Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
9 Client Reviews
About Themis
Biography
For 49 years I have aggressively and successfully represented many disabled claimants/workers.
Over the last four decades I have helped lead the charge in defending the Workers Compensation Law to stem the tide of unwarranted and harmful changes.
From the moment I first meet my client I begin contemplating how to best present the case. More importantly, I believe that a good trial lawyer does not just sit back and hope that the case will try itself. Instead, I enjoy thinking and planning how to best present the case. I consider my client to be a key member of the trial team. Too often, attorneys leave their clients in the dark on important issues that may arise. I have been amazed at how often my clients are able to provide me with excellent arguments and facts to counter the latest attack from the insurance defense attorney. I enjoy the battle. I enjoy the negotiating. But most of all, I enjoy cross-examining the insurance company's witnesses. More often, than not, I will call the personnel director or supervisor as my first witness. This tends to surprise them. Even though many defense lawyers know that I will do this, I am still amazed at what good evidence we can elicit out of the mouths of the defendant’s own representatives.
Except for 7 years of college and law school in Ann Arbor and a brief stint in Washington DC, I have been a lifelong resident of Grand Rapids, MI.
See endorsement at : Posted by a Consumer on 10/30/10: “A detail-oriented lawyer who looks at every single aspect of the situation. He handled a very complicated, unusual aspect of this lawsuit to get fair compensation for future expenses etc.” Themis J. Fotieo - Lawyer in Grand Rapids, Michigan (MI) -
For 49 years I have aggressively and successfully represented many disabled claimants/workers.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Workers Compensation
65%
Social Security & Disability
30%
Personal Injury
5%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Contingency
10%-33%
Awards
2014
Licenses
Licensed in Michigan for 49 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 1976
No misconduct found
Location
Themis J. Fotieo
(616) 451-1950
Fax
Suite 606 McKay Tower, 146 Monroe Center Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
avvo.com/attorneys/49503-mi-themis-fotieo-739350.htmlGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Themis online.
Themis J. Fotieo's Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Douglas | April 01, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Social Security
Raging bull !
I have had the privilege of working with Themis for many years, he handled my Social Security and Workers compensation cases. I did what he said and won both. He is one of the best in his field without a question. There are alot of attorneys in the state of Michigan but you will not find a more dete...
Posted by anonymous | March 11, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Workers Compensation
Quite possibly the best comp attorney in the state.
I have been a quadriplegic for over 46 years and have needed legal representation many times over the years, and have had many different attorneys represent me regarding coverage issues with my Workers Compensation carrier. Mr. Fotieo has provided the best legal counsel I have ever had. He went above...
Posted by anonymous | April 24, 2015 | Personal Injury
J Doe
Themis was one of the best lawyers I could find for a auto related injury claim. Did his very best from day one to inform me of my rights and get me maximum compensation for lifelong injuries. I would highly recommend him hands down to anyone, and he may even save you money in the end.
Posted by Bob | September 18, 2013 | Workers Compensation
Mr. Themis Fotieo was a god-send.
After I was told that I needed reverse shoulder replacement surgery, I knew that I could never go back to my former employment and would have great difficulty finding equivalent employment within the severe restrictions I would have. However, I was not financially or personally ready for retirement....
Themis J. Fotieo's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Themis Fotieo is a brilliant and tenacious advocate for injured workers. Attorneys throughout the state look to him for creative ideas on developing and winning their cases. I highly recommend him."
"I am a lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI. Themis Fotieo is the best lawyer in Grand Rapids, MI. Get him to take your case if at all possible."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Themis Fotieo enjoys a reputation as a preeminent accident and injury lawyer in Michigan. It has been my pleasure to consult with him on cases and refer cases outside my area of specialty. Themis Fotieo has my unqualified endorsement."
"I endorse this lawyer. Themis is terrific!"
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"Awesome attorney. He knows his business and works hard to get the best results for his client. I endorse this lawyer."
