Yvonne K. George

George Yvonne Photo Bw

Practice Areas

Industries

Clerkships 

Kent County Circuit Court, Honorable George J. Quist

Education

University of Notre Dame Law School
Notre Dame, Indiana
J.D., 2017

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
B.A., Psychology and Political Science, with distinction, 2014

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Languages

Hungarian

Business and Health Care Attorney

Yvonne is a member of the Corporate Practice Team. Yvonne focuses her practice primarily on employment and family-based immigration. She assists clients with nonimmigrant petitions and employment and family-based permanent residence petitions, including the labor certification process, visas for extraordinary ability, and multinational manager and executive petitions. She focuses on foreign visa issues, visa processing, waivers, DACA and citizenship matters. Additionally, she is experienced in general corporate matters, including business formation and contract review and negotiations.

Yvonne is also a member of the Health Care Practice Team. Yvonne works with physicians, physician groups, hospitals and health care entities on mergers and acquisitions, compliance, including Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute compliance and other regulatory issues. She also works with physicians and health care entities on contracts, service agreements and licensing. 

Honors and Recognitions

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

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Immigration Law, 2022

Community Involvement

Catherine’s Health Center, board member and executive committee member

Economic Club of Grand Rapids, member

Trinity Health Regional Institutional Review Board, member

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Kevin B. Krauss

Kevin B. Krauss

Practice Areas

Education

Stetson University College of Law
Gulfport, Florida
J.D., cum laude, 1979
Stetson Law Review, Member

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

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

Labor and Employment Attorney

Kevin is a member of the Labor and Employment Practice Team. He is experienced in all aspects of labor and employment law and is also a certified mediator and arbitrator with the American Arbitration Association. He counsels clients in day-to-day personnel issues, including employment policies, discrimination laws, wage and hour issues, health and safety, personnel administration, employee handbooks, employee benefits, traditional labor law and employment litigation. His employment practice also includes the negotiation and drafting of employment contracts, and non-competition and confidentiality agreements.

Kevin assists employers in the implementation and application of reductions-in-force, plant shutdowns, or restructuring plans. He has litigated, arbitrated and mediated numerous cases on behalf of both employers and employees in state and federal courts involving discrimination and other employment-related issues. He has practiced before the NLRB, USDOL, EEOC, OFCCP, OSHA, MERC, MDOL, MDCR, MiOSHA, MESC (UIA) and STC.

Honors and Recognitions

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

Michigan Super Lawyers®, 2007 – 2017

Professional Affiliations

American Arbitration Association, certified mediator and arbitrator

American Bar Association: Labor and Employment Law Section; Alternative Dispute Resolution Section

Grand Rapids Bar Association, Labor and Employment Law Section, past chair

Michigan Public Employer Labor Relations Association

State Bar of Michigan

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Kyle P. Konwinski

Kyle P. Konwinski

Practice Areas

Industries

Clerkships

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, 2011

Kalamazoo College
Kalamazoo, Michigan
B.A. Business and Economics, cum laude, 2006

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Litigation Attorney

Kyle practices as a commercial litigator specializing in environmental and land use litigation.

Kyle is a first-chair litigator involved in high-stakes disputes.  He has cases throughout the state, has argued before the Michigan Supreme Court, and has expansive experience with the Michigan Administrative Hearing System.  He has represented clients in relation to Part 31 NPDES discharge permits, Part 303 Wetland Protection Act issues, Part 22 Groundwater Quality rules, Part 55 air permits, Part 201 remediation issues, Part 325 (Great Lakes Submerged Lands) sea wall permits, Part 353 sand dune permits, Part 17 (Michigan Environmental Protection Act) and various other regulatory issues. Kyle is also an expert in land-use litigation involving municipalities, zoning, and various land-use permits.

Kyle has extensive experience representing many clients on matters relating to PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, including PFOA and PFOS.  His cases involving PFAS have involved the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), the United States EPA, municipalities, private plaintiffs and numerous environmental consultants.

