Christopher E. Nyenhuis

Commercial and Construction Law Attorney

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Kimberly Genther, 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 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:

New Legal Challenges to FTC Non-Compete Ban

On August 20, 2024, a federal district judge in Texas issued a ruling blocking implementation of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Rule banning non-compete agreements on a nationwide basis; concluding that the FTC lacked statutory authority to promulgate the Rule. Learn more about what this ruling means for Michigan businesses and how you can ensure you’re prepared.

Top 2024 Michigan Lawyer Awards

We are honored to have had several Hilger Hammond attorneys receive some of the top state and nationally recognized legal awards in 2024.

Michigan Minimum Wage & Employee Paid Leave Initiatives Ruled Unconstitutional

On August 31, 2024, the Michigan Supreme Court issued a significant decision that will have a major impact on employers for both minimum wage and employee paid leave. Here, we condense and simplify the 7 main components of the decision and provide counsel on what businesses should do next.

Michigan Real Property Law Section: Summer Conference – 2024

The State Bar of Michigan Real Property Law Section (RPLS) Summer Conference was held July 17-20 at the Grand Traverse Resort. Hundreds of lawyers from across the state met at the annual conference to discuss significant legal issues including 5 attorneys from Hilger Hammond: Ben Hammond, Aileen Leipprandt, Stacey Knowles, and Jill Miller. Aileen was the Co-Chair of the conference this year and Ron Reynolds was recognized with the C. Robert Wartell distinguished Service Award!

Federal Trade Commission Issues Ban on Employee Noncompete Agreements

On April 23, 2024, the FTC banned employer noncompete agreements with limited exceptions. Learn more about its business impact here.

Michigan Overturns Open & Obvious Law

New changes to the Michigan Open & Obvious Law leave Michigan property owners open to more liability lawsuits. Learn more about the comparative fault doctrine and how to protect your business.

Ron Reynolds Presents on Water Law Principles at Real Property Law Section Conference

Ron Reynolds was joined by Judy Dworkin, a Phoenix-based attorney with expertise on Arizona water law, to discuss and contrast Michigan and Arizona water law principles. The discussion included rights attaching to both surface water and groundwater, as well as the impact and significance of multi-jurisdictional agreements contained in the Colorado River Compact and the Great Lakes Compact.

Our Experience