Susan M. Wyngaarden

Susan M. Wyngaarden

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

Duke University School of Law
Durham, North Carolina
J.D., 1983

University of Alberta
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
B.A., magna cum laude, 1980

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

Public Finance and Banking Attorney

Susan is a co-leader of the Banking, Finance and Restructuring Practice Team. She has extensive experience in the public finance area. She has served as bond counsel to the State of Michigan, its departments and authorities, as well as to many cities, counties, villages, townships, school districts, community colleges, district libraries, other public authorities and Indian tribes. In addition to serving as bond counsel, Susan has also served as underwriter’s counsel, bank counsel, tax counsel and obligor’s counsel for numerous tax-exempt financings, including governmental obligations and private activity bonds for manufacturing facilities and qualified 501(c)(3)bonds.

Susan also represents financial institutions in negotiating and documenting the direct purchase or letter of credit backing for both tax-exempt and taxable bonds/notes, including conduit bond and note transactions issued by state and local authorities for the benefit of higher education, hospital and other nonprofit organizations, pooled revenue note transactions, and State Revolving Fund match bonds and bond anticipation notes. In addition, Susan also works with financial institutions in the direct purchase of bonds and notes from governmental entities including, but not limited to, counties, cities, school districts and authorities. She also represents lenders in providing a variety of taxable loans to governmental and nonprofit organizations.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America® in multiple categories since 2003

Best Lawyers in America®, Women in the Law Spring Business Edition, Banking and Finance Law, Public Finance Law, 2017

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Public Finance Law; Municipal Law, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023

Leading Lawyers, Public Finance Law

Martindale-Hubbell® Distinguished™ Peer Review Rated

Michigan Super Lawyers® since 2006

Professional Affiliations

Michigan Council of School Attorneys

Michigan Women in Finance, past president and member of Board of Directors, 2005 – 2010

National Association of Bond Lawyers

State Bar of Michigan: Taxation Section; Public Corporation Section

Community Involvement

Holland Home: Audit Committee; Governance and Compliance Committee

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Michael G. Wooldridge

Michael G. Wooldridge

Practice Areas

Education

Cornell University Law School
Ithaca, New York
J.D., 1984
Moot Court Board

Alma College
Alma, Michigan
B.A., cum laude, 1981

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

Wooldridge Mike 1280 x 720

Corporate Attorney

Mike is a partner on the firm’s Corporate Practice Team and formerly served as the chair of the firm’s Policy Committee. His practice focuses on corporate governance, securities, and mergers and acquisitions. He represents several of the firm’s clients whose securities are traded publicly in corporate governance, securities law compliance, and mergers and acquisitions. He has managed and led a variety of public equity and debt offerings for financial services and manufacturing companies. Mike is also active in advising clients in venture capital transactions.

As a trusted advisor to several of Michigan’s most respected businesses, Mike has extensive experience advising officers and directors on strategic and general business law issues, governance and compliance matters, executive compensation, disclosure requirements and corporate structure. He also assists clients with corporate transactional matters such as contract negotiations and workforce management. 

Honors and Recognitions

The Best Lawyers in America®, Corporate Law, since 2005; Mergers and Acquisitions Law, since 2024

BTI Consulting Group, Inc., Client Service All Star, 2012 (only four attorneys in Michigan were recognized for this honor)

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

Leading Lawyers: Mergers & Acquisitions Law; Securities & Venture Finance Law

Martindale-Hubbell® Distinguished™ Peer Review Rated

Professional Affiliations

American Society of Corporate Secretaries

Grand Rapids Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan

UFPI Board of Directors

Community Involvement

Blythefield Country Club, past President, 2006 – 2017

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids; Board member, Chair of Governance Committee

“Varnum is a great firm. I work primarily with Michael Wooldridge. Mike is a thoughtful individual, and you always know he is thinking of you and your company’s legal issues. His practice is general corporate, and I find myself talking to him often about issues we are facing. He is intelligent, witty and a great guy to hang out with as well.”

