Van Buren County Lawyers

For over 25 years, my passion has been helping companies navigate the waters of patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets and other forms of Intellectual Property.

The firm I founded has been honored to secure in 500+ US Patents, hundreds of US Trademarks, and IP rights in over 60 Countries, on 6 Continents, for clients that range from the individual inventor to the Fortune 50.

It is likewise an honor to have multiple clients place their trust in our work for two decades, and to continue to represent my first corporate client all these years later.

I have been fortunate to have worked...

Wesley Todd is an attorney of the firm Lewis Reed and Allen. He has been named a super lawyer for the past 6 years, and has more than a decade of experience. He practices criminal law and family law in Calhoun County, Kalamazoo County and Branch County. He has successfully helped hundreds of clients during some of the most difficult times of their lives, with everything from a OWI/DUI charge to Divorce.

Codie graduated with her J.D. from Michigan State University College of Law in 2021. While in law school she served as a peer mentor in the reading, writing, and analysis department in addition to becoming a Civil Facilitative Mediator and worked as a legal intern at Jackson National Life Insurance Company before beginning her legal career at Herbert Machnik Law Firm. At Herbert Machnik Codie works primarily in Business Organization, Contracts, Property, Employment, and Trust and Estate Administration. Codie is an active member of her community and helps to mentor...

Jason N. Machnik was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He attended Western Michigan University where he earned a B.A. in Marketing. Jason went on to graduate Cum Laude from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and earned his J.D. in the accelerated program. While in law school, he served as Class Representative for the Student Bar Association and as Chapter President of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. Jason earned the Certificate of Merit in Property Law. Prior to joining Willis Law, Jason served as a Law Clerk for Judges in Allegan County and Cass County. When out of...

I have been practicing law since 1979 in the State and Federal Courts. My firm specializes in bankruptcy and is actively involved in the bankruptcy practice in West Michigan. I am a Board Certified Specialist in Consumer Bankruptcy Law by the American Board of Certification. I am actively involved in many local bar organizations that focus on bankruptcy practice, speak at many conferences, and I’ve helped thousands of people through the bankruptcy process.

Headquartered in Holland, Michigan with a second office in Muskegon, Michigan, West Michigan Law, P.C. was founded by Adam Zuwerink to provide the highest-quality legal services on an efficient and cost-effective basis, focusing on business, real estate and estate planning legal work.

Born and raised in St. Joseph, Bob Ehrenberg attended St. Joseph Public Schools before earning both his undergraduate and law degrees from Valparaiso University, Indiana, graduating with honors. At Valparaiso, he earned a varsity letter in swimming, and served as president of Gamma Chi Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon, Student Senate treasurer and Business Editor of the Valparaiso University Law Review.

Bob’s legal practice focuses on all aspects of personal injury law, including motor vehicle collisions, truck accidents, insurance claims, premises liability, animal attacks, product liability and other injury cases.

Bob was admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 1978, and...

Matthew R. Conklin joined Conybeare Law Office in 2009. He is an associate at the firm and manages the worker’s compensation and Social Security departments.

Matt received his law degree from the University of Detroit-Mercy Law School in 2007 and his undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University in 2003.

Matt is a respected litigator. His peers elected him to two terms on the State Bar of Michigan Workers’ Compensation Section Council. Since 2014 he has been selected as a “Rising Star” in Michigan worker’s compensation law. The “Rising Star” selection process by “Super Lawyers” includes independent research, peer nominations, and peer evaluations....

I began my legal career working for the Workers Compensation Appellate Commission, a body of judges appointed by the governor to hear workers compensation appeals. While working at the commission I gained valuable insight into what proofs are required to win all types of litigated workers compensation cases. This valuable knowledge gives me the edge when representing my clients. From the Appellate Commission I went to work for a prominent insurance defense firm in Grand Rapids, MI., defending big business from claims submitted by everyday hardworking Michigan employees. Not happy with what I saw, I left...

