John focuses on providing practical and innovative legal advice to his clients. He merges a passion for urban planning and place making into his practice, resulting in collaborative, community-minded solutions that fit each client’s goals. His experience includes counseling on issues relating to public finance, land use and economic development, public-private partnerships, entity organization and governance, and local and state tax. John was a Law Clerk to Justice Elizabeth Welch of the Michigan Supreme Court.
John is a graduate of the University of Michigan. Before returning to Michigan, John spent several years at a leading Philadelphia-area law firm specializing in real estate development and general business matters.
Education & Credentials
Education
Temple University Beasley School of Law
J.D.- magna cum laude
- Order of the Coif
- Temple Law Review, Articles Editor
- Rubin Public Interest Law Honor Society
University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and Arts
B.A., History- James B. Angell Scholar
Bar Admission
Acknowledgements
- Michigan Super Lawyers®
- "Rising Star, Government Finance, 2023
Professional Involvement
- Grand Rapids Bar Association
- State Bar of Michigan
- Government Law Section
Community Involvement
- Boardwalk Condominiums Association, Director (2020-2022)
- University of Michigan Alumni Association, Member
- Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, Volunteer
Publications/Presentations
- Co-Author, “New Michigan Law Significantly Expands Economic Incentives Available for Housing Development and Increases Availability of Transformational Brownfield Projects,” Dickinson Wright Client Alert, July 2023
- Co-Author, "Michigan Supreme Court Clarifies “Aggrieved” Status for Purposes of Who May Bring Zoning Appeals,” Michigan Real Property Review, State Bar of Michigan Real Property Law Section, May 2023