Andrew W. Barnes

Real estate transactions continue to become more complex, requiring the know-how to successfully navigate a variety of challenging scenarios and sophisticated legal instruments. Clients rely on Andy’s experience in lease negotiations, real estate transactions, eviction actions, and land contract forfeitures. The scope of his practice includes general civil litigation, estate planning, and business formation. He has represented various Michigan convention and visitors bureaus concerning the enforcement of Michigan Convention and Tourism Marketing Acts. He helps clients with real property, development, construction and financing, and restructuring, workouts, and short sales.

In the financial institutions sector, Mr. Barnes represents entities in regulatory issues set forth by federal and state law, complex commercial foreclosures, residential foreclosures, debt collection litigation, forbearance agreements, and loan workouts.

Andy also has experience counseling clients in Real Estate, Construction, Contract, Environmental, and Family Law in the agribusiness and food processing sector. He assists with lending, debt collection, and a variety of other real estate issues that are characteristic to small and large entities doing business in this area.

Mr. Barnes is a Shareholder practicing in Butzel’s Southwest Michigan office. Prior to joining the firm, he was engaged with a large law firm with offices located throughout Michigan. He has been recognized numerous years in a row by a prestigious national legal publication for his knowledge of Real Estate Law. Andy received his juris doctor, magna cum laude, from the Michigan State University College of Law. He received his Bachelor of Arts, also magna cum laude, from Western Michigan University.

Dedicated to supporting his community and elevating opportunities for achievement for youth, Andy serves in leadership roles in numerous organizations, including as Director and Past President of the Greater South Haven Area Community Foundation and as Director and President of the Grand Valley Amateur Hockey Association, Inc., in addition to a number of other associations.

All Related Practice Areas

Education

Michigan State University College of Law, J.D., magna cum laude

Western Michigan University, B.A., magna cum laude

Admissions

Memberships

• State Bar of Michigan
• Van Buren County Bar Association
• Berrien County Bar Association
• Cass County Bar Association

Awards & Recognitions

Michigan Super Lawyers - Rising Stars - Real Estate, 2013-2020

South Haven Tribune, Best Law Office in South Haven, 2018

Michigan State Law Review, Michigan State University College of Law

Community & Professional

The Greater South Haven Area Community Foundation - Director 2017-Present; President 2018-2021

South Haven Junior Youth League - Director 2019-Present; Treasurer 2020-Present

Grand Valley Amateur Hockey Association, Inc. - Director 2022-Present; President 2022-Present

South Haven Area Chamber of Commerce, Member

South Haven Kiwanis Club, Member

YMCA of Southwest Michigan; Benton Harbor - St. Joseph YMCA, Volunteer