Steven A. Palazzolo

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.

Robert A. Buchanan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Municipal Law. Robert A., who practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognized since 2014. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Robert A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Scott M. Watson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Environmental Law and Litigation - Environmental. Scott M., who practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Scott M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

James R. Peterson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants, Litigation - Environmental, Litigation - Real Estate and Trade Secrets Law. James R., 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 James R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Maxwell N. Barnes is a Member in the firm’s business section and has been practicing law since 1997. He concentrates his practice on advising clients in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, and general business matters. General Business/Transactional Experience Mr. Barnes assists businesses of all sizes and their owners in addressing their day-to-day legal needs. This involves counseling clients on organizing and structuring new entities, employment issues, equity i...

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...

Christy McDonald is an employment lawyer and litigator. She is passionate about working with employers on their legal challenges and opportunities. She provides daily counseling for employers on all aspects of employment law and provides proactive advice on litigation avoidance and risk management. As a seasoned trial advocate, Christy has significant experience achieving favorable results for clients in employment and commercial cases.

J. Paul Janes focuses his practice in the areas of personal injury litigation, medical malpractice, product liability, automobile no-fault law, class action litigation and civil rights litigation.

Gary J. Mouw is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice. Gary 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 Gary J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Mark E Rizik is Chair of the firm’s Taxation practices. He has extensive experience in matters regarding tax penalty cases, tax refund claims and litigation, estates and trusts as S corporation shareholders, employee and independent contractor classification, employee leasing, business transactions, and tax controversies. Mr. Rizik has tried hundreds of tax cases successfully. His cases have often resulted nationally published opinions. Mr. Rizik previously was a Senior Trial Attorney i...