Chris's practice is primarily business and real estate transaction oriented; and he regularly assists clients in business formation, contract review and negotiation, succession coordination, and in mergers, acquisitions, sales, exchanges, partnerships, investments, leasing, financing and development matters. He has more than twenty years of extensive experience in sophisticated business, real estate, and commercial transaction matters in both Michigan and Illinois. Chris also has expertise in day-to-day business representation, contract matters, and long-term and strategic succession and business planning. He also routinely represents buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, and investors in all aspects of real estate matters. Chris also provides local counsel to national entities on business matters and real estate acquisition, disposition, and lease negotiations. Chris is also familiar with the Michigan liquor license application and transfer process and the related procedures. In addition, he often represents commercial borrowers and advises them on commercial loan matters, negotiates the relevant underlying documents, and assists with the closing of the relevant transactions.

Areas of Emphasis

Business advising; entity formation and succession planning; contract drafting, review, analysis, negotiation, and compliance; merger and acquisition and partnership transactions; stock and asset sale transactions; commercial real estate leasing, sales, investment, and development transactions; residential real estate matters; liquor license matters; and commercial borrower loan transactions.

Professional Affiliations

Chris is licensed to practice law in both the States of Michigan and Illinois. He is a member of the Michigan State Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association, the Grand Rapids Bar Association, and various business and real estate sections. Chris recently completed his term as Chair of the Grand Rapids Bar Association Real Estate Section; and he remains on that Executive Committee. Chris is also an affiliate member of the West Michigan Commercial Alliance of Realtors.

Education

Chris graduated from the University of Notre Dame with honors where he received his B.B.A. in Accountancy. Chris also graduated from the University of Notre Dame Law School where he received his Juris Doctorate.

Community and Board Service

• Grand Rapids Bar Association Real Estate Section Executive Committee Member (former Chair)
• State Bar of Michigan Commercial Real Estate Development and Ownership Committee (former)
• State Bar of Michigan Real Estate Section Special Committee for Commercial Leasing (former)
• St. Anthony's Parish Finance Council Board Member (former)
• Commercial Alliance of Realtors Member
• Association for Corporate Growth Member
• West Michigan Sports Commission Board Member
• Grand Rapids Economic Club Member
• University of Notre Dame Monogram Club Member
• University of Notre Dame Sorin Society Member
• University of Notre Dame Club of Grand Rapids Member
• Catholic Lawyers Association of Grand Rapids Member
• West Catholic High School Alumni Association Member