John R. Oostema
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Biography

For over 45 years, John (Jack) Oostema’s practice has focused primarily on representing lawyers in legal malpractice actions and on insurance coverage matters related to professional liability insurance. He has represented attorneys, law firms, and insurance carriers nationwide.

He has served as National Coverage Counsel for a prominent professional liability carrier that writes coverage for lawyers in over 40 states. In addition to regularly representing many of the largest firms in the state, Jack has also represented the State Bar of Michigan in connection with litigation challenging the constitutionality of the Character & Fitness review process. Recently, as part of its 50-State Survey of Legal Malpractice Law, Jack was asked by the Professional Liability Committee of the Litigation Section of the American Bar Association to author the Michigan chapter on legal malpractice law. For a copy of that work, click here.

A native of Grand Rapids, Jack is married to Gloria. They have two sons, J. Adam and Andrew, and a daughter, Megan.

Admitted

State Bar of Michigan, 1976

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, 1982

U.S. Supreme Court, 1984

Education

Calvin College (B.A., 1973)

Thomas M. Cooley Law School (J.D., summa cum laude, 1976)

Accolades

Included in the 2021-2024 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® for Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants

Named the Best Lawyers® 2018, 2020, and 2024 Insurance Law "Lawyer of the Year" in Grand Rapids

Included in the 2016-2024 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® for Insurance Law and Litigation - Insurance

Included in the 2011-2024 editions of The Best Lawyers in America® for Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants

Named the Best Lawyers® 2013, 2017, 2021, and 2024 Legal Malpractice Law - Defendants "Lawyer of the Year" in Grand Rapids

Named the Best Lawyers® 2022 Professional Malpractice Law - Defendants "Lawyer of the Year" in Grand Rapids

Named to the 2021-2023 Grand Rapids Magazine Top Lawyers lists for Legal Malpractice Law

Selected to the 2006-2022 Michigan Super Lawyers lists for Professional Liability: Defense

Listed as a "Local Litigation Star" in Benchmark Litigation (2021-2022) -- Insurance Litigation

Named the Best Lawyers® 2020 Litigation - Insurance "Lawyer of the Year" in Grand Rapids

Named to the 2019 Grand Rapids Magazine Top Lawyers list for Insurance Law

Selected to the 2006-2018 Michigan Super Lawyers lists for Insurance Coverage

Listed in Leading Lawyers (2014) -- Commercial Litigation; Insurance, Insurance Coverage & Reinsurance Law; Professional Malpractice Defense: Legal/Technical/Financial

Listed as a "Local Litigation Star" in Benchmark Litigation (2010-2012, 2015) -- Insurance Litigation

Listed as a highly recommended lawyer by Chambers and Partners -- Michigan: General Commercial Litigation (2012)

Selected as a "Leader in the Law" by Michigan Lawyers Weekly (2010)

AV Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

Affiliations

American Bar Association

The Federal Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan (Member: Character & Fitness Committee, 1983-1989; Civil Procedure Committee, 1991 - 1999)

Grand Rapids Bar Association (Chairperson: Judicial Candidate Review Committee)

Michigan Defense Trial Counsel

Defense Research Institute

Professional Responsibility Counselors