Erica L. Auster

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...

Patrick R. Drueke is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Real Estate. Patrick R., 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 Patrick R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Floyd Gates heads Bodman’s Grand Rapids office. He is an experienced litigation, banking and corporate attorney. He has represented financial institutions throughout the country in connection with workout and related litigation along with the investigation of complex fraud schemes involving hundreds of millions of dollars in claims. Floyd has also handled significant real estate related litigation including representing numerous owners, contractors and suppliers in connection with multi...

Kelley Stoppels is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Labor Law - Management. Kelley, 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 Kelley is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

Steven R. Ryan has been practicing law since 1987. In addition to serving on the management committee, he is the chair of the firm’s Healthcare Reimbursement Group. The group works with hospitals, health systems, and medical providers to provide litigation and counseling on reimbursement issues. Mr. Ryan belongs to the American Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, and Federal Bar Association. He is a member of the Grand Rapids Bar Association and served on the Clerkship Committee. He...

Bruce, an experienced commercial litigator, represents clients of all sizes in trial and appellate courts throughout Michigan. A former president of the State Bar of Michigan, Bruce is also a court-approved mediator in the U.S. District Court and has served as an arbitrator for disputes involving insurance coverage issues, employment, and general business. Bruce’s expertise includes litigating, mediating and arbitrating complex disputes involving multimillion-dollar construction project...

Mary L. Tabin is a Member at Miller Johnson and has been practicing law since 1998. In her employment and labor practice, she provides day-to-day HR guidance in areas such as employee relations, retention, employee handbooks/policies and employment contracts including non-compete agreements and restrictive covenants. Ms. Tabin has vast experience in counseling on issues related to discrimination, harassment and retaliation. She also works with clients regarding compliance with laws governing ...

Melissa Neckers is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law Arbitration. Melissa, 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 Melissa is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Raj A. Malviya has been practicing law since 2005. His practice is focused on estate and tax planning and asset protection for individuals and organizations, planning and tax compliance for individuals and families with foreign ties, and all aspects of estate and trust administration. Estate and Wealth Transfer Planning Mr. Malviya works with private clients such as business owners and licensed professionals in high risk professions including physicians, dentists, chiropractors, architects, a...