Charles F. Behler
Of Counsel

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Biography

Chip Behler is a seasoned “bet-the-company” litigator who successfully represents governmental agencies, businesses, construction contractors, design professionals, and real estate owners and developers in complex commercial litigation and matters involving personal injury, real estate, breach of contract claims, construction defects, construction accidents, architectural and engineering intellectual property issues, and employment claims. He also is a well-regarded counselor with extensive experience in risk avoidance and contract drafting and negotiation for those in government and the construction industry. Chip is regularly sought after to defend lawyers and law firms against claims of legal malpractice, malicious prosecution, and other related issues.

In addition, Chip is a certified commercial and construction arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association.

Chip’s honors include being listed in “Michigan Super Lawyers”, “Best Lawyers in America”, Benchmark Litigation, and he is AV Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

Chip has a passion for motorcycling and has ridden to all 49 continental states, nine Canadian provinces, and much of Europe. In addition to decades and hundreds of thousands of miles of riding experience, he has had extensive training including attendance at Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses, the Ride Like a Pro class, police motorcycle training, and Superbike School. Chip represents plaintiffs, defendants, and governmental roadway authorities in motorcycle crash litigation throughout the state of Michigan.

In addition to motorcycling, Chip enjoys cooking, wine collecting, golf, snow skiing, the arts, and spending time with his family. He has two adult sons, both of whom are married, and five grandchildren.

Admitted

State of Michigan, 1972

Education

University of Denver (B.A., 1969)

University of Denver (J.D., 1971)

Accolades

Included in the 2003-2024 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® for Construction Law

Included in the 2006-2024 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® for Commercial Litigation

Included in the 2011-2024 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® for Litigation – Construction

Named to the 2023 Grand Rapids Magazine Top Lawyers list for Litigation - Construction

Named the Best Lawyers® 2014, 2016, and 2020 Litigation - Construction "Lawyer of the Year" in Grand Rapids

Included in the 2001-2021 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® for Bet-the-Company Litigation

Listed in Benchmark Litigation 2010-2016

Listed in Leading Lawyers -- Medical Malpractice Defense Law; ADR Law: Commercial Litigation; ADR Law: Commercial Real Estate, Environmental & Construction

Listed as a “Michigan Super Lawyer” (2006-2018) -- Construction/Surety

Listed as a “Michigan Super Lawyer” (2020, 2022) -- Business Litigation

Listed as a "Local Litigation Star" in Benchmark Litigation (2010-2015) -- Commercial Litigation

AV Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

Affiliations

American Bar Association (Member, Sections: Forum on Construction Industry; Litigation; Government and Public Sector Lawyers)

State Bar of Michigan (Member, Sections on: Litigation; Negligence Law; Public Corporation Law; Law Practice Management. Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Character & Fitness, 1989-1991; Member, 1984-1991)

Fellow, Michigan Bar Foundation

Grand Rapids Bar Association (Member, Diversity Committee)

Member, National Roster of Arbitrators and Mediators, American Arbitration Association

Defense Research Institute

Michigan Defense Trial Counsel

Board of Law Examiners, State of Michigan, 1995-2005

Professional Affiliate, Michigan Society of Architects

Associate Member, American Institute of Architects

National Conference of Bar Examiners, 1995-2005

Board of Advisors, Legal Studies Program, Grand Valley State University

Major Gifts Committee, West Michigan Literacy Center

Co-Chair, Make-a-Wish Foundation 2012 Wish Ball

Co-Chair, Grand Rapids Ballet Capital Campaign

Co-Chair, 2011 “Twilight Series” Gala for Senior Neighbors

Member, Board of Directors, Literacy Center of West Michigan

Member, Board of Directors, Conductive Learning Center

Member, Rotary Club of Grand Rapids

Member, Grand Rapids Economic Club

Co-Chair, Great Artist Gala, St. Cecilia Music Society, 2009

Member, Board of Directors, St. Cecilia Music Society

Member, Board of Directors, Legal Assistance Center

Member, Board of Directors, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre

Member, Board of Directors, Blythefield Country Club

Member, East Grand Rapids Recreation Commission

Board Member and President, Grand Rapids Ballet

Member, Grand Valley Blood Program Board of Trustees

Chairperson, American Cancer Society, Kent County Chapter, Campaign Committee

Member, Crime Prevention Committee, Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce

Member, National Ski Patrol Systems, Inc., Outstanding Auxiliary Ski Patroller in United States