Christopher I. Miller

Practice Areas

Education

Florida Coastal School of Law
Jacksonville, Florida
J.D., 2014

University of West Florida
Pensacola, Florida
B.A. Political Science and Government, 2011

Bar Admissions

Florida

Court Admissions

United States District Court, Northern District of Florida

United States District Court, Middle District of Florida

United Stated Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida

Real Estate Attorney

Chris is an experienced real estate attorney focusing on homeowners and condominium association representation. He has served as general counsel to over 100 associations, assisting in day-to-day operations and management. He counsels clients on a variety of issues including rewriting or amending governing documents, contract review, dispute resolution and enforcement of covenant actions. He frequently provides certification classes for newly-elected condo and HOA directors.

Chris is an experienced litigator and has a background in contract law, insurance and workers’ compensation matters. He formerly served the Division of Workers’ Compensation General Counsel for the Florida Department of Financial Services.

Professional Affiliations

 The Florida Bar – Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section

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Joseph A. Bare

Practice Areas

Education

Ave Maria School of Law
Naples, Florida
J.D., magna cum laude, 2019

Hodges University
Naples, Florida
B.S., summa cum laude, 2016

Bar Admissions

Florida

Real Estate Attorney

Joe focuses his practice on real estate transactions, representing clients in the acquisition, development, disposition, finance and leasing of commercial real estate. He frequently works with homeowners associations on a variety of issues and disputes. He additionally has a background as a litigator and has handled a variety of civil matters from pleadings through trial.

Prior to law school, Joe served in the U.S. Army for more than 20 years, attaining the rank of First Sergeant. He received numerous honors including the Bronze Star (2), the Meritorious Service Medal (2) and the Army Air Medal. He served combat tours in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Honors and Recognitions

Ave Maria School of Law, Saint Michael Award as the most outstanding Veteran Student

Professional Affiliations

The Florida Bar

Collier County Bar Association, Real Property section

Community Involvement

First Baptist Church Naples, Deacon Board

Protected Harbor Inc., Board of Directors and Governance Committee Chair

Court Admissions

All Florida state courts

U.S. Federal District Court for the Middle District of Florida

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Steven J. Adamczyk

Steven J. Adamczyk

Practice Areas

Education

University of Florida Warrington College of Business
Gainesville, Florida
M.B.A., 2020

University of Florida Levin College of Law
Gainesville, Florida
J.D., cum laude, 2008
Florida Journal of International Law, Member

University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
B.A., magna cum laude, 2005
Phi Beta Kappa

Bar Admissions

Florida

Real Estate Attorney

Steve focuses his practice on residential and commercial real estate transactions and community association representation. He provides counsel to condominium and homeowners associations throughout Florida. Steve has extensive experience in corporate governance, compliance, insurance, risk management and contract negotiation matters and also provides estate and trust planning services.

Honors and Recognitions

American Heart Association Charitable Estate Planning Advisor of the Year, 2012 – 2013

Professional Affiliations

The Florida Bar

Community Involvement

American Red Cross, Florida Southern Gulf Chapter, Board Chair, 2017 – 2019, Board Member,
2015 – present

American Heart Association, Charitable Estate Planning Volunteer, 2012 – 2013

Covenant Church of Naples, Member

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Gerardo Ortega

Practice Areas

Education

Emory University School of Law
Atlanta, Georgia
J.D., 2015

Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
B.A., 2012

Languages

Spanish

Real Estate Attorney

Gerardo is a member of the Real Estate Practice Team, representing clients in the acquisition, development, disposition, finance and leasing of commercial real estate. He works with corporations, partnerships, developers, investors, individuals and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).

Gerardo also represents local, state and national landlords and tenants in all aspects of ground, office, medical and retail leasing.

