Ross A. Leisman

Attorney Grand Rapids, MI

Phone (616) 632-8017

Fax (616) 632-8017

email rleisman@mikameyers.com

I have practiced law at Mika Meyers for over 30 years and I’ve enjoyed it immensely. In addition to practicing law, I enjoy government, and in November of 2020, the voters elected me Ada Township Supervisor. Although balancing this role with my full-time job gets quite busy, it’s also fascinating, and I am thankful every day I get to practice law and govern in a township with amazing people.

When not engaged in law or government, I like spending time with my family and friends in Grand Rapids and at our cottage up north. I also relax by reading fiction, history, philosophy, and religion. Other hobbies include football, hunting, fishing, and running.

Areas of Practice

Bar Admissions

Michigan, 1988
U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan, 1988

Education

The University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1988
Honors: With Honors

Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1984
B.A., Bachelor of Arts
Honors: With Honors

Professional Associations and Memberships

Grand Rapids Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan

Ada Township Supervisor
Elected November 2020

Ada Township Planning Commission
Former Long-Term Board Member/Chair

Kent County Building Authority
Former Long-Term Board Member/Vice Chair

Ada Christian School Board
Former Board Member/Executive Committee

Grand Rapids Christian School Association
Former Member Board of Trustees/
Long Range Planning Committee

Grand Rapids Christian High School Board
Former Board Member/Chair

Madison Square CRC
Former Deacon/Construction Committee Chair/
Legacy Board

Calvin University
Former Parent Council Board Member

Honors and Awards

Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America
Named by Best Lawyers in America as Grand Rapids’ 2022 Municipal Law Lawyer of the Year and Grand Rapids’ 2015 Land Use and Zoning Law Lawyer of the Year
Selected for inclusion in Grand Rapids Magazine’s 2019-2023 Top Lawyers
Selected for inclusion in Michigan Super Lawyers
AV rated by Martindale Hubbell

Seminar Taught

Mr. Leisman is a frequent speaker on legal issues, such as:
Lecturer, “Social Work & the Law,” Grand Valley State University, 1995
Lecturer, “Enforcing Zoning Ordinances,” Spring Township Seminar, 1999
Lecturer, “Land Use Planning,” National Business Institute, 2000
Lecturer, “Battle of the Forms & Mold Liens,” National Tooling & Machining Association Meeting, 2001
Lecturer, “Valid Content, Procedure for Adoption and Enforcement of Township Ordinances in Michigan,” Michigan Township Association, Supervisors’ Meeting, 2006
Lecturer, “Planning & Zoning Legal Issues,” Siegfried & Crandall Seminar, 2007
Lecturer, “Procedures for Adopting Master Plans, Ordinances and Resolutions,” Michigan Township Association Annual Meeting, 2008
Lecturer, “Municipal Law Update,” Siegfried & Crandall Seminar, 2008
Lecturer, “Update on the New Planning Act and Revisions to the Zoning Enabling Act,” Municipal Law Seminar, 2008
Lecturer, “The ABCs of Planning and Zoning,” Michigan Township Association Annual Meeting, 2009
Lecturer, “Fireworks Regulations,” MTA Annual Meeting, 2013
Lecturer, “Real Estate Law,” Calvin College, 2015
Lecturer, “Medical Marijuana Update,” Municipal Law Seminar, 2016

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AnnouncementNovember 15, 2023

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Ross Leisman Interviewed by Michigan Townships Association

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