Luis E. Avila

Luis E. Avila is a Grand Rapids labor and employment attorney who represents public and private employers in workplace matters. He handles traditional labor issues, including grievances, arbitrations, collective bargaining negotiations, union organizing drives, and proceedings before the National Labor Relations Board and the Michigan Employment Relations Commission. He also counsels employers on handbooks, workplace policies, discipline, dispute resolution, discrimination, disability accommodations, wage and hour compliance, family and medical leave, harassment, and litigation prevention.

Luis earned a B.A. in Business, with honors, from Calvin College in 2005. He later earned his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 2010, where he served as a Dean’s Public Service Fellow. His business education and legal training provide a practical foundation for evaluating workplace concerns, understanding organizational needs, and helping employers manage labor relations and employment law obligations.

Luis has represented a national food and beverage company in a range of labor and employment matters and a manufacturing company in labor arbitrations. His experience also includes advising an automotive supplier on collective bargaining and dispute resolution. He represents public libraries, road commissions, and municipalities in collective bargaining and arbitration matters involving different employee groups. He has also defended employers in state and federal courts in claims brought under major state and federal employment laws.

Luis E. Avila has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for management-side employment and labor law, as well as by DBusiness, Grand Rapids Magazine, Michigan Lawyers Weekly, and Michigan Super Lawyers. He serves on the State Bar of Michigan Labor and Employment Section Council and has held board roles with several Grand Rapids organizations, including the Downtown Development Authority, Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Symphony, and West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. His background reflects a strong commitment to professional service and the wider community.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Varnum LLP
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Grand Rapids Bar Association
• Council Member, State Bar of Michigan, Labor and Employment Section

Licensed State

• Michigan

Education

• University of Michigan Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Calvin College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges