Robert W. Backus is an Associate Attorney at Henn Lesperance PLC, specializing in civil litigation and dispute resolution with a primary focus in government law, business and commercial disputes and employment and labor law. Robert has represented both private and public sector clients through all phases of litigation, including early case assessment, discovery, motion practice, and trial proceeds.

Robert has extensive experience representing government entities across Michigan, providing counsel on the full spectrum of issues they may face, such as contract negotiations, development of operational policies and procedures, permit disputes, property disputes, employee relations, board governance and compliance with the Open Meetings Act, and FOIA requests. He also advises clients on business planning, assisting with contract review, negotiation, and preparation of contracts with customers, vendors, and other stakeholders; implementing policies and procedures; entity formation; ownership disputes, and more. His thorough approach to strategy and client advocacy allows him to effectively handle challenges in both litigation and pre-litigation stages. Robert earned his Juris Doctor cum laude from Michigan State University College of Law and a Bachelor’s in Economics with honors from Michigan State University. During law school, he completed the Geoffrey Fieger Trial Practice Institute and received Jurisprudence Achievement Awards for top performance in Advocacy and Pre-Trial Litigation. He is an active member of the State Bar of Michigan’s Litigation and Business Law Sections, the Grand Rapids Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Section, and Grand Rapids Young Professionals.

Outside of his practice, Robert enjoys spending time with family and friends, participating in recreational activities such as golf and beach volleyball, and cheering on his beloved Detroit sports teams.