Art is an attorney and counselor, with the emphasis on “counselor”.  He delights in developing strategy and solving problems with a “can do” attitude.  He hopes to avoid litigation whenever possible but is experienced in the court room when necessary.  Art has many individual and business clients with a primary focus on solving business and real estate problems.  He also has extensive experience in condemnation (eminent domain) and zoning matters, including the litigation of dozens of significant cases.  He has represented clients in Michigan District and Circuit Courts, Federal District Courts, the Michigan Court of Appeals, the Michigan Supreme Court and the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals.  Art has authored articles on real estate matters for the Michigan Real Property Review published by the Real Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan.

Professional Organizations

• Zoning and Land Use Committee, Public Corporation Section, State Bar of Michigan
• Eminent Domain Committee, Real Property Law Section, State Bar of Michigan
• Real Property Section, Grand Rapids Bar Association, Chairman 2001-2002
• Grand Rapids Bar Association

• State Bar of Michigan

Community Organizations

• Advisory Center for Teens (now Arbor Circle), 1970-1978, a founder and President
• Grand Rapids Junior College, Committee of 50, 1989-1990
• Greater Grand Rapids Economic Area Team, 1985-1990, Policy Board and President

Government Service

• City of Wyoming Officers Compensation Commission, first Chairman, 1972
• Krause Memorial Library, Building Committee, 1987-1988
• Metropolitan Water/Sewer Planning Authority, Study Committee, 1989-1990
• Plainfield Township Cemetery Advisory Committee, 2011
• Plainfield Township Trustee, 1996-2000
• Plainfield Township Planning Commission, 1983-1992, 1996-2000
• Plainfield Township Zoning Board of Appeals, 1986
• Plainfield Township Manager Application Review Team, 1996
• Plainfield Township Library Board, 1995-1996
• Plainfield Township Library Building Committee, 1995
• Plainfield Township Manager Study Committee, vice-Chairman, 1994

Awards and Recognition

• Martindale Hubbell Highest AV® Preeminent Rating

• Best Lawyers of America®, Real Estate Law & Litigation

Bar Admission

• Admitted to practice law in the State of Michigan since 1968
• Admitted and qualified to practice law in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan since 1968
• Admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit since 1986
• Admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court since 1972

Education

Wayne State University, Juris Doctor, 1968
The University of Michigan, Bachelor of Business Administration, 1964