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Laura E. Radle

Laura E. Radle

Practice Areas

Education

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

Grand Valley State University
Allendale, Michigan
M.B.A., with honors, 2007

University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts
Ann Arbor, Michigan
B.A., with highest distinction, 2002

Bar Admissions

Florida

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

Estate Planning Attorney

Laura is an attorney on the firm’s estate planning team where she helps individuals and families to identify their estate planning goals and to create plans tailored to meet their specific needs. Laura’s practice includes a full range of estate planning and estate settlement services including the preparation of basic or complex estate plans, tax planning, business succession planning, cottage planning, charitable gift planning, and estate and trust administration services.

As a member of the Family Business Team, Laura assists business owners with the design and implementation of succession plans that will facilitate the transfer of decision making authority and ownership interests in the event of an owner’s disability or death. Clients benefit from her regular access to Varnum colleagues who serve the unique needs and challenges of family businesses, including the business and corporate services, labor and employment relations, family law and litigation teams.

Laura is a frequent speaker on estate planning topics including cottage succession planning and business succession planning. She has also written numerous articles on how to protect and preserve the family cottage.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, since 2018

Best Lawyers in America®, Trusts and Estates, since 2019

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

Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Women in the Law, 2021

Professional Affiliations

Grand Rapids Bar Association

Grand Rapids Bar Association, Probate and Estate Planning Section, past Vice President, past Treasurer

State Bar of Michigan

State Bar of Florida

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Community Involvement

Gilda’s Club Red Council, past member

Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Professional Advisory Committee

Grand Rapids Partnership for Philanthropic Planning

Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities Organization, President, 2013 – 2015; Vice President, 2011 – 2012

Western Michigan Planned Giving Group

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Rebecca K. Wrock

Rebecca K. Wrock

Practice Areas

Education

University of Alabama School of Law
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
LL.M., Taxation, cum laude, 2016

Wayne State University Law School
Detroit, Michigan
J.D., 2014

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
B.S., 2010

Bar Admissions

Florida

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Florida state courts

All Michigan state courts

Estate Planning Attorney

Rebecca is a member of the Estate Planning Practice Team where her practice includes all aspects of estate planning and estate settlement, including tax planning, cottage planning, charitable gift planning, business succession planning, long-term care planning, prenuptial agreements, and estate and trust administration services. From simple to sophisticated plans, she has helped clients to put protections in place for their minor and adult children, spouses and unmarried partners, aging parents, loved ones with disabilities, and loved ones who may need assistance with managing finances.

A substantial portion of Rebecca’s practice also involves crafting Trusts for animal companions (pet trusts), and she frequently speaks and writes on this topic for community groups, law students and other lawyers.

Rebecca is experienced in the nonprofit sector as chairperson of the board of directors of Barn Sanctuary and vice president of the board of directors of Attorneys for Animals. Rebecca also assists nonprofit organizations with qualifying for and maintaining tax-exempt status and has been named to Crain’s list of Notable Women in Nonprofits.

Rebecca is a member of the adjunct faculty at Wayne State University Law School, a contributor to the Institute of Continuing Legal Education and serves as a Council Member for both the Probate & Estate Planning Section and the Animal Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. Within the firm, she serves on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Rebecca has been recognized for her contributions to the legal and wider communities by Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers and the National Law Review.

Certifications and Accreditations

Animal Friendly Attorney™

Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE) and State Bar of Michigan, certificate of completion in the areas of probate and estate planning

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Ones to Watch, Nonprofit/Charities Law, Trusts and Estates, 2022 and 2023

Crain’s Detroit Business, Notable Women in Nonprofits, 2018

Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Up & Coming Lawyer, 2018

Hour Detroit©, Top Attorneys: Outstanding Young Women Lawyers in Michigan, since 2017

Michigan Super Lawyers®, Rising Star, Estate Planning and Probate, since 2016

Professional Affiliations

Florida Bar: Animal Law Section; Elder Law Section; Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section; Out of State Division

State Bar of Michigan: Animal Law Section, Council Member; Elder Law and Disability Rights Section; Probate and Estate Planning Section, Council Member

