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PRO
also known as Peter VanGelderen
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I earned a B.A. from the University of Michigan in history, with a minor in moral and political philosophy in 2005. Following my studies, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to clerk at Willey, Chamberlain, & Yates, which was my first experience with criminal law. I received a J.D., with distinction, from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2009. While in law school, I served as an associate editor of the Thomas M. Cooley Law Review and Chairman of the Mock Trial Board, Grand Rapids Campus. Additionally, I had the opportunity to intern in the Ottawa County Prosecutor's Office which provided experience with trial work and criminal law.
Prior to joining Willey & Chamberlain LLP as an associate attorney, I used my education and experiences from law school to open a private practice devoted exclusively to criminal law. During that time, I focused on alcohol related offenses, drug offenses, and violent crimes and was able to gain valuable experience in state courts throughout West Michigan. Since joining Willey & Chamberlain, I have continued to develop my expertise in these areas while expanding my practice into federal criminal defense.
4
Practice Areas
16 years
15 years
16 years
16 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
State: Michigan
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
300 Ottawa Avenue NW, Suite 810, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
willeychamberlain.com5 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by Gilbert | January 26, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Highly Recommend
The highest praises you can give an attorney is that they know your case thoroughly, were well prepared, and fought vigorously. Peter excelled in all 3 aspects. While every case is unique, we won my case because he embodied these principals. So much so that at conclusion I asked him how I could leave...
Posted by anonymous | June 27, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Excellent Attorney
Peter did an excellent job handling my case. He made sure I had a fair resolution and never settled for anything less. Peter was able to successfully negotiate a plea bargain for me that kept a OWVI of my record. He was very responsive and willing to communicate in person, over the phone and through ...
"I litigated against Peter during my years as a Federal prosecutor. He is smart, diligent, and a zealous advocate for his clients."
"Peter is a great asset to the community. I don't think I have ever not seen him on the go getting work done. I would definitely recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer. I know Peter as an exceptional lawyer and came highly recommended to me when I was looking for DUI attorneys in MI to represent a former client of mine. I refer all my Michigan DUI cases to Peter."
"Peter is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in all areas of criminal defense. He is well respected in the legal community for his work ethic, passion for defending his clients, and innovative legal strategies. I highly recommend Peter for any criminal defense matters in either state or federal court."
"I have worked with Peter on several complex federal cases and can attest to his impressive skills as an attorney. His knowledge combined with a stellar work ethic make him an asset in any setting, whether it be a complex multi-defendant federal case or a single defendant state matter. I endorse Peter wholeheartedly and anyone looking to hire an attorney should not hesitate to hire him."
"I have worked with Peter on two pretty high-profile cases, one in federal court and one in state court, and have been impressed him. We often relied on his mastery of the facts because he was so detail-oriented and hardworking. He also has a good sense for practical considerations, i.e., how a jury might interpret the evidence, and legal nuance. His insights proved invaluable. I would definitely recommend Peter if you are looking for a criminal defense attorney in Grand Rapids."
"I endorse this lawyer. Peter is an outstanding young attorney and truly a rising star in the criminal defense bar. I have worked with Peter on a number very complicated cases and have consistently been impressed with his knowledge of the law, his natural instinct, and his representation of clients in contested trials. He consistently achieves excellent results for his clients. I would not hesitate to refer criminal defense clients to Pete because I know they will be taken care of."
"I highly endorse Peter Van Geldren in the area of criminal defense. Peter and I worked together for over a year and Peter is very competent, capable of handling any level of criminal case and most of all a smart and zealous advocate for his clients. If you retain Peter, you would not be disappointed!"
"Peter is a top notch criminal defense attorney who fights hard for his cliets and does so with class and integrity."
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2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2016
Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers
2016
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2015
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019 - Present
Partner, Willey & Chamberlain
2011 - 2019
Associate Attorney, Willey & Chamberlain
2010 - 2011
Owner, Law Office of Peter VanGelderen PLLC
2014 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2014 - Present
Michigan Association of OWI Attorneys
2012 - Present
Federal Bar Association (Western District of Michigan chapter)
2011 - Present
Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan
2009 - Present
Grand Rapids Bar Association
2009 - Present
State Bar of Michigan
2009 - 2014
Young Lawyers - Grand Rapids Bar Association
2009
JD - Juris Doctor
2005
BA - Bachelor of Arts
English
Legal Answers
Top Contributor
Peter earned significant contribution points in 2015.
If the case is dismissed, will I still get a violation of probation? How can they prove I committed a crime?
18 Jan 2017
I just got a ticket for disorderly conduct, what should I do and expect?
06 Jan 2016
Felony embezzlement charges
25 Aug 2015