General counsel, global furniture manufacturer

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Jordan R. Holzgen

Education

National Paralegal College
Grand Rapids, Michigan
PBA Certification, 2018

Grand Valley State University
Allendale, Michigan
B.A., 2011

Corporate Paralegal

Jordan is part of the Quality Control Team. He prepares matter intake reviews, provides conflict analysis and manages the file screening process when conflicts arise. He assists with file transfers and provides litigation support for quality control team matters. Jordan serves as an administrator and provides internal support for the firm’s cloud-based new business intake management system. He also serves on Varnum’s Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) Taskforce, which specializes in CTA compliance, guidance and analysis. Visit our CTA Resource Center for more information.

Jordan’s background includes management of compliance documents and records in a highly-regulated industry, including management of product submissions and facility registrations with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. He formerly provided an array of law firm support services as a clerk for a global business process automation company.

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John Patrick White

John Patrick White

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

University of Illinois College of Law
Urbana, Illinois
J.D., magna cum laude, 1981
Master of Labor and Industrial Relations, 1981

Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, Michigan
M.A., Elementary Education, with highest honors, 1976
Phi Kappa Phi

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
B.A., with distinction, 1973

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 Seventh Circuit

United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

United States Supreme Court

Labor, Employment and Education Attorney

Pat’s practice concentrates on the full spectrum of civil rights issues including race, gender and disability matters, free speech and electronic privacy issues in the workplace. In addition to litigation, he also does traditional labor work, including negotiation and arbitration, both for public and private sector clients. He also maintains a strong background in education law, representing school districts, community colleges and colleges and universities, both with respect to employment issues as well as student issues.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America® since 2005

Best Lawyers in America®, Employment Law – Management, 2012, 2016, 2022; Labor Law – Management, 2013, 2022

College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, fellow

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

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

Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

Michigan Super Lawyers® since 2011

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association: Labor Relations Section; Litigation Section, EEO Subcommittee

Grand Rapids Bar Association, Labor Section

Michigan Association of School Boards, Council of School Attorneys, past president

Michigan Employment Relations Commission, Advisory Council, past member

National Association of School Boards, Council of School Attorneys

National Association of College and University Attorneys

State Bar of Michigan, Labor Relations Law Section

Community Involvement

Community Rebuilders, Board president

Senior Neighbors, Inc., past Board president

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Joseph J. Vogan

Joseph J. Vogan

Practice Areas

Education

Wayne State University Law School
Detroit, Michigan
J.D., cum laude, 1978
Wayne State Law Review

Oakland University
Rochester, Michigan
B.A., magna cum laude, 1975

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth 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 Eleventh Circuit

United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

United States District Court for the Southern 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 Northern District of Texas

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin

United States Supreme Court

Labor and Employment Attorney

Joe focuses on employment law and litigation and has experience in all areas of employment law including FLSA, ADA, wrongful discharge, the Elliott-Larson Civil Rights Act, Title VII, ADEA, Retiree Health Insurance, FMLA, the Whistleblowers’ Protection Act and others.

Experience

LaFave v. Huntington (USDC WD MI, 2017).  Sex harassment and retaliation.  Summary judgment for employer. 

Gartner v. Dean Transportation (USDC WD MI, 2017).  Handicap discrimination.  Summary judgment for employer and costs. 

Bunting v. Kellogg (USDC Dist. CT, 2016).  Race discrimination.  Summary judgment for employer. 

Marshall v. Super Service, LLC (USDC ED KY, 2016).  Gender discrimination and retaliation.  Summary judgment for employer. 

Garrett v. Southwestern Medical Clinic, P.C. (USDC WD Mich, 2014).  Race discrimination.  Summary judgment for employer.  Summary judgment affirmed by Court of Appeals (2015). 

Maben v. Southwestern Medical Clinic, P.C. (USDC WD Mich, 2015)  Race discrimination.  Summary judgment for employer.  Summary judgment affirmed by Court of Appeals (2015). 

Owsiany v. MPI Research, Inc. (USDC WD Mich, 2015).  Pregnancy discrimination.  Summary judgment and sanctions for employer. 

Robert W. Cummings v. Dean Transportation, Inc. (USDC ED Mich, 2014).  ADA discrimination.  Summary judgment and costs for employer. 

