Department profile
Rhoades McKee

Litigation: General Commercial

USA Guide 2026 : Michigan


Rhoades McKee

Rankings

About

Provided by Rhoades McKee

Our litigation team is best known for complex business, commercial, and shareholder litigation.  The firm leverages the specialization of four JD/CPA’s who practice in our business group, as well as another attorney who holds an LLM.  Further, our commercial trial lawyers have developed unique specializations, including litigation of complex business valuation matters.

Over 90% of our litigation attorneys are ranked in other programs including American College of Trial Lawyers, Best Lawyers, and Martindale Hubbell.

In 2018, some highlights include:

  • Post-Acquisition Disputes. We assist both sellers and buyers when disputes arise after the sale and purchase of a company.  In one case, representing the sellers, we successfully resolved a claim against one of the company’s advisors and then initiated arbitration against the buyer to pursue the remaining purchase price.  We prevailed at arbitration and then entered into a settlement for the sellers valued at more than $2.25 million. 
  • Shareholder Cases. Sometimes litigation cannot be avoided.  We handled and resolved, a host of shareholder litigation matters in 2018.  We defended majority shareholders in a suit involving over 17 companies and, after months of smash-mouth litigation, resolved it for less than was offered by corporate counsel prior to litigation.  In another case, we represented the plaintiff and resolved the case for more than 100% of value, together with attorneys’ fees, following the first wave of discovery.

Clients (4)

  • Huntington Bank
  • Mercantile Bank
  • Michigan Turkey Producers
  • Steelcase

Industries (11)

  • Manufacturing
  • Healthcare
  • Construction
  • Agriculture
  • Real Estate
  • Environmental
  • Insurance Defense
  • Transportation
  • Commercial and Professional Services
  • Charities and Not for Profit
  • Banking and Financial Services

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Litigation: General Commercial - Michigan

Band 3

Band 3


What the Team is Known For

Rhoades McKee is a Grand Rapids-centered commercial litigation group focusing on financial and accounting disputes. It also provides guidance on professional negligence actions, non-compete cases and shareholder disputes. The firm works with clients from a range of sectors, including financial services and retail.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • In our matters, Rhoades McKee has exhibited a sophisticated understanding of commercial and business issues.

    Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA
  • They are very skilled litigators, very attentive to detail and very knowledgeable in business and commercial litigation.

    Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA
  • Rhoades McKee has very strong appellate attorneys with a great deal of experience in large, complex appeals. They have very good insider knowledge of the appellate courts' operations and judges.

    Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA
  • The key strength of Rhoades McKee is its aggressive approach to litigation. It has fearless and capable advocates.

    Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 3Bruce A. Courtade
    Band 3Bruce A. Courtade

    Bruce A. Courtade

    Bruce Courtade is an experienced commercial litigator noted for his experience representing construction and cannabis sector clients, among others.

    • Bruce is an exceptional lawyer, a master trial and appellate litigator and a superb legal strategist. He is also a real pleasure to work with.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA
    • Bruce is great and his knowledge regarding the various appeals court judges is second to none.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA
  • Band 3Paul McCarthy
    Band 3Paul McCarthy

    Paul McCarthy

    Paul McCarthy maintains a strong reputation in the legal community, with particular expertise concerning shareholder and corporate governance disputes.
    • Paul is an excellent litigator and trial attorney.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA
    • Paul is very, very knowledgeable and very talented in the courtroom.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA
    • Paul is a fierce and capable advocate.

      Litigation: General Commercial respondentUSA

Ranked Individuals at Rhoades McKee (2)

Michigan

Members

Provided by Rhoades McKee

  • James Poll

  • Doug VandenBerge

  • John Lichtenberg

  • Laurie Strong

  • Mary Ann Cartwright

  • David Bevins

  • Bruce Neckers

  • Stephen Hulst

    Head of Department

  • G. Will Furtado

  • Gregory Timmer

  • Mark Smith

  • Patrick Sweeney

  • Patrick Ellis

  • Jackie Appleman

  • Catherine Brainerd

  • Bruce Courtade

  • Mark Fatum

  • Ian Northon

What success is built on

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