Deems Named To Treasurer’s Post

GRAND RAPIDS — Attorney Nyal D. Deems of Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt & Howlett LLP has been elected treasurer of the American College of Mortgage Attorneys.

As treasurer, he also serves on the executive board and board of regents of the college. He is one of only nine attorneys in Michigan who have been admitted to the college.

Formed in 1974, the college is an association of attorneys from each state and Canada who are highly skilled and experienced in the preparation of real estate mortgages, lending transactions secured by real estate, and related practices, with a membership of more than 400 lawyers.

Fellowship in the college is by nomination only. Lawyers must have substantial experience in real estate law and be distinguished through their practice, publications, presentations, bar association activities, teaching, or participation in the legislative process.

Deems, a member of the college since 1994, has previously been a member of the board of regents and served as the Michigan state chairman and head of all the state chairs within the college.

As a partner in Varnum’s corporate group, Deems specializes in real estate transactions, financing and development. He is also a member of the American College of Real Estate Attorneys and the past chair of the Real Property Section of the State Bar of Michigan. He has authored a number of real estate books.

Deems graduated with honors from University of Georgia Law School and received his undergraduate degree from Miami University.

Among other past activities, Deems has also served as the mayor of East Grand Rapids for 10 years, served as the chair of the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council for its first five years of existence, and is a U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran. He resides in East Grand Rapids with his wife and six children.