Founded in 1929, Bodman is one of the leading firms in Michigan for financial and corporate law. The firm has five offices throughout Michigan: Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Cheboygan, Troy and Detroit. Key partners include chair of the firm, Carrie Leahy, chair of the banking practice, Robert Diehl, chair of the automotive and industrial practice, Laurence Deitch and co-chairs of the business practice group, Timothy Damschroder and Gene Bowen. 

Focusses / specialisms

Bodman does outstanding work in M&A and banking and finance. In M&A, the firm advises strategic buyers and sellers in acquisition related matters. It also advises clients in follow on investments. 

Though the firm has experience in a plethora of industries, is has special expertise in the automotive, technology, manufacturing and industrial industries. The banking and finance team represents lenders in credit facility agreements, loan agreements, acquisition financing and mortgage loans.

Key clients

Key clients for the firm include Novares, PridesCrossing Capital, Olcott Plastics, Bank of Ann Arbor, Comerica Bank, CIBC Bank, the Huntington National Bank and LevelOne Bank.

Research period review: 30th edition (2019/2020)

In the most recent research period, the M&A team continued to represent strategic buyers and sellers in the automotive, financial services, manufacturing and industrial industries in acquisitions. The banking and finance team advised lenders in term loans, revolving loans, credit facilities and acquisition financing agreements. 

The corporate practice brought over partners Joseph Nuyen and Jill Miller from Nuyen Tomtishen & Aoun, Varnum, respectively. Partner John “Jack” Carver joined the firm, previously serving as an in-house counsel. Of counsel Richard Hoeg moved to the firm from Honigman. Partner Mary Comazzi moved to become an of counsel at Barnes & Thornburg. In the banking and finance practice, partner Brian Kersey joined from McShane & Bowie. Partner Wendy Zabriskie left the firm shortly after.

Deal highlights: 30th edition (2019/2020)

Bank of Ann Arbor $102 million acquisition of First National Bank in Howell, MI

Lakeshore Recycling Systems $120 million revolving credit line and $80 million term loan

Client feedback: 30th edition (2019/2020)

M&A

“Responsive, smart, creative, great communication, timely, cost reasonable.”

“Great subject matter expertise. Responsive and practical. Cost effective.”

Real Estate

“Strong attention to detail, very responsive, clear and concise communications.”