Thomas W. "Tom" Schouten

Jacob A. Droppers is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Jacob A., 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 Jacob A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

ce Goodman practices energy law, environmental law, and construction law. His environmental expertise includes air quality permitting work, compliance counseling on air emissions, state and federal enforcement defense issues, and environmental management program development. His energy expertise includes negotiating numerous electric power sales agreements (both for wholesale sellers of energy and for retail consumers of energy) state electric rate cases, developing municipal energy tariffs, ...

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

Pat White's practice concentrates on the full spectrum of civil rights issues, race and gender disability matters, free speech and electronic privacy issues in the workplace. In addition to litigation, he also does traditional labor work, including negotiation and arbitration, both for public and private sector clients. He also maintains expertise in education law, representing school districts, community colleges and colleges and universities, both with respect to employment issues as well a...

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.

Although Jim's legal practice is broad, much of his work involves conflict resolution. He often represents businesses and individuals who find themselves in crisis – they may have been named as a defendant in a lawsuit, have a disagreement over a contract, or have a dispute with a tenant. Jim's role is to learn as much as possible about the legal problem and the individuals involved, help his client understand the potential consequences, weigh potential solutions, and assist the client ...

Timothy J. Ryan is a Shareholder in the Grand Rapids, Michigan office of Jackson Lewis P.C. Mr. Ryan is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame (J.D., magna cum laude ) and Aquinas College (B.A., magna cum laude). Mr. Ryan has practiced exclusively in the labor and employment area since 1987, when he was admitted to the Bar. He has obtained an “AV® Preeminent™” rating, which is the highest peer review rating from Martindale Hubbell. He has been selected by his peers f...

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...

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.

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.