Education
- Valparaiso University School of Law, J.D., cum laude, 1991
- Hope College, B.A., 1988
Licensure
- Michigan: State and Federal, 1995
- Illinois: State and Federal, 1991
Practice Areas
- Civil Litigation
- Employment Law
- Civil Rights
- Small Business
- Estate Planning
- Bankruptcy
Professional Affiliations
- State Bar of Michigan
Community Activities
- Board of Directors, Community West Credit Union
- Board of Directors, Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women (GROW)
- Board of Directors, Fair Housing Center of West Michigan
Articles, Publications, and Presentations
- Litigation as a Tool for Furthering Fair Housing. Fair Housing Workshop Series, Apr. 29, 2004 (Presented with 2004 Fair Housing Award)
- The “New” Mediation: Trial Lawyers and Clients Speak from Experience. Nov. 12, 2003
- Tales Of Tort Reform. Blue Goose Seminar, Mar. 22, 1996
- A Guide For The Defendant Doctor— What To Expect If You Are Sued For Medical Malpractice. American Medical Association; University Of Chicago, Feb. 6, 1995
- A Response To Gilbert v Sycamore Municipal Hospital And Its Progeny. Recommendations To The Healthcare Risk Management Society Of Metropolitan Chicago And The Illinois Society Of Healthcare Risk Management, 4 Law Day, Nov. 11, 1994
- A Response To Gilbert v Sycamore Municipal Hospital. Recommendations To CHRPP Hospitals Quarterly Risk Managers Meeting, Feb. 16, 1994
- Preparing For A Successful Deposition. Mercy Hospital Medical Center Staff, Oct. 5, 1993
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.