Thomas J. Vitale is a litigator and business lawyer whose practice centers on the construction, manufacturing, and real estate industries. He represents clients in both state and federal courts in a wide range of commercial disputes and also serves as outside counsel to businesses across Michigan.
Tom regularly works with national and local construction companies on litigation and contract matters. His experience includes handling disputes related to non-compete agreements, business torts, UCC issues, and automotive supply chain conflicts. He also represents lenders—including community banks, credit unions, and municipalities—in workouts, banking litigation, and collections.
In addition to his litigation work, Tom advises clients on transactional matters in the construction, automotive, and agricultural sectors. His work includes drafting and negotiating supply agreements, construction contracts, real estate development agreements, and commercial leases. He serves as external general counsel to small and mid-sized companies, family-owned businesses, and agribusinesses.
Education & Credentials
Education
Michigan State University College of Law
J.D.- cum laude
University of Michigan
B.A.Bar Admission
Acknowledgements
- 2023 Go To Lawyer for Construction Law – Michigan Lawyers Weekly
- Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® - Commercial Litigation and Litigation (2021-
- 2024), Real Estate (2023, 2024)
- Listed as a Michigan Super Lawyers “Rising Star” (2017-2023) - Construction Litigation
- Listed as Grand Rapids Magazine “Top Lawyer” - Construction Law (2022)
Prominent Assignments
- Represented national and local construction companies in litigation and transactional matters across Michigan.
- Managed civil litigation involving non-competition agreements, business torts, UCC disputes, automotive supply chain disputes, and tooling disputes.
- Handled lender’s rights actions—including workouts, banking litigation, and collections—for community banks, credit unions, and municipal/quasi-municipal authorities.
- Successfully resolved construction and real estate disputes for owners, developers, general contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers.
- Served as external general counsel to small and mid-size businesses, family-owned enterprises, and agribusinesses.
- Advised clients on transactional matters in construction, automotive, and agricultural industries, including supply agreements, commercial transactions, construction contracting, real estate development, financing, and commercial leasing.
Professional Involvement
- Grand Rapids Bar Association
- Free Enterprise Alliance
- Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan, Board of Directors
- Construction Financial Management Association, Western Michigan Chapter
Community Involvement
- Leadership Detroit Class XXXVI
- The Salvation Army, Grand Rapids Advisory Board
- Festival of the Arts, Board of Directors
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of Michigan
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Michigan