Adam Zuwerink

Partner + Attorney

My practice is focused almost exclusively on the transactional side of the law, representing a broad range of business and individual clients of all shapes and sizes.

Spending most of my day working with highly detailed regulations and legal documents, I strive to set myself apart by providing an efficient legal work product that does not sacrifice the effectiveness and attention to detail that should always be an attorney’s top priority.

I have been honored to be named as one of the Muskegon Chronicle’s 40 under 40 future leaders, a Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce Future 15 recipient, a Michigan Super Lawyer Rising Star from 2012 through 2019 for my work in the government contracting and real estate practice areas, and I am a Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM) with the National Contract Management Association.

Background

I have been a member in good standing of the State Bar of Michigan since 2004, and I am also admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States and the U.S. Tax Court .

I received my law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law in May, 2004. While in law school, I served as an assistant track and field coach for the Cavaliers, and as an intern in the NCAA Rules Compliance Office.

Prior to earning my law degree, I received a BA in Political Science and Anthropology from the University of Michigan in December, 2000, where I was a hurdler on the Wolverines track and field team and a news editor for the Michigan Daily. Before entering law school, I served as the head women’s track and field coach for Dexter (Michigan) High School.

Representative Clients

My legal career has provided me with outstanding experiences that always keep me entertained and excited to come to work each day. Following are a few highlights of the types of business clients I have represented:

National factory outlet retail developers, in the negotiation of leases and amendments.
Large-cap international manufacturer, in the sale of its industrial park real estate parcels.
Residential and commercial real estate developers, in creating condominium developments.
Amusement park, in reducing a special assessment from $600,000 to $0.
Local agricultural manufacturer, in obtaining an industrial facilities tax exemption.
Manufacturer, in the termination and government takeover of underfunded pension plan.

Community Involvement

I value giving back time to the local community and legal profession. To thank those who have incredibly blessed me to this point in my life, I have served in the following positions:

Muskegon YMCA, Board of Directors
Heritage Homes, Inc, Board of Directors
Small Business Association of Michigan, Leadership Council
Great Lakes State Chapter of the National Contract Management Association, Trustee
Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, Governmental Affairs Committee Co-Chair
Downtown Muskegon Now, Board of Directors Vice-Chair
River Country Chamber of Commerce of Newaygo County, Board of Trustees
Port City Professionals Chapter of Business Networking International, President
State Bar of Michigan Young Lawyers Section, Executive Council
Community enCompass, Board of Directors
Fellowship Reformed Church of Muskegon, Deacon

Publications

Using Retirement Plan Assets to Fund a Start-up Company
The Michigan Business Law Journal, Vol. 30, No. 2 (Summer 2010).

Are Retroactive Amendments to Condominium Bylaws Enforceable?
Michigan Real Property Review, Vol. 32, No. 3 (Fall 2005).

“In Real Life”

Family

I grew up in Fremont, Michigan, where my Dad worked at Gerber Products for 40 years. I currently live in Holland Township, Michigan with my wife Beth, a former elementary school Spanish immersion teacher for Zeeland Public Schools. We have an 11 year-old son and an Icelandic Sheepdog named Milo – who loves to herd everything in sight.

Sports

I am a die-hard fan of all things baseball, Formula 1, and track & field, especially my beloved Detroit Tigers and Pistons. I spent time as a high school football referee, which taught me how to stay calm and confident during tough legal negotiations.

Leisure Activities

I am an avid watcher of all genres of movies, which makes sense considering my favorite book is The Moviegoer by Walker Percy. I am also actively involved in policy decision-making at the state and local level.

Traveling

Beth and I enjoy traveling throughout the United States and Spanish speaking countries. I have visited 46 states, and find it hard to match the beautiful sand dunes of northern Lake Michigan.