Bruce Goodman

Bruce Goodman

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

University of Michigan Law School
Ann Arbor, Michigan
J.D., 1979

Wayne State University
Detroit, Michigan
M.A., 1971

Harvard College
Cambridge, Massachusetts
B.A., 1970

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

Energy and Environmental Attorney

Bruce practices energy law and environmental law. His energy background includes negotiating electric power sales agreements (both for wholesale sellers of energy and for retail consumers of energy), state electric rate cases, developing municipal energy tariffs and renewable energy project structuring and permitting. For years, he published a blog focused on alternative and renewable energy developments in Michigan. Most recently he has been involved in various alternative energy projects, including wind, biofuels and solar projects.

His environmental experience includes air quality permitting work, compliance counseling on air emissions, state and federal environmental enforcement issues and environmental management program development. The air quality work requires a comprehensive understanding the Federal Clean Air Act as it applies to stationary sources of air emissions, as well as a working knowledge of the options pursued by states in reducing stationary source emissions in ozone and particulate non-attainment areas.  

Bruce was the author of the Watt’s New? Michigan Energy News monthly newsletter from 2008 – 2014 and was named a “Thought Leader in the Law” for his work with clients in the energy industry. He is the principal organizer for the Ford Energy Lecture series held in Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor, and has also been named to Michigan’s Energy Innovator Hall of Fame by the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council.

Experience

Bruce has given numerous presentations each year on energy issues, as well as moderating energy panels. He has also presented on air quality issues, as well as participating in Air and Waste Management Association programs, and other environmental trade association programs.

In 2008, he served on two technical workgroups supporting Michigan’s Climate Action Council. Bruce is a founding member of West Michigan Energy. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Energy Innovation Council and the Board of Directors of the Institute for Energy Innovation.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Environmental Law, since 2010

Grand Rapids Business Journal©, Thought Leader in the Law, 2010

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Energy Law, 2019 – 2022; Environmental Law 2023

Leading Lawyers, Energy Law

Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council, Energy Innovator Hall of Fame, 2014

Professional Affiliations

American Wind Energy Association

American Bar Association: Natural Resources Section; Energy and Environmental Law Section

Institute for Energy Innovation, Board of Directors member

Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council; Secretary, Executive Committee member

Michigan Manufacturers Association, Air Quality Subcommittee

Solar Energy Industries Association

State Bar of Michigan, Environmental  Law Section

Community Involvement

Cascade Township Bike Path Millage Committee, past co-chair

Harvard Club of West Michigan, Schools’ Committee

News and Insights

Linsey Gleason

Linsey Gleason

Practice Areas

Education

Michigan State University College of Law
East Lansing, Michigan
J.D., summa cum laude, 2008

Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
B.A., Eli Broad College of Business, General Management, 2003
Additional Major, Economics, 2003
Graduated with highest honors

Bar Admissions

Florida

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

All Florida state courts

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Estate Planning Attorney

Linsey has been with Varnum LLP since 2008. Her legal practice includes estate and tax planning, trust administration, guardianships and conservatorships, elder law and special needs planning. She is passionate about counseling her clients and helping them to identify and achieve their immediate and long-term estate planning and philanthropic goals. In 2015 she earned credentials as a Chartered Advisory in Philanthropy®.

Linsey is currently the Chairperson of the Grand Rapids Public Museum Foundation Board of Trustees, is the past Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Senior Neighbors, Inc, and also serves on the Saint Mary’s Foundation Board of Trustees, the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids Board of Directors, the Grand Action 2.0 Advisory Committee, the Grand Rapids Whitewater, Inc. Cabinet Campaign, the Grand Rapids Public Museum Board of Directors and Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s Centennial Campaign Council. She is the former Chair of the Probate and Estate Planning section of the Grand Rapids Bar Association and past President of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan – Western Region and has served on many other community non-profit boards. She is the proud graduate of the Leadership Grand Rapids Class of 2013 and is one of Grand Rapids Community Foundation’s 100 New Philanthropists. 

