“I am blessed.  I thoroughly enjoy getting to know our clients, understanding the legal issues that are presented, and working with them in a meaningful yet practical manner to solve a problem.” 

The best days for Joel are when he is presented a problem, and helps a client work creatively towards a practical resolution that makes sense.  His practice focuses on working with businesses on a variety of legal matters, including business formation, business sale and acquisition, contract negotiation, employment matters and general business advice.  He also has developed a thriving real estate practice, working with businesses and individuals in the sale and purchase of real estate, landlord-tenant matters, land contacts, zoning / municipal compliance and related issues.  He works with contractors, subcontractors and suppliers in construction-related issues, and has been recognized for his work in the area of the Michigan Construction Lien Act and the Michigan Builders Trust Fund Act.

Joel is one of those attorneys who places an emphasis on the “Counsellor at Law” role.  If a problem cannot be resolved through negotiation, there are times when the advocate role needs to be utilized.  Towards that end, Joel has handled a variety of civil litigation matters over the years, primarily issues involving business disputes, real estate disputes, collections and other general civil litigation issues.  Joel’s experience as a professional and practical problem-solver comes in useful in navigating complex litigation and legal issues. 

One area that Joel has distinguished himself as an attorney is his work with various non-profits organizations.  He is frequently consulted by churches and non-profits on a variety of legal issues, and has always viewed his role in the non-profit world as a way of giving back to our community in a meaningful and practical way.

When he is not busy helping clients, Joel enjoys spending time with his wife, Renee, and children, Quinn, Bryce and Noelle, and especially enjoy their time vacationing in Northern Michigan.  As part of a “baseball family”, Joel can often be found watching baseball games in the summer, and has coached sports team for his children for many years.  An avid reader, Joel enjoys reading about U.S. History, baseball-related history, legal thrillers and general mysteries.  He has quite a collection of classic mystery novels.  Joel is often asked to serve on non-profit boards, has served on various boards at Fellowship Reformed Church as Vice-President, Elder and Deacon.  He is currently serving as the Board President for the Alliance of Reformed Church.  He has also been a Board member at Love INC, and has been active in both the Grandville-Jenison Chamber and the Hudsonville Area Chamber.

Joel received his juris doctorate / law degree (magna cum laude) from the Valparaiso University School of Law in Indiana.  He holds a Bachelor of Science from Grand Valley State University, where he graduated from the Honors Program.  During law school, Joel clerked / externed for the Honorable Kenneth F. Ripple of the United States Court of Appeals for the 7^th Circuit (Chicago).  This externship helped shape Joel’s legal career as a professional problem-solver with a keen, analytical mind.  Joel also had the honor of being one of four students at Valpo to argue a case in front of a panel of distinguished jurists, including the Honorable Clarence Thomas of the United States Supreme Court.  Following law school, Joel worked for the largest mid-Michigan based law firm, where he gained invaluable experience working alongside some of the finest attorneys in the State of Michigan.  After 5 years and after starting a family, it was time to come back home to West Michigan, where Joel quickly built a legal practice with many loyal and long-time clients.

“Every individual and family has their own, unique story.  I am blessed to walk alongside them in creating and sharing their legacy.  Not only is it a privilege, but it is fun too!”

Michael Lichterman is dedicated to helping individuals and families make the best legal decisions for their lives. Michael’s practice focuses on estate planning, wealth transfer, asset protection, trust administration, estate administration, and small business creation and ongoing counsel. He develops lifelong relationships with his clients, serving as a trusted advisor to them and their families as they preserve and protect their assets, loved ones, legacies, and businesses.

Michael received his law degree (Magna Cum Laude) from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Grand Rapids, MI and his B.B.A. in Finance from Grand Valley State University (with Honors). During and following law school, Michael worked for a commercial equipment leasing company as Vice President and Assistant Counsel. Michael has been practicing law in Michigan since 2007 and enjoys becoming an on-going trusted advisor and lifelong resource for all his clients.

Michael is devoted to helping families and businesses achieve their goals of protecting their assets (their “stuff”) through innovative estate and business planning. He is a caring, forward-looking, problem-solving attorney for families, particularly those who want to leave a lasting family legacy, those with young children, and small-business owners. He also encourages and guides his clients in passing along not only their financial assets but their values, insights, stories and experiences too.

When he is not busy helping clients, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife, Mandy, and children, Matthew and Elizabeth, visiting Disneyworld, disc golfing, golfing, reading, and playing music at his church. He gives back to the community through his involvement with various non-profit Boards and volunteer opportunities.

He holds Certificates in Probate and Estate Planning and in Elder Law from the Institute of Continuing Legal Education and the State Bar of Michigan Probate and Estate Planning Section.  He is a presenter, commentator attorney, and chapter author for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education, having presented or written about planning for digital assets, gun trusts, and trust drafting strategies. He was a member of the governing Council for the Probate and Estate Planning Section of the State Bar of Michigan from 2015 – 2020, is a Michigan Super Lawyers® Rising Star in Estate Planning and Probate (2013 – 2020), and a Michigan Super Lawyers® Super Lawyer in Estate Planning and Probate (2021-2023). Additionally, he was selected to The Best Lawyers in America 2020 and 2021, and as a Top Lawyer by Grand Rapids Magazine (2022-2023) for his work in Trusts and Estates.  He is proud to be a member of West Michigan Estate Planning Council and the Grand Rapids Bar Association.

“Seeking to close the gap between what is and what ought to be.”

Kris Johnson values relationships and results for her clients. She focuses on estate planning (trust & wills), real estate, and business issues. She also helps families navigate probate, trust administration, guardianships, and conservatorships.
Most importantly: she calls her clients back.

Kris graduated in the top 5% of her class at Western Michigan University’s Thomas M. Cooley Law School. In addition to serving as a Law Review editor, she externed for the Honorable Janet T. Neff at the U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan (federal court). Prior to practicing law, Kris taught high school English, managed marketing and promotions for a division of HarperCollins, and successfully ran her own national marketing and event business in the publishing industry.

Kris currently serves on the boards of both the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan and Byron Community Ministries. She enjoys music, friends, and exploring new places with her husband and four children.

Outside of her professional life, Hannah enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. She has a Scottish Terrier named Lassie who brings joy and a sassy attitude wherever she goes. Lassie may even be spotted in the office from time to time. Hannah loves traveling, trying out different restaurants, and meeting people. Boating is one of her favorite pastimes, and she is always on the lookout for new adventures on the water. She is deeply committed to getting involved in the community and is actively seeking new opportunities to contribute to the Grandville area. Whether it’s through volunteering, participating in local events, or supporting community initiatives, she believes in giving back and making a positive impact.

Hannah grew up in Muskegon, Michigan, where she developed a strong sense of community and a love for the West Michigan area. She kicked off her academic journey at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, a place known for its tight-knit community and academic excellence, earning a degree in Business Management. She then moved on to Michigan State College of Law, a school famous for its tough curriculum and focus on practical skills, where she sharpened her legal expertise. During her time there, Hannah took on several legal internships, diving into transactional work, drafting and reviewing contracts, and helping local townships with their ordinances. She also crafted policies and procedures for various organizations, showing off her keen eye for detail. All these experiences have given Hannah a unique skill set that she now uses to make a positive impact in West Michigan.