William "Bill" Bereza

Daniel J. James is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Insurance Law and Litigation - Insurance. Daniel J., 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 Daniel J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Christopher Schneider is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Appellate Practice and Commercial Litigation. Christopher, 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 Christopher is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Rick is a partner in the Kalamazoo office. Since 1981, he has represented employers exclusively in solving labor and employment law problems in the workplace. He devotes most of his time to advising employers about how to avoid workplace crises, comply with state and federal labor and employment laws and regulations, and prevent litigation. He has significant experience counseling employers on how to stay union-free, and routinely works with clients in the application and enforcement of colle...

Elizabeth K. Bransdorfer received her bachelor’s degree from the College of Liberal Arts and her law degree cum laude from the Law School, both at the University of Minnesota. Liz specializes in divorce and family law using mediation, and collaborative practice as well as traditional litigation and arbitration. She is admitted to practice in all Michigan state courts, the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the United States District Co...

Mr. Mitchell focuses his practice on intellectual property procurement, licensing and enforcement in the areas of consumer products, automotive products, life sciences and medical devices. He has represented biochemical producers, manufacturers of food products, sporting goods and building products, food service franchisors, consumer product companies, medical device manufacturers, automotive parts suppliers, clothing manufacturers, national consumer products’ retailers and online servi...

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.

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...

Bill has been the chairman of Varnum’s Trial Practice Group since 2007. He has served firm clients for over three decades in litigation matters that have been resolved through arbitrations, mediations, and bench and jury trials. Bill also oversees Varnum's construction litigation practice area. He is one of two Varnum partners who serve as a Practice Management Leader, through which he assists and guides Varnum lawyers in the conduct of their practice efforts.

Steve Afendoulis is a partner and past chairman of the trial practice group. He is a trial and appellate advocate with a focus in the areas of complex commercial; partnership, shareholder and LLC disputes; personal injury; real estate; and trademark and unfair competition. He is a certified facilitative mediator and is trained in advanced alternative dispute resolution.