Gareth Ulmer

Peter helps businesses and individuals respond to legal problems that typically arise in transactions for real and/or personal property, including the sale, leasing, financing, or development of real property or business assets. In addition, he helps lenders and commercial borrowers utilize financial transactions to structure real property and business financing. Peter has also assisted many businesses, including financial institutions, in a variety of litigation and loan work-out matters.

Mike is a partner in the corporate practice group and served as the former Chair of the firm’s Policy Committee. His practice focuses on corporate governance, securities, and mergers and acquisitions. He represents several of the firm’s clients whose securities are traded publicly in corporate governance, securities law compliance and mergers and acquisitions. He has managed and led a variety of public equity and debt offerings for financial services and manufacturing companies. M...

Peter is a trial attorney with a focus on business litigation defense (FSLA, Product Liability Defense, Malpractice Defense) as well as significant experience in personal injury, wrongful death, auto and trucking litigation. Peter is certified in Alternative Dispute Resolution for practice in the U.S. District Court for Western District of Michigan and in Michigan circuit courts.

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...

Eric R. Starck is a Member of the Firm and has been practicing law since 2001. His corporate practice focuses on commercial real estate, land use, zoning and environmental law.Mr. Starck advises clients in all areas of real estate law, including the acquisition, construction, financing, leasing and disposition of real property. He also advises clients on zoning, land use, environmental compliance and environmental due diligence issues. Mr. Starck is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and s...

Tripp VanderWal is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. Tripp, 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 Tripp is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John G. Cameron, Jr., practices principally in the areas of real estate, construction, and general business law. He has written numerous chapters and articles and, in addition to writing the two-volume Michigan Real Property Law: Principles and Commentary (Michigan ICLE 3d ed) (often referred to as the “Bible” of Michigan real property law), is the author of the five-volume treatise Michigan Real Estate Forms & Practice (Aspen Publishers 1998) and A Practitioner’s Guide ...

James R. Peterson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, Litigation - Environmental, Litigation - Real Estate and Trade Secrets Law. James R., 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 James R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Laura E. Radle is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law and Trusts and Estates. Laura E., who practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Laura E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David J. Gass is an experienced trial lawyer who represents clients in a wide variety of complex commercial and general civil litigation in state and federal courts. He has a strong record of successful results. Mr. Gass’s litigation experience has been remarkably varied, but generally focuses on complex commercial cases. He has successfully tried many cases to judges, juries, and arbitration panels. His expertise is not confined to any specific subject area; rather, his expertise is in...