Nathan D. Plantinga

Nathan D. Plantinga

Grand Rapids, MI recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2011
Miller Johnson PLC

56 Best Lawyers awards

Miller Johnson PLC logo

Awarded Practice Areas

Employment Law - Management Labor Law - Management

Biography

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 labor practice litigation, labor-management relations and union avoidance.

Mr. Plantinga belongs to the American Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, and Grand Rapids Bar Association, the Committee on the Development of the Law under the National Labor Relations Act, the American Health Lawyers Association, and the Society for Human Resource Management. He is also sits on the Board of Directors of the Human Resources Group of Grand Rapids.

Miller Johnson PLC

56 Best Lawyers awards

Miller Johnson PLC logo

Overview

  • The University of Michigan Law School, J.D., graduated 1997
  • Calvin College, B.A., graduated 1994
  • The University of Michigan Law School, J.D., graduated 1997
  • Calvin College, B.A., graduated 1994

Client Testimonials

I have worked with Nate Plantinga for several years. He is extremely intelligent and his knowledge of Employment Law is outstanding. Even greater than his technical skills is his ability to seek to fully understand every given situation and view it from a practical point of view. He is quick to grasp complex details and subtle nuances and is very efficient with the client's time. Though he has many clients, the person on the other end of the phone or across the table never knows it. I trust his legal advice completely and highly recommend him to colleagues and friends.

Nate is simply the best attorney and at the top of his game. He has depth, experience and is seen as a trusted advisor to the organization. He provides us with practical legal solutions to complex business issues. In addition, Nate goes above and beyond in his responsiveness. He will get back to us on urgent issues even when he's on vacation. Finally, I'm very impressed with Nate and Miller Johnson's commitment to the community around diversity and inclusiveness. They go above and beyond in giving their time and money resources to several organizations in the community.

Nate Plantinga is s trusted resource who is excellent at helping us to recognize the level of risk associated with our decisions while guiding us in developing practical solutions to our business problems.

Anne Dewys (Spectrum Health)

Grand Rapids, MI

Nate Plantinga is truly the best of the best. His expertise, dedication, and character are unmatched. What makes working with Nate even more special is his quick wit and sense of humor. He has a unique ability to infuse levity into serious conversations, reminding us that while the stakes are high, we can approach challenges with perspective and positivity. Beyond his legal acumen and personality, Nate operates with unwavering integrity. His commitment to transparency, fairness, and doing what’s right inspires confidence in every interaction. Nate is a trusted advisor and a true partner who takes the time to understand our organization and tailor solutions that fit our needs. Simply put, Nate is exceptional, brilliant, and an absolute joy to work with.

Nikki Romence (Chapters Health)

During my 46 year career in Human Resources, I have worked with many different law firms and individual labor & employment law attorneys. Nate Plantinga stands out as being one of the most knowledgeable, capable, and proficient attorneys that I have ever worked with. His expertise is spot on and invaluable. He stands head and shoulders above others in his profession. He always has the best interest of the employer in mind and would highly recommend his expertise to my peers.

Dennis Quam (Viking Group, Inc.)

Nate is an incredible resource. He has exceptional knowledge and is great to work with. Nate's response time is phenomenal and allows for extremely tight turnarounds to be met without a problem.

Awards & Focus

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2022 - Employment Law - Management Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2014 - Labor Law - Management
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Employment Law - Management, Grand Rapids (2022)
  • Labor Law - Management, Grand Rapids (2014)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Employment Law - Management
  • Labor Law - Management
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Health Care Law

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