David E. Preston

David E. Preston

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

University of Toledo College of Law
Toledo, Ohio
J.D., summa cum laude, 1987

Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, Ohio
M.S., 1975
B.S., 1973

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

Environmental and Energy Attorney

Dave is a member of the Environmental, Energy and Natural Resources Practice Team. He works in the defense of federal and state environmental enforcement actions involving air quality, hazardous waste and solid waste issues. Dave assists clients with air permitting and related regulatory compliance matters at the state and federal levels. He is experienced with remedial investigation and clean-up activities required under RCRA and TSCA. Prior to attending law school, Dave worked as environmental manager for a Colorado mining company, where his responsibilities included regulatory compliance and permitting for mining operations, mineral development and exploration activities on state and federal lands in the western United States. Dave’s technical background includes bachelor and master of science degrees in biology, as well as his industry and legal experience with environmental assessment projects.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America® since 2010

Professional Affiliations

Air and Waste Management Association

Air and Waste Management Association, West Michigan Chapter

State Bar of Michigan, Environmental Law Section

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Eric R. Post

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

DePaul University College of Law
Chicago, IL
J.D., cum laude, 2008

Hofstra University School of Law
Hempstead, New York
First Year J.D. Curriculum, 2006

Hope College
Holland, MI
B.A., cum laude, Double Major in Economics and Political Science, 2005

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Corporate Attorney

Eric is a business and corporate attorney who advises startups, private and family-owned businesses, and multinational companies in the automotive, manufacturing, technology, food and agriculture, venture capital and professional service industries. He works with clients through the lifespan of their business, from the formation or acquisition stage through the ultimate sale or other exit — and all the legal issues that arise in between. His practice is focused on mergers and acquisitions, international trade, and a wide variety of general business matters, including commercial contracts, regulatory compliance, strategic and operational issues, succession planning and general corporate governance.

Additionally, Eric has substantial experience in a variety of real estate transactions, including the purchase, sale and lease of commercial, residential and industrial property. 

Experience

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 marketing company with deep traditional media buying expertise in its sale to a marketing solutions company focused on digital media, resulting in the Midwest’s largest independent media planning and buying platform.

Represented a company engaged in the development, manufacture, testing and filling of pharmaceutical products, in its sale to a pharmaceutical-focused private equity group.

Multiple transactions involving the sale and purchase of regional newspaper publishers and related media businesses (totaling over $50 million).

Sale of family-owned plastics manufacturing company to strategic buyer (over $50 million).

Sale of contract pharmaceutical manufacturer to private equity fund, including management rollover (over $50 million).

Purchase of equity in manufacturer of military power systems ( over $10 million).

Merger of software development company with a large Silicon Valley-based enterprise (over $10 million).

Merger of multi-branch community bank with large regional bank ($180 million).

Drafting and negotiating a variety of business contracts, including purchase agreements, operating agreements, supply and distribution agreements, co-packing and private label agreements, employment and consulting agreements, and other corporate governance documents.

Honors and Recognitions

The Best Lawyers in America® : Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions, 2023

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Corporate Law, since 2020

West Coast Chamber of Commerce: West Coast Leadership, Class of 2018

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association: Business Law Section; Real Property Section

Grand Rapids Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan: Business Law Section; Real Property Law Section; International Law Section

Community Involvement

Camp Blodgett, Board of Directors and Executive Committee

Junior Achievement, volunteer

The People Center, Board member, 2013 – 2021

World Affairs Council of Western Michigan, Board of Directors

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Aaron M. Phelps

Aaron M. Phelps

Aaron’s practice is focused on complex commercial and environmental litigation in Michigan and around the country. Aaron represents clients in contract and corporate governance disputes, telecommunications and energy matters, health care litigation, and tort actions.

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John W. Pestle

John W. Pestle

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

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

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

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

Bar Admissions

Arizona

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia

United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

United States Supreme Court

Cell Tower and Telecommunications Attorney

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

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

Experience

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

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

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

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

Honors and Recognitions

Martindale-Hubbell® Distinguished™ Peer Review Rated

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

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

Professional Affiliations

Federal Communications Bar Association

National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors

State Bar of Arizona

State Bar of Michigan, past Chair of Government Law Section

American Public Power Association, past Chair of Legal Section

Grand Rapids Bar Association

International Municipal Lawyers Association

Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys

Community Involvement

Beach Comber Condominium Association (MI), Secretary-Treasurer

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

Harvard Glee Club Foundation (MA), past Trustee

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

Madera Reserve Homeowners Association (AZ), President

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

Presentations

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

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

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

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

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Jude W. Pereira

Jude W. Pereira

Practice Areas

Education

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

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

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

Family Law Attorney

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

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

Honors and Recognitions

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

Professional Affiliations

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners

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

Grand Rapids Bar Association: Family Law Section; former trustee

State Bar of Michigan, Family Law Section

Community Involvement

YWCA, past Board member

Presentations

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

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

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

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Melissa B. Papke

Melissa B. Papke

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

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

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

Bar Admissions

Michigan

New York

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

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

United States District Court for the Southern District of New York

Commercial Real Estate Attorney

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

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

Experience

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

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

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

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

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

Honors and Recognitions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Professional Affiliations

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

American College of Real Estate Lawyers: Fellow, 2017

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

International Council of Shopping Centers: member, 2018

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

Community Involvement

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

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

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

Presentations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Justin K. Ooms

Ooms Justin Web

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

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

Bucerius Law School
Hamburg, Germany
Graduate Coursework, 2016

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

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Environmental, Natural Resources and Energy Attorney

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

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

Professional Affiliations

State Bar of Michigan

Community Involvement

Servants Center, board

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Deborah Ondersma

Practice Areas

Education

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

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

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

United States Tax Court

Tax Attorney

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

Professional Affiliations

American Inns of Court, West Michigan Chapter

Grand Rapids Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan

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Larry Murphy

Larry Murphy

Practice Areas

Education

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

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

Bar Admissions

Illinois

Indiana

Michigan

Wisconsin

Court Admissions

All Illinois state courts

All Indiana state courts

All Michigan state courts

All Wisconsin state courts

United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit

United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit

United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit

United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit

United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois

United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

United States District Court for the Federal District of Nebraska

United States District Court for the Southern District of New York

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin

Employment Litigation Attorney

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

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

Experience

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

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

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

 

Jury Trial Experience Highlights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Honors and Recognitions

American College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, fellow

Best Lawyers in America® since 2005

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

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

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

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

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

Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

Michigan State Bar Foundation, fellow

Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Leader in the Law, 2019

Michigan Super Lawyers® since 2006

Top Rated Lawyer in Labor and Employment, 2013

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association

Illinois Bar Association

Indiana Bar Association

Michigan Bar Association

Transportation Lawyers Association

Wisconsin Bar Association

Community Involvement

Dégagé Ministries, Board of Directors

Grand Rapids Community College Foundation Board, chair

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

Presentations

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

Frequent lecturer on employment and labor law topics.

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

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Gary J. Mouw

Gary J. Mouw

Practice Areas

Industries

Clerkships

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

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

Education

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

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

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Litigation Attorney

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

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

Experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Honors and Recognitions

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

Michigan Super Lawyers®, Rising Star, 2016

The Best Lawyers in America®, Appellate Practice, 2024

Professional Affiliations

Federal Bar Association

Grand Rapids Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan

Presentations

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

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