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 twenty years of extensive experience in sophisticated business, real estate, and commercial 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. In addition, he represents both commercial lenders and borrowers in documenting, negotiating, and closing commercial loan transactions. He also routinely represents buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, and investors in real estate matters throughout the State of Michigan and in the Chicago, Illinois area. Chris also provides local counsel on business matters and real estate acquisition, disposition, and lease negotiations to national entities. Chris is also familiar with the Michigan liquor license application and transfer process and the related procedures.

Areas of Emphasis

Business 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; commercial loan and security transactions; residential real estate matters; and liquor license matters.

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 is also a member of the West Michigan Commercial Alliance of Realtors and an active board member of the Grand Rapids Bar Association Real Estate section.

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
• State Bar of Michigan Commercial Real Estate Development and Ownership Committee
• State Bar of Michigan Real Estate Section Special Committee for Commercial Leasing
• 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 Club of Grand Rapids Member
• Catholic Lawyers Association of Grand Rapids Member
• West Catholic High School Alumni Association Member
• St. Anthony's Parish Finance Council Board Member (former)