Kyle also has unique experience advising clients about the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Although he has represented numerous companies and plans in various issues related to ERISA, his most notable experience includes recovering millions of dollars for more than 200 clients throughout the state that were victims of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s ERISA violations.

Prior to Varnum, Kyle clerked for the Honorable Gordon J. Quist of the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, which gave him invaluable experience regarding trial and appellate court matters.

Experience

Represented a variety of clients in multimillion-dollar litigation involving the alleged discharge of PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances).

Represented several property developers on Lake Michigan in the face of challenges to their Sand Dune Protection & Management Part 353 permits from the Michigan EGLE (formerly DEQ), challenges under Michigan’s Environmental Protection Act (Part 17), and its special use permits. Argued one of the cases to the Michigan Supreme Court.

First-chaired and won an administrative trial for a development on Lake Michigan facing challenges to their waste discharge permits under Part 22 Groundwater Quality Rules and Part 31 NPDES permits.

Obtained summary dismissal of a challenge to a sea-wall permit under Part 325 and Part 353.

Successfully represented four municipalities (in regard to their water treatment plants) on an appeal from an administrative agency’s adverse decision, and obtained a complete reversal regarding their NPDES Part 31 permits.

Obtained summary disposition in favor of a wind energy developer seeking to develop a $120 million wind turbine farm. The ruling struck down ordinances with which the developer would have had to comply. He represented the wind-energy developer on appeal, and obtained a complete affirmance by the Michigan Court of Appeals, with the Supreme Court declining to review the case.

Represented over 150 companies in lawsuits against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for charging hidden fees in violation of ERISA.

In numerous cases, obtained summary judgment in favor of police officers being sued for alleged Constitutional violations (such as illegal search and seizure or unlawful use of excessive force). For each case appealed, obtained complete affirmance, once arguing before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

In numerous cases, obtained judgment in favor of an international marketer and distributor of agricultural products and chemicals, arising out of allegations that the products distributed were faulty.

Successfully represented or worked on behalf of several different plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of personal injury disputes.

Assisted a nonprofit organization in preparing for a “bet the company” arbitration. The parties eventually settled in a very favorable outcome for the client allowing the organization to continue its operations.

Has participated in more than 50 mediations for different clients.

Has served as local counsel for actions pending in the Western District of Michigan.

Honors and Recognitions

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Environmental Law, 2021, 2023, Litigation – Commercial, Since 2020

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association, Environmental Litigation Section

State Bar of Michigan, Environmental Law Section – Treasurer/Secretary; Chair of the Environmental Litigation and Administrative Practice Committee

Grand Rapids Bar Association

Community Involvement

Entrepreneurs’ Organization, Sponsor Liaison for Varnum

Kalamazoo College Alumni Association Engagement Board member

Presentations

ABA Environmental Litigation Section Panelist for Remote Trials and their Tribulations

Vice Special Report: Toxic Farmland, Season 2, Episode 11 (video).

West Michigan Air & Waste Management Section:  The Circularity of PFAS

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Harvey Koning

Harvey Koning

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

Harvard Law School
Cambridge, Massachusetts
J.D., cum laude, 1990

Calvin University
Grand Rapids, Michigan
B.A., Economics, 1987

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

Mergers and Acquisitions, International Business and Financial Services Attorney

Harvey is a member of the Business and Corporate Services Practice Team and also the Banking, Finance and Restructuring Team. Harvey represents businesses and shareholders in mergers, acquisitions and capital raising. Harvey’s practice also includes corporate governance, family businesses, securities regulation and executive compensation. He works closely with the Ally Law network of law firms throughout the world to assist clients with international legal needs. Harvey has extensive experience concerning government regulation and other matters specific to banks and other financial institutions.

Harvey advises buyers and sellers in merger and acquisition transactions with values ranging from a few million dollars to over $100 million. Representative clients include manufacturers, financial institutions and technology companies. Harvey assists clients with nondisclosure agreements, term sheets, letters of intent, purchase agreements, transaction structure, due diligence, indemnity mechanisms, escrows, representation and warranty insurance, and overall management of the transaction process.  

