Matthew D. "Matt" Zimmerman, Energy Attorney in Grand Rapids, Michigan
focused on Energy, Environmental, and General
Grand Rapids, MI
Trusted energy attorney serving Grand Rapids.
- 1
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Practices in
Are you Matthew D. "Matt" Zimmerman?
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Quick answer
Matthew D. "Matt" Zimmerman is an attorney based in Grand Rapids, MICHIGAN. The practice focuses on Energy, Environmental, and General.
- Based in
- Grand Rapids, MICHIGAN
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Energy · Environmental · General
- Handles Energy, Environmental, and General matters from Grand Rapids, MICHIGAN.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Water Law (Grand Rapids) (2025).
About Matthew D. "Matt" Zimmerman: Matthew D. "Matt" Zimmerman is an attorney based in Grand Rapids, MICHIGAN. The practice focuses on Energy, Environmental, and General.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Matthew D. "Matt" Zimmerman
Matthew concentrates on energy, environmental, general, government, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Matthew handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Energy
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Environmental
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General
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Government
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Zoning
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Energy cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Matthew takes energy matters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Environmental cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Matthew takes environmental matters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
General cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Matthew takes general matters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Matthew takes government matters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Zoning cases in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Matthew takes zoning matters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Matthew agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Matthew D. "Matt" Zimmerman — Attorney of Michigan energy experience
Matthew D. "Matt" Zimmerman is an attorney based in Grand Rapids, MICHIGAN. The practice focuses on Energy, Environmental, and General.
Matt is a member of the Environmental and Energy Practice Groups. A significant portion of Matt’s practice involves representation of municipalities and private developers in regard to water law matters, including: the permitting, operation and expansion of water supply/treatment/distribution systems and wastewater collection and treatment systems; sewer use ordinance drafting and enforcement including industrial pretreatment programs; stormwater management including ordinance drafting, permitting and enforcement and property owner representation in Drain Code projects; riparian rights issues; and submerged lands transactions. He represents both municipal and private clients in a wide variety of projects involving land use, including condemnation, permitting of development in protected natural resource areas (regulated wetlands, critical sand dunes, flood plains, etc.), solid waste management, zoning, brownfield redevelopment, and remediation of contaminated real estate. Matt also represents developers of energy products including both traditional and renewable energy projects, primarily regarding permitting and contracting.
Working with Matthew on a energy matter
Matt is a member of the Environmental and Energy Practice Groups. A significant portion of Matt’s practice involves representation of municipalities and private developers in regard to water law matters, including: the permitting, operation and expansion of water supply/treatment/distribution systems and wastewater collection and treatment systems; sewer use ordinance drafting and enforcement…
Clients Matthew works with
Matthew reviews new inquiries case-by-case for energy, environmental, and general matters in Grand Rapids and the surrounding Michigan area.
Credentials
Matthew D. "Matt" Zimmerman's legal education and bar admissions
The University of Michigan Law School
J.D. · 1981
Michigan State University
BA · 1978
Jurisdictions
Matthew's state bar admissions
Michigan, State Bar
ACTIVE
Matthew studied at J.D. in The University of Michigan Law School and BA in Michigan State University.
Law school and academic background
Matthew completed J.D. in The University of Michigan Law School and BA in Michigan State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Matthew runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Matthew D. "Matt" Zimmerman
Matthew has received 15 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Water Law (Grand Rapids)
2025
Lawyer of the Year — Land Use and Zoning Law (Grand Rapids)
2022
Lawyer of the Year — Land Use and Zoning Law (Grand Rapids)
2017
Lawyer of the Year — Municipal Law (Grand Rapids)
2015
Best Lawyers in America — Administrative / Regulatory Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Municipal Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Water Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Eminent Domain and Condemnation Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Wetlands
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Water Law (Grand Rapids) (2025). Lawyer of the Year — Land Use and Zoning Law (Grand Rapids) (2022). Lawyer of the Year — Land Use and Zoning Law (Grand Rapids) (2017). Lawyer of the Year — Municipal Law (Grand Rapids) (2015). Best Lawyers in America — Administrative / Regulatory Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Energy Law (2026).
Locations
Matthew D. "Matt" Zimmerman's office in Grand Rapids
Matthew's primary office is at 333 Bridge Street, NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49504. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Matthew D. "Matt" Zimmerman
Matthew has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Matthew D. "Matt" Zimmerman — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new energy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Matthew usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Matthew charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Matthew will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a energy attorney in Grand Rapids, Michigan
A short list to run through before you commit: How many energy matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Matthew
Matthew discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in energy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every energy matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Matthew confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Matthew's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many energy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Matthew D. "Matt" Zimmerman
How much does it cost to hire Matthew for a energy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Matthew walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Matthew offer a free consultation?
Matthew charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Matthew's office. Some energy attorneys offer free consults — check Matthew's current terms during booking.
How long do energy cases in Michigan typically take?
Simple energy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Matthew gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Matthew take my case if I'm outside Grand Rapids?
Matthew is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Matthew will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Matthew?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Matthew will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Matthew accepting new energy clients right now?
Matthew's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Energy attorneys serving Grand Rapids, Detroit and Southfield in Michigan
Matthew handles energy matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified energy attorneys in that community.
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