Mark S. Allard

Mark S. Allard

Commercial Litigation

4.0 (1 reviews)
Grand Rapids, Michigan
40+ years experience
Varnum LLP
Updated:

Contact Information

Bridgewater Place, Suite 1700, 333 Bridge Street, NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
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Bio

Mark sues insurance companies when they fail to pay claims. Varnum represents only insureds in these matters. Mark has helped shape the landscape of Michigan Insurance Law since 1985.He is regularly asked to speak on insurance issues for continuing legal education programs, and at other bar related activities. Mark is also Varnum's lead attorney in litigation matters dealing with employee benefit issues under ERISA. He has handled all facets of employee benefit litigation, from benefit claims to multi-employer plan contribution issues. Mark has acted as benefit counsel for litigation matters on a national basis for a Big Three Auto Maker and a national food processor. Mark's practice has also allowed him to develop an extensive appellate practice. He has appeared at every level of state and federal court in the country, including the United States Supreme Court. His representation of the County of Kent in Northwest Airlines v The County of Kent, et al, 510 U.S. 355 (1994), culminated in a decision from the United States Supreme Court. Mark has also argued, en banc, before the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, in Nixon v County of Kent, 76 F3d 1381 (6th Cir. 1996), en banc. Mark serves on the Policy Committee at Varnum, is the chairperson of the Contributions Committee and coordinates Varnum's Pro Bono Services Program, which he has handled for over ten years. Mark sues insurance companies when they fail to pay claims. Varnum represents only insureds in these matters. Mark has helped shape the landscape of Michigan Insurance Law since 1985.He is regularly asked to speak on insurance issues for continuing legal education programs, and at other bar related activities. Mark is also Varnum's lead attorney in litigation matters dealing with employee benefit issues under ERISA. He has handled all facets of employee benefit litigation, from benefit claims to multi-employer plan contribution issues. Mark has acted as benefit counsel for litigation matters on a national basis for a Big Three Auto Maker and a national food processor. Mark's practice has also allowed him to develop an extensive appellate practice. He has appeared at every level of state and federal court in the country, including the United States Supreme Court. His representation of the County of Kent in Northwest Airlines v The County of Kent, et al, 510 U.S. 355 (1994), culminated in a decision from the United States Supreme Court. Mark has also argued, en banc, before the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, in Nixon v County of Kent, 76 F3d 1381 (6th Cir. 1996), en banc. Mark serves on the Policy Committee at Varnum, is the chairperson of the Contributions Committee and coordinates Varnum's Pro Bono Services Program, which he has handled for over ten years.

Practice Areas

Commercial Litigation

Awards & Recognition

  • Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - ERISA, Grand Rapids (2023)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - ERISA, Grand Rapids (2021)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - ERISA, Grand Rapids (2018)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - ERISA, Grand Rapids (2016)
  • Recognized: Commercial Litigation
  • Recognized: Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law
  • Recognized: Litigation - ERISA
  • Practice Area: Insurance Law
  • Martindale-Hubbell Rating, AV® Preeminent™

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2013

Education

  • University of Detroit Mercy, J.D., graduated 1985
  • University of Washington, BA, graduated 1980

Reviews

G

Gregory Kim

2 weeks ago

A formidable advocate against insurance company denials

After our family business faced a devastating property loss, our insurer engaged in a prolonged and frustrating denial of our legitimate claim. We turned to Mark Allard at Varnum LLP, and his deep expertise was immediately apparent. With 40 years of shaping Michigan insurance law, he understood the precise arguments and precedents needed to challenge the insurer's position. His recognition as a multiple-time 'Lawyer of the Year' in ERISA litigation speaks to the respect he commands in this niche. Mark and his team were thorough, strategic, and ultimately secured a settlement that allowed us to rebuild. The process did require patience on our part, as communication sometimes had brief delays during intense case preparation phases, but the outcome was worth it. For anyone in Michigan facing an insurer acting in bad faith, Mark Allard is a powerful ally.

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