-force programs and with particular attention to ensure there is no disparate impact to women, minorities and other workers with protected status.

Secured a seven-figure resolution following aggressive litigation on behalf of a national trucking company against former employees who breached their fiduciary duties by removing confidential information and using it in their new employment with a competitor.

Secured a large six-figure attorney fee reimbursement on behalf of a national logistics company following the court-ordered dismissal of a multicount complaint alleging millions in damages against the company.

 

Jury Trial Experience Highlights

Greatwide Cheetah Transport v. Medallion Transport and Logistics, Preston County Circuit Court, West Virginia, No. 14-C-106: (2017): Breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, and misappropriation of trade secrets claims.

Dedivanaj v. DaimlerChrysler Corp, Third Circuit Court No. 02-236941 CZ (2005): Sexual harassment, retaliation and race association discrimination claims.

Fillmore v. Citizens Bank, Circuit Court No. 00-68454-CL (2004): Post-firing retaliation claim.

Zink & Triest Company v. Lalani, Russo, Vanilla Corporation of America, and Daugherty, Civil Action No. 0202413 (2004): Breach of fiduciary duty, misappropriation of trade secrets.

Elger v. Eaton Corporation and Navy Controls Division, Eastern District of Wis. Case No. 00-C-0941 (2001): Age discrimination.

Beadles v. Tower Automotive, Western District of Tenn. Case No.1-99-1322 (2001): Worker’s compensation retaliation.

Major, Buckingham, Sansom, and Vandyke v. First American Home Care, Integrated Health Services, and A.B.C., Circuit Court No. 98-352 CZ (1998) Whistleblower retaliation.

DeClue v. Central Illinois Light Company, Central District of Illinois Case No.: 1:98-CV-01276 (1998): Sexual harassment.

Honors and Recognitions

American College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, fellow

Best Lawyers in America® since 2005

Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year, Employment Law – Management, 2020, 2024

Chambers USA©: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business as a Leader in the field of Labor and Employment since 2005

DBusiness© magazine’s Top Lawyer, Litigation – Labor Employment Benefits, 2017

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Litigation – Labor Employment Benefits, 2019 and 2020

Leading Lawyers: ADR Law – Employment; Employment Law – Management

Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

Michigan State Bar Foundation, fellow

Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Leader in the Law, 2019

Michigan Super Lawyers® since 2006

Top Rated Lawyer in Labor and Employment, 2013

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association

Illinois Bar Association

Indiana Bar Association

Michigan Bar Association

Transportation Lawyers Association

Wisconsin Bar Association

Community Involvement

Dégagé Ministries, Board of Directors

Grand Rapids Community College Foundation Board, chair

Talent 2025 Board of Directors, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, co-chair

Presentations

Presenter at seminars nationwide entitled “Jury Trial Litigation of Employment Claims,” 1995 – 2006.

Frequent lecturer on employment and labor law topics.

Presenter of more than 75 seminars, speeches and round table discussions on labor and employment law topics.

News and Insights

Gary J. Mouw

Gary J. Mouw

Practice Areas

Industries

Clerkships

United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, Honorable Cornelia G. Kennedy

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, Honorable Gordon J. Quist

Education

University of Michigan Law School
Ann Arbor, Michigan
J.D., magna cum laude, 2004
Order of the Coif

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
B.B.A., Business Administration, High Distinction, 2001
Awarded Class Honors, 1998 – 2001

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Litigation Attorney

Gary’s practice is primarily focused on representing companies and individuals – in Michigan and across the country – in connection with government enforcement actions and white collar criminal defense. He has extensive experience conducting internal investigations in a wide range of matters, including antitrust claims, False Claims Act suits and environmental matters. Gary has represented clients in investigations conducted by the United States Department of Justice, the United States Attorney’s Offices throughout the country, the United States Department of Defense and State Attorney General’s Offices. Moreover, he recently served as a member of the team assembled by the Independent Monitor appointed by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York responsible for monitoring General Motors’ obligations under a Deferred Prosecution Agreement arising out of the ignition switch crisis. Stemming from this unique automotive experience, Gary also represents a variety of suppliers in connection with complex commercial litigation, including temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and other supply chain disputes.

Prior to joining the firm, Gary served as a law clerk for the Honorable Cornelia G. Kennedy of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and also served as a law clerk to the Honorable Gordon J. Quist of the United States Court of Appeals for the Western District of Michigan. This behind-the-scenes experience has served him well in another focus of his practice: appellate law. Gary has successfully represented clients in federal and state appellate courts throughout the country, with a particular focus on Sixth Circuit and Michigan Supreme Court cases.

Experience

Currently a member of the team assembled by the Independent Monitor appointed by the U.S. Department of Justice to oversee General Motors’ compliance with its obligations under the Deferred Prosecution Agreement stemming from its recall of defective ignition switches.

Conducted internal investigation for automotive supplier and secured declinations of criminal prosecution in grand jury investigations conducted by two United States’ Attorneys’ offices and the Department of Justice Environmental Natural Resources Division for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act.

Represented foreign corporation in response to the Department of Justice Anti-Trust Division auto parts grand jury investigation involving multinational issues, and currently representing the foreign corporation in Antitrust class action lawsuits filed by automobile dealers and consumers.

Represented clients in response to False Claims Act investigations, including a regional hospital system with respect to a DOJ nationwide investigation of alleged false claims submitted for Medicare payments.

Conducted internal investigation for company involving grand jury investigation conducted by the United States Attorneys’ Office for Southern District of New York involving allegations of HUD violations, wire and mail fraud, and money laundering.

Secured reversal of the Court of Appeals by the Michigan Supreme Court in favor of a governmental agency involving an issue of governmental immunity for contempt damages.

Obtained peremptory reversal from Michigan Supreme Court in action concerning interpretation of the term “premises,” as used in virtually every homeowners’ insurance policy.

Represented proposed class action in case before the 8th Circuit resulting in decision of first impression regarding interpretation of CAFA.

Honors and Recognitions

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, White Collar Criminal Defense, 2020

Michigan Super Lawyers®, Rising Star, 2016

The Best Lawyers in America®, Appellate Practice, 2024

Professional Affiliations

Federal Bar Association

Grand Rapids Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan

Presentations

Strafford, speaker, DOJ Investigations of Fraud in PPP Loan Applications: False Claims Act, Corporate and Personal Liability, 2022

News and Insights

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

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