John V. Byl

Harvey Koning is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group and is active in the firm’s Financial Institutions Industry group. He works with a wide variety of businesses, from start-ups to public companies. He represents companies involved in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and also initial and secondary public offerings. Harvey’s corporate practice also includes private equity, venture capital, securities regulation and executive compensation. He works extensively with a numbe...

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,...

Kurt G. Yost is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Kurt G., who practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kurt G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

For over 20 years, Todd has worked with and assisted businesses, developers, investors, financial institution, and brokers. He has helped them identify and navigate challenges and opportunities associated with general business transactions as well as complex real estate acquisitions and sales, residential and commercial condominium developments, commercial and industrial leasing, financing transactions, zoning and land use matters, joint ventures, and land development and construction project...

Dan is a highly experienced attorney working primarily in the bankruptcy, workout, restructuring and finance-related world, where for more than 36 years he has represented lenders, borrowers, companies, and individuals in almost every kind of debtor-creditor related matter they might encounter. Along the way he’s handled all manner of bankruptcy cases, documented and restructured loans and other transactions, helped clients buy and sell companies, litigated insolvency related matters, a...

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...

Linsey Gleason is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Linsey, who practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Linsey is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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 c...

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...

Matt is a member of the Environmental and Energy Practice Groups. A significant portion of Matt’s practice involves representation of municipalities and private developers in regard to water law matters, including: the permitting, operation and expansion of water supply/treatment/distribution systems and wastewater collection and treatment systems; sewer use ordinance drafting and enforcement including industrial pretreatment programs; stormwater management including ordinance drafting,...