Harvey works with community banks and credit unions in the areas of mergers, capital raising, federal and state regulation, contract review, corporate governance and other matters. Harvey has represented over a dozen banks in merger transactions. He often interacts with regulators at the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, the FDIC and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Harvey’s international work includes representing investors from China and other countries in the acquisition of U.S. businesses. He works closely with the Ally Law network of law firms throughout the world to assist clients with international legal needs.

Harvey represents both companies and executives in connection with employment agreements, non-compete agreements, equity incentives, restricted stock and golden parachute agreements.

As a result of his experience and reputation, Harvey has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America® since 2009, Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Banking and Financial Service Law (2019) and is Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated.

Experience

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.

Counsel to 10 banks in merger transactions in the past 15 years, including representing Bank of Holland, Firstbank, Byron Bank, Clarkston State Bank, Ann Arbor State Bank and others.

Counsel to buyers or sellers in over 50 merger and acquisition transactions involving manufacturers, financial institutions, media companies and other types of businesses.

Represented an international materials company in six acquisitions of ready-mix plants and aggregate mining operations.

U.S. counsel to international company that acquired a large automotive manufacturing plant.

Counsel to a fintech company in connection with capital raising, contracts and the eventual sale of the company.

Counsel to a multistate international manufacturer of components for the appliance industry, including the sale to a private equity fund.

Represented the Grand Auto Family of four new car dealerships for many years including the sale to a Michigan dealer group.

Counsel to a contract research organization that provides clinical project management, statistical consulting and data management services to the pharmaceutical industry.

Counseled family businesses to resolve family business disputes.

Represented senior executives on employment agreements, non-competition covenants and golden parachute provisions.

Counsel to credit unions and a credit union service organization.

Regularly advises Michigan banks about regulation of financial institutions including interacting with state and federal regulators.

Contract review including software and data processing contracts.

International Experience

Varnum representative to Ally Law, an international referral network of 70+ law firms throughout the world. Assists clients with obtaining capable counsel in countries around the world.

Personally acquainted with business lawyers in over 20 countries.

Represented an international investor as U.S. counsel for the acquisition of a large manufacturing plant in the Midwest.

Represented an international investor as U.S. counsel for the acquisition of four automotive parts manufacturing plants.

Coordinated with special counsel to obtain transaction clearances from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.

Assists clients with legal needs in China, Mexico, Canada, Germany and other countries.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America® since 2009

Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year, Banking and Finance Law, 2022, 2025

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Banking and Financial Service Law, 2019, 2021, 2023

Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

Professional Affiliations

Grand Rapids Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan

Community Involvement

Bethany Christian Services, Board of Directors, 2006 – 2013

Guiding Light Mission, Board of Directors, 2017 – 2013

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Jeffrey D. Koelzer

Jeffrey D. Koelzer

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

University of Michigan Law School
Ann Arbor, Michigan
J.D., cum laude, 2013

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
B.A., magna cum laude, Economics, 2010

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

Litigation and Appellate Attorney

Jeff is a member of the Litigation and Trial Practice Team with a practice focused on commercial litigation, insurance coverage, and complex family law matters. He has first-chaired several trials before judges and jurors, and his appellate experience includes arguing before the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and the Michigan Court of Appeals, and briefing cases for the Michigan Supreme Court.

Jeff brings substantial experience representing automotive suppliers in connection with complex commercial litigation, including temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and other supply chain disputes.

In February 2020, Jeff served as part of a trial team that obtained a $7.6 million jury verdict against the City of Grand Rapids in Kent County Circuit Court on a claim for inverse condemnation on behalf of a commercial property owner in Grand Rapids. The City had previously offered zero dollars to settle the case.

As part of the Family Law Practice Team, Jeff focuses on complex matters involving complicated financial issues or novel legal questions. He has worked on matters involving multimillion dollar estates and has helped clients handle issues concerning hidden assets and income and complex property division.