Washtenaw County Bar Association

Women Lawyers Association of Michigan: Oakland Chapter; Washtenaw County Chapter

Community Involvement

Animal Legal Defense Fund

Attorneys for Animals: vice president; Board member

Barn Sanctuary: chairperson; Board member

Wayne State University Law School, adjunct professor

Presentations

“Estate Planning for Pets,” Michigan State University (2022)

“How to Leave Your Fortune to Your Pets,” The University of Michigan (2020)

“Estate Planning for Millennials,” ICLE 59th Annual Probate and Estate Planning Institute (2019)

“Pet Trusts and Pet Planning” (2019 series)

“Planning for Pets,” ICLE 58th Annual Probate and Estate Planning Institute (2018)

“Six Feet Over, Six Feet Under: A Panel Discussion on the Rights of the Dying and Mourning” (2017)

“Protect Your Pet’s Future” (2017-2019 series)

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Robert M. Huff

Robert M. Huff

Practice Areas

Education

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

University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
B.A., with honors, 2008

Bar Admissions

Florida

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Estate Planning and Business Attorney

Rob is a member of the Estate Planning Practice Team. He is experienced with all facets of advanced planning techniques, with a particular focus on the intersection of business matters and personal estate planning. Rob regularly works with estate planning vehicles including wills, various types of trusts, powers of attorney, prenuptial agreements and other documents. He also provides counsel on entity structuring, including LLCs, family limited partnerships and corporations in order to minimize estate and gift taxes as well as facilitate the efficient management and transition of family assets.

Working with Varnum’s corporate attorneys, Rob provides guidance from an estate planning perspective in transactional matters, ensuring that clients who buy or sell a business have assets properly and optimally incorporated into their estate plan.

Rob formerly practiced in Florida, using his experience to counsel clients who own property in Florida and those clients who relocate to Florida on a more permanent basis. His knowledge of Florida homestead matters is particularly helpful for transplanting clients.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Ones to Watch, Trusts and Estates, 2022 and 2023

Professional Affiliations

Florida State Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan

Western Michigan Planned Giving Group: Membership Committee, director, vice chair

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Linsey Gleason

Linsey Gleason

Practice Areas

Education

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

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

Bar Admissions

Florida

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

All Florida state courts

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Estate Planning Attorney

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

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

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

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America® since 2019

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

Grand Rapids Business Journal©, 40 Under Forty, 2015

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

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

Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Women in the Law, 2019

Michigan Super Lawyers®, Rising Star, 2013 – 2018

The Center for Community Leadership, Create GReat award, 2016

Professional Affiliations

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

Partnership for Philanthropic Planning

State Bar of Florida

State Bar of Michigan

The Economic Club of Grand Rapids

Western Michigan Planned Giving Group

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

Community Involvement

Grand Action 2.0, Advisory Committee

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

Grand Rapids Public Museum Board of Trustees, Board member

Grand Rapids Public Museum Foundation, Board Chair

Grand Rapids Whitewater, Inc., Campaign Cabinet

Rotary Club of Grand Rapids

Senior Neighbors Inc., Board member

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, Board member

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Thomas W. Forster

Thomas W. Forster

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

Wayne State University Law School
Detroit, Michigan
J.D., cum laude, 2000
Associate Editor, Wayne State Law Review
Order of the Coif

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
B.G.S., Philosophy and Psychology, 1996

Bar Admissions

Florida

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

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Real Estate and Corporate Attorney

Tom is a real estate and corporate attorney. He counsels clients on complex transactional, corporate and real estate matters, including the acquisition, financing, sale, leasing and subleasing of commercial property; the negotiation of joint ventures; asset and stock purchase transactions; the syndication of membership interests; and the acquisition, financing, exchange (1031 exchange), preservation and sale of multifamily, office, industrial, retail shopping center, condominium and mixed use developments. Tom represents a range of clients from publicly-held companies to closely-held family businesses, individuals, investors, builders, developers, lenders, real estate brokers, family officer and property managers.

