Nathaniel James Kaleefey

PRO

Nathaniel James Kaleefey

5.0
Rating: 9.5

Licensed for 17 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Grand Rapids, MI
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Child Custody, Family ... +4 more

40 Pearl St. NW, Ste. 1020, Grand Rapids, MI

Virtual Consultation Available

About Nathaniel

Biography

Providing trustworthy advice to people in West Michigan with family law cases and vigorously advocating on their behalf in court.

Providing trustworthy advice to people with family law cases and vigorously advocating on their behalf in court.

Providing trustworthy advice to people with family law cases and vigorously advocating on their behalf in court.

Providing trustworthy advice to people with family law cases and vigorously advocating on their behalf in court.

Practice Areas

7

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 55%

55%
Child Custody 20%

20%
Child Support 5%

5%
Domestic Violence 5%

5%
Family 5%

5%
Marriage and Prenuptials 5%

5%
Uncontested Divorce 5%

5%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2023
...
+ 8

Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 17 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 2008

Active in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Verspoor Waalkes, PC

40 Pearl St. NW, Ste. 1020, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503

vwlst.com/about-vwlst-attorney-grand-rapids/nathaniel-kaleefey/

Nathaniel James Kaleefey's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

100 Client Reviews

Showing 81 - 85 of 100 reviews

Posted by Mike | July 29, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Thorough, Bold, & Concise

Mr. Kaleefey & his staff were great! Always quick to respond, frank, courteous, and thorough. We achieved the results I wanted in a child custody matter. Highly recommend!

Nathaniel Kaleefey

Replied last July 29, 2016

Mike, thank you so much for your endorsement. You came to me after your son's mother obtained a PPO against you under false pretenses. We aggressively objected to the PPO, and the Court dismissed the PPO. With that crisis resolved, we negotiated a permanent resolution to underling custody, parenting time, and child support concerns of yours. Thank you for your cooperation throughout this ordeal. I am extremely happy with the results, and I'm glad you are, too.

Posted by David wolf | May 13, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Excellent

Nathaniel not only helped me with my court case but made it simple and easy and even was helpful with understanding my payments. There were numerous times I walked into the court waiting room and as I waited I wondered if he was running late. Five minutes later he would walk out of a room and say "al...right we already done for today, we got what we wanted." It was a great experience. Being only 22 and never been in any trouble, he made it easy and very mainstream. Nathaniel made my case and plea very simple, and exactly how I wanted. Without this council I probably would've lost my job. Thank you.

Posted by Laura | March 10, 2016

Forthright and knowledgable

I met Nathaniel to discuss my situation, and I was very impressed. He was straightforward and bold, telling me not necessarily what I wanted to hear but what I needed to hear. He offered perspectives that a couple other lawyers I've consulted did not, which really helped me to clarify for myself how ...I want to move forward. Unlike some other lawyers I've met, he wasn't pushy, and I felt that he was considering me as an individual, not simply generalizing my situation. I hope that I do not need to hire a leader in the future, but if I do, I am confident that Nathaniel would work for my best interests, with a lot of energy and clear-headedness.

Nathaniel Kaleefey

Replied last March 10, 2016

Laura, I appreciate your kind words. Thank you for meeting with me and discussing your family difficulties. We discussed a lot of options, including divorce and separate maintenance. For your situation, waiting is right, and I'm glad we are not forcing anything. I will always be available to answer your questions. I wish you the best. Nathaniel

Posted by anonymous | February 26, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Great attorney with AMAZING communication!

I have utilized Nathaniel on multiple cases. I was thrilled with not only his ability to communicate effectively with "the other side", but also his dedication. I consider Nathaniel my trump card. You don't want to have to use him, but when you do, you KNOW you will win! Thanks Nathaniel!

Posted by anonymous | February 17, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Kaleefey Review

Nathaniel was hired to represent me in a criminal case in which I was charged with assault and defamed publicly. Nathaniel did an excellent job as my attorney, offering fantastic counseling, advise and listening to my statements. Nathaniel showed great integrity and sincerity through the time he was ...working with me. Both in person and behind the scene. Nathaniel helped me reach a desired resolution in the case. This is the first legal case I have ever been a part of and was unfamiliar, unsure of what to expect. I am greatful to have had Nathaniel as my defense attorney. I was very pleased to have Nathaniel working for me in this case, and I would strongly recommend him to others who need a strong and honest attorney working on their behalf.

