Carl W. Dufendach
About Carl W. Dufendach
Carl W. Dufendach is a lawyer based in Grand Rapids, MI and has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® since 2007. Carl W. Dufendach is recognized in the following practice areas:
- Grand Rapids, Michigan
- Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
- Trusts and Estates
Current Firm: Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
Education: Duke University, J.D., graduated 1979 and Duke University, graduated 1979
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Nearby Lawyers
Brian Fleetham specializes in health care law and general business and corporate law. He is a member of Dickinson Wright. He has extensive experience representing physicians and other health care providers on business transactions, contracts, corporate governance, arrangements with hospital and other facilities, and regulatory matters such as Stark, HIPAA, fraud and abuse, and compliance matters. Brian received his Bachelor of Arts degree, summa cum laude, from Hillsdale College where he was ...
Keith E. Eastland is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Labor Law - Management. Keith 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 Keith E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Scott focuses his practice in corporate and business law with an emphasis on health care law and life sciences, including all aspects of hospital and nursing home law, third party reimbursement, public and private health care provider financing, and commercialization of physician inventions and ideas. He provides counsel on mergers and acquisitions, finance, securities, real estate development, labor relations, construction contracting and business succession planning.
Suanne's clients are West Michigan families that are looking to navigate separation, divorce, and co-parenting. She represents and mediates all matters relating to divorce including custody, complex business assets, support, parenting time, adoption, guardianship, paternity, and prenuptial agreements.
Neil specializes in business, estate and gift tax planning, estate planning, probate, business succession planning, and real estate law, representing numerous individuals and businesses with their planning and business issues since 1984. Neil is a member of the estate planning, probate, real property, and business and taxation sections of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan, and the Grand Rapids Bar Association. Neil is a member of the Western Michigan Estate Planning Coun...
Scott M. Watson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Environmental Law and Litigation - Environmental. Scott M., who practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Scott M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
John D. Arendshorst is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. John D., who practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Beth is a partner in the labor and employment practice group, focusing on employment issues and litigation. She has counseled business clients on a variety of matters affecting the workplace, including effective employee handbooks and policies, disciplinary and dispute resolution procedures, discrimination issues, disability accommodation, wage-hour matters, family medical leave, and harassment and litigation prevention. When litigation is unavoidable, Beth has significant experience represen...
Katie has a broad practice that allows her to serve many different individuals and families. She creates estate plans of all types – from those with estate tax issues and succession planning for business owners to young families planning to protect their young children. Katie helps families determine what steps to take after the loss or incapacity of a loved one and works through any probate, guardianship and conservatorship, or trust administration that may be required. She has signifi...
David Hall is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Commercial Finance Law. David, who practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.
Explore and Learn
2026 Best Lawyers Awards: Recognizing Legal Talent Across the United States
by Jamilla Tabbara
The 2026 editions highlight the top 5% of U.S. attorneys, showcase emerging practice areas and reveal trends shaping the nation’s legal profession.
Gun Rights for Convicted Felons? The DOJ Says It's Time.
by Bryan Driscoll
It's more than an administrative reopening of a long-dormant issue; it's a test of how the law reconciles the right to bear arms with protecting the public.
2026 Best Lawyers Awards in Canada: Marking 20 Years of Excellence
by Jamilla Tabbara
Honoring Canada’s most respected lawyers and spotlighting the next generation shaping the future of law.
How to Sue for Defamation: Costs, Process and What to Expect
by Bryan Driscoll
Learn the legal standards, costs and steps involved when you sue for defamation, including the difference between libel and slander.
Best Lawyers 2026: Discover the Honorees in Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, South Africa and Spain
by Jamilla Tabbara
A growing international network of recognized legal professionals.
The Family Law Loophole That Lets Sex Offenders Parent Kids
by Bryan Driscoll
Is the state's surrogacy framework putting children at risk?
Holiday Pay Explained: Federal Rules and Employer Policies
by Bryan Driscoll
Understand how paid holidays work, when employers must follow their policies and when legal guidance may be necessary.
Unenforceable HOA Rules: What Homeowners Can Do About Illegal HOA Actions
by Bryan Driscoll
Not every HOA rule is legal. Learn how to recognize and fight unenforceable HOA rules that overstep the law.
How to Choose a Good Lawyer: Tips, Traits and Questions to Ask
by Laurie Villanueva
A Practical Guide for Your First-Time Hiring a Lawyer