Mark S. Allard

Mark S. Allard


Varnum LLP

Recognized since 2013

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Practice Areas

Commercial Litigation

Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law

Litigation - ERISA

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Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2023 - Litigation - ERISA Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2021 - Litigation - ERISA Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2018 - Litigation - ERISA Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2016 - Litigation - ERISA
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Mark sues insurance companies when they fail to pay claims. Varnum represents only insureds in these matters. Mark has helped shape the landscape of Michigan Insurance Law since 1985.He is regularly asked to speak on insurance issues for continuing legal education programs, and at other bar related activities.

Mark is also Varnum's lead attorney in litigation matters dealing with employee benefit issues under ERISA. He has handled all facets of employee benefit litigation, from benefit claims to multi-employer plan contribution issues. Mark has acted as benefit counsel for litigation matters on a national basis for a Big Three Auto Maker and a national food processor.

Mark's practice has also allowed him to develop an extensive appellate practice. He has appeared at every level of state and federal court in the country, including the United States Supreme Court. His representation of the County of Kent in Northwest Airlines v The County of Kent, et al, 510 U.S. 355 (1994), culminated in a decision from the United States Supreme Court. Mark has also argued, en banc, before the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, in Nixon v County of Kent, 76 F3d 1381 (6th Cir. 1996), en banc.

Mark serves on the Policy Committee at Varnum, is the chairperson of the Contributions Committee and coordinates Varnum's Pro Bono Services Program, which he has handled for over ten years.

Contact & Links
Location
  • Bridgewater Place, Suite 1700
    333 Bridge Street, NW
    Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Education
  • University of Washington, BA, graduated 1980
Bar Admissions
  • Michigan, State Bar of Michigan
  • Oregon, Oregon State Bar
  • Washington, Washington State Bar Association
Affiliations
  • American Cancer Society, Kent County - Past President of Board of Directors

Varnum LLP
Headquarters: Grand Rapids, Michigan

97 The Best Lawyers in America® awards

20 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America awards

Best Law Firms Badge Visit Website View Firm Profile

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2023 - Litigation - ERISA Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2021 - Litigation - ERISA Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2018 - Litigation - ERISA Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2016 - Litigation - ERISA
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Litigation - ERISA, Grand Rapids (2023)
  • Litigation - ERISA, Grand Rapids (2021)
  • Litigation - ERISA, Grand Rapids (2018)
  • Litigation - ERISA, Grand Rapids (2016)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for work in:
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
  • Litigation - ERISA
Awards:
  • Martindale-Hubbell Rating, AV® Preeminent™
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Insurance Law

Publications

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