Recchia v Kellogg Co. (USDC  DNJ, 2013).  Age discrimination, disability discrimination and retaliation.  Summary judgment and costs for employer. 

Belleville v. SAF Holland (USDC WD Mich, 2012).  Fraud.  Summary judgment for employer. 

Cordell v Lakeland Regional Health System (Berrien Co Cir Ct, 2012).  Age discrimination.  Summary judgment and costs for employer. 

Glander v NGK Spark Plugs, (USDC ED Mich, 2012).  FMLA retaliation.  Summary judgment for employer. 

Fear v Lakeland Regional Health System (USDC WD Mich, 2012).  ADA discrimination.  Judgment for Employer. 

Vice v. Graphic Packaging (USDC  WD Mich, 2011).  Retaliation.  Summary judgment and costs for employer. 

Thomas v Bradford White, Inc. (USDC  WD Mich, 2011).  Harassment and retaliation.  Summary judgment for employer. 

White v S2 Yachts, Inc. (Ottawa Co Cir Ct, 2011).  Unpaid sales commissions.  Summary judgment for employer.  Cost and fees awarded to Defendant in the amount of $38,866.90. 

Gulow v West Shore Community Hospital (Manistee County Circuit Court, 2011).  Wrongful discharged/breach of contract.  Summary judgment for employer. 

Dean v TLC (Osceola County Circuit Ct., 2010).  Whistleblowers Protection Act.  Summary Judgment for Employer.

Phifer v MC Sports, W.D. Mich (2010).  Race discrimination and harassment. (Title VII & §1981).  Summary judgment for employer. 

Pacheco et al. v Boar’s Head Provisions, W.D. Mich. (2009-2010) Represented employer in suit under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to recover for time spent donning and doffing sanitary and protective gear. Plaintiffs sought a class/collective action of several hundred individuals. 

Renfro, et al. v. American Electric Power Co., W.D. Mich. (2001-2008) (and related cases) Represented employer in collective action under FLSA alleging certain employees were improperly classified as exempt. 

Jimenez, et al. v. Lakeside Pic-N-Pac, W.D. Mich. (2006-2008)  Represented employer is suit under the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act and the FLSA. Plaintiffs sought class/collective action of several hundred individuals. 

Riggs, et al. v. Mark IV Industries, Inc., et al. W.D.N.C. (2005-2006)  Represented employer in class action under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and Labor Management Relations Act (LMRA) involving retiree health benefits. 

Galaviz-Zamora et al. v. Brady Farms, Inc., et al. W.D. Mich. (2004 -2006)  Represented employer in highly publicized suit under the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act and the FLSA. Plaintiffs sought class/collective action of over 900 individuals. 

Rojas Bautista, et al. v. Twin Lakes Farms, Inc., et al.  W.D. Mich. (2004-2006)  Represented employer in suit under the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act and the FLSA. Plaintiffs sought class/collective action of several hundred individuals.

Bartlett, et al. v. Light Metals Corp., W.D. Mich. (2005-2006)  Represented employer in class action under ERISA involving retiree health benefits. 

LaForest, et al. v. Honeywell, Inc. v. Mark IV Industries, Inc., W.D.N.Y. (2002- 2006)  Represented employer/third-party defendant in class action involving retiree health benefits under ERISA and LMRA. 

Baldwin, et al. v. Mark IV Industries, Inc., et al., W.D.N.Y. (2002-2006)  Represented defendant in class action involving retiree health benefits under ERISA and LMRA. Plaintiffs sought class action of approximately 75 retirees. 