For individuals and businesses with insurance (and that’s everybody), Jeff provides advice and assistance for obtaining coverage and benefits under a variety of circumstances.

Experience

Representation of a Fortune 100 Tier 2 automotive supplier in connection with opposing motions for temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in state court. 

Representation of a Fortune Global 500 Tier 1 automotive supplier in multiple matters seeking and obtaining temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions in state and federal court.

Representation of a non-automotive supplier in obtaining summary judgment in federal court defeating claims for breach of an alleged long term requirements contract. 

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David E. Khorey

David E. Khorey

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

Vanderbilt University Law School
Nashville, Tennessee
J.D., 1984

University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Indiana
B.A., 1981

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

United States Supreme Court

Labor and Employment Attorney

Now of counsel to the firm, Dave’s client-centered practice involved a variety of labor and employment issues. He provided practical, confidential ongoing advice and consulting on a number of sensitive and complex labor/employment matters, from problem employee situations to multi-facility collective bargaining negotiations. His representative clients include diverse industries (automotive, manufacturing, transportation and hospitals) throughout the nation. Dave has also served as chair of the firm.

Chambers USA, which ranks top lawyers and law firms, noted Dave’s “particular expertise assisting clients in the automotive and healthcare sectors.” Chambers also included quotes from interviewees who praised him as “very knowledgeable, thoughtful and thorough; he gives very sound counsel.” Sources also note him as “accessible and responsive.”

Experience

Dean Transportation, Inc. v. National Labor Relations Board, D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals Case Nos. 07-1262, 07-1313, 07-1314

NLRB v. Dickinson Press Inc., Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Case Nos. 97-5626, 97-5673

Keeler Die Cast v. NLRB, Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Case Nos. 98-5536, 98-5635

Testified before U.S. Senate Labor Committee regarding proposed passage of TEAM Act, 1995

Honors and Recognitions

American College of Labor & Employment Lawyers, fellow

Best Lawyers in America®, since 2001

Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year, Labor Law – Management, since 2024

Chambers USA©: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Leader in the field of Labor and Employment

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Labor and Employment Law, since 2020

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

Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

Michigan Super Lawyers® since 2006

Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame, 2022

Professional Affiliations

Grand Rapids Bar Association: Labor and Employment Law Section

State Bar of Michigan: Labor Relations Law Section, chair, 2004

Community Involvement

St. Nicholas Church, archdeacon

Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal, board member

“I have worked with Dave Khorey at Varnum for more than 30 years. He is the consummate professional: knowledgeable, responsive, realistic and at a reasonable cost.”

Client comment, U.S. News & World Report – Best Lawyers® Best Law Firms 2016 – 2017

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Perrin Rynders

Perrin Rynders

Practice Areas

Education

University of Michigan Law School
Ann Arbor, Michigan
J.D., cum laude, 1985

Calvin College
Grand Rapids, Michigan
B.A., History, 1982

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit

United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

United States Court of Federal Claims

United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida

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

Perrin is an accomplished first-chair trial lawyer and leader of the Litigation and Trial Practice team at Varnum. His legal expertise revolves around high-value claims and disputes that often reach multimillion-dollar magnitudes. With extensive experience in the courtroom, Perrin has conducted more than 30 jury and bench trials in both federal and state courts across the nation. Additionally, he has skillfully handled contested cases before arbitration panels and administrative tribunals.

Over the past ten years, Perrin has been recognized numerous times for his work in some of the state’s highest profile litigation matters, including complex commercial and environmental litigation. He led the Varnum team that, since 2011, has successfully represented more than 200 companies against Michigan’s largest health care claims administrator in ERISA litigation involving hidden fees. The first such trial resulted in a $6 million judgment that was unanimously affirmed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

Perrin is also part of the team that recently represented more than 500 Rockford area residents in 250+ separate lawsuits against shoemaker Wolverine Worldwide and the multi-national chemical manufacturer 3M. The litigation related to decades-old dumping of toxic PFAS chemicals, which contaminated drinking water for thousands of area residents. Claims alleged exposure-related illnesses, including multiple cancers, and property value loss.

