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

  • Named Super Lawyer – 2025
  • 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

Posted in:

Thomas R. Behm

September 6th, 2023 by Ima Admin

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

  • Named Top 100 Lawyers in Michigan – Super Lawyer – 2025
  • 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 (2010-2026)
  • 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

“I felt that Tom and Carol and the whole team cared as much about us as they did about the case.  They didn’t know us from Adam but cared about how we were doing, asked if there was anything more they could do and made sure Mom was getting the care she needed. All that came first. Definitely glad we made the call and getting to know them” –EM

 

Posted in:

Scott R. Melton
Of Counsel

September 6th, 2023 by Ima Admin

Scott has extensive experience in the areas of product liability, medical device defects, medical malpractice and birth trauma, personal injury, road design and construction site accidents, and complex litigation.

Education

University of Michigan (B.A. 1979);

Wayne State University Law School (J.D. 1982)

Professional Affiliations

  • Grand Rapids Bar Association (member, Executive Committee, President 2020-2021, Treasurer 2017-2019)
  • State Bar of Michigan
  • The American Association for Justice
  • Michigan Association for Justice
  • Fellow, Michigan Justice Foundation

Awards & Achievements

  • Founding Partner, Gruel Mills Nims & Pylman PLLC Nims & Pylman – 1985
  • Named Top Lawyer – 2022 – Grand Rapids Magazine
  • Listed in Woodward/White, Best Lawyers in America (24th Ed)
  • American Board of Trial Advocates  [ABOTA]
  • “AV – Preeminent Lawyer” peer review rating through Martindale Hubbell, the highest rating available for legal ability and integrity
  • National Trial Lawyers Association, Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • Selected to Michigan Super Lawyers®
  • 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 lecturer in product liability, Michigan no-fault law, and medical malpractice
  • Featured speaker at Citizens Law School and the engineering program at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • Moderator and contributing author, “As Judges See It: Top Mistakes Attorneys Make in Civil Litigation”, NBI, 2014
  • Moderator and contributing author, “What Civil Court Judges Want You to Know”, NBI
  • Contributing author, “Handling Medical Negligence Cases in Michigan”, NBI
  • Contributing author, “Avoiding Environmental Liability in Michigan”, NBI
  • Currently serves as a mediator

Community Service

  • Facilitative mediator for the Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan
  • Pro Bono Counsel for Legal Aid of Western Michigan
  • Legal Studies Advisory Board – Grand Valley State University
  • Kentwood Public Schools Foundation, Board Member and Past President

Testimonials

“. . . just a note to tell you how pleased I was with the outcome of my lawsuit. I knew I could place my trust in you and you came through with flying colors. I appreciate all that your staff did on my behalf as well, not only were they very nice to me; I also felt they were in my corner as well! If I ever need legal representation again, I will not hesitate to give you a call.” –JF

“Thank you so much for all your help regarding my car accident case. I was very pleased with the result. . . . I wish your firm all the best. I will definitely keep you in mind in case any of my family/friends would need help.”—CI

Posted in:

Schedule Your Free Consultation.

Review Your Case Directly With One of Our Experienced Attorneys.