Thomas R. Behm, Partner

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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 35 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 (ACTL) (Fellow and Chair – State Committee-2022-Present)
  • International Academy of Trial Lawyers (IATL) (Fellow)
  • American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) (President  – Michigan Chapter 2021)
  • International Society of Barristers (ISOB) (Fellow)
  • 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 (Director and Officer 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, 2025, & 2027 Medical Malpractice in 2022 & 2024
  • Top Lawyers as published by Grand Rapids Magazine – 2022 – present
  • 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
  • Legal Assistance Center – First Recipient of the Muth Civil Justice Award – 2023
  • 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, 2024, 2025, 2026
  • 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

“Tom Behm is the most genuine lawyer I have ever worked with. He understood the severity of my case and handled it with patience and grace. He went above and beyond to make the process as seamless as possible for me. Tom took the time to get to know me beyond the parameters of my case. Every conversation I had with him was pleasant and left me feeling heard and understood. I couldn’t recommend him enough. ” – EM

“Tom is the absolute best. He was there through our grief and made the process so easy for us as we were too broken to put effort into anything really. I would recommend him to anyone. Thank you so much for being human and helping us get through the worst time of our entire life. You are amazing. .- EB

“I cannot recommend Tom Behm enough! Not only is he professional but he is very kind and encouraging. I remember being pleasantly surprised the first time I met him about our case. I expected a business-like attorney who just wanted my business and a check, but Tom was very kind, understanding, encouraging, and even sat with us in our grief. ” – GT

“I appreciate the privilege of working with you. You’ve been a great help in resolving cases for us, and I consider you among the most outstanding mediators.” – Attorney AR

Awards