Attorneys

Melissa B. Heinz

November 21st, 2023 by Ima Admin

Education

Western Michigan University (B.A. summa cum laude 2018); Western Michigan University Cooley Law School (J.D. summa cum laude 2021); Executive Articles Editor of the WMU Cooley Law Review; Judicial Extern to the Honorable Janet T. Neff, U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan (2020)

Professional Affiliations

  • Grand Rapids Bar Association, member
  • State Bar of Michigan, member
    • SBM Young Lawyers Section, member
    • SBM Negligence Law Section, member
  • Federal Bar Association, Western Michigan Chapter, member
  • Woman Lawyers Association of Michigan, Western Region, Director at Large
  • Michigan Association of Justice
    • Executive Board Member
    • Women’s Caucus Treasurer
    • Leadership Academy Planning Board
  • American Association for Justice, member

Awards and Achievements

  • Ranked first in the Western Michigan University Cooley Law William Burnham Woods Class
  • Alumni Distinguished Student Award
  • Dawn C. Beachnau Award for best board member on WMU Cooley Law Review
  • Leadership Achievement Award
  • Phi Delta Phi, member

Community Service

  • Grand Rapids Bar Association, 3Rs Faculty Member
  • Law Clerk by special appointment to the Attorney Grievance Discipline Panel in Attorney Grievance Commission v. Charron
  • Veterans Legal Clinic, West Michigan Veteran Assistance Program
  • Tenant Law Clinic, Urban League of West Michigan

Speaking Engagements

  • Cross Examining Police on Vehicle Black Box Data/EDR, Michigan Association for Justice 2023 Winter Summit on Litigation Strategies
  • Basics of Accident Investigation and EDR Black Box Data, SBM Negligence Section Annual Meeting 2024

 

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Jennifer M. Anton

October 18th, 2023 by Ima Admin

Education

Wayne State University (B.A. cum laude 2019); Michigan State University College of Law (J.D. summa cum laude 2023)

Professional Affiliations

  • Grand Rapids Bar Association, member
  • Michigan Association of Justice, member
  • Woman Lawyers Association of Michigan, Western Region, member

Awards and Achievements

  • Earned Jurisprudence Achievement Awards for the highest grades in Civil Procedure and Constitutional Law II.
  • American Bar Association NAAC Moot Court Competition, Regional Champion and Ninth Best Oralist
  • Wechsler First Amendment Moot Court Competition, Champion and Third Best Brief
  • Michigan State University College of Law Moot Court Competition, Finalist, Best Oralist, and Second Best Brief.
  • Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, Jean Ledwith King Scholarship
  • Dean’s List

Community Service

  • 3Rs Program, Ottawa Hills High School (Grand Rapids Bar Association)
  • Know Your Rights Day, Cass Technical High School (MSU College of Law)
  • Moot Court Judge (MSU College of Law)
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Thomas J. Worsfold

September 6th, 2023 by Ima Admin

Thomas J. Worsfold specializes in personal injury litigation, automobile no-fault law, real estate law, appeals.

Education

Michigan State University (B.A. 2006); Marquette University School of Law (J.D. 2009)

Professional Affiliations

  • Grand Rapids Bar Association 
  • State Bar of Michigan – Character & Fitness District Committee
  • State Bar of Wisconsin
  • Michigan Association for Justice

Awards & Achievements

  • 2021 Top Lawyer – Grand Rapids Magazine
  • Michigan Super Lawyer’s Rising Stars
  • National Association of Personal Injury Attorneys (NAOPIA) – Top 10 under 40 – Michigan
  • American Bar Association – NAAC Moot Court Competition, Regional Semi-Finalist
  • Marquette University Law School – Jenkins Honors Intramural Moot Court Competition, Quarterfinalist
  • Highest Grade in Legal Writing II
  • Dean’s List

Testimonials

“Thank you so much for your assistance and skill. I am truly amazed by the result you and your team achieved for me.” –NC

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Benjamin W. Mills

September 6th, 2023 by Ima Admin

Ben specializes in personal injury litigation, automobile no-fault law, commercial litigation, environmental law and product liability.

