David Rhem a candidate for Circuit Court judge

Fri, Nov 20, 2009    to del.icio.us

David A. Rhem, a Grand Haven-area attorney, has announced his candidacy for Ottawa County Circuit Court judge in the 2010 election.

Rhem will seek to fill the position long held by Judge Calvin Bosman, who is retiring in December 2010.

The open position will be assigned to the Family Law Division of the Circuit Court.

Rhem is a partner with the Varnum law firm, and works out of Varnum's Grand Haven and Grand Rapids offices as a litigator and employment law lawyer. He has practiced law in West Michigan for 24 years. Rhem has received the highest rating (AV/Pre-eminent) from Martindale Hubbell, which rates lawyers nationwide on ethical standards and professionalism.

In addition, Rhem has been named in the Best Lawyers in America for three consecutive years (2008-2010) and has been listed in Michigan Super Lawyers in 2006 and 2008.

"I am running for Circuit Court judge because I care about Ottawa County families, and ensuring that our system of justice works fairly and efficiently in resolving family law matters," he said. "I am interested in improving the processing of family law cases by using technology and other procedures to reduce the amount of time parents and witnesses spend in court attending motions and hearings.

"Placing more emphasis on pre-trial conferences will also help narrow disputed issues and speed resolution of divorce cases," Rhem continued. "I am committed to working with the county, the other judges and courthouse staff to optimize existing resources, reduce costs and better serve the public."

Rhem's community involvement includes Leadership West Michigan, Spring Lake Rotary Club, Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance, the Regional Chamber Coalition, Tri-Cities Kids League, local Chamber of Commerce and the Ottawa County Bar Association Board of Directors. He graduated with honors from Spring Lake High School in 1978, from Hope College in 1982 and from the American University Washington College of Law in 1985. He has been a resident of Ottawa County for 34 years.

Rhem lives in Spring Lake with Lori, his wife of 27 years. The Rhems have three children: Catherine, 23; Sarah, 21; and Mark, 18.