Overview
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
Regional
Detroit
Tier
1
Detroit
Litigation - Real EstateTier
1
Detroit
Patent LawTier
2
Detroit
Commercial LitigationTier
2
Detroit
Employment Law - ManagementTier
2
Detroit
Trademark LawTier
3
Detroit
Litigation - SecuritiesFirm 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
These featured testimonials reflect a sampling of client experiences. As every legal matter is unique—comments are personal opinions, not guarantees of future results.
Labor Law - Management
It is always a pleasure to work with Miller Johnson. They treat us like very important customers.
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.
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
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 ServiceReal Estate Law
Miller Johnson has an excellent team with broad experience. Great planning and advice, delivered in a timely manner.
Craig Baker
First CompaniesMergers 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 Education Law
Miller Johnson is a firs- class organization with an extremely competent and professional team.
Mike Hagerty
Kent Intermediate School DistrictEnvironmental Law
I’m very happy with Miller Johnson’s work on our behalf, and would gladly refer them.
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
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.
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!
Education Law
Craig Mutch and Catherine Tracey at Miller Johnson have provided outstanding counsel and service.
Ronald Caniff
Grandville Public SchoolsCorporate 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
BrightlyEmployee 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
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.
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
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.
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
Litigation - Real Estate
Sara Lachman at Miller Johnson is an effective and efficient real estate litigator with great associates supporting her.
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.
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.
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.
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 HealthMergers and Acquisitions Law
Kurt Haras
Quarton International 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 ServiceEnvironmental 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.
Commercial Litigation
Andy Portinga of Miller Johnson is one of the best attorney's in America!
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.
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 ProductsBanking 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 BankEmployment 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 FinancialEmployee 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 ProductsLabor 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 HealthBanking 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
Detroit
Tier
1
Detroit
Litigation - Real EstateTier
1
Detroit
Patent LawTier
2
Detroit
Commercial LitigationTier
2
Detroit
Employment Law - ManagementTier
2
Detroit
Trademark LawTier
3
Detroit
Litigation - SecuritiesGrand Rapids
Tier
1
Grand Rapids
Appellate PracticeTier
1
Grand Rapids
ArbitrationTier
1
Grand Rapids
Banking and Finance LawTier
1
Grand Rapids
Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization LawTier
1
Grand Rapids
Bet-the-Company LitigationTier
1
Grand Rapids
Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)Tier
1
Grand Rapids
Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses LawTier
1
Grand Rapids
Commercial LitigationTier
1
Grand Rapids
Corporate LawTier
1
Grand Rapids
Elder LawTier
1
Grand Rapids
Employee Benefits (ERISA) LawTier
1
Grand Rapids
Employment Law - IndividualsTier
1
Grand Rapids
Employment Law - ManagementTier
1
Grand Rapids
Health Care LawTier
1
Grand Rapids
Insurance LawTier
1
Grand Rapids
Labor Law - ManagementTier
1
Grand Rapids
Litigation - EnvironmentalTier
1
Grand Rapids
Litigation - InsuranceTier
1
Grand Rapids
Litigation - Labor and EmploymentTier
1
Grand Rapids
Litigation - Real EstateTier
1
Grand Rapids
Litigation - Trusts and EstatesTier
1
Grand Rapids
Litigation and Controversy - TaxTier
1
Grand Rapids
MediationTier
1
Grand Rapids
Mergers and Acquisitions LawTier
1
Grand Rapids
Personal Injury Litigation - DefendantsTier
1
Grand Rapids
Real Estate LawTier
1
Grand Rapids
Securities / Capital Markets LawTier
1
Grand Rapids
Tax LawTier
1
Grand Rapids
Trusts and EstatesTier
2
Grand Rapids
Education LawTier
2
Grand Rapids
Legal Malpractice Law - DefendantsTier
2
Grand Rapids
Leveraged Buyouts and Private Equity LawTier
2
Grand Rapids
Litigation - ERISATier
2
Grand Rapids
Litigation - SecuritiesTier
2
Grand Rapids
Nonprofit / Charities LawTier
2
Grand Rapids
Product Liability Litigation - DefendantsTier
2
Grand Rapids
Professional Malpractice Law - DefendantsKalamazoo
Tier
1
Kalamazoo
Commercial LitigationTier
1
Kalamazoo
Employment Law - ManagementTier
1
Kalamazoo
Family LawTier
1
Kalamazoo
Health Care LawTier
1
Kalamazoo
Litigation - Labor and EmploymentTier
1
Kalamazoo
Product Liability Litigation - DefendantsTier
2
Kalamazoo
Litigation - AntitrustPractice Areas
Miller Johnson PLC has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 41 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
- 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 PLC proudly has 48 lawyers recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
Client Comments
A strong relationship between a client and their law firm is key to achieving the best possible outcomes. Open communication, trust, and collaboration ensure that attorneys understand each client’s unique goals and needs. Choosing the right firm means finding a team with the experience, knowledge, and dedication to guide you through every stage of the legal process.
Client comments reflect personal opinions and individual experiences. Every case is different, and outcomes depend on specific facts and circumstances. Past results and testimonials do not guarantee similar outcomes in future matters. For personalized legal advice, consult directly with an experienced attorney who can evaluate your specific situation and provide tailored guidance.
Awards
Miller Johnson PLC is honored to be recognized for excellence by Best Law Firms and other leading legal industry organizations. Our rankings and awards reflect the dedication, skill, and results our attorneys deliver across a wide range of practice areas. In addition to our Best Law Firms awards, Miller Johnson PLC has earned accolades from respected national and regional publications for outstanding legal service and professional achievement. Explore our awards below to learn more about how Miller Johnson PLC continues to set the standard for quality legal representation.
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
Offices & Contacts
Grand Rapids, MI
Arena Place, Suite 1100
45 Ottawa Avenue, SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
United States
Detroit, MI
500 Woodward Avenue, Suite 3600
Detroit, MI 48226
United States
Kalamazoo, MI
100 West Michigan Avenue, Suite 200
Kalamazoo, MI 49007-3960
United States