Education

Hope College (B.S. 1998); Indiana University (M.P.A. and J.D. 2003); Managing Editor of the Federal Communications Law Journal.

Professional Affiliations

  • Grand Rapids Bar Association
  • State Bar of Michigan
  • Michigan Association for Justice

Awards and Achievements

  • Named Top Lawyer – 2022- Grand Rapids Magazine
  • Selected to the Michigan Super Lawyers® “Rising Star” 
  • 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

Community Service

  • Pro Bono Counsel for Legal Aid of Western Michigan
  • Volunteer at Ada Bible Church
  • Active Supporter of Forest Hills Public Schools Foundation

Testimonials

“Thank you so much for all your help with my Uncle’s case. I appreciate all your time and hard work. You were always so willing to answer my questions . . . my sister-in-law [attorney] was impressed with your work and the great job you did too. Unfortunately, [he] still can’t walk without assistance and can’t transfer in and out of a vehicle so he’s confined to a wheelchair. The settlement will sure help him to be able to pay his portion of his assisted living facility”. – PG

“I believe this is the first time [he] has felt like someone from the legal field has taken the time to truly listen to what he has had to say and interact with him with relevant questions. We are both incredibly appreciative of your time and concern”. – MB

“Your assistance has helped me find some relief in the sense that I now can feel that [I] did not abandon my wife or accept without questioning a tragic outcome. Your support and professionalism was of great help to me, and I truly thank you.” – TF

“Ben, thank you for your kindness to Ron when this process all began.  Thank you also for walking me through the end of a very sad time. Your compassion was noted and your professionalism appreciated. Carol and Karen were also very patient, informative, and caring to me. I truly appreciate all of you making this difficult situation less painful”. – MK  (3/2021)

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William M. Azkoul

September 6th, 2023 by Ima Admin

Bill specializes in personal injury and wrongful death, complex commercial litigation, and alternative dispute resolution.

Education

Denison University (B.A. 1983); University of Detroit School of Law (J.D. 1986)

Professional Affiliations

  • Grand Rapids Bar Association- Awards Committee, Treasurer (2015 – 2017)
  • Justice Foundation of Michigan (Fellow)
  • State Bar of Michigan (Member)
  • Federal Bar Association (Member)
  • American Inns of Court
  • Arbitrator, Financial Industry Regulatory Agency (FINRA) (2004 – present)
  • State of Michigan, Court-Selected Civil Court Facilitative Mediator (2004 – present)

Awards & Achievements

  • “AV – Preeminent Lawyer” peer review rating through Martindale Hubbell, the highest rating available for legal ability and integrity
  • 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
  • Contributing author and speaker for the Grand Rapids Bar Association, Michigan Defense Trial Counsel and Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys: The Perennial Topics of Civility and Collegiality in the Grand Rapids Legal Community, 2015-2016
  • Grand Rapids Bar Association Recipient of 2018 President’s Award; Contributing author and speaker Grand Rapids Bar Association
  • Appearance in Documentary, Democracy in America, an educational media project on high school civics, for role as lead trial counsel for the Michigan High School Athletic Association in Communities for Equity v Michigan High School Athletic Association, et al., April 2002
  • Recognized by Best Lawyers in America from 2019 – 2025 – Bankruptcy and Creditor/Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law

Community Service

  • Board of Elders, Calvary Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Chairman 2018 – 2021, 2014 – 2017,  Chairman 2000-2003
  • Grand Rapids Bar Association 3Rs Program, Instructor of Civics Education Program at Ottawa Hills High School, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2014 – 2018
  • Facilitative Mediator for the Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan
  • Pro Bono Counsel for Legal Aid of Western Michigan

Testimonials

“William is a detail orientated attorney who watches and recommends ways to alleviate extra expenses. He is a man of integrity and compassion and extremely trustworthy, a true gentleman and kind-hearted individual.” – PL

