Ben practices primarily in the area of construction law. He has represented owners, design professionals, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and others related to the construction industry in matters ranging from contract review to arbitration, mediation and litigation. In addition, he is a frequent lecturer and author on construction law issues.
Ben places a great deal of importance on thoroughly understanding his clients’ business and believes that doing so is vital to providing quality legal services. In order to keep up to date with the latest trends and developments in the evolving construction industry, he maintains an active membership with numerous industry associations.
Ben lives in Grand Rapids with his wife, Rachel, and their two young children. In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf, home improvement projects, and spending time with family.
Admitted to Practice
- State Bar of Michigan, 2002
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan, 2002
Education
- Cornerstone University (B.A., magna cum laude, 1998). Recipient, Cornerstone University Leadership Gavel Award.
- Michigan State University College of Law (J.D., cum laude, 2002). Captain of the trial advocacy team, Moot Court & Advocacy Board; Managing Editor of Publications, MSU-DCL Journal of International Law; Recipient, Ralph, Rose & Samuel Helper Award for Excellence in Moot Court.
Professional Affiliations
- State Bar of Michigan
- American Bar Association (Member: Litigation Section, Young Lawyers Section, Forum on the Construction Industry)
- Grand Rapids Bar Association (Chair, Young Lawyers Section)
- Federal Bar Association, Western Michigan Chapter
- American Subcontractors Association, West Michigan Chapter (Member, Task Force on Contract Language)
- Associated Builders and Contractors
- Home and Building Association
- Construction Financial Management Association
- Grand Rapids Young Professionals
Presentations
- "ConsensusDOCS," Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge Construction Law Seminar, January 24, 2008
- Panelist, "The Future of Construction Contract Documents Workshop," co-sponsored by the Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., Western Michigan Chapter and American Subcontractors Association of West Michigan
- "ConsensusDOCS," corporate seminar, November 2007
- "Indemnity and ConsensusDOCS 750," American Subcontractors Association of West Michigan - General Membership Meeting, November 29, 2007
- CSI Construction Law Roundtable, January 12, 2007
- SHRR Construction Law Seminar, September 21, 2006
Publications
- "Lack of Residential License on Condo Project Bars Construction Manager's Claim," SHRR Construction Law Update, June 2007
- "Building Inspectors Beware - Recent Case Allows Claim of Gross Negligence to Proceed," SHRR Construction Law Update, June 2007
- "Krause v. Lemessurier Muddies Statute of Repose Waters," SHRR Construction Law Update, March 2007
- "Supplier Recovers From General Contractor for Materials Sold to Subcontractor," SHRR Construction Law Update, March 2007
- "Failing to Notify Owner in Writing of Unforeseen Site Conditions is Not an Absolute Offense," SHRR Construction Law Update, November 2006
Continuing Legal Education
- "Sticks & Bricks: Learn the Construction Process from the Experts," American Bar Association, November 8, 2007
- "Basics of Blueprint Reading," Home Building Association, May 17, 2007
- "The Fundamentals of Construction Contract in Michigan: Understanding the Issues," Lorman Education Services, January 17, 2006
- "Michigan Construction Law," Institute of Continuing Legal Education, June 7, 2005
- "Michigan Construction Law," Institute of Continuing Legal Education and State Bar of Michigan - Real Property Section, May 6, 2005
- "Civil Depositions and Pretrial Motions," Institute of Continuing Legal Education, January 27, 2004
