Chip Behler is a seasoned "bet-the-company" litigator who successfully defends businesses, construction contractors, subcontractors, and real estate developers against claims of breach of contract, construction defects, construction accidents, employment claims, and in complex commercial litigation. He also is a well-regarded counselor with extensive experience in risk avoidance and contract drafting and negotiation for those in the construction industry. Chip is regularly sought after to defend lawyers and law firms against claims of legal malpractice, malicious prosecution, and other related issues.
Governmental agencies throughout Michigan rely on Chip for his thorough grasp of governmental immunity, civil rights, police powers, constitutional rights, the public's right to know, roadway related litigation, and eminent domain issues. As a former assistant prosecutor, he has first-hand experience and appreciation for law enforcement.
In addition, Chip is a certified commercial and construction litigation arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association.
Chip's honors include being listed in "Michigan Super Lawyers", "Best Lawyers in America", Benchmark Litigation, and is AV Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell.
Chip has two adult sons, both of whom are married, and four grandchildren. He is married to Stacie Behler, the Vice President of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs for a large, regional retailer. In addition to spending time with his family, Chip enjoys cooking, wine collecting, golf, and the arts. He also has a passion for motorcycling and recently completed a 10,000 mile motorcycle trip to Alaska and back astride his Harley.
Admitted to Practice
- State Bar of Michigan, 1972
Education
- University of Denver (B.A., 1969; J.D., 1971)
Noteworthy
- Listed in Benchmark Litigation 2010
- Listed in Best Lawyers (2001-2010) -- Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation & Construction Law
- Listed in “Michigan Super Lawyers” -- Construction/Surety
- AV Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association (Member, Sections: Forum on Construction Industry; Litigation; Government and Public Sector Lawyers)
- State Bar of Michigan (Member, Sections on: Litigation; Negligence Law; Public Corporation Law; Law Practice Management. Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Character & Fitness, 1989-1991; Member, 1984-1991)
- Grand Rapids Bar Association (Member, Diversity Committee)
- Member, National Roster of Arbitrators and Mediators, American Arbitration Association
- Defense Research Institute
- Michigan Defense Trial Counsel
- Board of Law Examiners, State of Michigan, 1995-2005
- Professional Affiliate, Michigan Society of Architects
- Associate Member, American Institute of Architects
- National Conference of Bar Examiners, 1995-2005
- Board of Advisors, Legal Studies Program, Grand Valley State University
Community Affiliations
- Member, Board of Directors, Conductive Learning Center
- Member, Board of Directors, Legal Assistance Center
- Co-Chair, Great Artist Gala, St. Cecilia Music Society
- Past Member, Board of Directors, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
- Past Member, Board of Directors, Blythefield Country Club
- Past Member, East Grand Rapids Recreation Commission
- Past Board Member and President, Grand Rapids Ballet
- Past Member, Grand Valley Blood Program Board of Trustees
- Past Chairperson, American Cancer Society, Kent County Chapter, Campaign Committee
- Past Member, Crime Prevention Committee, Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce
- Past Member, National Ski Patrol Systems, Inc., Outstanding Auxiliary Ski Patroller in United States
Previous Professional Experience
- Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Kent County, Michigan, 1972-1973
