General Information
Year founded:
1959
This is the year the firm (or its earliest predecessor entity) was founded.
Overview
Content is provided by the firm.
Miller Johnson was founded in 1959 and has offices in Detroit, Kalamazoo, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Miller Johnson's diversified and challenging full-service civil practice is divided into various major practice areas: Business and Corporate Law, Education Law, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation, Employment and Labor Relations, Immigration, Intellectual Property, Mergers & Acquisitions, Litigation, Medical Recovery, Private Client, and Real Estate.
Our top-ranking by third parties attests to our proficiency in practice areas such as employment law, employee benefits, bankruptcy and creditor/debtor rights, general commercial litigation, mediation, labor law, insurance counseling and recovery, mergers and acquisitions, construction, real estate, tax law, trusts and estates, and family law.
We've never strived to be one of the biggest law firms. Instead, Miller Johnson's standard has always been, simply, to be the best. Our clients like knowing that their law firm is innovative, aggressive, consistent, responsive, and efficient.
Our top-ranking by third parties attests to our proficiency in practice areas such as employment law, employee benefits, bankruptcy and creditor/debtor rights, general commercial litigation, mediation, labor law, insurance counseling and recovery, mergers and acquisitions, construction, real estate, tax law, trusts and estates, and family law.
We've never strived to be one of the biggest law firms. Instead, Miller Johnson's standard has always been, simply, to be the best. Our clients like knowing that their law firm is innovative, aggressive, consistent, responsive, and efficient.
Rankings
Miller Johnson, P.L.C. is metro ranked in 41 practice areas. Best Law Firms rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process.
Read how Best Law Firms ranks firmsMetro Rankings
Detroit
Tier 1 for Litigation - Real Estate
Tier 1 for Patent Law
Tier 2 for Commercial Litigation
Tier 2 for Employment Law - Management
Tier 2 for Trademark Law
Firm Leadership
Select Clients
- Benteler Automotive
- Bronson Healthcare Group
- Corewell Health
- Covenant Healthcare
- Douglas Autotech Corporation
- Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
- Gordon Food Service
- Huntington Bank
- Kellogg Company
- Leco Corporation
- Paulstra CRC Corporation
- Priority Health
- Stryker Corporation
Highlighted Client Comments
All client comments represent the opinions of the people who provided them. All potential clients are urged to remember that no two cases are ever completely alike and that the result in one case does not guarantee a similar result in another case.
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Miller Johnson's ERISA law team is top-notch; I've sought their advice for almost 20 years and would not consider using anyone else. They are amazingly knowledgeable and accessible, providing quick and cost-effective information and opinions that enable us to make the best benefits-related decisions for our company.
Kathy Lucia,
Director, Benefits, Payroll & HR Systems
– KIK Custom Products
Commercial Litigation
My primary contact with Miller Johnson has been through its representation of my employer in insurance coverage matters. I have always been particularly impressed with the writing ability of their attorneys and the reasonable cost of their services. I understand that my company has also used this firm for employment matters and has been exceptionally satisfied with the representation.
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
I've used Miller Johnson for over 20 years of my professional career. When exposed to other ERISA attorneys, I have not had the same experience as with the expertise of those at Miller Johnson. I trust their advice and knowledge to be up-to-date and accurate.
Employment Law - Management
Miller Johnson has handled our employment legal matters for several years. They are responsive to our needs and know our business. They have an extremely competent team. I would not want to have our legal matters handled by anyone else. Nate Plantinga has been the attorney I have worked with the most from Miller Johnson. I completely trust his legal advice. Not only is he exceptional from a knowledge standpoint but he also has a gift of making others feel comfortable and explaining things in a manner that is understandable to all involved. His sense of humor puts people at ease. He is quick to understand very complex situations and manages to navigate multiple layers of information to find the essential elements. He provides practical advice that takes into consideration the goals and realities of the business. He is very efficient with his time and ours. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking legal advice.
Commercial Litigation
Andy Portinga of Miller Johnson is one of the best attorney's in America!
Environmental Law
Miller Johnson is an excellent firm.
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Bronson Healthcare has used Miller Johnson for many years as their lawyers in employee benefits (ERISA) are excellent. They are very knowledgeable about the laws, and are proactive in staying current on an ever-changing body of law. As an employer, we are kept up to date on the changes in the law, and advised as to how we can ensure we are compliant in all areas. In addition, the individual lawyers who work with Bronson are always responsive to our inquiries, whether it is by phone or email. I am very confident that Bronson's employee benefit programs are legally sound, and we have the lawyers at Miller Johnson to thank for that. They are our "Best Law Firm."