- Act as general counsel/legal adviser to a variety of service and manufacturing businesses, including M&A, supply agreements, real estate leases and purchase agreements, employment policies/handbooks, contracts, financing documentation, terms and conditions, privacy notices, and compliance/governance documents.
- Represent businesses in complex commercial litigation, such as inter business disputes, contract disputes, shareholder/member conflicts, and employment matters.
- Aggressively assist individuals in contract disputes, real estate transactions/disputes, high conflict divorce matters and sales representative litigation.
- Very experienced in all forms of ADR, including Collaborative Divorce.
- Handle all matters with honesty, integrity and discretion.

S. Christopher Hunter is the founding member of Hunter Law Offices, PLLC. Prior to opening his own practice, Mr. Hunter was an associate attorney with Garrison Lawhouse, PC in Dearborn, Michigan, served as a staff attorney at the Elder Law and Advocacy Center, and most recently managed and supervised the Great Lakes Legal – Elder Law Division’s reduced-fee program. Mr. Hunter focuses his practice in the areas of Elder Law, Long Term Care Planning, Estate Planning, Probate, Trusts, Guardianship/Conservatorships, and Social Security Disability. Mr. Hunter graduated from the University of Maine School of Law with a...

Attorney Steven R. Simkins has been licensed by the State Bar of Michigan since 2003, and he is a member of the Criminal Law, Family Law, and General Practice sections. Mr. Simkins is admitted to practice in all Michigan state courts as well as the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan and the United States Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit. He also serves as a court-appointed attorney in the Kent County Circuit Court for Juvenile Delinquency cases and family neglect cases. Mr. Simkins provides aggressive, personalized representation in the following areas: Criminal...

I am Xavier E. Prather, a skilled and versatile lawyer with a current focus on entertainment, sports, and family law through my practice, LawyerLike, PLLC. Before establishing my law practice, I spent several years as an attorney at a top 200 law firm. I am currently barred in Wisconsin and Michigan.

Ryan F. Beach earned his bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and his juris doctorate from Wayne State University. Ryan Beach has extensive experience in consumer bankruptcy law and has represented hundreds of individuals in Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 cases. Ryan F. Beach currently lives in Grand Rapids with his wife Sarah Sobczak Beach and their two children.

Michelle McLean received her Bachelors of Science from Cornerstone University in 2002. She later received her Juris Doctorate Cum Laude from Michigan State University College of Law in 2007. While earning her law degree, Ms. McLean served both on the Inns of Court (Lansing) and also worked as an extern for Kent Countyâs 17th Circuit Judicial Court. Prior to practicing law, Ms. Mclean worked for a national mortgage lender and has over fifteen years experience in this capacity. She worked as an underwriter, collector, manager, and finally as an account executive. By combining her...

I am an attorney located in Kalamazoo Michigan. I practice in employment and labor law for employee clients. I also do general practice, family law, and constitutional law. At the moment, I am generally free to take consultations and new clients. I offer affordable hourly rates and low contigency fee percentages.

Justin began his legal career in insurance defense where he gained experience handling complex litigation matters. Justin continued to build his litigation acumen by working on cases across a wide spectrum of legal issues including personal injury, no-fault PIP claims, wrongful death, contract disputes, property disputes, and premises liability. Since starting at Herbert Machnik in 2022, Justin has been a valuable asset on the civil litigation team in addition to assisting in matters related to estate planning and business planning and formation. Justin is an active member of his church and gives back to his community by working with the...

James Dimitriou attended Michigan State University graduating in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Social Science. Following his undergraduate work Mr. Dimitriou continued to receive his Juris Doctorate degree from Wayne State University and was quickly admitted to the State Bar of Michigan in 1988. Mr. Dimitriou is currently admitted to practice in all local jurisdictions as well as the United States District Court, Eastern District (1988), Western District (1992) and the US Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals (2004). Before beginning his own practice, Mr. Dimitriou practiced as a city attorney in the Detroit area, as well...

Geoffrey has been practicing law in western Michigan now — and previously in the Detroit metro area (and beyond) — since 2005. In that time, he has consulted thousands of clients, and took part in many bankruptcy cases (both Chapter 7 and 13) for individuals and small businesses and helped numerous individuals and small businesses with all their legal needs. In addition, Geoff has volunteered at Freedom House Detroit practicing immigration and asylum law, teaches test preparation classes, and tutors students for standardized tests. Geoff grew up on a dairy farm in western Michigan — in his free time he enjoys...

