A professional organization for private and government lawyers who practice in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan.
Our goal is to improve the practice of law in our federal courts and foster a positive and collegial relationship among the attorneys and judges who practice law and dispense justice in this district.
Apply to the 2027 Hillman Advocacy Program
The Hillman Advocacy Program is now accepting student applications for the 2026 trial skills program, which will take place in Grand Rapids at the federal courthouse on January 20-22, 2027. The Hillman Advocacy Program is a unique program designed to assist both new and practiced trial lawyers in developing their courtroom skills under the guidance […]
Bar & Bench Fall 2026 Issue Now Available
We are pleased to distribute the Fall 2026 issue of Bar & Bench, our association’s newsletter. You can access the Fall 2026 issue HERE. We hope you enjoy it. If you have any questions or feedback, or are interested in submitting an article, please contact our newsletter editor, Herman Hofman (hdhofman@varnumlaw.com).
West Michigan Federal Court Association Board of Directors
Rachel Frank, PresidentRachel Frank Law
Charlie Quigg, President-ElectWarner Norcross + Judd
Chris Zdarsky, SecretaryButzel Long
Stephen van Stempvoort, TreasurerMiller Johnson
James Fisher, Co-Vice President of ProgramsFederal Public Defender's Office
Crystal Bultje, Co-Vice President of ProgramsPinsky Smith
Nick Dondzila, Vice President of OperationsDondzila Law
Amy Murphy, Immediate Past PresidentMiller Johnson
We offer continuing legal education opportunities, including the annual Hillman Advocacy Program and periodic lunch programs focused on specific aspects of federal practice. We offer an award winning newsletter, the Bar & Bench, and we act as a liaison between the practicing lawyers and the judges in the district.
