Matthew D. Matt Zimmerman

Matthew D. Matt Zimmerman

Administrative / Regulatory Law

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

Contact Information

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

Matt is a member of the Environmental and Energy Practice Groups. A significant portion of Matt’s practice involves representation of municipalities and private developers in regard to water law matters, including: the permitting, operation and expansion of water supply/treatment/distribution systems and wastewater collection and treatment systems; sewer use ordinance drafting and enforcement including industrial pretreatment programs; stormwater management including ordinance drafting, permitting and enforcement and property owner representation in Drain Code projects; riparian rights issues; and submerged lands transactions. He represents both municipal and private clients in a wide variety of projects involving land use, including condemnation, permitting of development in protected natural resource areas (regulated wetlands, critical sand dunes, flood plains, etc.), solid waste management, zoning, brownfield redevelopment, and remediation of contaminated real estate. Matt also represents developers of energy products including both traditional and renewable energy projects, primarily regarding permitting and contracting. Matt is a member of the Environmental and Energy Practice Groups. A significant portion of Matt’s practice involves representation of municipalities and private developers in regard to water law matters, including: the permitting, operation and expansion of water supply/treatment/distribution systems and wastewater collection and treatment systems; sewer use ordinance drafting and enforcement including industrial pretreatment programs; stormwater management including ordinance drafting, permitting and enforcement and property owner representation in Drain Code projects; riparian rights issues; and submerged lands transactions. He represents both municipal and private clients in a wide variety of projects involving land use, including condemnation, permitting of development in protected natural resource areas (regulated wetlands, critical sand dunes, flood plains, etc.), solid waste management, zoning, brownfield redevelopment, and remediation of contaminated real estate. Matt also represents developers of energy products including both traditional and renewable energy projects, primarily regarding permitting and contracting.

Practice Areas

Administrative / Regulatory Law

Awards & Recognition

  • Lawyer of the Year: Water Law, Grand Rapids (2025)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Land Use and Zoning Law, Grand Rapids (2022)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Land Use and Zoning Law, Grand Rapids (2017)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Municipal Law, Grand Rapids (2015)
  • Recognized: Administrative / Regulatory Law
  • Recognized: Energy Law
  • Recognized: Environmental Law
  • Recognized: Land Use and Zoning Law
  • Recognized: Municipal Law
  • Recognized: Water Law
  • Practice Area: Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
  • Special Focus: Litigation
  • Special Focus: Wetlands

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2010

Education

  • The University of Michigan Law School, J.D., graduated 1981
  • Michigan State University, BA, graduated 1978

Reviews

B

Benjamin Gonzalez

2 weeks ago

Invaluable guidance on a complex water rights issue

We engaged Matt Zimmerman at Varnum to assist our small municipality with a contentious water withdrawal permit and related land use approvals. With over four decades of experience, his deep knowledge of Michigan water law and municipal procedure was immediately evident. He expertly navigated the state regulatory agencies and opposing counsel, securing a favorable outcome that protected our community's resources. His recent recognition as Lawyer of the Year in Water Law is clearly well-deserved. Matt is strategic, pragmatic, and instills great confidence. The only slight critique would be that during particularly busy periods, response times from his team could occasionally lag a day. That said, his direct involvement and the quality of his counsel were exceptional. We highly recommend him for any complex environmental or development matter.

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