Atty. Mark S. Allard
Mark sues insurance companies when they fail to pay claims. Varnum represents only insureds in these matters.
Profile Summary
About Mark S. Allard at a glance
Mark S. Allard is a employment, business, and litigation attorney based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, practicing at Varnum Llp. Admitted to practice in Michigan, State Bar of Michigan, Oregon, Oregon State Bar, and Washington, Washington State Bar Association. Educated at University of Detroit Mercy (J.D., 1985) and University of Washington (BA, 1980). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - ERISA (2026). Serands clients in Grand Rapids, MI and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Mark sues insurance companies when they fail to pay claims
- Varnum represents only insureds in these matters
- Mark has helped shape the landscape of Michigan Insurance Law since 1985.He is regularly asked to speak on insurance issues for continuing legal education programs, and at other bar related activities
- Mark is also Varnum's lead attorney in litigation matters dealing with employee benefit issues under ERISA
- He has handled all facets of employee benefit litigation, from benefit claims to multi-employer plan contribution issues
- Mark has acted as benefit counsel for litigation matters on a national basis for a Big Three Auto Maker and a national food processor
- Mark's practice has also allowed him to develop an extensive appellate practice
- He has appeared at every level of state and federal court in the country, including the United States Supreme Court
- His representation of the County of Kent in Northwest Airlines v The County of Kent, et al, 510 U.S. 355 (1994), culminated in a decision from the United States Supreme Court
- Mark has also argued, en banc, before the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, in Nixon v County of Kent, 76 F3d 1381 (6th Cir. 1996), en banc
- Mark serves on the Policy Committee at Varnum, is the chairperson of the Contributions Committee and coordinates Varnum's Pro Bono Services Program, which he has handled for over ten years
Practice Areas Explained
Mark S. Allard's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Mark S. Allard handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Employment lawyers represent workers in wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, wage & hour disputes, and severance negotiations.
Mark S. Allard is one of 169,120 employment attorneys indexed nationally. Browse employment attorneys in Michigan →
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Mark S. Allard is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in Michigan →
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Mark S. Allard is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in Michigan →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Michigan
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 andnue, 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.
Looking for additional Michigan attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Grand Rapids or all attorneys in Michigan.
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