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    Ann Arbor, MI 48104
    T 734-761-3780
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    6th Floor at Ford Field
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    99 Monroe Avenue NW
    Suite 300
    Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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Wayne D. Roberts

Member,Grand Rapids

T 616-205-1872F 616-205-4399616-205-1872

Education
  • The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, J.D., Honors in Law, Order of the Coif
  • Grand Valley State University, M.S. (Taxation), with distinction
  • Western Michigan University, B.B.A. (Accountancy), summa cum laude
Admissions
  • Michigan
  • Ohio
Court Admissions
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 3rd Cir.
  • U.S. District Ct., E.D. Mich.
  • U.S. District Ct., W.D. Mich.
  • United States Tax Court
Overview

Wayne Roberts is the co-chair of Bodman’s Business Tax Group. His practice is focused on corporate, business and individual tax planning and federal, state and local tax controversies.

He has been a recognized state and local tax (SALT) lawyer for more than 20 years. During that time, he has been involved in a majority of the significant legislative, administrative and case law developments that have taken place in Michigan taxation.

His broad tax practice includes all aspects of federal and state tax planning, structuring, and tax litigation. He has represented both closely-held and publicly traded companies in transactional tax matters, including mergers, acquisitions, reorganizations and dispositions. He has also represented numerous businesses and individuals in tax disputes with the IRS, the Michigan Department of Treasury and revenue departments in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Tennessee, New York, California and several other state and local taxing jurisdictions.

Wayne was a founding member of the task force that created the Michigan Tax Conference, an annual event that is the largest tax conference in the state of Michigan for local state and national tax professionals. Before becoming an attorney, He worked as a CPA with international public accounting firms, focusing on federal, state, local, and international tax.

Honors, Awards, and Recognition
  • Grand Rapids Business Journal Notable West Michigan Lawyers, 2023
  • Fellow, American College of Tax Counsel
  • The Best Lawyers in America 2013-2024, Litigation and Controversy—Tax,  Tax Law
  • The Best Lawyers in America 2023 Grand Rapids “Lawyer of the Year,” Tax Law
  • The Best Lawyers in America 2023 Grand Rapids “Lawyer of the Year,” Litigation and Controversy—Tax
  • The Best Lawyers in America 2021 Grand Rapids “Lawyer of the Year,” Tax Law
  • The Best Lawyers in America 2017 Grand Rapids “Lawyer of the Year,” Litigation and Controversy—Tax
  • The Best Lawyers in America 2017 Grand Rapids “Lawyer of the Year,” Tax Law
  • The Best Lawyers in America 2014 Grand Rapids “Lawyer of the Year,” Tax Law
  • Michigan Super Lawyers 2013-2014, 2017-2023, Tax: Business
  • Grand Rapids Magazine Top Lawyers 2019, 2021-2023, Tax Law
  • State Bar of Michigan—Taxation Section, L. Hart Wright Service Award, 2015
Civic, Cultural, and Community Activities
  • Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, Tax Committee
  • Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Tax Committee (Chair, January 2021-present)
Professional Affiliations
  • American Bar Association
    • Taxation Section (1999-present; Administrative Procedure Committee, Vice Chair and past Secretary, 2003-2005; Current Developments Subcommittee, 2005; State and Local Tax Committee)
  • State Bar of Michigan
    • Taxation Section (2002-present; Chair, 2012-2013; Council member and officer, 2006-2015)
  • Grand Rapids Bar Association
    • Business and Taxation Section
  • Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (1992-present)
  • National Association of State Bar Tax Sections
    • Executive Committee (2013-present; Vice Chair, 2014-2015; Chair, 2016-2018)
  • State Bar of Michigan Foundation, Fellow (2012-present)
Publications (Representative)
Academic Appointments
  • Walsh College, adjunct professor
  • Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, adjunct professor
Pro Bono
  • State Bar of Michigan 2023 A Lawyer Helps Pro Bono Honor Roll

 

Practices & Industries Education
  • The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, J.D., Honors in Law, Order of the Coif
  • Grand Valley State University, M.S. (Taxation), with distinction
  • Western Michigan University, B.B.A. (Accountancy), summa cum laude
Admissions
  • Michigan
  • Ohio