Linsey was honored by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a member of the 2019 class of Women in the Law, was named one of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan in 2020 by the Grand Rapids Business Journal and was also included in the 2019 and 2020 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® and in Grand Rapids Magazine‘s list of Top Lawyers in Michigan. Linsey was named a Michigan Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine for six consecutive years and was an ATHENA Young Professional Award finalist in 2013 and 2015. In 2016, she received the Center for Community Leadership Create GReat Award, and in 2017 she was awarded the 3-in-10 Award by Grand Rapids Bar Association.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America® since 2019

Grand Rapids Bar Association, 3-In-10 award, 2017

Grand Rapids Business Journal©, 40 Under Forty, 2015

Grand Rapids Business Journal©, 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan, 2020

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

Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Women in the Law, 2019

Michigan Super Lawyers®, Rising Star, 2013 – 2018

The Center for Community Leadership, Create GReat award, 2016

Professional Affiliations

Grand Rapids Bar Association: Probate and Estate Planning Section, past chair

Partnership for Philanthropic Planning

State Bar of Florida

State Bar of Michigan

The Economic Club of Grand Rapids

Western Michigan Planned Giving Group

Women Lawyers Association of Michigan – Western Region: president, 2011 – 2012;  vice president, 2010 – 2011

Community Involvement

Grand Action 2.0, Advisory Committee

Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Grand Rapids, Class of 2013

Grand Rapids Public Museum Board of Trustees, Chairperson

Grand Rapids Public Museum Foundation, Board member

Grand Rapids Whitewater, Inc., Campaign Cabinet

Rotary Club of Grand Rapids

Saint Mary’s Foundation Board of Trustees, Board member

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, Association Board member

News and Insights

Regan A. Gibson

Regan A. Gibson

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

Georgetown University Law Center
Washington, DC
J.D., 2015
Executive Blog Editor, American Criminal Law Review

Smith College
Northampton, Massachusetts
B.A., cum laude, 2009

Bar Admissions

District of Columbia

Michigan

Virginia

Court Admissions

All Michigan State Courts

All Virginia State Courts

District of Columbia Court of Appeals

Superior Court for the District of Columbia

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Litigation Attorney

Regan is a member of the Litigation and Trial Practice Team, representing clients in a variety of civil and criminal litigation matters and internal investigations. She has experience in a wide range of civil litigation matters, including commercial contract disputes, trade secrets and unfair competition matters, class action defense, supply chain disputes, antitrust, RICO and shareholder disputes.

Regan has represented companies and individuals in investigations by the United States Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and the Michigan Attorney General. She has conducted internal investigations related to antitrust, FCPA, immigration, environmental, labor and employment and public integrity compliance issues. Regan also has extensive experience coordinating complex E-Discovery matters, including the implementation of processes and strategies for gathering, processing, reviewing and producing large volumes of electronic data.

Prior to receiving her law degree, Regan was a paralegal specialist in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, where she served in the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking Section.

Experience

Represented Detroit Charter Revision Commission before the Michigan Supreme Court, successfully overturning a Wayne County Circuit Court decision and Michigan Court of Appeals ruling involving the right of City residents to vote on a revision to Detroit’s City Charter in the 2021 primary election.

Represented the former Director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in connection with investigations arising out of the Flint water crisis, obtaining dismissal of the indictment brought by the Michigan Attorney General.

Represented foreign auto parts supplier in connection with the defense of class action claims following a large-scale auto parts antitrust investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. Successfully navigated the matter through the DOJ investigation and secured a full declination of criminal charges.

Successfully represented a developer in circuit court following a lawsuit by neighboring property owner disputing a zoning board decision approving a multimillion-dollar residential development in a historic downtown neighborhood.

Successfully represented a developer in circuit court following a lawsuit by neighboring property owner disputing zoning board decision approving a multimillion-dollar resort development project.

Successfully represented property owner in a dispute with a municipality involving a short-term rental unit. Following numerous delays to a proposed renovation project, the client prevailed at the circuit court level, allowing the project to continue and received a $75,000 settlement in compensation.

