Sandra S. Hamilton

Brandon Hewitt is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs. Brandon, 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 Brandon is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Daniel R. Kubiak received his bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and obtained his law degree from Wayne State University in 1980. Dan's practice areas include commercial, secured transactions, lien laws, real property, foreclosures, bankruptcy, creditors' rights, corporate and real estate law. He is a member of the Real Property Section of the State Bar of Michigan, Business Law Section of the American Bar Association, and Bankruptcy Section and Steering Committee of the Federa...

Scott R. Murphy is a partner in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, office of Barnes & Thornburg, where he serves as vice chair of the firm's Construction Law Practice Group.Scott is also a member of the firm's Commercial Litigation practice group, where he concentrates his practice on business torts, contract disputes and securities fraud as well as shareholder oppression claims. A seasoned litigator, Scott has experience in numerous forums, including state and federal courts, arbitration tribun...

Jon is a partner in the real estate group. His practice is transaction-oriented, assisting clients in real estate purchases, sales, exchanges, leasing, financing and development matters. He represents businesses, institutions, developers, and investors in their real estate needs. In addition to Jon’s current community commitments, he has been involved in a variety of community organizations over the years including the State Bar of Michigan Access to Justice Campaign, Legal Aid of Weste...

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...

Tripp VanderWal is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law. Tripp, 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 Tripp 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...

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.

Bruce concentrates his practice in mediation and complex commercial litigation. Having completed over 500 mediation cases, he represents plaintiffs or defendants in significant cases in both state and federal court. His practice specializes in complex business litigation, employment, commercial, and personal injury litigation.