Jon D. VanderPloeg
Appellate Attorney
Danielle Mier, Paralegal
Jon VanderPloeg has nearly 50 years of legal experience. During his expansive career, he has concentrated on appellate practice in the Michigan Court of Appeals, the Michigan Supreme Court, and the Federal 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. Jon has handled hundreds of cases in those courts and has obtained numerous decisions of significance for Michigan jurisprudence.
Appellate work focuses on written and oral advocacy, and Jon has concentrated on those skills to be a persuasive advocate without hyperbole. His goal is to have judges respect the integrity of his presentation when urging the facts and the law, and for his arguments to be as persuasive as possible. His legal tactician and advocate skills have application throughout the legal landscape.
Jon and his wife Pam are regular teachers at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), hosted at Aquinas College. Jon has obsessively gathered a music record collection numbering in the thousands. He has lectured on the history of jazz, blues, rhythm and blues, gospel, soul, country, and rock and roll, and always within the context of music as a reflection and a shaper of societal attitudes. Jon’s other passion is residential remodeling and construction, including work on their home in Pentwater.
Education
Hope College
Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude
Holland, MI
Indiana University
School of Law
J.D., magna cum laude
Bloomington, IN
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Bar Admissions
- Michigan
Court Admissions
- Western District Michigan Federal Court
- 6th Circuit Court of Appeals
- US Supreme Court
- Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives, Former Vice President and Member of Board of Directors
- Oceana County Community Foundation, Board of Trustees
- Indiana University of Law Order of the Coif
- Indiana University School of Law, Journal Editor
Presentations
- “The Republican Home Front vs. Frank McKay – 30-Year Reign and Takedown of Michigan’s Most Notorious Political Boss,” Historical Society of Michigan, June 2024
- “The Republican Home Front vs. Frank McKay,” Grand Rapids Public Library History Detectives, January 2024
- “Emmett Bolden vs. Grand Rapids Operating Company (Keith Theatre)” Grand Rapids Public Library History Detectives, January 2023
Recent publications from the Hilger Hammond Blog:
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
14 Tips on Using Arbitration to Resolve Legal Disputes
Using arbitration can offer parties a speedy and economic resolution to their disputes. Here are 14 best-practice arbitration tips developed from 40 years of both litigator and arbitrator experience.
Driver v Bordeaux: Michigan Builder’s Trust Fund Act Legal Case
Learn about how the Michigan Builder’s Trust Fund Act influenced the ruling in the recent Driver v. Bordeaux legal case.
Restored Personal Residence Exemption in Wilson v Grand Rapids
Learn how Hilger Hammond helped win a case restoring a homeowner’s personal residence exemption (PRE) from real property taxes.
2024 FTC Update Would Ban Non-Compete Agreements
Learn about the upcoming 2024 FTC Non-Compete Ruling including: basics of non-competes, legalities and how it could affect your business.
Hilger Hammond Law Firm Celebrating 15 Year Anniversary!
15 years ago an idea was solidified to start a new law firm committed to providing the highest level of legal services to its clients.
Attorney Jill Miller Promoted to Hilger Hammond Shareholder
Hilger Hammond Attorneys at Law Announce Jill K. Miller's Promotion to Firm Shareholder Miller Enhances Firm’s Expertise in Business and Real Estate Law Jill Miller Profile We are proud to announce that as of January 3, 2024, Jill K. Miller has been promoted to shareholder at Hilger Hammond. Miller joined…
What is Eminent Domain?
Eminent Domain: What you need to know when the government targets your property for acquisition. What is Eminent Domain? Eminent Domain, also known as Condemnation, is the government’s power to involuntarily acquire private property from business and property owners, but only under lawful circumstances. Every government condemnation action should be…