Anne Buckleitner puts her more than 30 years in government and law to work for clients in the areas of civil rights, employment law, criminal defense, facilitative mediation and neutral workplace investigations. She litigates in both federal and state courts. Anne is an accomplished litigator and counselor, an experienced problem solver, and a strong advocate. Through negotiation, litigation, and mediation, Anne identifies and obtains the best possible results for her clients. Anne makes good communication with her clients a priority.

Anne was born and raised in St. Joseph, Michigan. She spent the first chapter of her career working for the federal...

My practice is concentrated in four principal areas: consumer rights, lender liability, estate planning, and probate litigation. In the field of consumer rights, I have represented individuals and classes in litigation under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Truth in Lending Act and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. Most frequently my clients are individuals or businesses pursuing or defending their legal rights against banks, financial institutions, mortgage servicers and other large corporations. Westbrook Law PLLC also provides services to clients in the areas of estate planning and probate and trust administration...

Rebecca L. Johnson-Ellis , a partner in the firm, has been an attorney for the past 14 years and us board certified in Consumer Bankruptcy Law from the American Board of Certification. Rebecca received both her law school degree and her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University. Rebecca is admitted to practice in the courts of Michigan, the Western District of Michigan Federal Courts and the U.S. Supreme Court. Rebecca has been recognized by her peers in the Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine as a Rising Star several years in a row. Rebecca has helped thousands of individuals through the...

EMPLOYMENT LAW. Over 35 years of experience in the field of complex employment litigation and employment law matters, including EEOC investigations, wrongful discharge, sexual harassment and discrimination claims, wage-hour violations, FMLA, ADA, defamation, breach of contract, retaliation, whistleblower and a variety of other employment-related claims.
SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS. We have successfully negotiated numerous severance agreements on behalf of employers as well as key employees in a variety of industries throughout West Michigan.
NONCOMPETE, NONSOLICITATION AGREEMENTS. We have extensive experience in the enforcement and/or defense of noncompete, nonsolicitation and other restrictive agreements.
TRADE SECRETS, CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. We also have significant expertise with preparing...

I live in the world of ideas and strategic planning. I value intelligence, knowledge, and competence, I have high standards in these regards, which I continuously strive to fulfill. I can objectively see the reality of a situation, and I’m adaptable enough to change things which aren’t working well. I am a strategist – always scanning available ideas and concepts and weighing them against my current strategy, to plan for every credible contingency. I am ready to work for you.

Renee founded WN Law in 2011 in order to provide individuals with quality, affordable legal representation. Renee focuses her practice on both criminal law and family law. In her years of practice, Renee has gained extensive knowledge on how to most effectively represent her clients in order to provide the best possible outcome.

Renee has successfully represented individuals all over the State of Michigan. In her criminal practice, Renee has represented defendants facing everything from a civil infraction to a felony charge. Renee's experience includes crimes in the arena of drug crimes, theft and property crimes, juvenile crimes, violent crimes, sex...

Running a business can be incredibly challenging (and rewarding), but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. I'm an attorney, but I'm also a small business owner with an entrepreneurial spirit. I love helping small business owners and creative entrepreneurs build and grow their businesses by identifying, protecting and leveraging their intellectual property. I also help businesses with legal issues and contracts involving vendors, employees, and independent contractors.

It's tempting to DIY every aspect of your business, but doing so can actually hold you back by taking you away from what you're really good at (growing your business) and spending countless...

Matt Borgula is a seasoned trial attorney who has defended and prosecuted hundreds of criminal and civil cases. Prior to joining SBBL Law, he was one of the lead federal prosecutors for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan. As the Deputy Criminal Chief and head of the financial crimes unit and drug unit, Mr. Borgula handled every type of federal charge from investigation, to Grand Jury indictment through trial. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, he worked in Chicago for the law firm of Jenner & Block, where he represented clients in matters relating to...

