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Varnum Promotes Two Attorneys to the Partnership

January 6, 2025

Varnum is proud to announce that Louis F. Ronayne and Jacob R. Whately have been promoted to partner.

“We are pleased to welcome these talented individuals to the partnership,” said Varnum Chair Jon Bylsma. “Jake and Louie’s proven legal skills and their unique experience add great value to our clients and the firm as a whole.”

Ronayne is based in the firm’s Novi office and is a member of the Litigation Team. He represents clients in a wide range of business and commercial litigation matters, including high-stakes disputes involving temporary restraining orders and preliminary injunctions. He has significant experience in litigating contracts and business torts, including non-compete, UCC, and fraud cases, real estate matters, and construction disputes. In addition, Ronayne is an experienced appellate advocate.

Whately is a member of Varnum’s Corporate Team. Based in the firm’s Birmingham office, he focuses on mergers and acquisitions and also advises clients on general corporate matters, including business formations, restructurings and dissolutions, contract drafting and negotiations, terms and conditions analysis, disputes with customers and suppliers, nondisclosure agreements and corporate governance. Whately is also a member of the Venture Capital and Emerging Companies specialty area and advises emerging companies on capital fundraising, including SAFE financing, preferred equity financing and securities law compliance.

Varnum Executive Partner Scott Hill noted, “Our new partners have demonstrated remarkable commitment to our clients and the firm throughout their careers. I look forward to seeing their continued success and the impact they will make at Varnum.”

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