Frederick Edward Mackraz
866-719-4654 (Toll Free)
Fred graduated from East Grand Rapids High School, and attended Hope College, where he majored in philosophy and minored in math and physics. While attending Valparaiso University School of Law, he was the Executive Editor of Student Writing for the Valparaiso Law Review, president of his legal fraternity, and winner of the Luther M. Swygert Memorial Moot Court Competition.
After becoming licensed to practice law in the state of Illinois, Fred started his career at a large Chicago law firm. In 1995, Fred returned to Grand Rapids and chose to work with smaller law firms so that he could continue his philosophy of forming partnerships with his clients in order to meet their objectives.
Fred lives in Grand Rapids and enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and skiing. When weather allows, Fred can be seen on his classic 1979 Vespa 200 scooter. During the week, he commutes to work in full suit and tie, and on weekends he rides with vintage scooter clubs.
Areas of Practice
- Civil Litigation
- Civil Rights
- Employment Law
- Small Business & Real Estate
- Estate Planning
- Bankruptcy
- Construction Litigation
- Contract Drafting and Review
Litigation Percentage
- 60% of Practice Devoted to Litigation
Bar Admissions
- Illinois, 1991
- Michigan, 1995
- U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan, 1995
- U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit, 1995
Education
- Valparaiso University School of Law, Valparaiso, Indiana
- J.D. (Cum Laude) - 1991
- Law Review: Valparaiso University Law Review, Executive Editor of Student Writing, 1990 - 1991
- Hope College, Holland, Michigan
- B.A. - 1988
- Major: Philosophy
Classes/Seminars
- Litigation as a Tool for Furthering Fair Housing. Fair Housing Workshop Series (Presented with 2004 Fair Housing Award), April 29, 2004
- The "New" Mediation: Trial Lawyers and Clients Speak from Experience, November 12, 2003
- Tales Of Tort Reform, Blue Goose Seminar, March 22, 1996
- A Guide For The Defendant Doctor-What To Expect If You Are Sued For Medical Malpractice, American Medical Association; University Of Chicago, February 6, 1995
- A Response To Gilbert v Sycamore Municipal Hospital And Its Progeny, The Healthcare Risk Management Society Of Metropolitan Chicago And The Illinois Society Of Healthcare Risk Management, November 11, 1994
- A Response To Gilbert v Sycamore Municipal Hospital, CHRPP Hospitals Quarterly Risk Managers Meeting, February 16, 1994
- A Response To Gilbert v Sycamore Municipal Hospital, CHRPP Hospitals Quarterly Risk Managers Meeting, February 16, 1994
- Preparing For A Successful Deposition, Mercy Hospital Medical Center Staff, October 5, 1993
Honors and Awards
- 2004 Fair Housing Award
- Best Oralist, Northern Midwest Region
Professional Associations and Memberships
- State Bar of Michigan
- Community West Credit Union, Board of Directors
- Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW) , Board of Directors
- Fair Housing Center of West Michigan, Board of Directors
Past Employment Positions
- Rutgers & Mackraz, PLC, Partner, 1998 - 2007
- Plunkett Cooney, Associate, 1994 - 1998
- Hinshaw & Culbertson, Associate, 1991 - 1994
Pro Bono Activities
- Kids Hope USA
- Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women
- West Michigan Fair Housing Center
Fraternities/Sororities
- Phi Delta Phi
