Thomas R. Behm

Thomas R. Behm has represented seriously injured individuals in the areas of personal injury law, medical malpractice, product liability and construction site negligence for over 30 years.  Mr. Behm also serves as a facilitative mediator in a wide range of disputes.

Education

University of Michigan (B.B.A.1983); Detroit College of Law (J.D. 1986); Law Clerk to the Honorable Richard F. Suhrheinrich, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan (1986-1987)

Professional Affiliations

• Grand Rapids Bar Association (President 2014-2015)
• State Bar of Michigan (Chair – Negligence Section 2021)
• American College of Trial Lawyers (Fellow and Chair – State Committee-2022-Present)
• International Academy of Trial Lawyers (IATL) (Fellow)
• American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) (President  – Michigan Chapter 2021)
• Michigan Association for Justice (Past Board Member)
• The National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals (Fellow)
• Justice Foundation of West Michigan (Past Chair and Fellow)
• Michigan State Bar Foundation (Trustee 2021-current)
• ABOTA Foundation (Life Fellow)
• Federal Bar Association (Member)
• American Bar Association (Member—Litigation Section)

Awards & Achievements

• 2021 Hall of Fame Honoree – Michigan Lawyers Weekly
• Listed in the book The Best Lawyers in America© , in the fields of Personal Injury Law, Medical Malpractice, Bet-the-Company and Commercial Litigation (2010-2023)
• Listed by The Best Lawyers in America as “Lawyer of the Year” for Plaintiff Personal Injury in 2015, 2019, 2021 & 2023, Medical Malpractice in 2022
• Named Grand Rapids “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury Law in 2015, 2019 and 2021 by Best Lawyers in America©
• SBM Negligence Law Section – 2023 Recipient of Earl Kline and Sherwin Schreier Award of Excellence
• Grand Rapids Bar Association—2022 Recipient of the Donald R. Worsfold Distinguished Service Award
• American Board of Trial Advocates – 2022 Recipient of the Scully Award for Outstanding Service
• Michigan Defense Trial Counsel -2014 Recipient of the Respected Advocate Award
• Grand Rapids Bar Association – 2009 Recipient of the President’s Award
• Peer selected for inclusion in Leading Lawyers, a listing of the leading lawyers limited to 5 percent of licensed attorneys in the State of Michigan-2021, 2022, 2023
• Selected to Michigan Super Lawyers
• “AV- Preeminent Lawyer” peer review rating through Martindale Hubbell, the highest rating available for legal ability and integrity
• Contributing author for the Institute of Continuing Legal Education
• Trial Instructor for the Hillman Advocacy Program
• Facilitative mediator in the areas of personal injury, medical malpractice and complex commercial litigation

Community Service

• Legal Assistance Center (Past President 2017)
• Host and Moderator of “Ask the Lawyer”
• Teacher – 3 R’s Program – Ottawa Hills High School
• Legal Aid of West Michigan (Committee Member)
• Pro Bono Counsel for Legal Aid of Western Michigan

Testimonials

“I have been so impressed with you and your office in the way you completed my mother’s case with levels of professionalism and completeness which for me was exemplary. Over my life of 70 plus years, I have been involved with various law firms in various States for various reasons, but I have never experienced the outstanding support provided to me as what was demonstrated by Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC.”—RV

“I trust you and your expertise in all this and I am very grateful to have you handling it on my behalf. Thanks Tom!”–ES

“Once again, “Thank you” for your empathetic counseling and advocacy on our behalf – we appreciate your work so much and would not
hesitate to contact you again if necessary. Your integrity and & fine character “shine”!” –BM