John Bursch (www.burschlaw.com) represents Fortune 500 companies, governments, top public officials, and industry associations in high-profile cases, primarily on appeal. John has argued 12 U.S. Supreme Court cases since 2011 and 34 state supreme court cases, including 32 cases argued in the Michigan Supreme Court. John has successfully litigated hundreds of matters around the country, including six with more than $1 billion at stake. Recent matters include:

-Securing a 6th Circuit victory reinstating a multi-million-dollar commercial case on behalf of 5-hour ENERGY®
-A Michigan Court of Appeals ruling vindicating a Certificate of Need for DTE Energy's billion-dollar, natural-gas plant
-Obtaining a win...

Jason Barrix founded the Barrix Law Firm in 1993 after Graduating from Thomas Cooley School. He was admitted tot he Michigan State Bar in 1993 as well as the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan. Prior to Law School Jason Barrix attended and Graduated from Central Michigan University. There he majored in Political Science receiving his Bachelor's of Science in 1988. Mr. Barrix has focused his practice on Representing those injured do to the negligence of others including Personal Injury, Auto Accident, Dog Bite, Food Poisoning, Medical Malpractice, Trip and Fall, Social...

Bill Webster has been representing hard working men and women of Southwest Michigan for over 16 years in social security disability, workers' compensation, personal injury and domestic relations matters.

I am a shareholder at Rhoades McKee, P.C. I help individuals and businesses facing real estate disputes, land development challenges, condemnation, real estate transactions and construction matters achieve their objectives through a defined and realistic strategy. I can provide a detailed understanding of the emerging legal issues in green building and the LEED rating system. I am the only attorney in West Michigan that has achieved the LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) designation through the United States Green Building Council, and an environmental certification from Green Advantage®. I understand the issues faced by those individuals and businesses in the real...

Practicing law has been a long-term goal for me ever since participating in a mock trial exercise in middle school. With that goal in mind, I pursued a degree in political science at Grand Valley State University with the intent of going to law school immediately following my undergraduate studies. I graduated cum laude from Michigan State University College of Law and joined the team at Kraayeveld Law.

I have always had a passion for working with kids. Throughout my time in college and law school, I worked as a high school marching band instructor and as a recreational gymnastics coach....

Eric Hultman is a registered patent attorney with experience counseling corporations and individuals on a wide range of intellectual property and business matters. Mr. Hultman represents his clients on a broad spectrum of intellectual property issues, including patent, trade secret, trademark, and copyright and unfair competition matters. He has dealt with diverse patent matters including patent availability and non-infringement opinions, patent preparation, patent prosecution and litigation support. Prior to beginning his legal career, Mr. Hultman worked for eight years as a mechanical engineer, designing and testing automotive parts for Tier I automotive suppliers. Mr. Hultman is admitted to practice before the United States...

RJS Law has Successfully represented injured individuals and their families for over 30 years in automobile accident claims and claims against insurance companies. The office specializes in Wrongful Death Claims, Michigan No-Fault automobile claims and serious injury recoveries. We have provided Millions in Judgments and Settlements to our clients.
As personal injury attorneys, RJS Law's practice focuses on helping injured people. Unlike many law firms, we work exclusively for injured people, not representing corporations or insurance companies. We handle automobile, truck and motorcycle cases, as well as other serious injury claims and death. Fractures, soft tissue, amputations, and brain injuries...

Christopher has lived in Grand Rapids since 1st grade, He graduated from City High School, and then moved on to Grand Valley State University, where he met his wife, Devon. After receiving his Bachelor's in English and Political Science, Christopher moved on to complete his legal education at Thomas M. cooley Law School, and was admitted to the bar in 2011. His practice at The Grand Rapids Law Group handles criminal defense, divorce & child custody, business law, drunk driving defense, social security & disability, and other legal matters.

Over the past 35+ years, I have served as legal counsel and business adviser in connection with many public and private securities, capitalization, finance, merger, acquisition and consolidation transactions. Over the years, my emphasis has been in the energy and real estate industries, as well as with emerging stage and technology-based companies. Recently, I have worked extensively in the qualified opportunity zone space and with cannabis industry businesses.

I also maintain an alternative dispute resolution practice (arbitration and mediation) for securities, financial and business disputes. I have also published and presented extensively on a variety of topics including...