Atty. Michael S. McElwee
Mike has a multi-state practice focused on debt restructuring and complex commercial litigation. Mike serves many businesses, but specializes in automotive, agriculture and telecommunications.
Profile Summary
About Michael S. McElwee at a glance
Michael S. McElwee is a bankruptcy attorney based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, practicing at Varnum Llp. Admitted to practice in Michigan, State Bar of Michigan. Educated at Wayne State University (J.D., 1983) and Grand Valley State University (BA, 1979). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law (2026) and Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Bankruptcy (2026). Serands clients in Grand Rapids, MI and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Mike has a multi-state practice focused on debt restructuring and complex commercial litigation
- Mike serves many businesses, but specializes in automotive, agriculture and telecommunications
- Mike also regularly represents health care research facilities, ambulance agencies, and other health care clients
- Mike represents the Roman Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids
- Mike served as a law clerk to the late Honorable David E. Nims, a United States Bankruptcy Judge
- In the 1980s, Mike was an FBI agent working in foreign counter-intelligence
Practice Areas Explained
Michael S. McElwee's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael S. McElwee handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
A bankruptcy attorney can help you eliminate debt, stop creditor harassment, and protect your home through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.
Michael S. McElwee is one of 105,321 bankruptcy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse bankruptcy 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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