Representing multiple clients in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and CARES Act Fraud investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Ones to Watch, Commercial Litigation, 2025

Notable Women in Law, Crain’s Grand Rapids Business, 2024

Professional Affiliations

Federal Bar Association of West Michigan

Grand Rapids Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan

Community Involvement

Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Grand Rapids, Class of 2024

H.O.P.E. Gardens, Board of Directors – Secretary

Michigan Center for Civic Education, Board of Directors Executive Committee – Vice President

Smith College, Grand Rapids Alumni Admissions Coordinator

News and Insights

Stacey A. George

George Stacey Photo Bw

Practice Areas

Education

Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Grand Rapids, Michigan
J.D., cum laude, 2004

Alma College
Alma, Michigan
B.A., 1999

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Real Estate Attorney

Stacey focuses her practice on real estate matters and represents business owners with commercial real estate holdings, residential real estate developers, residential and commercial property buyers and sellers, builders, condominium associations and landlords and tenants. Stacey’s practice includes consulting and negotiation on a variety of real estate-related documents for both residential and commercial real estate matters, including leases, buy and sell agreements, financing documents, easements, construction contracts and addressing boundary disputes. 

Honors and Recognitions

Leading Lawyers: Real Estate Law – Commercial; Real Estate Law – Residential; Trust, Will & Estate Planning Law

Professional Affiliations

Commercial Alliance of Realtors, Form Committee

Grand Rapids Bar Association: Real Property Section

State Bar of Michigan: Real Property Law Section

Community Involvement

Cub Scout Pack 3106, Committee Chair

St. Patrick Church, Endowment Committee

St. Patrick School, School Boar

News and Insights

Christopher M. George

Christopher M. George

Practice Areas

Education

University of Notre Dame Law School
Notre Dame, Indiana
J.D., magna cum laude, 2017
Notre Dame Law Review

Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
B.A., with high honors, 2014

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

Languages

German

Corporate Attorney

Chris is a member of Varnum’s Corporate Services and M&A Team. Chris’ focus is in business and transactional work with a strong emphasis on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity and other commercial transactions. Chris has experience advising clients on the legal aspects of day-to-day business issues and has experience in corporate formation and structuring, and a wide variety of other commercial transactions. He has experience working with businesses ranging from early stage startups to mature, publicly-held businesses of all sizes.

M&A Experience

Numerous roll-up acquisitions for West Michigan-based insurance brokerage firm.

Represented manufacturer of sterile injectable drugs in its sale to private equity firm.

Represented multinational building materials manufacturer in multiple U.S.-based acquisitions.

Represented home construction manufacturer in its sale to private equity firm.

Represented commercial, retail and service specialty vehicle manufacturer and upfitter in multiple U.S.-based acquisitions.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Ones to Watch, Corporate Law, since 2024

Michigan Lawyers Weekly – Up and Coming Lawyers, 2024

Professional Affiliations

State Bar of Michigan

News and Insights

Kimberly A. Clarke

Kimberly A. Clarke

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

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

Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
B.A., 1991

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Immigration Attorney

Kim is a client relationship manager for our full-service clients and focuses her practice on immigration and agriculture. In her immigration practice, she handles immigration planning, strategy and processes including nonimmigrant petitions, both employment- and family-based permanent residence applications, expatriation and foreign visa issues. She has developed a strong background in the area of worker verification issues and managed clients through internal and agency Form I-9 audits, USICE compliance investigations and civil and criminal charges.

Kim works with employers of all sizes, including Fortune 500 companies, colleges and universities and international businesses. As a recognized authority, she has provided commentary and analysis on immigration issues to The New York Times, The Washington Post, Business Insider and other publications. She currently serves on the Immigration Editorial Advisory Board for Law360.

In addition, Kim maintains a specialty practice of consultation with agricultural clients and handles various agricultural labor and employment issues such as compliance with migrant labor laws, H-2A worker issues, wage and hour laws, anti-discrimination and COVID-19 related laws.

