Steven J. Tjapkes

John T. McFarland is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Nonprofit / Charities Law, Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. John T., 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 John T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Wayne Roberts is the co-chair of Bodman’s Business Tax Group. His practice is focused on corporate, business and individual tax planning and federal, state and local tax controversies. He has been a recognized state and local tax (SALT) lawyer for more than 20 years. He has been involved in a majority of the significant legislative, administrative and case law developments that have taken place in Michigan taxation.His broad tax practice includes all aspects of federal and state tax pla...

Benjamin A. Zainea, a native of Grand Rapids, graduated from Northview High School in 1992. He attended the University of Michigan School of Business Administration, where he served as president of the professional/service fraternity of Delta Sigma Pi and graduated with high distinction in 1996. He earned his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 1999. Ben specializes in business transactions, mergers and acquisitions, business formation, general business and real estate la...

With over 30 years of experience, Tom helps people navigate and resolve family law problems including divorce, custody, parenting time, modification of support orders and paternity. Learn more on the firm website.

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...

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.

A former attorney for the Internal Revenue Service, Terry concentrates his practice helping individuals and businesses to make informed decisions regarding transactions to receive tax benefits and advantages. If an individual or business is audited by a tax authority, he also provides representation to ensure that the merit of their position is properly advocated to the tax authority and if necessary to the appellate or adjudication levels. Learn more on the firm website.

Melissa Neckers is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Family Law Arbitration. Melissa, 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 Melissa is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

John M. DeVries, a native of Grand Rapids, practices in the areas of litigation in federal and state courts, oil, gas and water law, eminent domain and zoning law. John received his bachelor's degree from Calvin College and his law degree from the University of Michigan, magna cum laude, Order of the Coif. He is a member of the Grand Rapids and Federal Bar Associations, the State Bar of Michigan, and is a life member of the Sixth Circuit Judicial Conference.