Perrin Rynders

Litigation Attorney

Perrin is an accomplished first-chair trial lawyer and leader of the Litigation and Trial Practice team at Varnum. His legal expertise revolves around high-value claims and disputes that often reach multimillion-dollar magnitudes. With extensive experience in the courtroom, Perrin has conducted more than 30 jury and bench trials in both federal and state courts across the nation. Additionally, he has skillfully handled contested cases before arbitration panels and administrative tribunals.

Over the past ten years, Perrin has been recognized numerous times for his work in some of the state’s highest profile litigation matters, including complex commercial and environmental litigation. He led the Varnum team that, since 2011, has successfully represented more than 200 companies against Michigan’s largest health care claims administrator in ERISA litigation involving hidden fees. The first such trial resulted in a $6 million judgment that was unanimously affirmed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

Perrin is also part of the team that recently represented more than 500 Rockford area residents in 250+ separate lawsuits against shoemaker Wolverine Worldwide and the multi-national chemical manufacturer 3M. The litigation related to decades-old dumping of toxic PFAS chemicals, which contaminated drinking water for thousands of area residents. Claims alleged exposure-related illnesses, including multiple cancers, and property value loss.

Among Perrin’s current work is his representation of a Native American tribe against its health care claims administrator, seeking tens of millions of dollars. After a successful ruling in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the contentious matter is pending in federal district court with rulings in the tribe’s favor over the past year, including sanctions against the claims administrator. The decision will have implications for tribes across the country.

Perrin is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, recognized as the preeminent organization of trial lawyers in North America. Membership is limited to only those trial lawyers who are unquestionably and eminently qualified, in addition to being regarded as the best in their state or province. Consideration for Fellowship also requires lawyers to be actively engaged in trial work as their principal activity for a minimum of 15 years. The ACTL is an invitation-only fellowship and comprises less than 1% of the total lawyer population.

In contrast to the standard hourly rate arrangement, Perrin offers alternative fee structures based on performance, efficiency, and results.

Honors and Recognitions

American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), 2023

Crain’s Detroit Business^© 2016 Special Report: The Litigators

Grand Rapids Business Journal^©, Newsmaker of the Year – Law, 2014

Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers, Litigation – Commercial, 2019

Leading Lawyers: ADR Law – Commercial Litigation; Commercial Litigation; Personal Injury Defense Law – General

Litigation Counsel of America, Senior Fellow

Martindale-Hubbell^® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Leaders in the Law, 2023

Michigan Super Lawyers^® since 2011

Best Lawyers in America^®, Lawyer of the Year, Commercial Litigation, Litigation ERISA, Litigation – Labor and Employment, since 2013; Bet-the-Company Litigation, since 2024

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association: Business Law Section; Litigation Section; Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, The Brief Editorial Board; Ethics and Professionalism Committee, Trial Techniques Committee

American College of Trial Lawyers, Fellow

Federal Bar Association, Western District of Michigan

Grand Rapids Bar Association: Court Liaison Committee, co-chair; Alternative Dispute Resolution Section, Board

State Bar of Michigan: Alternative Dispute Resolution Section; Litigation Section; Negligence Law Section

Trial Law Institute – Litigation Counsel of America

Diversity Law Institute – Litigation Counsel of America

Community Involvement

Bethany Christian Services, past Board president

Calvin University, Board of Trustees

Grand Rapids Christian School Foundation, past Board member

Jellema House/Pathfinder Resources, Inc., past Board president

LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church, past Elder and Council president

MOKA, Inc., past Board member

The Colossian Forum, Board of Directors