In partnership with the Michigan Farm Bureau, Kim developed the Agricultural Employment Compliance Guide, an easy-to-use guide for farm employers trying to keep up with sometimes overwhelmingly complex federal and state employment laws. In addition to providing timely updates to both the online and print versions, Kim delivers in-person employment seminars each year to agricultural employers across the state.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Immigration Law, since 2019

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

Martindale-Hubbell® Distinguished® Peer Review Rated

Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Leader in the Law, 2018

Professional Affiliations

American Agricultural Law Association

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Grand Rapids Bar Association

Law360, 2020 Immigration Editorial Advisory Board

Michigan Farm Bureau

National Association of College and University Attorneys

National Council of Agricultural Employers

State Bar of Michigan: Agricultural Law Section; International Law Section

Community Involvement

Kent Conservation District, Board member

Saint Mary’s Foundation, Board chair

Presentations

Immigration Issues: The Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Mismatch

Immigration Issues Post 9/11

Immigration and Employment

Selected Topics in Current Immigration Law

Employer Compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act

The Legal Aspects of Direct Farm Marketing

Application for Permanent Residence: Law, Procedure and Strategy

News and Insights

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Diane M. Chiles

Diane M. Chiles

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

Davenport College
Grand Rapids, Michigan
B.S., Paralegal Studies, 2015

Real Estate Paralegal

Diane has extensive experience working with Commercial and Residential Real Estate matters. She has worked as a Commercial Escrow Officer and has conducted all aspects of commercial real estate closings including multi-site, high liability transactions. Diane has considerable experience within the title insurance industry including management of escrow operations. As a paralegal, she works with attorneys within several different practice groups which touch on real estate related matters such as estate planning, foreclosures and lending.

Certifications

NALS – Advanced Certification for Legal Professionals

NALS – Professional Paralegal

State of Michigan, Licensed Title Producer

Professional Affiliations

Commercial Alliance of Realtors, West Michigan

Grand Rapids Bar Association, Legal Assistant Section

National Association for Legal Professionals

Community Involvement

Grand Rapids Christian High School, parent volunteer

News and Insights

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Laura A. Chappelle

Laura A. Chappelle

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

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

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
B.A., 1985

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Illinois

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

Supreme Court of the United States

Energy Policy Attorney

Laura focuses on regulatory and legal policy issues involving the state and federal energy sectors. She has more than 25 years of experience in state, wholesale and regional energy issues. Laura previously served as a regulatory policy advisor for both the Michigan House and Senate, assistant counsel for former Speaker of the House Paul Hillegonds, deputy legal counsel for former Governor John Engler, and was appointed by Gov. John Engler as the chairman of the Michigan Public Service Commission in 2001, where she served as commissioner from 2003 until 2007. Laura was a key advisor in the drafting and implementation of Michigan’s retail electric choice law, as well as Michigan’s nationally-recognized “Broadband” telecommunications law that, in part, coordinated and streamlined local and state right-of-way regulations for telecommunications and Internet providers.

Laura previously served as a regulatory policy advisor for both the Michigan House and Senate and was appointed by Gov. John Engler as the chairman of the Michigan Public Service Commission in 2001, where she served as commissioner from 2003 until 2007. Laura was a key advisor in the drafting and implementation of Michigan’s retail electric choice law, as well as Michigan’s nationally-recognized “Broadband” law that, in part, coordinated and streamlined local and state right-of-way regulations for telecommunications and Internet providers.

For more information, please contact Laura Chappelle at 616/336-6920 or [email protected]

News and Insights

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Christopher J. Caldwell

Caldwell Chris Photo Bw

Practice Areas

Education

University of Pittsburgh School of Law
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
J.D., magna cum laude, 2002

Hope College
Holland, Michigan
B.A., cum laude, History, 1998

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

Estate Planning Attorney

Chris is a partner on Varnum’s Estate Planning Practice Team. Chris regularly advises clients regarding complicated estate planning, succession, and tax planning, recognizing that such advice requires an intimate understanding of the client’s hopes, desires and concerns in order to achieve the client’s goals. As such, he works intimately with clients and their advisors to create estate plans that enable families to plan for the immediate concerns of today, as well as for future generations.

Chris prepares sophisticated estate plans, focusing on probate avoidance, estate tax planning and business succession planning. In addition, Chris regularly assists families with cottage succession planning and navigating both the emotional, interpersonal and legal complexities of maintaining a family cottage. Chris also maintains a significant focus on post-death planning, and estate and trust administration.

Experience

Advising multiple second-generation members of a significant farming operation on estate planning, focusing on estate tax minimization, business succession planning and philanthropic planning. Implementing structure to involve next generation members in business operations.