Among Perrin’s current work is his representation of a Native American tribe against its health care claims administrator, seeking tens of millions of dollars. After a successful ruling in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the contentious matter is pending in federal district court with rulings in the tribe’s favor over the past year, including sanctions against the claims administrator. The decision will have implications for tribes across the country.

Perrin is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, recognized as the preeminent organization of trial lawyers in North America. Membership is limited to only those trial lawyers who are unquestionably and eminently qualified, in addition to being regarded as the best in their state or province. Consideration for Fellowship also requires lawyers to be actively engaged in trial work as their principal activity for a minimum of 15 years. The ACTL is an invitation-only fellowship and comprises less than 1% of the total lawyer population.

In contrast to the standard hourly rate arrangement, Perrin offers alternative fee structures based on performance, efficiency, and results.

Honors and Recognitions

American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), 2023

Crain’s Detroit Business© 2016 Special Report: The Litigators

Grand Rapids Business Journal©, Newsmaker of the Year – Law, 2014

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Litigation – Commercial, 2019

Leading Lawyers: ADR Law – Commercial Litigation; Commercial Litigation; Personal Injury Defense Law – General

Litigation Counsel of America, Senior Fellow

Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Leaders in the Law, 2023

Michigan Super Lawyers® since 2011

Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year, Commercial Litigation, Litigation ERISA, Litigation – Labor and Employment, since 2013; Bet-the-Company Litigation, since 2024

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association: Business Law Section; Litigation Section; Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, The Brief Editorial Board Standing Committee; Ethics and Professionalism Committee

American College of Trial Lawyers, Fellow

Federal Bar Association, Western District of Michigan

Grand Rapids Bar Association: Court Liaison Committee, co-chair; Alternative Dispute Resolution Section, Board

State Bar of Michigan: Alternative Dispute Resolution Section; Litigation Section; Negligence Law Section

Trial Law Institute – Litigation Counsel of America

Diversity Law Institute – Litigation Counsel of America

Community Involvement

Bethany Christian Services, past Board president

Calvin University, Board of Trustees

Grand Rapids Christian School Foundation, past Board member

Jellema House/Pathfinder Resources, Inc., past Board president

LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church, past Council president

MOKA, Inc., past Board member

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Jodi L. Russo

Jodi L. Russo

Practice Areas

Education

Ferris State University
Big Rapids, Michigan
B.A., Business Administration, 1992
A.A., Legal Assistant Studies, 1992

Intellectual Property Paralegal

Jodi is a paralegal on the Intellectual Property Team with extensive experience in all aspects of intellectual property matters including foreign and domestic trademark and patent prosecution and maintenance. She prepares a wide variety of IP related documents including drafting assignments, declarations, responses, patent forms, trademark applications, etc. Jodi also is proficient in the electronic filing of U.S. patent and trademark documents via the USPTO’s website, and handles the firm’s IP docketing for both U.S. and foreign matters.

Jodi is also a member of the firm’s Quality Control Team and is involved with analyzing conflicts and improving the firm’s client intake procedures.

Experience

Represented a Michigan entrepreneur in the purchase of Schuil Coffee Company. Negotiated purchase agreement, facilitated due diligence, environmental counseling, and patent and trademark filings associated with purchase.

Professional Affiliations

Grand Rapids Bar Association, Legal Assistants Section

International Trademark Association

State Bar of Michigan, Legal Assistants Section

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Peter G. Roth

Peter G. Roth

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

University of Michigan Law School
Ann Arbor, Michigan
J.D., magna cum laude, 1999
Order of the Coif

Calvin College
Grand Rapids, Michigan
B.A., Political Science, 1996

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

Roth Pete 1280 x 720

Corporate Attorney

Pete’s experience is in business and transactional work, with a heavy focus on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity, venture capital, family office and joint venture transactions. He also provides counseling with respect to day-to-day business issues of all types, including commercial transactions, contract negotiation, corporate structuring and succession planning.