Labor Law - Management
I have worked with six attorneys in the Labor Law division on a regular basis and have found all of them to be exceptionally knowledgeable, professional, and effective. They are readily available to discuss and answer day-to-day questions, as well as more complicated matters relating to grievance arbitrations and contract negotiations. They have been relied upon to assist in the development of labor strategy and have done an outstanding job. In my experience, David Buday is especially exceptional in engaging others to be meaningful contributors in the collective bargaining process.
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
We had Miller Johnson’s full attention during our most recent transaction. They were very responsive, and a great partner was assigned to our account. Overall, the team performed extremely well.
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Miller Johnson is a very good firm to work with, and they take time to understand our unique business needs and issues. They have always created legal documents that make sense, are readable by a layman, and they always give good advice on which choice or direction we should take with various issues.
Labor Law - Management
It is always a pleasure to work with Miller Johnson. They treat us like very important customers.
Family Law
Having Julie Sullivan and her staff at Miller Johnson handle my divorce was the most important decision I made for my future. Julie is not only a wonderful person to work with, but she is a top-notch attorney that knows law! I never had to worry about my case or if it was given the attention it needed. Christine and Rhonda were always available to answer questions, which were always answered in a timely manner. I would refer anyone I know to Julie and her staff to handle their divorce.
Joanne Mohney
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Jim Bruinsma of Miller Johnson has been a trusted advisor in the operation of our 401(k)/Profit Sharing plan for decades. His trusted advice has helped us craft a world-class plan. I would recommend Jim without hesitation!
Employment Law - Management
The Miller Johnson staff provides timely and accurate recommendations based on business imperatives and legal constraints.
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
We receive valued and expert advice on matters of pension, health care, and other benefits from Miller Johnson.
Education Law
Craig Mutch and Catherine Tracey at Miller Johnson have provided outstanding counsel and service.
Ronald Caniff
– Grandville Public Schools
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Mary Bauman of Miller Johnson is an expert in the employee benefits area, and we rely on her greatly. Our company has used her services for many years, and she makes us feel like we are her only customer, even when I know she is very busy. Her responsiveness to our needs is outstanding, and we appreciate our relationship with her and her firm.
Kristine Babcock
– Gordon Food Service
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Our firm has completed multiple transactions in partnership with Miller Johnson. In all cases, the team was professional, highly responsive, and successfully navigated complex issues (and personalities and circumstances), resulting in a successful closing.
Kurt Haras
– Quarton International
Real Estate Law
Miller Johnson has an excellent team with broad experience. Great planning and advice, delivered in a timely manner.
Craig Baker
– First Companies
Environmental Law
I’m very happy with Miller Johnson’s work on our behalf, and would gladly refer them.
Education Law
Miller Johnson is a firs- class organization with an extremely competent and professional team.
Mike Hagerty
– Kent Intermediate School District
Nonprofit / Charities Law
Miller Johnson is second-to-none with their expertise in supporting our large and complex organization. Their counsel is used by our board, executives and managers on a daily basis.
Bob Nykamp,
VP/COO
– Pine Rest Mental Health
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
We've used Miller Johnson for ERISA plan guidance for over 18 years, and have worked with the same attorney the entire time. Jim is exceptionally knowledgeable, easy to work with, is a good listener, and very responsive. I would recommend him and Miller Johnson to anyone.
Commercial Litigation
Attorneys are Miller Johnson are very professional and offer competent service. Andrew Portinga is a credit to the firm and the bar in general.
Commercial Litigation
The attorneys at Miller Johnson take the time to understand our business, its risks and the best manner in which to mitigate risk.
Litigation - Real Estate
Sara Lachman at Miller Johnson is an effective and efficient real estate litigator with great associates supporting her.
Corporate Law
Miller Johnson has been exceptional at meeting all of our company's needs with the highest degrees of quality, integrity, and responsiveness.
Larry Faragalli
– Brightly
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Excellent advice is provided by our legal team in Grand Rapids. They are knowledgeable and stay current on the ever changing laws, guidelines and regulations with respect employee benefits and pension plans.
Employment Law - Management
The legal team in Kalamazoo provides expert consultant services with respect to employment and labor law. We highly recommend Miller Johnson as a full service legal firm.
Family Law
Mike Quinn is a superior lawyer in all respects. It is a pleasure to have him as co-counsel or as an adversary. I recommend him highly.
Education Law
I have been very impressed with the attorneys at Miller Johnson. They are available when we need them and provide immediate counsel in difficult situations. They educate us in legal processes and precedents as they advise us in our actions. I have a great confidence in their legal advice and their services.
