Frederick Mackraz

Fred graduated from East Grand Rapids High School in 1984. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Hope College, where he majored in philosophy with minors in math and physics. Fred attended Valparaiso University School of Law and graduated cum laude in 1991.  While at Valparaiso, Fred was the Executive Editor of Student Writing for the Valparaiso Law Review, President of his legal fraternity, first-place oralist in the Northern Midwest region for the school’s Jessup Moot Court Team, and winner of the Luther M. Swygert Memorial Moot Court Competition.

Fred became licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois in 1991 and began his career working for a large, multi-state Chicago law firm. He returned to Grand Rapids in 1995 to work for the Grand Rapids office of a large Detroit firm. After deciding that he could better serve his clients in a small firm setting, Fred ventured out on his own. With over 25 years of experience representing businesses and individuals, Fred has successfully handled a wide variety of legal matters. He has extensive jury trial experience with tremendous results on even the toughest of cases.  Fred works with individuals to help them create and probate their estate plans. He has also provided skilled service to small and large businesses, from formation or acquisition, to the development and implementation of a succession plan or sale, and everything in between.  Fred is a certified mediator and uses his breadth of legal knowledge, creative problem solving abilities, and effective communication skills to help adverse parties resolve their disputes.

Fred enjoys spending time with his family, camping, and skiing. On clear days, Fred can be found working on and riding vintage Italian scooters and motorcycles.

BAR ADMISSIONS

• Illinois, 1991;  Michigan, 1995

EDUCATION

• Valparaiso University School of Law, Valparaiso, Indiana, 1991 cum laude
• Hope College, Holland, Michigan 1988
• East Grand Rapids H.S. 1984