Additionally, Pete has significant experience in laws unique to automotive suppliers, automotive dealerships, cooperatives including the Capper-Volstead Act, and 1031 exchange transactions.

Chambers USA, which ranks lawyers and law firms, notes that Pete “is adept at handling private equity and venture capital transactions. One client depicts him as an ‘expert in acquisitions, divestitures and contracts. His involvement in all aspects was invaluable, and he secured us an excellent result.’”

Experience

Mergers and Acquisitions

Pete has represented and advised clients (buy-side and sell-side) in negotiating, structuring and documenting hundreds of M&A transactions. These deals have been of all types and sizes, involving billions of dollars both nationally and internationally. Representative transactions include:

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 privately-held elevator services provider based in West Michigan in its sale to Connecticut-based private equity fund. Varnum provided M&A, corporate, tax, real estate and employee benefits services.

Represented TransNav, a privately-held plastic injection molding company in its sale to Groupe Plastivaloire, a family-controlled and publicly-traded auto components molder headquartered in France. Negotiated the purchase and sale agreement and all other legal documents and represented TransNav in connection with antitrust filings.

Represented Contractors Steel Company, 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 Fabco Holdings, Inc. in sale of product portfolio and related technologies to Meritor. Negotiated transaction documents and advised on employee benefit, union, intellectual property and financing-related matters.

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 private equity firm Blackford Capital in acquisition of Kingsport Book. Negotiated purchase agreement, advised on structure of transaction and facilitated closing.

Represented a Michigan entrepreneur in the purchase of Schuil Coffee Company. Negotiated purchase agreement, facilitated due diligence, environmental counseling, and patent and trademark filings associated with purchase.

Represented Entente Spirits (Round Barn Winery, Free Run Cellars and Round Barn Public House) in acquisition of Tabor Hill Winery, including 25 acres of vineyards, a restaurant and three retail locations. Drafted purchase agreement and coordinated filings with Liquor Control Commission.

Private Equity, Venture Capital and Family Offices

Regular representation of private equity funds, venture capital funds and family offices, handling all aspects of numerous transactions for clients. Services include structuring, negotiating and implementing the M&A and financing components of transactions, fund formation and capital raise issues, post-transaction governance and ultimate exit from investments.

Automotive Suppliers

Extensive work with automotive suppliers, including both Tier 1 suppliers and suppliers further down the supply chain. This representation has involved all types of matters, including disputes with OEMs as well as other suppliers; M&A and joint venture transactions; contract negotiation; terms and conditions analysis; price increase ‘hostage’ situations; and securing supply in bankruptcy and distressed situations.

Other Areas of Focus

Significant experience with complex joint ventures, representation of automotive dealerships, cooperative law and 1031 exchange transactions.

Honors and Recognitions

ACG Detroit, M&A All Star Advisor of the Year, 2023

Best Lawyers in America® since 2015

Chambers USA©: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers: Corporate Law 2019 – 2022; Mergers & Acquisitions Law since 2019

Michigan Super Lawyers® since 2021

Michigan Super Lawyers®, Rising Star, 2011 – 2014

Professional Affiliations

Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Western Michigan, board

Grand Rapids Bar Association

Mid America Cooperative Council, Inc.

State Bar of Michigan: Business Law Section; Taxation Section

Presentations

Panelist, M&A Roundtable Discussion: Due Diligence Goes Deeper, Draws Out Deals as Cost of Capital Increases, MiBiz, February 26, 2023

Panelist, M&A Roundtable Discussion: Inflation, Interest Rates, Global Conflict Complicate M&A Outlook, MiBiz, March 28, 2022

Panelist, Strategic Discussion with M&A and Private Equity Advisors, MiBiz, Jan. 7, 2019

Presenter, Legal Issues for Agricultural Cooperatives, Michigan Executive Cooperative Conference, January 27, 2014

Panelist, M&A Roundtable, Birmingham, MI, October 2, 2013

Panelist, Real Estate and Family Owned Businesses, West Michigan Family Business Alliance, August 7, 2013

