Cody A. Mott

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...

Mark E Rizik is Chair of the firm’s Taxation practices. He has extensive experience in matters regarding tax penalty cases, tax refund claims and litigation, estates and trusts as S corporation shareholders, employee and independent contractor classification, employee leasing, business transactions, and tax controversies. Mr. Rizik has tried hundreds of tax cases successfully. His cases have often resulted nationally published opinions. Mr. Rizik previously was a Senior Trial Attorney i...

Stephen J. van Stempvoort is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Stephen J., 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 Stephen J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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 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...

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.

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.

Kurt G. Yost is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Kurt G., who practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kurt G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joe is a partner in the Corporate Services Practice Group and has been with the firm since 1993. His practice focuses on corporate governance and counseling, securities matters, and mergers and acquisitions along with certain tax matters. He represents publicly-held and privately-held clients in a variety of industries and matters, from board governance to securities law compliance to buying and selling businesses, as well as structuring business transactions, and successions. Joe is also inv...

Melissa leads the Real Estate Practice Team, and focuses her practice on corporate and real estate matters, with an emphasis on commercial sales, acquisitions, leasing, redevelopment, and 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...