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The history of Law,
Weathers & Richardson
demonstrates its stability, long-term commitment
to clients, and service to the community. In 1855,
only five years after Grand Rapids was chartered as
a city, John Champlin began practicing in Grand Rapids.
Beginning a long tradition of public service, he
became Grand Rapids City Attorney, was later elected
Mayor, and ultimately served as Chief Justice of the
Michigan Supreme Court. In 1868 Champlin partnered
with Roger William Butterfield, thus creating one of
the oldest law firms in the state of Michigan.
The
firm of Champlin and Butterfield became the preeminent
firm in Western Michigan and was very active in representing
individuals, logging companies, furniture companies,
the State of Michigan, and even the State of Louisiana.
Like Champlin, Roger Butterfield was active in civil
affairs, serving on the University of Michigan Board
of Regents for 16 years. Willard Keeney, a nationally
known authority on timber law, joined Champlin and
Butterfield, practiced with the firm for over 60 years,
and handled legal matters in 45 states.
In 1915 Julius
Amberg joined the firm, and the firm name was changed
to Butterfield, Keeney & Amberg. Amberg was a
remarkable scholar, having graduated as valedictorian
from Grand Rapids’ Central High School, and
first in his class at both Colgate College and Harvard
Law School. The brilliance of Julius Amberg made
him a dynamic force in the firm and in the community.
In addition to representing local clients, he handled
numerous high profile trials, appeared on behalf
of
clients in the Michigan Supreme Court and the
United States Supreme Court. He was chairman
of the Kent County Welfare Commission during the
depression and served as special assistant to the
Secretary of War, Henry Stimson, during World War
II.
Upon his return from World War II in 1946, Gerald
R. Ford joined his long time friend Philip Buchen at
the firm. Ford practiced with the firm until he was
elected to Congress. In 1961, Buchen became the Vice
President of Business Affairs of the fledgling Grand
Valley State College. After the college was successfully
off the ground, he rejoined the firm where he practiced
until August of 1974 when Gerald Ford became President
and named him as White House Counsel. The firm continues
to maintain its diversified practice, representing
individuals, businesses, organizations, and numerous
municipal entities including cities, villages, townships
and other governmental authorities. For decades the
firm has represented the Gerald R. Ford International
Airport, and in the 1990’s represented the Airport
in litigation of nationwide significance – ultimately
arguing the case before the United States Supreme Court
and obtaining a unanimous decision in favor of the
Airport. A long time leader in legal and community
service, the firm takes seriously its commitment to
providing exceptional expertise and public service
to the community for almost 140 years.
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