Thomas Sinas
Car accident lawyer
Anthony Valentine
Consumer protection lawyer
Steven Bratschie
Business lawyer
Lloyd Pont
Unknown lawyer
Samuel Silverman
Social Security & Disability lawyer
Diane Goller
Family lawyer
Thomas Geelhoed
Social Security & Disability lawyer
Jennifer McManus
Employment and labor lawyer
Michael McDonald
Workers compensation lawyer
Timothy Cumings
Workers compensation lawyer
Marcus Cooper
Social Security & Disability lawyer
Robert MacDonald
Workers compensation lawyer
Charles Palmer
Workers compensation lawyer
Craig Bell
Workers compensation lawyer
Jonathan Rea
Workers compensation lawyer
Glenn House
Workers compensation lawyer
Chris Slater
Workers compensation lawyer
George Joseph
Appeals lawyer
Samuel Pietsch
Personal injury lawyer
Steven Matz
Personal injury lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Peer Review Rating: AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Client Rating: Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Top Rated, SuperLawyers
2016
Top Rated, SuperLawyers
2016
Client Rating: Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Peer Review Rating: AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Peer Review Rating: AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Top Rated, SuperLawyers
2015
Client Rating: Preeminent 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Top Rated, Leading Lawyers Network
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Top Rated, Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Top Rated, Super Lawyers
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Top Rated, Super Lawyers
2010
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
Top Rated, SuperLawyers
2009
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
Top Rated, SuperLawyers
2008
Top Rated, Super Lawyers
2008
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2007
Top Rated, Super Lawyers
2007
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
Work Experience
2018 - Present
President, Themis J. Fotieo, PLC
1976 - 2018
President, Reamon, Fotieo and House, PC
Associations
2014 - Present
Leading Lawyers NetworkAdvisory Board (Kent County)
1999 - Present
National Organization of Social Security Claimants RepresentativesSustaining Member
1990 - Present
State Bar of Michigan, Social Security Lawyers SectionMember
1983 - Present
State Bar of Michigan, Workers' Compensation Law SectionMember
1977 - Present
Michigan Association for JusticeSustaining Member
Sample of Legal Cases
WC - Trampoline Case
Two Million with Special Needs Trust
WC - Construction Injury - Arising Out of Issue"
2.5 Million
Romero v Burt Moeke Hardwoods, Inc, 280 Mich App 1 (2008) on remand from 475 Mich 883 (2006)
Court ruled that the Plaintiff satisfied Sington proofs for disability and that the opportunity to accommodate was not an absolute right. Further, the Court upheld a finding of "loss of industrial use of the leg”.
Mathis v Interstate Motor Freight Systems, 408 Mich 164 (1980)
Court held that the exclusive remedy provision did not bar claimant from also receiving No-Fault benefits directly from an employer who was self insured on the vehicle. Court also held the WC offset to be constitutional.
Education
1976
University of Michigan Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1973
Unversity of Michigan
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
Annual MAJ WC Seminar
Workers Compensation: Strategies & Tidbits
2014
County Road Administrators Self-Insureds Fund Conference
Mock Workers Compensation Facilitation
2013
Spectrum Health Occupational Health Annual Seminar
“Behind the Scenes in a Workers’ Comp Case: What Really Happens at a Doctor’s Deposition”
2012
2012 Michigan Self-Insurers Spring Conference
Workers Compensation 101
2011
House Commerce Committee
Testified Concerning Michigan House Bill 5002
Languages
Greek
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Top Contributor
Themis earned significant contribution points in 2014.
Legal Answers
Q&A
A coworker physically shut a door on my arm and shoulder, using it to push me is this assault?
21 Jan 2026
Q&A
Is there anything I can do if I only worked on a job for a month and was fired and now I have that problems.
07 Apr 2025
Q&A
Can I start a workers compensation case from 2013
26 Oct 2024