overview
When faced with a difficult legal challenge, a business’ most important asset is the experience of its legal counsel.
Practice Areas
Bio
Throughout 38 years of helping clients solve their toughest real estate, financial and general corporate law problems, Kurt Vilders has developed the wisdom and judgment that can only be earned through on-the-ground, immersive experience in the industries in which his clients compete. Kurt’s clients can expect that he will quickly and precisely pinpoint critical legal issues, then develop and execute the right strategy to deliver results. Rather than having to get up to speed, he gets right to the heart of the matter. And he brings not only a keen legal eye but a practical business perspective to his work. Honed through hands-on management experience, Mr. Vilders serves as the Chairperson of the firm’s Real Estate practice group and previously served as Chairperson of the firm’s Executive Committee, in addition to having 10 years of in-house counsel experience.
Mr. Vilders represents an array of clients across a number of industries. Many of his clients have been with him for decades, and rely on him for representation not only in Michigan but in connection with business matters throughout the country. His real estate practice, in particular, is extensive and includes experience advising automotive manufacturers and suppliers nationwide on commercial and industrial leasing, development, construction, land use, and incentives. He also represents a number of mid-market companies as general counsel on a broad variety of business matters. His clients include automotive suppliers, health care providers, and accounting firms, among others.
Kurt has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America© and DBusiness Magazine‘s “Top Lawyers.”
credentials
Affiliations
- State Bar of Michigan, Real Property, Business, and Environmental Law Sections
- American Bar Association, Business, Real Property, Trust and Estate, and Environmental Law Sections
- Georgetown Law, Advanced Commercial Leasing Institute
Bar and Court Admissions
- Michigan
Education
- Wayne State University Law School, J.D.
- University of Michigan
- Bachelors of General Studies, with distinction
Insights & News
August 17, 2023
Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized By Best Lawyers In America© 2024 And Best Lawyers: Ones To Watch
August 18, 2022
Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America© 2023 and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch
August 19, 2021
Kerr Russell Attorneys Named to 2022 Best Lawyers® List
November 16, 2020
22 Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized as DBusiness 2021 Top Lawyers
March 17, 2020
Coronavirus/COVID-19 Business Continuity: A Message to Our Community, Clients and Friends
November 15, 2019
19 Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized as DBusiness Top Lawyers for 2020
August 15, 2019
15 Lawyers From Kerr Russell Are Recognized In The Best Lawyers In America© 2020
September 20, 2018
Kerr Russell recognizes our 2018 dbusiness Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit honorees
August 15, 2018
15 lawyers from Kerr Russell were recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© 2019
February 15, 2018
Jason Bank, new member of Detroit Athletic Club
November 30, 2017
Merry and bright ... Kerr Russell welcomes the holiday season
November 30, 2017
Kerr Russell, Boulevard Investment lunch and learn
November 16, 2017
Culture of Connection - new Kerr Russell ad to appear in Michigan Lawyers Weekly and dbusiness
November 3, 2017
Kerr Russell launches new advertising in upcoming issues of dbusiness and Crain's Detroit
November 1, 2017
Kerr Russell ranked in the 2018 U.S. News - Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" list nationally in 1 practice area and regionally in 17 practice areas
October 16, 2017
Kerr Russell supports Detroit Athletic Club (October 2017 DAC News)
Representative Matters
Advised Volkswagen in 2018 on its lease and development of a new port facility on the East Coast.
Assisted Toyota in the procurement of entitlements, tax incentives, development and construction of a large research and development center in York Township, Michigan.
Represented Volkswagen in the development and construction of numerous parts distribution centers between 250,000 and 1,000,000 square feet nationwide.
Advised a large hospital in the negotiation of its 350,000 square feet leased headquarters in southeastern Michigan.
Advised a large health care provider regarding the sale of various business segments as a result of the Affordable Care Act.
Assisted Volkswagen in negotiating the financing, acquisition and leasing of flagship dealerships in New York City for Audi and Volkswagen.