Working with the majority owner of a large food-service operation to take advantage of tax minimization strategies while also simplifying a complex structure for maximum efficiency and flexibility for future planning.

Representation of an individual trustee regarding the settlement of a complex estate following the death of both parents; assisting in probate litigation regarding validity and interpretation of estate plan documents.

With several generations of multiple families involved in a variety of businesses, working to establish consistent business succession plans within context of very individualized estate plans, and with an emphasis on transfer tax minimization, asset protection for future generations and business operation efficiency.

Working with a couple owning eight-figure qualified retirement plans to prepare an estate plan with a goal to maximize benefits to individual beneficiaries and charities in the context of income tax, estate tax, and cash flow concerns.

Representing holding valuable Lake Michigan real estate to address property tax concerns while creating a cottage management structure for future generations.

Representing owners of an automotive supplier to implement various irrevocable trusts and transfers; Coordinating various irrevocable trusts and establishments of agreements among beneficiaries to reallocate ultimate disposition of various trust held assets.

Representing owner of business in medical support field regarding sale of nine-figure ownership interest to “dynasty” trust to maximize generalized wealth transfer for many generations while minimizing estate tax.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Trusts and Estates, since 2013

Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year, Trusts and Estates (Grand Rapids), 2023

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

Leading Lawyers, Trust, Will & Estate Planning Law

Professional Affiliations

Grand Rapids Bar Association

Michigan Institute for Continuing Legal Education (ICLE)

State Bar of Michigan: Probate and Estate Planning Section, Council member; Charitable and Exempt Organizations Committee, Chair

West Michigan Estate Planning Council, past President and Board member

West Michigan Planned Giving Group, past Board member

Community Involvement

Fountain Street Church Foundation, past Chair and Board member

Home Repair Services, past Chair and Board member

Porter Hills Planned Giving Committee, past Committee member

Widowed Persons Service, past Board member

Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Foundation,  Board of Directors

 

Presentations

ICLE, Planning Techniques for the Taxable Estate, “Overview of the Estate and Gift Tax,” December 5, 2019

Varnum’s Annual Institute for Tax Practitioners, Grand Rapids, 2017, 2018, 2019

ICLE, Fundamentals of Estate Administration, “Information Gathering and Commencement of Proceedings,” October 9, 2018

MICPA, West Michigan Tax Symposium, “Laying a Strong Basis for Your Estate Planning,” November 29, 2017

ICLE, Planning Techniques for the Taxable Estate, “Overview of the Estate and Gift Tax,” December 1, 2016

News and Insights

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David T. Caldon

Caldondave Web

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

Pepperdine University School of Law
Malibu, California
J.D., 1999

Pepperdine University
Malibu, California
B.A., cum laude, 1995

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

Real Estate, Land Use and Municipal Attorney

Dave focuses his practice in real estate, land use and municipal law. He serves as the City Attorney for the cities of Grandville and Belding and has experience representing both private developers and municipalities in all aspects of municipal and transactional real estate law. He also regularly represents developers of renewable energy projects.

Dave represents commercial developers, including developers of renewable energy projects, throughout all phases of their commercial development projects, including initial land acquisition, permitting, construction contracting, construction financing and permanent securitized financing. He also has broad experience with commercial and residential condominium development, having drafted condominium documents for many local prominent business and residential condominium projects. He serves as general counsel to many Michigan condominium associations. Dave also has significant experience with leasing of all types of real property, including office, commercial, retail and industrial properties.

In the public sector area of his practice, Dave represents cities, villages, and townships on general municipal issues and works with municipal officials to review and respond to applications for land divisions, rezoning, planned unit developments, and other zoning approvals, and to provide counsel on complex development issues.

Dave’s experience with real estate from both private and governmental perspectives provides him with a unique understanding that benefits his clients and helps to inform his practical and cost-effective advice to clients.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Real Estate Law, Land Use and Zoning Law, Municipal Law, since 2018

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Real Estate Law, 2019  – 2022

Michigan Super Lawyers® Rising Star

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association: Litigation Section; State and Local Government Law Section

State Bar of Michigan: Litigation Section; Public Corporation Law Section; Real Property Law Section

Grand Rapids Bar Association: Litigation Section; State and Local Government Law Section

News and Insights