Trull, et al. v. Mark IV Industries, Inc., et al., W.D.N.C. (2001-2006)  Represented employer in class action involving retiree health benefits under ERISA and LMRA.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America® since 2007

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Litigation – Labor Employment Benefits, 2019, 2023

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

Martindale-Hubbell® Distinguished™ Peer Review Rated

Michigan Super Lawyers®, Employment Litigation Defense

Professional Affiliations

Federal Bar Association, Employment and Labor Relations Law Committee

Grand Rapids Bar Association

Michigan Labor Letter, Editorial Board member

State Bar of Michigan, Labor Law Section

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Carl E. Ver Beek

Carl E. Ver Beek

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

Indiana University Maurer School of Law
Bloomington, Indiana
J.D., with honors, 1962
Indiana Law Journal, Editorial Board Member
Order of the Coif

Hope College
Holland, Michigan
A.B., with honors, 1959

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

Labor and Employment Attorney

Carl’s practice has focused on various aspects of labor and employment relations and dispute resolution. He has mediated and/or arbitrated hundreds of cases for the National Center for Dispute Settlement, Michigan Employment Relations Commission, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), The Dispute Resource Center of West Michigan and the National Arbitration Forum. Carl is a frequent speaker at the Institute for Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) and American and State Bar meetings on alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and at Labor Arbitration Institute forums. He serves on many nonprofit, professional and business boards.

Dispute Resolution Experience

American Bar Association, Member of Dispute Resolutions Section Council

American Arbitration Association, Labor Panel arbitrator

National Center for Dispute Settlement

Michigan Employment Relations Commission, arbitrator

National Arbitration Forum, arbitrator

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), arbitrator

Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan, mediator

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America® since 1989

College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, fellow

Dispute Resolution Center, Local Peacemaker of the Year, 2017

Hope College: Distinguished Alumni Award, 2009; Second Century Club Annual Outstanding Services Award, 2001

Indiana University Maurer School of Law, Academy of Law Alumni Fellows, 2017

Leading Age of Michigan, Trustee of the Year, 2013

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

Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

Michigan Health and Hospital Association, Special Recognition Award, 2007

Midwest Interprofessional Practice, Education and Research Center, Community Award, 2019

Senior Neighbors, 16 over 60 Award, 2019

State Bar of Michigan: Hudson Award, 2014 (highest State Bar award); Labor and Employment Section, Distinguished Service Award (highest Section award); Modernizing the Practice Committee, 2015

Who’s Who in American Law

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association: Dispute Resolution Section Council; Labor and Employment Section Council; Arbitration Committee, chair

American Employment Law Council

Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Board chair

Grand Rapids Bar Association, Labor and Employment Section

Modernizing the Practice Committee, 2015

State of Michigan: Attorney Grievance Commission, chair; Attorney Discipline, Board member

State Bar of Michigan: Labor and Employment Section, Character and Fitness Committee, chair

 

Community Involvement

Bethany Christian Services, past Board chair

Faith Hospice, past Board chair

Grand Rapids Downtown Rotary Club

Health Net of West Michigan, Board chair

Holland Home, past Board chair

Hope College, past Board and Executive Committee

Kent Health Plan Corporation, past Board chair

Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Board member

Reformed Church in America, Executive Committee

Presentations

Frequent presentations to the Institute for Continuing Legal Education (ICLE), American Bar Association – Alternative Dispute Resolution, and the Labor Arbitration Institute.

News and Insights

Terry E. Tobias

Terry E. Tobias

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Grand Rapids, Michigan
J.D., 1991

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, Michigan
B.S., 1987

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

Public Sector and Litigation Attorney

Terry focuses his practice in the areas of public sector law, litigation and criminal defense work. Prior to practicing law, Terry was a police officer for 21 years, serving as police chief for the Kentwood Police Department and deputy police chief for the Battle Creek Police Department.

Professional Affiliations

Grand Rapids Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan: Criminal Law Section; Labor Law Section

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John N. Titley

John N. Titley

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Cleveland, Ohio
J.D., magna cum laude, 2006
Order of the Coif
Law Review

Washington and Lee University
Lexington, Virginia
B.A., English, 2000

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

Corporate Attorney

John is a partner in Varnum’s corporate practice. Over the course of his career, he has advised on dozens of complex transactions whose aggregate value totals more than $10 billion. John has extensive experience in deals involving the automotive, manufacturing, technology, retail and health care industries, with a strong background in mergers and acquisitions, private equity, real estate and join venture transactions. John’s diverse practice includes both company-side representation, public and private, as well as private equity groups in connections with all stages of complex transactions, including acquisitions, divestitures, recapitalizations and restructurings.

