John R. Colip

John R. Colip has spent more than forty years helping individuals, families, and businesses handle complex legal matters across Southwestern Michigan. His practice focuses on Corporate, Family, Probate, and Real Estate Law, including estate planning and business organization. He also works as a trained mediator, providing both facilitative and evaluative mediation services for clients.

John earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Notre Dame and later received his Juris Doctor from Valparaiso University. He is admitted to practice in Michigan courts, the US District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, and the US Court of Military Appeals. His education and legal background support his broad and long-standing legal practice.

John assists clients with corporate planning, ownership transfers, business sales, and succession planning for family-owned and corporate enterprises. His work also includes financing and development matters tied to real estate projects, construction contracts, condominium transactions, and purchase agreements. Clients rely on his practical guidance when handling business and property-related legal concerns.

John has significant experience helping clients protect assets and manage probate and trust administration matters. He also advises on tax-related issues and general corporate concerns. Earlier in his career, he practiced for nine years at a large firm in Southwest Michigan and previously served as a shareholder at a smaller Southwestern Michigan law firm.

John R. Colip also served for four years as a Captain in the office of the Judge Advocate General in the United States Air Force. Throughout his career, he has contributed to several professional and community organizations in leadership roles. His service included work with the Southwestern Michigan Estate Planning Council, the Buchanan-Galien Lions Club, the Buchanan Community Schools, and the Lakeland Health Foundation.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Butzel Long
• Member, State Bar of Michigan
• Former Treasurer, Berrien County Bar Association
• Member, Cass County Bar Association
• Former President, Southwestern Michigan Estate Planning Council

Licensed State

• Michigan

Education

• Valparaiso University
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Notre Dame
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges