Varnum attorney Luis Avila has been selected as one of Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 2019 40 Under 40 business leaders. It is the fifth time Avila has been named to the list.
The annual awards recognize 40 individuals making a difference in West Michigan. Since 2002, the Grand Rapids Business Journal has recognized over 600 dynamic young professionals who have achieved personal success and made significant civic contributions to the community.
Avila focuses his practice on labor, employment and immigration issues. He counsels public and private sector employees on numerous workplace matters such as disciplinary and dispute solution procedures, wage-hour matters, and harassment and litigation prevention.
In addition to his law practice, Avila is extremely active within the community. He currently serves on the boards for Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority, Grand Rapids Art Museum, the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Rapids Symphony, where he currently serves as the chair-elect. He is an alum of Leadership Grand Rapids – Class of 2018.
Avila was nominated for this year’s 40 Under 40 award by Leah Dodd, director of the Willard Library in Battle Creek.
“Luis provides incredible legal support for his clients,” Dodd said. “What I most appreciate is the timeliness of his responses. Whether my concern is big or little, Luis is quick with a thoughtful response that shows his rationale. He’s taken the time to get to know the culture of my organization, and his recommendations reflect that understanding and a desire to find a solution that works here.”
In addition to being named to this year’s 40 Under 40, Avila was recognized earlier this year by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce as an Outstanding Emerging Leader Alum. In 2014, he was recognized by Wedgwood Christian Services with the Diversity Champion Award and was also named to the Lawyers of Color Hot List. Avila is listed in the Best Lawyers in America® and has been named by Michigan Super Lawyers as a Rising Star since 2016.
This year’s 40 Under 40 honorees will be recognized at a celebration set for October 29 at 20 Monroe Live.