Banking and Finance Law
Joan E. Schleef
Awarded Practice Areas
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.
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.
Overview
Grand Rapids, Michigan
- 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
Grand Rapids, Michigan
- 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

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
News & Media
Publications
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