Panelist, M&A Roundtable, Grand Rapids, MI, May 16, 2013

Panelist, Transitions in Family Owned Business, West Michigan Family Business Alliance, May 14, 2013

Presenter, Michigan Executive  Cooperative Conference, West Michigan Family Business Alliance, January 29-30, 2013

Panelist, M&A Roundtable, Birmingham, MI, November 29, 2012

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Michael J. Roth

Roth Mike Web

Practice Areas

Education

Valparaiso University School of Law
Valparaiso, Indiana
J.D., 1994

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, 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 Eastern District of Michigan

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Litigation Attorney

Mike focuses his practice on commercial litigation and trademarks. He also serves as a federal mediator. He has tried and arbitrated numerous commercial cases. 

Mike’s experience encompasses a range of business matters, including contract disputes with vendors, employment disputes, membership and shareholder disputes regarding asset and stock purchase agreements, ERISA claims and real estate disputes. He has particular experience representing clients in the Michigan automotive industry as well as manufacturing and professional services, including physician’s groups.

Rather than simply discussing the litigation process, Mike first consults with clients regarding their business goals. This approach allows Mike to develop practical legal strategies that have earned him the respect of clients who regularly seek him out not only for litigation, but also for litigation avoidance, general business counsel and risk mitigation.

Prior to joining Varnum, Mike served as the president of the Law Weathers law firm. He led Varnum’s Litigation and Trial Practice Team for three years, from 2019 to 2021.

Experience

Bowne Construction Company v. The Epworth Assembly (Mason County Circuit Court Case No. 18-01-CK). Obtained zero dollar resolution in defense of construction lien claim.

Eenhoorn, LLC ex rel. Thompson (U.S. District Court W.D. Mich. Case No. 1:17-CV-00021 and 61st District Court Case No. 17-CT-12717). Obtained jury verdict and dismissal in litigation involving tenancy, tax credit, Fair Housing Act, The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Michigan Medical Marihuana Act disputes.

Peterson Homes v. Bespoke Homes, (Kent County Circuit Court Case No. 15-11317-CZB). Obtained summary disposition in defense of breach of fiduciary duty claim.

Beach v. Autocam Medical, LLC, (Kent County Circuit Court Case No. 13-10094-CKB). Favorably resolved sales commission claim for medical parts manufacturer.

Fifth Third Bank v. Bentwaters Partners LP and United States Department of Agriculture, (U.S. District Court W.D. Mich. Case No. 1:12:CV-1123). Obtained summary judgment on issue of whether funds in deposit control account are exempt from garnishment proceedings.

Founders Brewing Company v. Founders Winery, L.L.C., (U.S. District Court W.D. Mich. 2011 Case No. 1:11-CV-00946). Successfully resolved trademark infringement claim representing brewery in trademark infringement dispute with winery.

Limagrain Cereal Seeds v. Byrum, et al, (U.S. District Court W.D. Mich. 2011 Case No. 1:11-CV-738). Successfully represented wheat breeder in intellectual property dispute regarding inventorship rights in numerous lines of soft white wheat.

Macatawa Bank v. Wipperfurth, 294 Mich. App. 617 (2011). In published opinion, the Michigan Court of Appeals held that IRA’s are intangible assets located in the domicile of the owner thereby insulating Florida resident’s multiple IRA’s from garnishment in Michigan.

Christy Harding-Smith v. Global Forex Trading, (U.S. District Court W.D. Mich. Case No. 1:10-CV-984). Obtained summary judgment in favor of employer for lack of jurisdiction in Age Discrimination in Employment Act claim.

Kent County Aeronautics Board v. XJet Michigan Property, L.L.C., (U.S. District Court W.D. Mich. Case No. 1:10-CV-984). Obtained favorable settlement on behalf of Kent County Aeronautics Board in which the defendant, a fixed base operator, agreed to cure its payment default on a long-term lease at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

Cascade Charter Township v. Krystyna W. Cotter, (Kent County Circuit Court Case No. 09-11637-CZ). Obtained summary disposition in easement dispute allowing for development of park.

