Butzel attorneys named to Grand Rapids Magazine’s 2023 list of Top Lawyers

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. –  Butzel attorneys J. Terrance Dillion, Michael L. Gutierrez, Daniel J. Hatch and Lee T. Silver are recognized in the November/December 2023 edition of Grand Rapids Magazine’s 2023 list of Top Lawyers in the following categories:

• Terrance Dillion (Criminal Defense – White Collar)
• Michael L. Gutierrez (Litigation – Commercial)
• Daniel J. Hatch (Construction Law)
• Lee T. Silver (Litigation – Commercial and Litigation – Real Estate) 

The research for the Top Lawyers list was created by PRS (Professional Research Services) and is based on an online peer-review survey sent out to certified lawyers within the Grand Rapids area. Many votes were cast honoring excellence in the legal field. Inclusion in Grand Rapids Magazine’s Top Lawyers list is based solely upon one’s standing within their peer group. Listings in Top Lawyers cannot be purchased.

Terrance Dillon

Terrance “Terry” Dillon’s practice focuses on white collar criminal defense and commercial and business disputes. After graduating from law school, he served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, handling numerous criminal prosecutions involving tax evasion and fraud by government contractors.

In white collar criminal matters, he represents both individuals and companies accused of tax evasion, health care fraud and fraud against government agencies. Dillon also pursues and defends the interests of family businesses, closely-held companies, public corporations, and individuals in minority shareholder oppression, breach of contract, business torts, and other commercial disputes.

He earned a J.D. from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in 1973 and his B.A. from the University of Detroit Mercy in 1970.

Michael L. Gutierrez

Michael L. Gutierrez represents businesses and individuals in complex litigation matters and internal investigations throughout Michigan and nationally. He is recognized for his expertise in the area of business litigation. He is a member of the Business Law and Litigation Sections of the State Bar of Michigan.

The depth of Gutierrez’s experience includes practicing in state and federal courts, as well as in private arbitrations, not only in business and commercial litigation, but also in matters relevant to the automotive sector, and pertinent to supply chain management, civil defense and investigation, and white-collar criminal defense.

Gutierrez received his B.A., magna cum laude, from North Park University, and his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Illinois College of Law, where he served as an Associate Editor of the University of Illinois Law Review.

Daniel J. Hatch

Daniel J. Hatch practices in the areas of construction law, business law, tax law, insurance recovery and advisory, and commercial litigation. He is experienced in civil litigation representing owners, general contractors, design professionals, subcontractors, and suppliers in various matters involving contract disputes, real property disputes, tort and professional liability claims, lien and bond claims, and collections in state and federal courts.

He also specializes in litigation and appeals in state and federal courts on subjects including takings, ordinance validity, zoning, building codes, permit and inspection procedures, code enforcement, riparian rights, development contracts, Open Meetings Acts, equal protection, and due process.

Hatch has been named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers from 2019-present. He is a member of the American Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, State Bar of Michigan Character and Fitness District C Committee, Grand Rapids Bar Association, Construction Financial Management Association, American Subcontractors Association National Attorneys’ Council, and Associated Builders and Contractors.

Hatch is a graduate of Michigan State University College of Law (J.D., summa cum laude, 2014) where he served as an associate editor of the Michigan State Law Review. Moreover, he served as a teaching assistant at the Michigan State University College of Law Housing Clinic. He earned a B.A., in Business, magna cum laude, from Grand Valley State University.

Lee T. Silver

Lee T. Silver has successfully handled complex commercial litigation cases of virtually every type over the past 38 years in state and federal courts throughout Michigan and well over a dozen other states. This wealth of experience enables him to develop the most effective strategies for achieving his client’s objectives in an efficient and cost-effective manner. His representative clients range from Fortune 500 companies, financial institutions, manufacturers, and a variety of closely-held companies of all sizes to individual business owners, shareholders, executives, professionals, and other individuals.

Silver was named by Best Lawyers in America as the 2023 Grand Rapids Lawyer of the Year for Bet-the-Company Litigation and has been recognized by Michigan Super Lawyers for several years as one the top 100 attorneys in Michigan based on peer review.

In addition to a very busy litigation practice, Silver has an active mediation/alternative dispute resolution practice throughout Michigan and nationally.

He is one of only three Mediators in Michigan to be selected as a Fellow of the American College of Civil Trial Mediators and has also been selected as a member of the American Arbitration Association’s prestigious Master Mediator Panel which is comprised of AAA’s top Mediators as rated by attorneys that handle large complex disputes. He also has been selected as a member of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals, was named by Best Lawyers In America as the 2021 and 2024 Grand Rapids Lawyer of the Year for Mediation, has been on the approved list of mediators for the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan since 2003, and regularly serves as an Arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association, as well as in private arbitrations.

Silver earned a J.D. from Indiana University School of Law in 1984 and a B.A. with honors from the University of Redlands in 1981.