Hal G Ostrow

“Dealmaker.” “Effective.” “Get-It-Done Mindset.” “Reliable.” “Just What We Needed.”

These are just a few of the ways Hal Ostrow’s clients describe him.

In the decade and a half since he graduated from law school, Hal has formed dozens of companies and resolved hundreds of disputes. Hal’s extensive experience in negotiation and dispute resolution is the foundation for much of the advice he offers startups and small businesses. He is a strong proponent of anticipating and avoiding issues before they arise, and of listening to his clients needs and circumstances, and customizing a solution to fit them.  Hal routinely offers counsel to startups, software and design companies, and other business owners on a broad spectrum of matters ranging from formation to angel and venture capital funding to interaction with third parties to mergers and acquisitions. He is often recommended by his clients to others looking for an attorney for his pragmatic approach to both the business of practicing law and the counsel he provides.

A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Hal began practicing law in Michigan after completing a clerkship with Judge Paul L. Maloney in 2002.  Prior to founding The Ostrow Law Firm PLC in early 2011, Hal was an attorney at one of the oldest law firms in Grand Rapids. In 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2014 he was voted by his peers as one of the top “40 and under” Michigan lawyers  in the area of business law. Hal serves as a board member and officer for a number of non-profit organizations, including as a Vice President of the Michigan Israel Business Bridge and as a member of the Michigan and National Councils of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, commonly known as “AIPAC.” Although he has lived in Michigan for over 15 years, Hal remains an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, Pirates, and Panthers (though his Michigan-native wife and their two sons convinced him to cheer for the home teams at Comerica Park and Michigan Stadium).

• State of Michigan
• Supreme Court of the United States
• U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
• U.S. Court of Federal Claims
• U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois

• JD, University of Pittsburgh, 1999
  • CALI Excellence for the Future Award for Legal Negotiation
• BA, Wittenberg University, 1996

• “Rising Star,” one of the top lawyers in Michigan under 40, SuperLawyers Magazine, 2010 & 2012-2014
• Avvo Client’s Choice Award, 2012

• State Bar of Michigan
  • Building a 21st Century Practice Committee, 2015-Present
  • Judicial Qualifications Committee, 2013-2015
  • Law & the Media Committee, 2012-2015
  • Representative Assembly, 2007-2010
• Michigan State Bar Foundation
  • Fellow, 2015-Present
• Grand Rapids Bar Association