Nathaniel Kaleefey

Replied last February 17, 2016

Thank you very much for this review, and thank you for your cooperation throughout the case. The accusation against you was wrong, and we prevailed. This was a very challenging and rewarding criminal case. We wanted to avoid publicity and a criminal record. We worked behind the scenes with the Prosecutor, a psychologist, an investigator, and supporters to quietly resolve this matter. Best of all, your criminal record remains clean.

See All Client Reviews

Nathaniel James Kaleefey's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Nathaniel
Derek Jacques headshot
Derek Jacques

Family lawyer | Oct 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Nathaniel James Kaleefey is a great family law attorney. I had the distinct pleasure of seeing his legal expertise in action and I would not hesitate to recommend this lawyer to any client in need."

Justin Reed Wheeler headshot
Justin Wheeler

Family lawyer | Sep 18

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Nathaniel was always responsive and civil as opposing counsel. He drives a hard bargain and his clients should always trust he is doing everything he can to further their interest."

Justin H. Van Den Heuvel headshot
Justin Van Den Heuvel

Real estate lawyer | Feb 27

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Nathaniel is an aggressive attorney who is highly responsive and trustworthy because he keeps his word."

Howard G. Van Den Heuvel headshot
Howard Van Den Heuvel

Real estate lawyer | Feb 27

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Nathaniel is an honest and exceptional attorney. He works hard and drives a harder bargain."

Mark David Dodge headshot
Mark Dodge

Family lawyer | Feb 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have collaborated very closely with Nathaniel on several matters. He, and his firm's, expertise and work ethic impressed me enough that I now send friends/family/clients to him on Family Law needs. Highly recommended."

Timothy D. VandenBerg headshot
Timothy VandenBerg

Family lawyer | Jan 07

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"As opposing counsel, I would highly recommend the services of Mr. Kaleefey. He advocated zealously and effectively for his client while maintain a spirit of professionalism to Court and counsel."

Paul A. Ledford headshot
Paul Ledford

Litigation lawyer | Jul 22

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I assisted and advised Mr. Kaleefey in an FAA employment discrimination claim. Mr. Kaleefey proved himself both a competent and tough minded litigator, willing to push the advantage where it existed, and to admit to his client's legal challenges where they were found as well. I have known Mr. Kaleefey for a number of years and have come to respect his competency and professionalism such that I refer potential clients to him from time to time that lie outside my practice area without hesitation."

Michael Bruce Brown headshot
Michael Brown

Family lawyer | Jun 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Nathaniel since we were interns with the Wayne State University Free Legal Aid Clinic, and I have become reacquainted with his work since coming back to west Michigan. I have been fortunate to work together with Nathaniel on several criminal matters, and he is a source of knowledge in family law matters. Nathaniel possesses a rare mix of qualities that make him an excellent and trustworthy attorney. He is an aggressive and confident litigator driven by high ethical standards, superior intellect, and excellent organizational skills. I endorse Nathaniel not only for family law but also for criminal and employment law. Anyone faced with legal issues looking for a straight-shooting legal fighter should call him today."

View All Endorsements
Justin Reed Wheeler headshot
Justin Wheeler

Business lawyer

Justin H. Van Den Heuvel headshot
Justin Van Den Heuvel

Litigation lawyer

Howard G. Van Den Heuvel headshot
Howard Van Den Heuvel

Real estate lawyer

Mark David Dodge headshot
Mark Dodge

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Bruce Brown headshot
Michael Brown

Criminal defense lawyer

Paul A. Ledford headshot
Paul Ledford

Litigation lawyer

David Christian Hill headshot
David Hill

Real estate lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.5 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2016

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2015

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2014

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2012

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

2018 - Present

Principal, Verspoor Waalkes PC

2015 - Present

Associate, Verspoor Waalkes, PC

2009 - 2015

Owner, Kaleefey, Attorney at Law, PLLC

2008 - 2009

Clerk, Federal District Court For The Western District Of Michigan

2007 - 2007

Clerk, Federal District Court, Eastern District of Michigan

Associations

2009 - Present

Grand Rapids Bar Association

Member

2008 - Present

State Bar of Michigan

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Assault & Battery - Great Result

Success

Civil Infraction - Success

Success

See More Legal Cases

Education

2008

Wayne State University Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

2004

Calvin College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2018

Counselor Round Table

Family Law

Publications

Languages

English

German

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution