Christopher E. Nyenhuis

Commercial and Construction Law Attorney

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Jennifer Smith, Paralegal

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616-451-8300

Chris Nyenhuis is a highly experienced commercial business and construction lawyer. For over 15 years, Chris has served various large and mid-sized clients in the construction, manufacturing, finance, and technology industries. He has handled a wide variety of business disputes in state and federal courts as well as private arbitrations. Before joining Hilger Hammond, Chris worked for a large, Grand Rapids-based firm and a national firm in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

With in-depth knowledge of the residential and commercial construction industry, Chris consults clients and business owners regarding construction issues, disputes, and negotiations. He also drafts and reviews construction contracts for owners, developers, contractors, architects, engineers, builders, and construction managers.

Chris is an adept commercial litigator. He has broad experience resolving disputes before litigation, obtaining favorable settlements during litigation, winning motions, and at trial. Chris takes a pragmatic approach to resolving disputes that balance the client’s goals, the cost to achieve them, and a shared understanding of a successful outcome.

Education

University of Michigan

Bachelor of Arts

Ann Arbor, MI

University of Iowa

College of Law

J.D.

Iowa City, IA

Bar Admissions

Michigan
Wisconsin

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin

American Subcontractors Association of Michigan
American Bar Association
State Bar of Michigan
Grand Rapids Bar Association
Wisconsin Bar Association

Rising Star, Super Lawyers (2017-2019)
Iowa Law Review, Member

“Non-Competition Agreements: Protect Your Company from the Effects of the Great Resignation” – Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, January 2022
“Current Issues Involving Construction Contract Language” – Construction Financial Management Association
“Can a Contractor Recover from a Landlord When the Tenant Fails to Pay?” – Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, June 2021
“Don’t Lose Your Rights When You Return to Do Warranty Work” – Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, March 2021
“Designation of Critical Infrastructure Workers Under the Governor’s COVID-19 Executive Order” – Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, March 2020
“Reversing 25 Years of Precedent, Supreme Court Holds that Internet Sales are Subject to State Sales Tax” – Hilger Hammond Construction Law Blog, June 2018

Recent Publications from the Hilger Hammond blog:

Matthew Pakkala Joins Hilger Hammond Law Firm

We’re pleased to welcome Matthew Pakkala to Hilger Hammond.
A Grand Rapids native and experienced litigator, Matthew joins the firm with a background in commercial, construction, real estate, and employment-related matters. He has represented clients through litigation and pre-suit disputes. He brings a detail-oriented, highly communicative approach to his work.

Rick Conklin Joins Hilger Hammond Law Firm

We’re pleased to welcome attorney Richard Conklin to the Hilger Hammond law firm!
Rick brings years of experience helping businesses, individuals, and families navigate complex decisions and legal matters. A Grand Rapids native and business owner himself, Rick brings a practical perspective to his work and a genuine commitment to helping clients in the community.

I Might Want to Follow in my Dad’s Footsteps!

Over the course of her 2026 summer internship as an intern at Hilger Hammond, Madison Hammond realized that she may actually want to follow in her dad’s (Ben Hammond) footsteps into the legal field. Learn more about her story here.

From Law School to Legal Practice: A Summer at Hilger Hammond

In the summer of 2026, we had the pleasure of working with Anna Skidmore. Here’s her “report” on her experience as a Hilger Hammond intern.

Hilger Hammond Secures Major Victory in Construction Lien Litigation Case

Hilger Hammond Secures Major Construction Lien Victory! $1.19 Million Attorney-Fee Award in Kent County Business Court Litigation April, 2026...

Hilger Hammond Announces New Partners!

Hilger Hammond is proud to announce the promotion of Jeremy Orenstein, Chad Antuma, and Andy Hilger to partner, marking a significant milestone in our firm’s growth. These three “hungry, humble, and smart” leaders bring a unique blend of construction-site grit and litigation expertise to help guide our firm into its next chapter.

Jenna Fagerman Joins Hilger Hammond Law Firm

We’re pleased to welcome Jenna Fagerman to Hilger Hammond, where she officially joined the firm on December 1, 2025.

After building her legal career in Chicago at leading national law firms, Jenna returns to West Michigan with extensive experience in complex civil litigation, arbitration, and strategic business advising.

New Clarity and Stricter Rules for MRTA Preservation

Governor Whitmer recently signed legislation amending the Michigan Marketable Record Title Act (MRTA). The amendment clarifies specific MRTA exceptions and provides property owners an extended deadline to record a “Notice of Claim” to retain property interests such as easements or restrictions that do not fall within the amendment’s exceptions. Learn about the three key changes in this amendment and how they could affect your business interests.

Don’t Wake the Sleeping Dog of Repeat MIOSHA Citations

When an OTS (“Other-than-Serious”) citation is issued, it can be tempting to view it as a cost of doing business and simply pay the relatively low penalty amount and move on. However, employers should always consider the merits of the citation and the likelihood your company could be cited again for the same conduct.

Why Workplace Safety Isn’t Just a Regulation, It’s a Business Imperative

In today’s dynamic business environment, prioritizing workplace safety is not just about adhering to regulations but also ensuring your employees avoid catastrophic injuries and make it home at the end of the day. Secondly, it is a fundamental aspect of responsible business operations and a crucial driver of long-term success.

Hilger Hammond Intern Tyler Penlerick

In the summer of 2025, we had the pleasure of welcoming a dynamite intern – Tyler Penlerick. Here is his “report” of how he spent his summer internship.