2023 Notable West Michigan Lawyer: Leslee Lewis

Lewis is a leader known for her dedication to the legal and nonprofit communities in West Michigan. Lewis serves as general corporate and real estate counsel to national, regional and emergent businesses and nonprofits in daily contracts and affairs, organization, financing, transactions and governance.

2023 Notable West Michigan Lawyer: Anthony Pearson

Pearson tirelessly works to ensure the legal solvency and vitality of underrepresented and historically marginalized entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses.

2023 Notable West Michigan Lawyer: Joseph Infante

Infante is a principal attorney whose expertise in the alcoholic beverage industry is wide-ranging. As leader of the firm’s alcoholic beverage regulation team, he is highly sought after to speak at state and national alcoholic beverage conferences.

2023 Notable West Michigan Lawyer: Patrick Miles

Miles is a sought-after attorney with expansive legal know-how.

2023 Notable West Michigan Lawyer: Robert Stead

Stead clearly is at ease exercising his diverse legal expertise. His varied industry experience includes the oil and gas exploration, energy conservation, biofuels, furniture manufacturing, distribution and automotive industries.

2023 Notable West Michigan Lawyer: Floyd Gates Jr.

Gates has deep roots in the West Michigan business and legal communities. He first developed an interest in law during his 12 years in the U.S. Army Reserves where he last served as a legal specialist with the JAG Corps.

2023 Notable West Michigan Lawyer: Lee Silver

Silver, co-managing shareholder of the Grand Rapids office, is a trial lawyer who has successfully handled complex commercial litigation cases of virtually every type over the past 38 years in state and federal courts throughout Michigan and in more than 12 states.

2023 Notable West Michigan Lawyer: Aaron Phelps

A first-chair trial lawyer, Phelps’ two decades of litigating complex disputes across Michigan and the country has achieved a variety of multimillion-dollar verdicts in headline-grabbing litigations.

2023 Notable West Michigan Lawyer: Don Lawless

Lawless’ reputation precedes him as an attorney whose professionalism, ease of access and open demeanor make him a pleasure to work with and an asset to his clients. Lawless refuses to rest on his laurels; instead, he makes work to expand his expertise and outreach of over three decades.

2023 Notable West Michigan Lawyer: Ryan Foley

Foley knows multitasking. He oversees Acrisure’s legal department, which includes lawyers and professional staff, in alignment with company strategy and business objectives. He also provides legal support to over 500 Acrisure partners and 15,000-plus employees globally.

2023 Notable West Michigan Lawyer: Brandon Hewitt

Hewitt oversees 20 auto accident attorneys and more than two-dozen support staff. He juggles the twin responsibilities of leading Michigan Auto Law’s (MAL) Grand Rapids office while maintaining an active practice as an accomplished trial attorney.

2023 Notable West Michigan Lawyer Amanda Fielder

Fielder reverberates sound legal counsel. She is a labor and employment attorney who has defended employers from claims including discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour issues and more.

2023 Notable West Michigan Lawyer: Mark Nettleton

Nettleton is charged with leading Mika Meyers’ municipal and public finance law efforts. He’s also involved with land use and zoning law, as well as real estate, educational institutions and public utility systems.

Miller Johnson elects two new members in West Michigan

Miller Johnson elected three attorneys, including two in West Michigan, as members of the firm.

Varnum attorney elected to council of State Bar’s Labor and Employment Section

Luis Avila, a partner at Varnum LLP’s Grand Rapids office, has been elected by his peers to serve on the council of the Labor and Employment Section of the State Bar of Michigan.

Noncompete agreements may be on the chopping block

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is proposing an idea that would change the way business is done in Michigan and across the country.

Local lawyer, staffing agency respond to child labor allegations

The ripples from an explosive New York Times article investigating child labor are rolling across West Michigan.

Warner Norcross + Judd names new finance director

A local law firm welcomed a new director of finance.

Inside Track: She stands up for small business

Attorney, wife, mother and business owner Nichole Sadek has done it all. Now she is running her own law firm, where she’s focusing on meeting the varied needs of small businesses.

Warner helps secure gubernatorial pardon for human trafficking survivor

Thanks to the work of a Warner Norcross + Judd partner, Sacred Beginnings founder Leslie King’s record has been expunged, setting her free to pursue higher education.