“I’ve been a Banker for 17 years.  I’ve worked with many attorneys in my tenure at Northpointe Bank. William Azkoul stands head and shoulders above them all.  He is highly skilled in litigation, commercial law, alternative dispute resolution, mediation and coaching.  His expertise has resulted in significant wins for Northpointe Bank.  Additionally, he prudently manages expenses and costs.” – RG

“I wanted to take a moment to thank you again for your help, determination and hard work you have put into our case. It was surely not a simple, quick case, but your beliefs in the case kept us moving forward. Your professionalism was so appreciated by me. Thank you for considering our case and seeing it through with a strong outcome. With Appreciation” – NA

“I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your professionalism in your handling of the matter we worked on. Your firm but kind practice style is something all lawyers should strive to emulate” – Pam

 

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J. Paul Janes

September 6th, 2023 by Ima Admin

Paul focuses his practice in the areas of commercial litigation, insurance litigation, personal injury litigation, automobile no-fault law, and medical malpractice.

Education

Michigan State University (B.A. 1987); University of Detroit Law School (J.D. 1990; Senior Staff Member of the Law Review).

Professional Affiliations

  • Grand Rapids Bar Association
  • Fellow, Justice Foundation of West Michigan
  • Grand Rapids Federal Bar Association
  • Michigan State Bar Foundation
  • Attorney Grievance Commission, appointment by the Michigan Supreme Court (2019 to present)
  • Former State Bar of Michigan Lawyer and Judges Assistance Committee (Member)
  • The American Association for Justice
  • Michigan Association for Justice (Former Board Member)

Awards & Achievements

  • Selected to the Michigan Super Lawyers® list
  • Listed in The Best Lawyers in America©
  • 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

Community Service

  • Former Religious Education teacher – St. Stephens Parish
  • Active supporter of East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation and Sports Boosters
  • Life Member of the Michigan State University Alumni Association

Testimonials

Paul and the GMNP team not only stated their respect and thanks to me as a Veteran as well as my family, they displayed it. Paul was concerned about my mental, physical and financial health and that of my family. If I needed Vet specific counseling Paul found it. We would have been completely overwhelmed and Paul saw all through a difficult legal action. Thank you to Paul and everyone at GMNP for your help and support. – GR

When Mr. Janes took us as a client he is very helpful, informative, kind, and friendly. He would call and check up on us just because he cared. –MF

In 2012 I was involved in a car crash which ended up with me having a spinal fusion and unable to work my previous job due to the physical demands of the work. I had previously used Paul roughly ten years earlier to represent me in a personal injury case. At the time Paul struck me as a very knowledgeable attorney who was there to answer any questions I had and fought hard to get me the outcome I had hoped. Within weeks of Paul’s involvement, I started receiving checks the first week of every month, an increase of pay (based of my actual earnings). The whole experience was frightening and extremely stressful. My physical recovery was a slow and painful process. Having an attorney like Paul Janes definitely made my life easier. Without hesitation he was always there to comfort our concerns with accurate knowledgeable information. In my experience insurance companies can play hard ball! I am happy and proud to say my attorney was ready! Not only would I recommend Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC Nims & Pylman but they would be the first place I would call if I ever need excellent representation again. —NB

In early 2014 I was confronted with an issue that clearly needed legal advice. Paul Janes was recommended to me. I found him to be knowledgeable, attentive to detail and responsive to the various elements as they came to light. He communicated with me promptly, clearly and honestly. This case was one of great complexity and Paul paid careful attention to all of its aspects. It had life changing consequences for me and my family, and Paul was our guide through it all. I respect and trust his work very much. – AHS

In 2004 I had a severe car accident with multiple injuries. Paul Janes came highly recommended by two of my coworkers, and I’m so glad that I called! Paul Janes and Monique Koning handled my case at the time and they treated me with the utmost respect. You offered helpful suggestions at pivotal times during the mediation, and you gave me every opportunity to be involved with the direction of my case. Ten years later I needed an Attorney again and I didn’t think twice to call you. I have and I will continue to recommend you! Thank you, you are very much appreciated. – GB

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