Paul L. Mitchell

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...

James R. Peterson is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, Litigation - Environmental, Litigation - Real Estate and Trade Secrets Law. James R. practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized James R. Peterson since 2020. 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 James R. P...

Nicholas S. Laue is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Construction. Nicholas S. practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized Nicholas S. Laue since 2023. 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...

Brandon Hewitt is an attorney and the Chief Operating Officer at Michigan Auto Law in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His top priority is making the legal process as simple and straightforward as possible for injury victims. With a determination to compassionately serve his clients and treat them as he would his own family, he focuses on personal injury law, working with people injured in car, truck and motorcycle accidents, among others. Brandon began his career with Michigan Auto Law as a law clerk...

Neil D. Williams is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Corporate Law. Neil D. practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan Best Lawyers has recognized Neil D. Williams 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 Neil D. Williams is held by other lawyers.

Eric is a seasoned business and corporate attorney who provides comprehensive legal counsel to startups, private and family-owned businesses, and multinational corporations across diverse industries, including automotive, manufacturing, technology, food and agriculture, venture capital and professional services. He supports clients throughout the entire lifecycle of their business, from the formation or acquisition stage through the ultimate sale or other exit – and all the legal issues...

D. Andrew Portinga has been practicing law since 1996. He is a litigator, and has extensive experience in both federal and state courts. He has represented both Fortune 500 companies and family owned businesses, and Mr. Portinga has handled complex cases involving myriad issues. General Commercial Litigation Mr. Portinga has handled a wide variety of complicated commercial cases. His clients have included oil and gas producers, a manufacturer of implantable medical devices, a national communi...

Stephen Hulst is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. Stephen specializes in Personal Injury Law, No-Fault Law, and Commercial Litigation. His experience with both the No-Fault Act as well as personal injury claims allows him to provide comprehensive representation to his clients who are not only dealing with the pain, suffering, and limitations from their injuries but also often find themselves overwhelmed by medical bills and issues. St...

In addition to serving as the Hastings City Attorney since 2005, Stephanie concentrates her practice on helping families in Hastings and the surrounding areas navigate life events including divorce, adoption, custody and visitation, estate planning, and probate and trust administration. She also provides corporate and real estate counsel to business clients including real estate acquisitions, development, and management.

Matthew L. Vicari has been practicing law since 1990. His practice is focused on representing business entities, executives, medical and other professionals, and individuals in commercial disputes, as well as criminal matters involving a wide range of corporate, government and individual crimes. He is the chair of the white collar crime and fraud and embezzlement recovery practice groups at the firm. Mr. Vicari is an active member of many professional associations often taking a leadership ro...