Ven Johnson Law

05/29/2026

🎙️ Gloves Off is back, baby!

In Episode 31, Ven returns behind the mic with Michigan State Men's Tennis star and recent graduate, Ozan Baris, to discuss his four unforgettable seasons of college tennis, the lessons he learned that extend far beyond the court and what’s next as he sets his sights on the professional stage.

Podcast Episode · Gloves Off: A Legal Podcast · May 29 · 35m

05/27/2026

The U.S. Supreme Court just delivered a major civil rights victory for our client, opening doors to justice nationwide.

Earlier this week, the SCOTUS denied Grand Rapids Police Officer Phillip Reinink’s appeal to try to evade an excessive force claim stemming from a 2020 George Floyd protest in Grand Rapids. Our client, Sean Hart, was struck by a crowd-control canister at close range that is designed to be fired into the air. He received serious injuries as a result.

SCOUTS made it clear that qualified immunity does not apply, and the officer is not above the law.

05/22/2026

"Six years later, the State of Michigan is still trying to dodge responsibility for one of the worst infrastructure failures in our state’s history.

The warning signs were there long before the Edenville and Sanford dams failed and devastated thousands of Mid-Michigan families in 2020. As our partner Tom Waun, who originally argued the case, Chief Appellate Attorney Christopher Desmond and I explained to the Midland Daily News, this disaster was foreseeable and preventable.

We strongly disagree with the ruling clearing the State of blame. We’ll be taking this fight to the Michigan Court of Appeals because these families deserve accountability." - Ven Johnson

Lawyers appealing the Edenville Dam case say Michigan negligence, not rain alone, caused the 2020 failure and massive flood damage.

05/22/2026

Here’s a sneak peek at the first Gloves Off podcast episode from the new Ven Johnson Law office in Hudson's Detroit!

Michigan State Men's Tennis All-Big Ten selection and five-time All-American, Ozan Baris, joined Ven to discuss his incredible tennis career and his path to playing professionally. #🥊

05/22/2026

With summer approaching, we remember Carson Dunn.

Carson was just 10 years old. A fearless kid who loved the water.

But at Camp Dearborn, a summer afternoon turned tragic when Carson fell from a floating play structure and struck a hidden, protruding ladder beneath the jump point. The impact was fatal.

This never should have happened.

Carson’s mother, Carly, refused to let his story be ignored. She turned to Ven Johnson Law, and we fought for accountability on behalf of her son.

As families head into another summer, Carson’s story remains a heartbreaking reminder that safety can never be an afterthought.

05/20/2026

Six years later, the people of Mid-Michigan are still living with the consequences of one of the worst infrastructure failures in Michigan history.

Homes were destroyed. Families lost everything. Entire communities were devastated. And now, after years of fighting for accountability, the State is attempting to walk away from responsibility altogether.

Ven spoke with Mid-Michigan NOW about our plans to appeal the recent ruling dismissing claims against the State of Michigan because the flood victims deserve answers and accountability.

05/19/2026

Today marks six years following the catastrophic Mid-Michigan dam failures which devastated homes, businesses and communities.

Following a recent Court of Claims ruling dismissing claims against the State of Michigan, we are continuing our fight for the families who lost nearly everything. We will be filing an appeal to hold the State accountable.

Ven discussed the case and next steps with WNEMTV5news.

05/15/2026

This week, Ven Johnson Law is proudly celebrating 15 years 🎉

What began as a small firm has expanded into a team of 40+ incredible professionals across offices in Detroit, Flint and Kalamazoo, where we’ve grown alongside the communities we serve.

🥊 To our amazing team: thank you for your tireless dedication, passion and commitment to our clients and the law. You're the foundation of everything VJL stands for.

🥊 To those who have referred cases to us: thank you for the greatest compliment a law firm can receive.

🥊 To every client who has relied on us: thank you for allowing us to fight beside you during some of life’s most important moments. Your trust means everything.

05/13/2026

Congratulations to Senior Trial Attorney Chris Yates on receiving the Donald R. Worsfold Award at yesterday's Grand Rapids Bar Association Annual Meeting.

Over his 40+ year career, Chris has earned widespread respect for his leadership and unwavering commitment to justice. We're proud to have him join our Kalamazoo office to strengthen our fight for accountability across Michigan.

05/12/2026

Off the bench and into the fight. 🥊

Crain's Grand Rapids Business shares that former Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Christopher Yates has officially joined Ven Johnson Law’s Kalamazoo office as a senior trial attorney, bringing decades of experience from the judiciary, federal court and private practice to complex civil and appellate litigation across Michigan and beyond.

Ex-Michigan Court of Appeals judge Christopher Yates takes trial attorney role at Ven Johnson Law in Kalamazoo.