Atty. William J. Kohler
William Kohler, founder of VELN Legal, has been recognized as a top national and international business lawyer for many years. In addition to recognition by Best Lawyers, he has been similarly recognized by several other organizations.
Profile Summary
About William J. Kohler at a glance
William J. Kohler is a business attorney based in Detroit, Michigan, practicing at VELN. Admitted to practice in Michigan, State Bar of Michigan and Ohio, Ohio State Bar Association. Educated at The University of Michigan Law School (—) and University of Michigan (BA). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Transactions / UCC Law (2026). Serands clients in Detroit, MI and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- William Kohler, founder of VELN Legal, has been recognized as a top national and international business lawyer for many years
- In addition to recognition by Best Lawyers, he has been similarly recognized by several other organizations
- Mr. Kohler primarily supports businesses in transactions with other businesses
- He is expert in virtually all types of commercial arrangements, including those involving important supply chain relationships, manufacturing, technology, software, services, and joint ventures
- He has represented businesses in many sectors: biotech, pharmaceuticals, fintech, automotive, electronics, software, manufacturing, retail, and technology
- In his role as CEO of VELN Legal, Mr. Kohler ensures clients expectations are met in an excellent and efficient manner
- Prior to VELN Legal, Mr. Kohler served as Chief Legal Officer for major corporations and in leadership positions for major law firms
- He is recognized for his thought leadership on a variety of legal topics, including trends that effect the legal framework in which businesses operate, the interface of technological innovation and the law, and the architecture and development of commercial and technology agreements
- He holds a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School, an M.B.A. from Michigan State University, an M.S. from Texas A&M, and a B.S. from the Honors College of the University of Michigan
- This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William. is held by other top lawyers in the same legal practice area
Practice Areas Explained
William J. Kohler's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases William J. Kohler handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
William J. Kohler is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business 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 Detroit 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 Detroit or all attorneys in Michigan.
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