The Butzel Advantage
As one of the oldest law firms in Michigan, Butzel has a proud history and played a prominent role in the development and growth of several major industries providing highly effective legal counsel for nearly 170 years. It is a legacy of community involvement, economic development and pro bono work — still upheld today by its members. With over 220 employees throughout their seven offices, Butzel specializes in 50+ areas of practice and provides services to over 3,000 geographically diverse clients across national and international markets. At the root of it all, is to be client-centric and people focused.
DIVERSITY AS A CORE VALUE
Butzel believes that diversity, equity and inclusion foster an environment that promotes the collaboration and perspective necessary to effectively serve their clients and communities. It strives to create an environment that supports and promotes diversity by encouraging its attorneys to participate in organizations that are dedicated to diversity in not only the legal profession, but in the business sectors their clients operate in.
COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY
By creating a culture of environmental awareness and responsibility, Butzel has been fully committed to implementing many eco-friendly practices throughout their offices. It has qualified as a Partner in the Law Office Climate Challenge program established by the American Bar Association’s Section of Environment, Energy and Resources in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Meet Kurtis Wilder
As the 2023 Chair of the Board of Directors for the MI Chamber, Wilder is passionate about Michigan’s job providers and workforce. He believes that when Michigan businesses succeed, our economy, communities and families grow and thrive as well. As Chair, Wilder leads the Board of Directors in guiding the MI Chamber team on the policies, programs and services most important, or that can be the most helpful, to members. His priorities include:
- Talent and Workforce Readiness. For Michigan to stay competitive and prosper, a quality workforce comprised of individuals with the tools and education to succeed is key.
- Reliable Energy Sources. Improving Michigan’s energy independence through safe energy exploration and encouraging the modernization of our energy infrastructure.
- Environmental Policies are Science Based. Supporting science-based policies which promote sustainable economic development and prosperity.
- Road Funding. Pragmatic problem solving to ensure adequate funding solutions for Michigan’s critical transportation and infrastructure that are equitable and sustainable.
- Tax Policies that Create Economic Competitiveness. Championing tax policies that make Michigan competitive and attractive to employers.
The Michigan Chamber team, Board, members, and our state’s businesses, communities and families have benefited immeasurably from Kurtis Wilder’s leadership as chair. His range of expertise, keen policy insight, willingness to listen, understand and dig in, and spirit of service are the perfect mix to help lead our work in 2023.
MORE ABOUT JUSTICE WILDER
Growing up in Cleveland, Wilder discovered his love for law through a program called Boys State in the 11th grade. It is there he decided he wanted to become and lawyer and eventually a judge as well. He attended the University of Michigan for both his undergraduate and law degrees. In 1992, he was appointed to judgeship by then Gov. John Engler, becoming one of the youngest circuit court judges in our state’s history. He was appointed in 1998 to serve on the Michigan Court of Appeals where he served with distinction for 19 years. In 2017, he was appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court. He is one of only five jurists in state history to have served on all three levels of Michigan’s Court System.
Wilder is a Shareholder at Butzel and currently concentrates his practice areas in appeals, litigation and mediation and facilitation. Notably, Justice Wilder was named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s Hall of Fame Class of 2021. He also is included in The Best Lawyers in America, Appellate Practice, 2021-2023 and DBusiness magazine’s Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit, Appellate Law, 2020-2022; Arbitration, 2020-2022.
In addition to serving as Chair of the Board, Kurtis Chairs the Board of Trustees of Interlochen Center for the Arts and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan. Learn more about Kurtis Wilder at butzel.com.
It’s really the small and medium sized businesses that are the lifeblood of Michigan’s business community. These are the employers that employ our neighbors, who work hard to make a positive living for their families. This is a focus of the Michigan Chamber, ensuring the state has good economic policies that allows these businesses to grow.