Matthew T. Nelson

Nathan D. Plantinga has been practicing law since 1997 and is the chair of the firm's employment and labor section. He enjoys a busy counseling practice for union and nonunion clients, advising employers on the full spectrum of employment matters, including civil rights charges, difficult medical leave issues, employee discipline and discharge, wage and hour, and unemployment. Mr. Plantinga also specializes in traditional labor work involving collective bargaining, labor arbitrations, unfair ...

William H. Fallon is a Member of the firm and has been practicing law since 1981. His practice is focused on representing employers in employment and labor matters, including employment litigation. Labor and Employment Law Experience Mr. Fallon helps employers find successful, constructive solutions to their most difficult employment problems, in and out of court. Most employers prefer to stay out of court, which is accomplished by effective early management of potential legal problems. Mr. F...

Nicholas S. Laue is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Construction. Nicholas S., who practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Nicholas S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mary L. Tabin is a Member at Miller Johnson and has been practicing law since 1998. In her employment and labor practice, she provides day-to-day HR guidance in areas such as employee relations, retention, employee handbooks/policies and employment contracts including non-compete agreements and restrictive covenants. Ms. Tabin has vast experience in counseling on issues related to discrimination, harassment and retaliation. She also works with clients regarding compliance with laws governing ...

Mark sues insurance companies when they fail to pay claims. Varnum represents only insureds in these matters. Mark has helped shape the landscape of Michigan Insurance Law since 1985.He is regularly asked to speak on insurance issues for continuing legal education programs, and at other bar related activities. Mark is also Varnum's lead attorney in litigation matters dealing with employee benefit issues under ERISA. He has handled all facets of employee benefit litigation, from benefit claims...

Justin M. Bratt is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Justin M., who practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Justin M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jeff chairs Varnum's employee benefits practice group. He has 25 years of experience working with employers, executives and third-party administrators on a wide range of employee benefit, executive compensation and individual retirement matters, including plan design, plan administration, benefit plan disputes and tax planning for retirement. He also helps solve complex tax issues in business and investment transactions, especially those involving pass-through entities and oil and gas activit...

Christopher Schneider is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice and Commercial Litigation. Christopher, who practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christopher is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John has extensive experience in corporate, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and real estate matters. His clients trust him to provide practical advice with respect to their complex legal needs and legal planning matters, and he serves as outside general counsel to companies across a wide spectrum of industries. John has served as lead counsel in numerous mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, financing transactions, real estate acquisition and dispositions, busi...

John M. DeVries, a native of Grand Rapids, practices in the areas of litigation in federal and state courts, oil, gas and water law, eminent domain and zoning law. John received his bachelor's degree from Calvin College and his law degree from the University of Michigan, magna cum laude, Order of the Coif. He is a member of the Grand Rapids and Federal Bar Associations, the State Bar of Michigan, and is a life member of the Sixth Circuit Judicial Conference.