Richard A. "Rick" Gaffin

Melissa leads the Real Estate Practice Team, and focuses her practice on corporate and real estate matters, with an emphasis on commercial sales, acquisitions, leasing, redevelopment, and construction law. She has extensive experience in structuring primary and replacement real estate financing with banks, private investors, and joint ventures, including mezzanine and other uniquely structured secured loan facilities. Melissa offers her clients significant experience in negotiating commercial...

Greg J. Ekdahl is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law. Greg J., 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 Greg J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bobbi S. Hines is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Elder Law, Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Bobbi 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 Bobbi S. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

William J. Leeder III is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation. William J., 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 William J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Charyn K. Hain is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Trusts and Estates. Charyn K., 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 Charyn K. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Eric concentrates his practice in the areas of real estate and business transactions with environmental implications, regulatory counseling, brownfield redevelopment, remediation planning and implementation, underground storage tank cleanups, insurance claims and cost recovery. With a wealth of experience in litigation, Eric has a unique perspective on transactional work. He has litigated matters in state and federal courts and understands the role of advocacy, negotiation and dispute resolut...

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...

Bob serves as general counsel to high-net-worth families and their businesses. He personally handles matters that require attention to corporate compliance, corporate governance, business sales and combinations, shareholder disputes, contracts, real estate, credit facilities, and estate and tax planning. When counseling clients, family, or friends, Bob makes every effort to fully understand their present situation and their ultimate goals and objectives. By placing himself in their shoes he i...

Rick is a member of Varnum's Labor and Employment Practice Group. He focuses on the defense of employers in workers’ compensation litigation, from managing contested cases in an aggressive and efficient manner to assessing cost-containment methods. He represents employers at all levels of the court system, including the Workers’ Compensation Appellate Court, the Michigan Court of Appeals, and Michigan Supreme Court. Rick has handled multiple Michigan Occupational Safety and Health...

Dustin J. Daniels is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Dustin J., who practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Dustin J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.