Michael S. Mc Elwee
Of Counsel
Education
Wayne State University Law School
Detroit, Michigan
J.D., 1983
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, Michigan
B.A., 1979
Clerkships
United States Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Michigan, Honorable David E. Nims
Bar Admissions
Michigan
Court Admissions
All Michigan state courts
United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
United States Court of Federal Claims
United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan
United States Supreme Court
Commercial and Bankruptcy Attorney
Mike has a multistate practice focused primarily on debt restructuring and complex commercial litigation. He serves many businesses, but specializes in automotive and agriculture. He also regularly represents health care facilities and other health care clients. Mike served as a law clerk to the late Hon. David E. Nims, a United States bankruptcy judge in the Western District of Michigan. Prior to joining Varnum, Mike was an FBI agent working primarily in foreign counterintelligence.
Experience
Debt Restructuring and Insolvency Cases
Multiple dairy receiverships in several states.
Creditors Committee for Cheboygan Memorial Hospital.
Automotive
Many Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers to OEMs, with an emphasis in supply chain intervention and management.
Litigation
Many avoidable transfer cases.
The prevailing party in a bankruptcy related appeal to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals (In re Hechinger Investment Company of Delaware, Inc.) Hechinger v Universal Forest Products, Inc., 489 F.3d 568 (3rd Cir. 2010)
Honors and Recognitions
Best Lawyers in America® since 2010
Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Mediation, 2023
Leading Lawyers: Bankruptcy & Workout Law – Commercial; Creditor’s Rights/Commercial Collections Law
Professional Affiliations
Grand Rapids Bar Association
National Association of Diocesan Lawyers
State Bar of Michigan
Turnaround Management Association, Grand Rapids chapter, director
Community Involvement
San Juan Diego Academy, Board member