Nikole L. Canute
It’s my job to take legal problems off my clients’ plates, so they can focus on their businesses. I find it extremely rewarding when I can interpret the law for my clients in a way that makes sense, and then help them strategize for greater success. I also enjoy learning about my clients’ businesses. Practicing in both the employment and energy areas allows me to learn about industries outside my own, which I find fascinating.
When I’m not working, I enjoy hiking, traveling, and obsessing over Notre Dame football (Go Irish!). I also serve as President of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth, Board of Directors, as well as on committees for Family Promise of West Michigan—both of which give me perspective and inspire me to work hard, so I can give back to others.
- Michigan
- New York
Notre Dame Law School, Notre Dame, Indiana, 2005
J.D.
Honors: Cum Laude
Alma College, Alma, Michigan, 2002
Bachelor of Arts
Honors: Magna Cum Laude
State Bar of Michigan
Member
New York State Bar Association
Member
Grand Rapids Bar Association,
Labor and Employment Law Section Chair (2015)
Secretary of Executive Committee (2011-2013)
Women Lawyers Association of Michigan – Western Region
Member
Women Lawyers v. Judges Charity Softball Game Committee (2006-present)
President (2010-2011)
Board Member (2007-2012)
Society of Human Resources Management
Member
Human Resources Group of West Michigan
Member
Family Promise of West Michigan
Vice President of the Board of Directors (2014-2017)
Board of Directors (2013-2019)
Committee Member (2020-present)
Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth
President of the Board of Directors (2026-present)
Board of Directors (2020-present)
- Selected for inclusion in Crain’s Notable Women in the Law for 2024
- Selected for inclusion in Crain’s Notable West Michigan Lawyers for 2023
- Selected for inclusion in Best Lawyers in America
- Selected for inclusion in Grand Rapids Magazine’s 2019-2025 Top Lawyers
- Selected as a member of Michigan Lawyers Weekly Class of 2018 “Women in the Law”
- Selected as a 2013 “Up & Coming Lawyer” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly
- 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Star
- Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, Western Region, Outstanding Member 2013
