Jeffrey O. Birkhold

Christopher Schneider is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Appellate Practice and Commercial Litigation. Christopher practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized Christopher Schneider since 2023. 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 Christopher Schneider is held by other lawyers.

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...

Jon is a partner in the real estate group. His practice is transaction-oriented, assisting clients in real estate purchases, sales, exchanges, leasing, financing and development matters. He represents businesses, institutions, developers, and investors in their real estate needs. In addition to Jon’s current community commitments, he has been involved in a variety of community organizations over the years including the State Bar of Michigan Access to Justice Campaign, Legal Aid of Weste...

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...

Mel and his firm concentrate on securities and business disputes, including: Securities Litigation; FINRA Arbitration and Related Court Cases; Defending Investment Firms and their Financial Professionals against Investor Claims; Litigating Enforcement of Confidentiality Agreements, Non-solicit Agreements, Non-competes, and other Restrictive Agreements; FINRA Expungement hearings; Advising Clients on Securities Law and Compliance; Business Disputes, especially closely held firms. Mel is also a...

Leslee Lewis provides legal advice to businesses (from privately held to Fortune 500), banks, nonprofits, and municipalities on matters such as business organization and governance, qualification and licensing of nonprofit entities, financing, contracts, consulting agreements, asset purchases, multi-million dollar loan originations and modifications, real estate purchasing and disposition, construction and development, secured transactions and mortgages, leases, title, conservation easements,...

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...

Kurt G. Yost is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Kurt G. practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized Kurt G. Yost since 2013. 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 Kurt G. Yost is held by other lawyers.

John D. Arendshorst is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. John D. practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized John D. Arendshorst 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 John D. Arendshorst is held by other lawyers.

Michael C. Haines' practice includes the general representation of established and emerging energy and natural resources companies in Michigan. He provides legal and practical advice on contract matters, leases, unitization, transportation, regulatory, legislative and other matters, including acquisitions and dispositions of assets. He serves as legislative counsel for an oil and gas exploration and production association and has represented gas utility companies in municipal rate proceedings...