Lakeside Lawyers

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Wyatt Wells is a partner attorney at Kimball & Wells, PLLC. He currently services clients in Grand Rapids and its surrounding areas, focusing on estate planning, probate, and other related issues. Wyatt graduated Magna Cum Laude from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Before attending law school, he earned a B.S. in Neuroscience from the University of Michigan, as well as a Masters of Public Health from the University of South Florida.

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...

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...

Tom Kuiper is an experienced litigator with proficiency in a variety of cases and forums. He practices in State district, circuit, probate, federal and appellate courts, and in arbitration and mediation settings. He represents a variety of clients, from billion-dollar corporations in commercial litigation disputes to the individual involved in a personal dispute or family breakup. He also mediates a wide variety of cases. Although the issues and forums may differ, Tom's approach remains the same: To relate to people, to communicate difficult legal concepts and information in a clear and simple manner, and to work on a personal...

Mr. Migala is a licensed attorney serving clients in Southwest Michigan for over 20 years. A former Michigan State Trooper, Berrien County Deputy Sheriff, and Benton Harbor Patrolman, he brings all of his knowledge and expertise to the courtroom. As an experienced attorney, he works hard to insure that his clients receive the compensation they deserve.

"My firm represents those injured or killed in accidents and criminal defense. I have been responsible for all areas of my practice, not just legal representation management, but business management as well, including developing and implementing the firm advertising and marketing plan with a...

Since he began practicing law, Luke has gained experience in all aspects of the justice system. He has experience in administrative hearings, trial courts, and appellate courts. He has represented criminal defendants, prosecuted municipal ordinance violations, and served as guardian ad litem for children in child protective proceedings, vulnerable adults, and people with mental incapacitation. He maintains a robust transactional practice as well. Serving clients with real estate transactions (residential and commercial) and business sales (industrial and commercial).

University of Detroit School of Law (1979); Western Michigan University (BBA 1976); Practicing exclusively in the field of Social Security disability. Partner in one of the largest and most successful firms in southwest Michigan that focuses exclusively in this field. Our attorneys are local and have high success rates with the judges who will decide your case. We have worked with many of the areas treating physicians and meet and consult with you from the beginning of the process and as often as needed. Our unique knowledge of the process involved, physicians, and thorough preparation of your case...

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.

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...

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...

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...

Brandon Hewitt is an attorney and the Chief Operating Officer at Michigan Auto Law. His top priority is ensuring the best possible client experience for everyone, from the initial consultation to the final settlement check. Brandon began his career with Michigan Auto Law as a law clerk in 2005 and he has extensive experience working at every level within the firm. Brandon is also an accomplished trial attorney, even holding the record for the largest pain and suffering jury verdict in Ottawa County history.

Brandon is a husband, father, son, and brother, and extends the same...

Tessa K. Muir is an accomplished trial attorney as a former federal prosecutor and former Army JAG officer. As an Assistant US Attorney in the Western District of Michigan, Tessa served as the lead prosecutor in hundreds of federal criminal cases and Sixth Circuit appeals. She worked closely with and trained federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies on search warrants, computer investigations, and human trafficking — including the Michigan State Police, FBI, DEA, ATF, Homeland Security, police departments, and sheriffs’ offices throughout Michigan. Now, she uses that knowledge to understand weaknesses in an investigation and areas where law enforcement...

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.

At Shafer Swartz, PLC, we have represented individuals seriously injured as a result of negligence for more than 4 decades. Matt graduated from Michigan State University College of Law, as well as from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. While his practice takes him all over the state, Matt lives in West Michigan with his wife and two daughters. Matt provides all clients with his mobile phone number and personal email address. All calls, emails, and text messages are returned within 24 hours, usually much sooner that. Weekend appointments and phone conferences are available with advance...

Paparella & Associates is a law firm specializing in intellectual Property. Namely, Patents, Trademarks, & Copyrights, and serves the business community nationwide. By structuring the law firm around, and operating the firm under sound business practices, Paparella & Associates has uniquely positioned itself to deliver the highest quality representation, while utilizing a fee structure that is more in line with the business community’s expectations. Representing clients in all intellectual property matters including, Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Infringement Matters, Clearance Opinions, Freedom to Operate Opinions, Trade Secrets, and Litigation.

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...

Ivan is a dedicated Divorce and Family Law attorney that works diligently to fight for fairness for Men and Fathers. He is proud of his affiliation with the American Divorce Association for Men (ADAM).

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....

Joe has been practicing law for over 20 years. He serves the greater Grand Rapids area and has worked with the majority of the courts in Kent and the surrounding counties. He is well known to other attorneys in the area and has a positive working relationship with court officers and law enforcement agencies.

Clay Wittman served 26 years in the Active Duty US Air Force, retiring as a Colonel in 2009. He is now "retired" in Grand Rapids. He has "been around the block" a few times and knows what it means to serve others. As a Lawyer, Clay Wittman takes a very limited number of clients, so that he can serve those few clients with the care and attention they deserve. Clay is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and the Western Michigan Law School. He graduated Law School Magna Cum Laude and...

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...

With over eighteen years' experience in both law firm and large corporate environments, handling local, national, and international transactions of various types, I am able to assist clients in structuring and completing complex transactions while maintaining a personalized focus. Our firm appreciates each opportunity we have to learn a client's needs and provide customized solutions to the client's legal issues. I have substantial experience in real estate, corporate structure and governance, commercial contracts and procurement, mergers and acquisitions, estate and succession planning, and construction.

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...

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...

Steve Weston has over three decades of experience representing seriously injured clients and their families. Through his extensive knowledge of personal injury law, he understands that his role as an attorney and advocate is crucial to his client’s recovery. Steve advocates for victims suffering from a wide range of accidents and injuries and has dedicated years of study to gain an especially thorough understanding of traumatic brain injuries and severe burn injuries. He has represented victims of defective products, fire and explosions, unsafe premises, and auto accidents in many unique situations. The satisfaction of his clients is how Steve measures his...

30 + years experience serving injured people in west Michigan. Single-handedly generated over $200 million in results for my local clients. Specializing in car accident injury claims and the toughest workers comp claims. Other personal injury services include: • big rig and motorcycle accident injury claims • bicycle and pedestrian injury claims • medical malpractice • ATV/OTR and watercraft injury claims • animal attack injury claims • wrongful death claims Personal injury is ALL I DO because I am passionate about helping injured people get the compensation they deserve! My extensive courtroom success puts your claim in prime position with insurance adjusters from the very start. Tough...

Jeffrey’s experience and expertise in consumer bankruptcy – specifically chapters 7 and 13 – makes all the difference. “Our firm has shown time and time again that our dedication to the client does not end when their case does. Our job isn’t done until we have done everything possible to help clients lead a financially successful life,” he explains. “I love seeing my clients, but I know I am most successful if I never need to see them again. If my clients exit bankruptcy with a better understanding of their finances, what mistakes they made, and how they can avoid...