Education
Indiana University - Bloomington School of Law, J.D., 1994
Hope College, B.A., cum laude, 1990
Bar and Court Admissions
Michigan
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
Thomas R. TerMaat
Joining Foster Swift in 2010, Tom TerMaat brings fifteen years private practice experience to his clients' benefit. He practices in the areas of commercial litigation, general civil litigation, insurance defense and transportation and trucking law and premises liability.
Realizing commercial disputes are a common and often mismanaged cost of doing business, Tom is aggressive in seeking ways to provide a vigorous and efficient resolution to a dispute. To that point, Tom is skilled in effective representation of clients in settlement meetings, arbitration and mediation proceedings as well as in the courtroom. The types of matters that he handles for clients include: enforcement of real estate purchase agreements; easement, access and zoning disputes; construction lien litigation; business to business contract disputes; creditors' rights and collection matters; shareholder and partnership disputes, defense of trucking and transportation companies to name just a few.
In addition, Tom is recognized as one of the leading experts in Michigan No-Fault Automobile Insurance Law. He has delivered more than 20 educational programs on No-Fault Insurance to insurance company claim adjusters over the years, distributed more than a dozen legal alerts on the topic and annually updates and publishes his book, Michigan No-Fault Insurance Outline, First Party Claims. In 1999 Michigan Lawyers Weekly named one of Tom's cases as one of the most important decisions of the year.
Committed to the West Michigan community, Tom has been active in a wide range of local legal, community and political organizations since starting his legal career. Currently he is active with the Grand Rapids Bar Association, the Advisory Board for the John Ball Zoo and Grace Episcopal Church.
Highlights & Recognitions
Best Lawyers in America, 2010 (Insurance Law)
News
- June 1, 2010
Foster Swift Expands West Michigan Presence
Memberships & Affiliations
Legal Affiliations:
- State Bar of Michigan
- Grand Rapids Bar Association
- Young Lawyers Section, Treasurer, Board of Directors 1995-1999
- American Inns of Court, Gerald R. Ford Chapter
Community Involvement:
- Grace Episcopal Church
- Administration Team, Chair 2005-2008
- Alice Haan Committee, 2009-present
- John Ball Zoo, Advisory Board Member, 2002-present
- Kent County Republican, Executive Committee Member
- Westown Jubilee Housing, Booster and pro bono legal services