McManus, et al v. Toler, 289 Mich. App. 283 (2010). In a published opinion, the Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court’s award of attorney fees, finding that offer of judgment rule applies in cases involving both legal and equitable claims.

Wolverine Pipeline v. Autocam, et al, (Calhoun County Circuit Court Case No. 07-4294-CZ). Obtained zero dollar resolution in favor of Tier 1 automotive supplier defendant in seven-figure NREPA case arising from alleged environmental contamination.

AutoFlock, Inc. v. West Michigan Flocking & Assembly LLC, (AAA Case No. 54 489 00876 06). Obtained 100% recovery on behalf of seller in dispute regarding asset purchase agreement and successfully defended purchaser’s counterclaim.

McManus, et al v. Toler, (Kent County Circuit Court Case No. 05-02677-CK, COA Docket No. 274407) Obtained no cause verdict after three-week trial in favor of defendant in dispute relating to asset purchase agreement. Verdict upheld on appeal and attorney fees awarded.

RAN Enterprises, Inc. v. Paulstra CRC Corp., (Kent County Circuit Court Case No. 05-    08588-CZ, COA Docket No. 274082). Granted summary disposition in defense of million dollar breach of contract and UCC Article 2 “Battle of the Forms” case arising from cancellation of the Ford Taurus program. Dismissal upheld on appeal.

Grand Haven Technical Sales, Inc. v. M&S Tool & Die, Inc., et al, (Ottawa County Circuit Court Case No. 04-50657-CK). Granted summary disposition and attorney fees in defense of claim seeking damages for alleged breach of the Uniform Trade Secrets Act.

Velting Contractors, Inc. v. Michigan Department of Transportation, et al, (Kent County Circuit Court Case No. 03-02683-CK). Appointed special assistant attorney general to represent MDOT in breach of contract claim brought by contractor relating to a major road construction project. Obtained zero dollar resolution for client through ADR.

Kenneth W. Kreis v. James A. Mahoney, (Van Buren County Circuit Court Case No. 03-  50-804-CH). Obtained judgment awarding 100% of damages sought in dispute relating to stock purchase agreement. Obtained dismissal of purchaser’s counterclaim for breach of contract and fraud.

Jarrell v. Stariha, (COA Docket No. 249175). Obtained reversal of trial court verdict which served to reinstate easement lake access rights for non-riparian landowner.

Kunkler v. Global Futures & Forex, Ltd., (Kent County Circuit Court Case No. 02-08271-CL, COA Docket No. 245561). Obtained dismissal of claim arising under Whistleblower’s Protection Act after filing motion for summary disposition in lieu of answer at outset of case. Dismissal affirmed on appeal.

Czarnopys v. Crystal Flash Ltd. Partnership of Michigan, 200 F. Supp. 2d 780 (W.D. Mich 2002). Filed emergency ERISA benefits denial claim on behalf of covered dependent whose cancer treatment was denied. Obtained judgment awarding all relief sought and attorney fee award within 30 days of initiating suit.

Loftus v. VanDahm, (COA Docket No. 221051). Retained as appellate counsel for homeowner ordered in trial court to sell cottage pursuant to purchase agreement. Successfully obtained reversal of trial court ruling allowing homeowner to retain ownership of family cottage.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Commercial Litigation, since 2020

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Litigation – Commercial, 2019

Leading Lawyers, Commercial Litigation

Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

Michigan Super Lawyers® since 2011

Professional Affiliations

Federal Bar Association

Grand Rapids Bar Association: Litigation Section; Executive Committee

Litigation Counsel of America, Fellow

State Bar of Michigan, Litigation Section

Community Involvement

East Grand Rapids Boys Lacrosse, Board

East Grand Rapids Girls Lacrosse, Board secretary

Hillman Trial Advocacy Program, faculty

Mayflower Congregational Church, Council treasurer

Refugee Education Center, Board

University of Michigan Club of Grand Rapids, Board

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