Family Law
My experience with Attorney Julie A. Sullivan and paralegal Rhondda Williams at Miller Johnson demonstrated great command of the law and protocols. I could tell from my first interaction that I would be well represented and counselled throughout the divorce process. They listened intently to my goals/concerns and made every effort to provide me with options with probable outcomes that were both accurate and complete. I would and have recommended this team to some of my closest friends.
Philip Ward
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
We have worked with Mary Bauman of Miller Johnson for over 25 years and have found her to be very professional, responsive, and diligent in providing us information. She is always upbeat and willing to discuss any issue, giving us pros and cons of ways to handle. She is also very proactive in bringing new legislature to us and always gives us suggestions on how it may impact our plans. Mary is considered the expert on ACA matters and we have turned to her to guide us through the maze.
Laurie Walton
– Meijer, Inc.
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
We have trusted benefits legal matters to Mary Bauman at Miller Johnson for many years. She and her team are very knowledgeable and explain details very thoroughly so they are easily understood. I often feel like I'm their only customer because they are so responsive to our needs even though I know how busy they are. Mary proactively thinks of us and our needs with new legislation and makes suggested changes or notifications. I really appreciate having Miller Johnson as a partner in benefits.
Kristine Babcock
– Gordon Food Service
Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Kurt Haras
– Quarton International
Banking and Finance Law
Miller Johnson has provided excellent service and great research on issues that I have needed clarification on in the past. They have been extremely responsive to all requests I have had in the past.
Thomas Gibbons,
Senior Vice President
– Huntington National Bank
Employment Law - Management
Miller Johnson is the best of both worlds. They have the "feel" of a local law firm but the bench strength and resources of practice with a large scope.
Mark Jones,
President
– AmeriFirst Financial
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Miller Johnson has been our "go to" firm for ERISA law for over 15 years. They have numerous employee benefits attorneys, all of whom have overall knowledge but each of whom has a different area of focus, which allows us to obtain a well-informed and comprehensive opinion on any ERISA-related matter quickly. I especially appreciate that Miller Johnson ERISA attorneys clearly explain the pros and cons - including potential risks - of different approaches to any given situation to enable us to make the best decision for our organization.
Kathy Lucia,
Director, Benefits, Payroll & HR Systems
– KIK Custom Products
Labor Law - Management
I have worked with eight of the attorneys in the Labor Law - Management section of the Miller Johnson law firm. The level of knowledge and expertise they have provided to our organization and me personally as the Director of Labor Relations on labor law, negotiations and employee relations has been outstanding. Whether it was a simple question or a complex issue with the NLRB, someone has always been available to answer my question. I have had the opportunity to recommend Miller Johnson to other employers and would do so without hesitation in the future.
Doris Schoening,
Director of Labor Relations
– Borgess Health
Banking and Finance Law
As a small community bank, we appreciate the service we receive from Miller Johnson. I'm sure we are not even close to one of the firm's larger customers, but we are treated as though we are one. I couldn't ask for a better working relationship than the one we have with Miller Johnson. They are definitely referred by us to others.
Corporate Law
Miller Johnson is excellent. I would highly recommend the firm.
Commercial Litigation
Dave Gass, senior partner at Miller Johnson, has the right expertise and a very good reputation of being successful in cases he litigates for clients. This is based on very detailed preparation of cases which also requires a lot of client's support and could result in higher expenses.
Immigration Law
Miller Johnson's immigration group and employment section is very professional and effective. Additionally, the firm offers clients their broad expertise; it employs specialists in almost all areas of the law. The firm's attorneys have access to international and out-of-state legal expertise through a network of law firms. Clients benefit (at no cost) from the firm's annual half-day employment law seminar, and its frequent newsletter which updates clients about critical changes of the law.
Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
In my opinion, Miller Johnson, is the best ERISA law firm to work with. I've had a working relationship with Mary V. Bauman for almost 20 years and couldn't imagine anyone more competent that Mary and the staff at Miller Johnson.
