Wednesday, June 20, 2007

About David


David LaGrand graduated from Calvin College in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. After graduate work at the University of Michigan in History, LaGrand went on to earn a law degree from the University of Chicago in 1992.

During his legal studies LaGrand worked in West Michigan at Warner, Norcross & Judd and Dykema Gossett. After graduation, LaGrand returned to Grand Rapids, working first at Warner, Norcross & Judd and then for eight years as an Assistant Kent County Prosecutor. In the prosecutors office, LaGrand concentrated on upholding convictions on appeal and on prosecuting domestic violence crimes.

In 2000, LaGrand joined Gerald Lykins to form a private law firm. In 2007, he joined with Chris Yates and Paul Denenfeld to form Yates, LaGrand and Denenfeld PLLC. Currently LaGrand concentrates his practice in the areas of family and criminal law. Some of his greatest achievements involve working with his clients and their community to seek socially responsible solutions to the breach of law.

LaGrand has also been active in the West Michigan business community. Shortly after returning to Grand Rapids, in early 1994, LaGrand opened the successful Four Friends Coffeeshop in downtown Grand Rapids, at the leading edge of what has been a rapid revitalization of downtown.

In 2002, LaGrand opened the Wealthy Street Bakery, in another revitalizing area of Grand Rapids. This unique bakery and coffee shop now employs 25 people and has received numerous awards and national recognition for both facility rehabilitation and business success.

David LaGrand was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on August 13, 1966. He began studies at Calvin College in 1984, and he supported himself throughout his higher education by starting his first business, a construction firm. LaGrand is still a licensed maintenance and alterations contractor.

During his studies at Calvin College, LaGrand was actively involved in the student newspaper and created and funded a minority scholarship fund, with other student leaders.
LaGrand currently lives in Grand Rapids with his wife Melissa and their four children, John (age 13), Isaac (age 10), Helen (age 6), and Julia (age 1 1/2). He is a member of Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church, where he is involved in church education programs. LaGrand also volunteers in the prison ministry program sponsored by Grace Christian Reformed Church.

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