James J. Steffel

Matt is the current practice group chair for the environmental practice group. and his vast experience includes general environmental law, environmental compliance counseling, transactional due diligence, administrative law, civil and administrative enforcement defense, environmental insurance, Brownfield redevelopment and financing, agricultural law, and energy/alternative energy law. He routinely reviews environmental site assessments, directs remediation projects and has done extensive wor...

Scott Dienes is a real estate, municipal and finance attorney assisting clients with complex projects that define and shape communities. With a strong municipal and real estate background, along with tax-exempt bond and public finance experience, Scott keeps projects on track and on budget. Scott has served as general counsel to municipal clients his entire career. He acts on behalf of local governments, development authorities, school districts, water and sewer authorities, district librarie...

Bob is committed to making a difference for those he serves. Applying his deep tax background and education, Bob represents buyers and sellers in merger, acquisition and disposition transactions, and provides comprehensive counsel pertaining to business and partnership tax matters. He also advises start-up companies and established businesses alike interested in pursuing capital sources from the private equity market to raise capital for a number of diverse enterprises. Bob’s industry e...

James R. Peterson is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, Litigation - Environmental, Litigation - Real Estate and Trade Secrets Law. James R. practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized James R. Peterson since 2020. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which James R. P...

Joe focuses on employment law and litigation and has experience in all areas of employment law including FLSA, ADA, wrongful discharge, the Elliott-Larson Civil Rights Act, Title VII, ADEA, Retiree Health Insurance, FMLA, the Whistleblowers’ Protection Act and others.

David Hall is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Commercial Finance Law. David practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized David Hall since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which David Hall i...

Rick is a member of Varnum's Labor and Employment Practice Group. He focuses on the defense of employers in workers’ compensation litigation, from managing contested cases in an aggressive and efficient manner to assessing cost-containment methods. He represents employers at all levels of the court system, including the Workers’ Compensation Appellate Court, the Michigan Court of Appeals, and Michigan Supreme Court. Rick has handled multiple Michigan Occupational Safety and Health...

Gary J. Mouw is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Appellate Practice and Commercial Litigation. Gary J. practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized Gary J. Mouw since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Gary J. Mouw is held by other lawyers.

Ronald Bultje is a Member in Dickinson Wright's Grand Rapids office. His practice is concentrated in the areas of municipal law and labor relations. He represents numerous municipalities throughout the western half of Michigan’s lower peninsula. He has extensive experience in advising legislative bodies, planning commissions, and zoning boards of appeal. In representing municipalities, Mr. Bultje provides a full array of services, including advice on contracts, intergovernmental relatio...

James R. Brown concentrates his law practice in municipal law and real property law. He represents many townships, villages, cities and other municipal bodies throughout West Michigan and elsewhere in the state. His law practice has a particular emphasis in the representation of townships, and he serves as general counsel for a large number of townships in Kent County and in surrounding counties. Jim is also an experienced township official, having served for 25 years as chairperson of the Gr...