Rankings
Regional Rankings
Detroit
Tier 1 for Litigation - Real Estate
Tier 1 for Patent Law
Tier 2 for Commercial Litigation
Tier 2 for Employment Law - Management
Tier 2 for Trademark Law
Tier 3 for Litigation - Securities
Grand Rapids
Tier 1 for Appellate Practice
Tier 1 for Arbitration
Tier 1 for Banking and Finance Law
Tier 1 for Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
Tier 1 for Bet-the-Company Litigation
Tier 1 for Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
Tier 1 for Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
Tier 1 for Commercial Litigation
Tier 1 for Corporate Law
Tier 1 for Elder Law
Tier 1 for Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
Tier 1 for Employment Law - Individuals
Tier 1 for Employment Law - Management
Tier 1 for Health Care Law
Tier 1 for Insurance Law
Tier 1 for Labor Law - Management
Tier 1 for Litigation - Environmental
Tier 1 for Litigation - Insurance
Tier 1 for Litigation - Labor and Employment
Tier 1 for Litigation - Real Estate
Tier 1 for Litigation - Trusts and Estates
Tier 1 for Litigation and Controversy - Tax
Tier 1 for Mediation
Tier 1 for Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Tier 1 for Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants
Tier 1 for Real Estate Law
Tier 1 for Securities / Capital Markets Law
Tier 1 for Tax Law
Tier 1 for Trusts and Estates
Tier 2 for Education Law
Tier 2 for Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants
Tier 2 for Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity Law
Tier 2 for Litigation - ERISA
Tier 2 for Litigation - Securities
Tier 2 for Nonprofit / Charities Law
Tier 2 for Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Tier 2 for Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants
Kalamazoo
Tier 1 for Commercial Litigation
Tier 1 for Employment Law - Management
Tier 1 for Family Law
Tier 1 for Health Care Law
Tier 1 for Litigation - Labor and Employment
Tier 1 for Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
Tier 2 for Litigation - Antitrust
Practice Areas
The below are areas of legal specialty volunteered by the firm and do not designate a specialty in which a Best Law Firms ranking is held.
- Appellate Practice
- Arbitration
- Banking and Finance Law
- Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law
- Bet-the-Company Litigation
- Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
- Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
- Collaborative Law: Family Law
- Commercial Litigation
- Construction Law
- Corporate Law
- Education Law
- Elder Law
- Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
- Employment Law - Management
- Environmental Law
- Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law
- Family Law
- Family Law Mediation
- Health Care Law
- Immigration Law
- Insurance Law
- Labor Law - Management
- Land Use and Zoning Law
- Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants
- Legal Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
- Litigation - Antitrust
- Litigation - Bankruptcy
- Litigation - Construction
- Litigation - ERISA
- Litigation - Insurance
- Litigation - Labor and Employment
- Litigation - Mergers and Acquisitions
- Litigation - Real Estate
- Litigation - Trusts and Estates
- Litigation and Controversy - Tax
- Mediation
- Mergers and Acquisitions Law
- Private Funds / Hedge Funds Law
- Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
- Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants
- Professional Malpractice Law - Plaintiffs
- Real Estate Law
- Tax Law
- Trusts and Estates
Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®
Miller Johnson, P.L.C. has 49 lawyers recognized for individual performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in
America®.
By receiving this Best Lawyers recognition from their peers for their professional excellence, these lawyers made Miller Johnson, P.L.C. eligible for evaluation for Best Law Firms rankings.
For almost two decades, Best Lawyers has awarded these singular accolades, making them the foundation of our Best Law Firms awards.
Read more about our Best Lawyers process here.
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Client Comments
All client comments represent the opinions of the people who provided them. All potential clients are urged to remember that no two cases are ever completely alike and that the result in one case does not guarantee a similar result in another case.
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Awards
Awards are self-reported by firms and are not verified by the Best Law Firms rankings.
- Michigan Lawyers Weekly's "Women in Law"
- Michigan Lawyers Weekly's "Up and Coming Lawyer"
- Grand Rapids Business Journal "40 Under Forty"
- Super Lawyer's Rising Star
- West Michigan Top Employment and Labor Law Firm (GRBJ)
- Chambers High Net Worth Guide
- U.S. News Best Law Firms
- Michigan Lawyers Weekly's "Leader in the Law"
- Best Lawyers Lawyer of the Year
- Chambers USA - Leaders in Their Field
- West Michigan Top Estate Planning Law Firm (GRBJ)
- BTI Client Service All-Star
- Fifty Most Influential Women in West Michigan
Main Location
Grand Rapids,
MI
Arena Place, Suite 1100
45 Ottawa Avenue, SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
United States
616-831-1700
Call our Grand Rapids, MI location at 616-831-1700
Get Directions
Get directions to our Grand Rapids, MI location
Office Locations
Detroit,
MI
500 Woodward Avenue, Suite 2800
Detroit, MI 48226
United States
313-672-6950
Call our Detroit, MI location at 313-672-6950
Get Directions
Get directions to our Detroit, MI location
Kalamazoo,
MI
100 West Michigan Avenue, Suite 200
Kalamazoo, MI 49007-3960
United States
269-226-2950
Call our Kalamazoo, MI location at 269-226-2950
Get Directions
Get directions to our Kalamazoo, MI location
Management and Personnel
Managing Member
David Buday