James J. Steffel

John H. Gretzinger graduated from Michigan State University in 1971 and served as a Naval Officer from 1972 through 1975. After completion of his military service, he attended Detroit College of Law, was Managing Editor of the Detroit College of Law Review and received the Charles H. King Award for the highest scholastic proficiency in his 1978 graduating class. John is a specialist in labor and employment law, including collective bargaining negotiations, grievance arbitrations, Act 312 inte...

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.

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.

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...

Ron has accumulated a vast amount of first chair trial experience. As an Assistant United States Attorney in Miami for seven years, he tried several large criminal cases. In his final year as a federal prosecutor, he served as Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Ron’s broad trial and litigation skills allow him to represent clients in diverse types of disputes in nearly any locale in the country. Since joining Varnum, Ron has tried and litigate...

Perrin Rynders has successfully prosecuted and defended a wide variety of business and commercial disputes, employment cases, product liability and personal injury cases, and tax matters. He has conducted jury and bench trials in federal and state courts around the country, as well as before administrative tribunals and arbitrators, and has resolved disputes as a facilitative mediator.

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

In addition to serving as the Hastings City Attorney since 2005, Stephanie concentrates her practice on helping families in Hastings and the surrounding areas navigate life events including divorce, adoption, custody and visitation, estate planning, and probate and trust administration. She also provides corporate and real estate counsel to business clients including real estate acquisitions, development, and management.

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Charyn K. Hain is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Trusts and Estates. Charyn K., 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 Charyn K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.