Mindi M. Johnson

Mary Kay Shaver is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Banking and Finance Law and Public Finance Law. Mary Kay practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized Mary Kay Shaver since 2018. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Mary Kay Shaver is held by other lawyers.

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...

Brion Doyle is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Commercial Litigation. Brion practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized Brion Doyle since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Brion Doyle is held by other lawyers.

Jennifer McManus is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Appellate Practice, Commercial Litigation and Criminal Defense: White-Collar. Jennifer practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized Jennifer McManus since 2027. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Jennifer McManus is held by other lawyers.

Nikole L. Canute’s areas of practice include: labor and employment law, employment litigation, energy litigation, civil litigation, fraud investigation and litigation and securities litigation. She is very skilled in handling employment investigations, electronic discovery and matters involving computer forensic investigations. Nikole also specializes in energy matters, including condemnation. Her experience includes working with local municipal authorities and law enforcement during pr...

Bruce, an experienced commercial litigator, represents clients of all sizes in trial and appellate courts throughout Michigan. A former president of the State Bar of Michigan, Bruce is also a court-approved mediator in the U.S. District Court and has served as an arbitrator for disputes involving insurance coverage issues, employment, and general business. Bruce’s expertise includes litigating, mediating and arbitrating complex disputes involving multimillion-dollar construction project...

Pat White's practice concentrates on the full spectrum of civil rights issues, race and gender disability matters, free speech and electronic privacy issues in the workplace. In addition to litigation, he also does traditional labor work, including negotiation and arbitration, both for public and private sector clients. He also maintains expertise in education law, representing school districts, community colleges and colleges and universities, both with respect to employment issues as well a...

Laura A. Chappelle is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Energy Law and Energy Regulatory Law. Laura A. practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized Laura A. Chappelle since 2017. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Laura A. Chappelle is held by other lawyers.

Michigan Trial Attorney William M. Azkoul specializes in personal injury law, complex commercial litigation, banking and credit union law, securities and alternative dispute resolution. Community Service Board of Elders, Calvary Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2014-2017, Chairman 2000-2013 Grand Rapids Bar Association 3Rs Program, Instructor of Civics Education Program at Ottawa Hills High School, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2014 – present Facilitative Mediator for the Dispute Resolution Ce...

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...