In addition, John advises clients on general internal corporate matters, including shareholder agreements, corporate governance, equity incentive plans and investor relations. John also acts as general outside counsel to a number of corporate clients, providing advice and assistance in connection with general contract matters concerning vendors, suppliers, customers, licensors and other day-to-day business transactions.

Experience

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.

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 a foreign buyer in its $110 million acquisition of a large U.S. automobile manufacturing plant.

Represented a private equity seller in its $545 million sale of a national home security company.

Represented a private equity buyer in its $176 million acquisition of a textile production operation.

Represented a private equity buyer in its $40 million acquisition of a home health services provider.

Represented a private equity buyer in its $258 million acquisition of a national casual dining chain.

Represented a large pharmaceutical company in its license and subsequent $175 million acquisition of intellectual property.  

Represented a private equity buyer in its $7 billion buyout of a publicly-traded asset management company.

Represented a health care conglomerate fund in several add-on acquisitions ranging from $1 million to $20 million.

Represented an international auto parts manufacturer in the $15 million sale of its aftermarket components division.

Represented a startup medical products distributor in its acquisition of a product line from Stryker.

Represented a plastics injection molding company in its $8 million sale to a private equity group.

Represented an insurance agency in multiple add-on acquisitions ranging from $1 million to $60 million.

Represented a local private equity fund in its add-on acquisitions of printer supplies manufacturers and franchisors.

Represented a large international insurance conglomerate in various acquisitions of insurance carriers and agencies ranging from $5 million to $150 million.

Represented a private equity seller in its $600 million divestment of a large international pharmaceutical company.

Represented a pipeline construction and engineering firm in connection with a private equity investment and subsequent restructuring.

Represented multiple private equity clients in various recapitalizations and restructurings of portfolio companies.

Represented a large chemical processing and production company in its $445 million acquisition of a liquid colorant engineering and processing facility.

Represented a large, publicly-traded industrial services company in its $16 million acquisition of industrial components and related machinery.

Honors and Recognitions

The Best Lawyers in America®, Corporate Law, 2022; Mergers and Acquisitions Law, 2024

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association

Illinois State Bar

Ohio State Bar

State Bar of Michigan

News and Insights

Bryan R. Walters

Walters Bryan Web

Education

University of Michigan Law School
Ann Arbor, Michigan
J.D., cum laude, 1997
Michigan Law Review, Contributing Editor

Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
B.A., magna cum laude, International Relations, 1995

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 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

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin

United States Supreme Court

General Counsel

Bryan is the firm’s General Counsel. Previously, Bryan spent more than 20 years helping companies successfully resolve business disputes, representing clients in a wide range of industries including manufacturing, health care and professional services. He is particularly experienced in federal court litigation, both in West Michigan and across the country.

Bryan also serves on Varnum’s Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) Taskforce, which specializes in CTA compliance, guidance and analysis. Visit our CTA Resource Center for more information.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Commercial Litigation

Leading Lawyers, Commercial Litigation

Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

Professional Affiliations

Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States

Federal Bar Association, West Michigan Chapter: president, 2016 – 2017

Grand Rapids Bar Association, Litigation Section

State Bar of Michigan: Litigation Section; Appellate Section

Community Involvement

Dean Lake Association, Vice President, 2023 – Present

East Grand Rapids City Commissioner, 2017 – 2021

East Grand Rapids Board of Review, 2018 – 2021

East Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Trustee, 2018 – 2020

Fountain Street Church: Governing Board chair, 2013 – 2015

 

 

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Karen S. Prindle

Karen S. Prindle

Practice Areas

Education

Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
B.A., Business Administration, 1988

Professional Trustee

Karen is a Certified Financial Planner™ and member of the firm’s Estate Planning Practice Team. She has more than 15 years of banking experience, serving as a wealth planner and trust officer. She is experienced in managing complex fiduciary accounts, working with clients to identify opportunities as well as ensuring compliance and documentation requirements.

Karen also has a strong background in tax after serving as a tax manager at a global accounting firm for a number of years. She has experience assisting in the preparation and review of estate tax, gift tax and trust returns, as well as providing educational services in family wealth tax matters.

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