David L.J.M. Skidmore

J. Paul Janes focuses his practice in the areas of personal injury litigation, medical malpractice, product liability, automobile no-fault law, class action litigation and civil rights litigation.

Daniel J. James is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law and Litigation - Insurance. Daniel J., 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 Daniel J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ryan McNally is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Real Estate Law. Ryan, 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 Ryan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bradley A. Fowler focuses his practice on municipal law, civil litigation, real estate, and zoning/land use issues. Brad has a wide range of experience in representing large corporations, small businesses, local governments, and individuals in commercial, real estate, construction, contract, and employment related disputes in both Federal and State Courts. He also counsels local governments on a number of municipal matters including governance issues, planning and community development, Const...

Tom’s practice includes design and implementation of sophisticated estate plans, active administration of trust accounts, settlement of decedent’s estates, estate taxation, and charitable gift planning. He advises many of Varnum's family business owners and is a member of our Family Business Team. Tom currently serves as the Firm's Executive Partner, one of our two Managing Partners. Previously, he served five years as the chair of the Firm's Estate Planning, Tax, and Employee Ben...

Jon is a commercial litigator with experience in litigation of supply chain disputes, asset purchase agreements, franchise agreements, and other business related litigation. Jon also has a substantial practice in securities dispute, including litigation and arbitration of securities and investor disputes, in which he has successfully represented investors and broker-dealers. His experience on sophisticated matters includes bringing cases to summary judgment, trial, and courts of appeal. Jon i...

James Eardley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. James, 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 James is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Aaron has successfully represented a wide range of clients—states, countries, Fortune 100 companies, law firms, and individuals—in cases of great significance, spanning numerous areas of law, including administrative, constitutional, contract, criminal, environmental, and tax. Specifically, he has represented clients in complex litigation at all levels of the state and federal courts, including in 13 cases on the merits at the U.S. Supreme Court, twice presenting oral argument. He...

Nicholas S. Laue is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Construction. Nicholas S., who practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Nicholas S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Lauretta K. Murphy is a Member of the firm and has been practicing law since 1988. Her practice areas include elder law and disability planning, and probate and estate planning. She knows how to explain things in plain English and puts people at ease even in complex estate planning or elder law situations. She recently edited Advising the Older Client or Client with A Disability for the Institute for Continuing Legal Education. Wills and Trusts Trust and Estate administration Estate and gift ...