Atty. James M Eardley

Atty. James M Eardley

James M Eardley is a lawyer practicing business and corporate services, private equity services, financial services and 5 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from University of Michigan in 1986, and has been licensed for 34 years.

Grand Rapids Grand Rapids 34 yrs experience 34 year
Call (616) 710-4533 Book Appointment

Business and Corporate Services & More Attorney · Serving Grand Rapids, MI · 34+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About James M Eardley at a Glance

James M Eardley is a Partner based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, practicing at Varnum Llp. They have 34+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1992. Their practice focuses on business and tax. Admitted to practice in Michigan (1992) and Illinois (1992). Educated at University of Michigan Law School (J.D., 1990) and University of Michigan (B.A. Economics, 1986). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Active member of Grand Rapids and Illinois State Bar Associations State Bar of Michigan. Serves clients in Grand Rapids, MI and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About James M Eardley

  • James M Eardley is a lawyer practicing business and corporate services, private equity services, financial services and 5 other areas of law
  • James received a B.A. degree from University of Michigan in 1986, and has been licensed for 34 years
  • James practices at Varnum LLP in Grand Rapids, MI

Practice Areas Explained

James M Eardley's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James M Eardley handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Grand Rapids.

Business & Corporate Law in Grand Rapids

Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.

James M Eardley is one of 497,491 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Michigan →

Tax Law in Grand Rapids

Tax attorneys handle IRS audits, tax debt, international tax, estate planning, and tax court litigation.

James M Eardley is one of 84,606 tax attorneys indexed nationally. Browse tax attorneys in Michigan →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Grand Rapids

Practicing law in Michigan. Legal matters in Michigan are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Grand Rapids are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Michigan state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Michigan brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Michigan courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Grand Rapids Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Grand Rapids-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.

Looking for additional Michigan attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Grand Rapids or all attorneys in Michigan.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About James M Eardley

Where is James M Eardley's law office located?
James M Eardley's law practice is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The firm is Varnum Llp. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does James M Eardley handle?
James M Eardley focuses on business, tax. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Michigan.
How long has James M Eardley practiced law?
James M Eardley has 34+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1992.
Where did James M Eardley go to law school?
James M Eardley earned their education at (J.D., 1990); (B.A. Economics, 1986).
How can I contact James M Eardley for a consultation?
You can contact James M Eardley directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has James M Eardley received?
James M Eardley's notable recognition includes: BV Distinguished.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Grand Rapids Choose James M Eardley

Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish James M Eardley's practice in the field of business and tax.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

James M Eardley brings 34+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.

Multi-State Bar Admission

Licensed in Michigan and Illinois, James M Eardley can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering business and tax, James M Eardley can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in Grand Rapids

A Grand Rapids-based practice means James M Eardley attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.

Case Types

Common Legal Issues James M Eardley Handles in Grand Rapids

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters James M Eardley has experience with under Michigan law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.

Business formation and structure
Business
Contract drafting and review
Business
Partnership disputes
Business
Merger and acquisition support
Business
IRS audit representation
Tax
Tax lien and levy defense
Tax
Offer in compromise
Tax
Business tax planning
Tax

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact James M Eardley directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find James M Eardley Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Grand Rapids commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like James M Eardley.

James M Eardley attorney James M Eardley lawyer James M Eardley Grand Rapids James M Eardley Michigan James M Eardley reviews James M Eardley contact Varnum Llp law firm business attorney in Grand Rapids business lawyer Grand Rapids best business attorney Grand Rapids top rated business lawyer near me business attorney Michigan find a lawyer near me how to hire an attorney

If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with James M Eardley directly.

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
University of Michigan Law School
- 1990
B.A. Economics
University of Michigan
- 1986

Awards & Professional Honors

BV Distinguished

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

Michigan
Admitted: 1992
Illinois
Admitted: 1992

Client Reviews & Ratings — James M Eardley

4.4
1 Review
5 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
1 0
These reviews belong to platform users; they do not constitute advertisement or promotion for the attorney. Opinions are published for informational purposes only.

No reviews yet.