Byron Patton

Erik R. Daly is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Securities / Capital Markets Law. Erik R., who practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Erik R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Steve Afendoulis is a partner and past chairman of the trial practice group. He is a trial and appellate advocate with a focus in the areas of complex commercial; partnership, shareholder and LLC disputes; personal injury; real estate; and trademark and unfair competition. He is a certified facilitative mediator and is trained in advanced alternative dispute resolution.

Luis E. Avila is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Labor Law - Management. Luis E., who practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Luis E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Scott Dienes is a real estate, municipal and finance attorney assisting clients with complex projects that define and shape communities. With a strong municipal and real estate background, along with tax-exempt bond and public finance experience, Scott keeps projects on track and on budget. Scott has served as general counsel to municipal clients his entire career. He acts on behalf of local governments, development authorities, school districts, water and sewer authorities, district librarie...

Rick is a partner in the Kalamazoo office. Since 1981, he has represented employers exclusively in solving labor and employment law problems in the workplace. He devotes most of his time to advising employers about how to avoid workplace crises, comply with state and federal labor and employment laws and regulations, and prevent litigation. He has significant experience counseling employers on how to stay union-free, and routinely works with clients in the application and enforcement of colle...

Pam helps individuals, families, and business owners preserve their legacy through proper estate planning and by working with them to resolve family strife during times of disability or death. This includes listening and understanding the client’s concerns so that she can recommend and prepare proper estate plans, establishing guardianships and conservatorships where appropriate, working through various potential tax issues, attending hearings and other matters at the probate court when...

Scott R. Murphy is a partner in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, office of Barnes & Thornburg, where he serves as vice chair of the firm's Construction Law Practice Group.Scott is also a member of the firm's Commercial Litigation practice group, where he concentrates his practice on business torts, contract disputes and securities fraud as well as shareholder oppression claims. A seasoned litigator, Scott has experience in numerous forums, including state and federal courts, arbitration tribun...

Robert M. Huff is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Robert M., who practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robert M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Peter Lozicki is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law, Commercial Finance Law and Commercial Transactions / UCC Law. Pete serves as an attorney and trusted adviser to businesses and business owners. He helps navigate organizations through sophisticated transactions, including mergers and acquisitions and commercial financing. Peter, who practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on ...

Susan 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, 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 o...