John Inhulsen
“My business litigation background gives me a 360-degree view of issues so I can work effectively to identify and mitigate risks. But I am an entrepreneur at heart, so I am always looking for ways to achieve goals and not be a roadblock to progress.”
Attorney John Inhulsen developed a reputation as a fierce business litigator capable of using sophisticated commercial tactics to protect clients’ interests at every turn. But it may be difficult to reconcile that reputation with his personable demeanor because he wants to make all clients feel like family and he values relationships above all else.
After growing up in a small town where attorneys worked in storefront offices just like everyone else, he believes lawyers should be approachable and legal advice should be easily accessible and not reserved for crisis situations. Whether addressing a need for a business or building an estate plan to protect the future of a family, John takes the time to listen to clients’ concerns, understand the issues that make the situation unique, and develop a custom solution to enable everyone to move forward with confidence.
While he often takes a creative approach to reach clients’ goals, he is also honest about explaining when a plan is unrealistic and he will suggest alternatives to achieve objectives. John has tremendous respect for entrepreneurs and works to do whatever is necessary to help them succeed so they can raise their families and enjoy the life they want to live.
After realizing that many businesses lacked adequate plans for succession so that a company could be passed to a new generation or sold profitably when the owner was ready to step down from management, John added more planning to his practice, incorporating personal estate plans that coordinate with business succession plans. He quickly realized that he enjoyed helping families as well as businesses plan for the future, so he now builds comprehensive protection plans for people from all backgrounds in all stages of life.
Whether crafting a buy-sell agreement for a business, developing a probate-avoidance plan for a couple, or guiding a family through the complexities of the Michigan probate requirements after the death of a loved one, John appreciates the challenges his clients are facing and explains legal options in clear language so they can make the right informed choices for the future.
His strategic legal advice and dedication to personal service have earned appreciation from peers and clients alike, as evidenced by repeated recognition by Best Lawyers in America®, and other professional and civic organizations. But at the end of the day, what matters most is not his own success but the success of those he has helped. “When I look around and see my clients thriving and having peace of mind,” he explains, “I couldn’t be happier.”
Recognition
- Grand Rapids GR Kids Best Attorney - Wills & Trusts (2024)
- Best Lawyers in America, (2019-2024)
- Michigan Super Lawyers, (2013-2024)
- Grand Rapids Magazine, “Top Lawyers”
- Michigan Lawyers Weekly, "Up & Coming Lawyer" Award
- Michigan Super Lawyers "Rising Star"
- Grand Rapids Business Journal, 40 Under Forty Business Leaders, (2013 and 2014)
- Business Review of Western Michigan "Emerging Leader" Award, (2008)
Community Service
- West Michigan Policy Forum, Board of Directors
- Broadway Grand Rapids, Vice-Chair
- March of Dimes, Chairman
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Chairman
- East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation, Board of Directors
- Adrian Public Schools Foundation, Board of Directors
- West Michigan Spartans, Board of Directors
- United Way of West Michigan, Campaign Cabinet
- Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Program Committee
Our Clients Say It Best
