Joan E. Schleef

Joan E. Schleef

Grand Rapids, MI recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2013
Varnum LLP

102 Best Lawyers awards

Varnum LLP logo

Awarded Practice Areas

Banking and Finance Law

Biography

Joan is a member of the Financial Services Practice Group. She represents commercial lenders and asset-based lenders (including banks) in documenting, negotiating and closing numerous commercial loan transactions, including working capital and formula-based loans; real estate acquisition and development loans; and leveraged buy-out financing.

She also represents lenders in connection with borrower insolvencies, loan restructurings and workouts, banks in various matters concerning regulatory compliance issues and various corporate and commercial clients regarding general commercial matters. Prior to joining Varnum, Joan served as Judicial Clerk to the Honorable Wendell A. Miles, United States District Court, Western District of Michigan from 1985 to 1988.
Varnum LLP

102 Best Lawyers awards

Varnum LLP logo

Overview

  • University of Cincinnati, J.D., graduated 1985
  • Indiana University Bloomington, BA, graduated 1982

  • Michigan, State Bar of Michigan
  • Ohio, Ohio State Bar Association

  • Federal Bar Association - Bankruptcy Law Section
  • Grand Rapids Bar Association - Member
  • Ohio Bar Association - Member
  • State Bar of Michigan - West Michigan Chapter
  • Wealthy Theater, a Michigan nonprofit corporation - Secretary and Board Member, 1999 - 2002
  • Michigan, State Bar of Michigan
  • Ohio, Ohio State Bar Association
  • Federal Bar Association - Bankruptcy Law Section
  • Grand Rapids Bar Association - Member
  • Ohio Bar Association - Member
  • State Bar of Michigan - West Michigan Chapter
  • Wealthy Theater, a Michigan nonprofit corporation - Secretary and Board Member, 1999 - 2002
  • University of Cincinnati, J.D., graduated 1985
  • Indiana University Bloomington, BA, graduated 1982

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2013 - Banking and Finance Law
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Banking and Finance Law, Grand Rapids (2013)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Banking and Finance Law
Awards:
  • Best Lawyers® Lawyer of the Year 2013

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