J. Brian MacDonald

Roger focuses his practice on Corporate law and Commercial Transactions. He is experienced with contract negotiations involving joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers/acquisitions, and related agreements, including, e.g., joint venture relationships involving the design, development and supply of various automotive systems and components. He is skilled at drafting and negotiating a broad spectrum of contracts and related documents, with extensive experience concerning automotive supply ...

Jaclyn R. Giffen is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment. Jaclyn R., who practices law in Detroit, Michigan, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Jaclyn R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jeff chairs Varnum's employee benefits practice group. He has 25 years of experience working with employers, executives and third-party administrators on a wide range of employee benefit, executive compensation and individual retirement matters, including plan design, plan administration, benefit plan disputes and tax planning for retirement. He also helps solve complex tax issues in business and investment transactions, especially those involving pass-through entities and oil and gas activit...

Marko J. Belej is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law. Marko J., who practices law in Southfield, Michigan, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Marko J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Gregory D. DeGrazia is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trademark Law. Gregory D., who practices law in Troy, Michigan, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Gregory D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Stephen J. Rhodes is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Administrative / Regulatory Law, Appellate Practice, Energy Law, Energy Regulatory Law and Utilities Law. Stephen J., who practices law in Okemos, Michigan, has been recognized since 2013. 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.

Linda L. Ryan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employment Law - Management. Linda L., who practices law in Belmont, Michigan, has been recognized since 2027. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Linda L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jennifer Hetu’s practice focuses on trademark law and brand protection. She advises businesses of all sizes on a wide range of trademark matters in the U.S. and international markets, collaborates with foreign law firms on worldwide trademark protection, and provides counseling regarding U.S. use and registration. She also counsels businesses in the rapidly growing cannabis industry on how to navigate trademark protection strategies in the current landscape. She is a former trademark at...

Salvatore W. Pirrotta is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Salvatore W., 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 Salvatore W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kaplin concentrates his corporate practice on advising clients regarding choice of entity and transactional tax planning; structuring tax-free reorganizations and like-kind property exchanges; setting up and advising tax-exempt and nonprofit corporations; handling IRS audits and appeals hearings; commencing and settling tax litigation; formulating and drafting tax opinions; and preparing IRS ruling requests. Kaplin negotiates and structures the following types of transactions: asset and prope...