Chambers USA, which ranks top lawyers and law firms, notes Tom’s “ability to advise on the full gamut of real estate transaction work” makes him “a deal maker and tough negotiator.” A client concluded that “whatever comes up, I have confidence he can handle it.”

Experience

Represented client in the acquisition and financing of a seven shopping center portfolio with properties in four states.

Advised client regarding an equity investment in a portfolio of 21 student housing projects valued more than $500 million.

Represented client in an office building refinance loan of $92 million with multiple lender participants.

Represented joint venture investor with respect to a $65 million senior housing project.

Sale of investment in a regional chain restaurant portfolio.

Counseled client on acquisition, preservation, financing and tax credit syndication of four projects with a value in excess of $40 million.

Represented client with joint venture involving more than 30 properties relating to concrete and sand and gravel operations.

Advised client regarding portfolio of industrial leases, with combined matter value in excess of $400 million.

Guided client in development of a shopping center with more than 400,000 square feet of leasable area.

Served as intern to the Honorable Justice Patricia Boyle of the Michigan State Supreme Court.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Real Estate Law, since 2017

Chambers USA©: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business as a Leader in the field of Real Estate

Community Alliance Star Award, 2012

DBusiness© Top Lawyers, Real Estate Law, 2013, 2020, 2021, 2022

Michigan Super Lawyers® since 2008

Michigan Super Lawyers® Rising Star, 2008 – 2012

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan, Real Property Section

The Florida Bar, Real Property Section

University of Michigan Alumni Association

Wayne State Law School Alumni Association

Community Involvement

Leadership Ann Arbor, Class of 2009

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John W. Allen

John W. Allen

Practice Areas

Education

University of Michigan Law School
Ann Arbor, Michigan
J.D., 1972

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
B.A., 1969

Bar Admissions

Florida

Illinois

Indiana

Michigan

Minnesota

Wisconsin

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth 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 Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

United States Court of Federal Claims

United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida

United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida

United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida

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 Southern District of Illinois

United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana

United States District Court for the Southern 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 Central District of Illinois

United States District Court for Minnesota

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin

United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin

United States Supreme Court

United States Tax Court

Business Litigation Attorney

John has over 40 years of experience, focuses his practice on business and commercial litigation, and is a certified civil trial advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is admitted to the AAA International Centre for Dispute Resolution. In addition, John has written and co-written dozens of articles and books, and he is a frequent speaker to business and law groups. On a regular basis, he teaches courses in law and trial practice to other lawyers, often serving as an expert witness.

The Best Lawyers in America® has named John the Kalamazoo “Lawyer of the Year” for Trust and Estate Litigation in the 2021 guide. It has also recognized John as one of The Best Lawyers in America® in Family Law, Legal Malpractice Law – Defendants, Litigation – Antitrust and Litigation – Banking and Finance.

John is a rules official for the USGA and PGA, and an honorary member of the Michigan PGA.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America® since 2005

Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year, Litigation – Trusts and Estates, Kalamazoo, 2021

Leading Lawyers: ADR Law – Commercial Litigation; Commercial Litigation

Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Leader in the Law, 2012

Michigan Super Lawyers® since 2011

Michigan Super Lawyers®, Top 50 Consumer Super Lawyers, 2017

Michigan Super Lawyers®, Top 100, 2011, 2016, 2018

Professional Affiliations

American Arbitration Association, certified arbitrator

American Bar Association: Ethics 2000 Advisory Committee; Commission on Lawyers Assistance Programs; Revenue Enhancement Committee; Ethics and Professionalism Committee

American Board of Trial Advocates

National Board of Trial Advocacy, certified civil trial advocate

State Bar of Michigan: Ethics Committee, past chair

Community Involvement

Golf Association of Michigan, Board

Michigan High School Athletic Association, golf rules official

Presentations

ICLE Ethics Update Seminar, chair and presenter, Evergreen Retainers; moderator, Professionalism, 2019

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