John David Gardiner

Mr. Gardiner has more than a decade of experience practicing business and employment law in West Michigan.

His legal practice is focused on the representation of employers in employment law matters and on general business and civil litigation. He also represents business owners and their families in connection with alleged white collar crime and other criminal investigations.

Mr. Gardiner is the chair of Bodman’s Liquor Law Team. He works with a broad range of clients to help them obtain, maintain and transfer liquor licenses and resolve alleged code violations and regulatory issues.

Mr. Gardiner began his legal career as an assistant district attorney for Bronx County, New York. As a law student he interned with the corporate legal department of Rockefeller & Co., Inc., a registered wealth management and investment advisory firm.

He is active in community and professional activities. Mr. Gardiner serves as a board member of Legal Aid of Western Michigan and on the Human Resources Committee for the Michigan Bankers Association. He is a former member of the board of Ministry with Community, the Kalamazoo County Bar Association’s Pro Bono Committee, and the Kiwanis Club of Kalamazoo. He also formerly served as a member and committee chair with the Kalamazoo Law Post and as a member of the Kiwanis Club Board of Directors. He volunteers with a number of charities related to the Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo.

Mr. Gardiner is a graduate of the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Leadership Grand Rapids program (Class of 2018-2019).

Honors, Awards, and Recognition

• Grand Rapids Magazine Top Lawyers 2022, Labor and Employment
• Grand Rapids Magazine Top Lawyers 2019, White Collar Criminal Defense
• Michigan Rising Stars 2018-2019, Employment & Labor

Professional Affiliations

• Michigan Bankers Association
  • Member, Human Resources Committee

Civic, Cultural, and Community Activities

• Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce – Leadership Grand Rapids (Class of 2018-2019)
• Legal Aid of Western Michigan, Member, Board of Directors
• Active volunteer with charities related to the Catholic Diocese of Kalamazoo

Speaking Engagements

• “Beating Burnout – Continuing the Discussion,” Leadership Live with Steve Lowisz (August 16,2023)

Publications

• “Federal Trade Commission Proposes a Noncompete Ban: Five Things to Know,” CEP Magazine, a publication of the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE) (April 2023)

Related News

• 01/26/2023Michigan Court of Appeals Dismisses February 20, 2023 Expansion of Paid Sick Leave and Increases to Minimum Wage
• 11/30/2022Twelve Bodman Attorneys Included in 2022 Grand Rapids Top Lawyers List
• 10/12/2022Bodman PLC and 25 Firm Attorneys Honored by State Bar of Michigan for Pro Bono Service
• 07/27/2022Is it really over…COVID-19 Employment Rights Act Roll Back
• 03/18/2022U.S. Department of Labor Announces Plans to “Go Back to the Future”