Matthew T. Nelson

Susan has extensive experience in the public finance area. She has served as bond counsel to the State of Michigan, its departments and authorities, as well as to many cities, counties, villages, townships, school districts, district libraries, other public authorities and Indian tribes. In addition to serving as bond counsel, Susan has also served as underwriter’s counsel, bank counsel, tax counsel and obligor’s counsel for numerous tax-exempt financings, including governmental o...

David assists businesses and financial institutions in navigating complex commercial transactions. His experience is broad in scope from facilitating the transaction on the front end to providing solutions when problems arise. After gaining an understanding of the needs of our clients, he works collaboratively with them to plan the best route to achieve the desired outcome, whether that outcome requires an “all hands on deck” approach or, as is frequently the case, a simple solution.

Patrick R. Drueke regularly represents landlords and tenants leasing commercial or industrial space; buyers and sellers of commercial and residential property; developers and other property owners seeking zoning approval; neighborhood associations as general counsel; businesses and individuals in disputes regarding their real estate or construction projects; owners and operators of environmentally contaminated sites facing enforcement action; and commercial and residential contractors in cons...

Amy is experienced in representing employers in the retail, hospitality, warehouse, distribution, manufacturing, food production, transportation and healthcare industries. She advises and trains clients on employee relations, union avoidance, collective bargaining strategies, sexual harassment and compliance with state and federal employment laws. Amy also offers an in-depth understanding of Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA),...

With numerous multi-million dollar deals to his credit, Jeffrey G. York focuses his practice on corporate, mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, succession planning, finance, construction, entrepreneurial, manufacturing, and real estate. He represents corporations, limited liability companies and partnerships in the acquisition or sale of a wide range of businesses, including automotive component manufacturers, tool-and-die businesses, food and equipment manufacturers, automobile dealership...

James Eardley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. James, who practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Ryan McNally is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Real Estate Law. Ryan, who practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Ryan is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Mary Kay Shaver is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law and Public Finance Law. Mary Kay, who practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Mary Kay is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...