Miller Johnson Enters New Era with Jeffrey Muth at the Helm

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – February 03, 2026 – Miller Johnson has appointed esteemed commercial litigator Jeffrey G. Muth as its new Managing Member, a strategic move that signals a continued commitment to aggressive growth and innovation. Effective January 1, 2026, Muth takes the reins of the full-service Michigan-based law firm following a period of significant expansion, including a major merger and substantial growth in key regional markets.

Muth, who has been with the firm since 2015, steps into the leadership role for a three-year term, succeeding David M. Buday. He will chair the firm's five-person Management Committee, tasked with steering strategic planning, driving growth in vital markets and practice areas, and reinforcing the firm’s deep-rooted culture of client and community investment.

“I’m deeply honored to be the Managing Member of Miller Johnson, the firm I grew up around and have been proud to practice at for the last decade,” said Muth. “Over the past several years, our firm has strategically, and intentionally, grown in Detroit, Chicago, and across the Midwest. Under the leadership of David Buday, we have expanded not only our geographic footprint but our depth of service, while maintaining the firm’s collegial and collaborative approach.”

A Legacy of Leadership and Community Service

Muth’s connection to Miller Johnson extends beyond his decade of practice. His leadership is steeped in a family legacy of legal excellence and community stewardship. His late father, Jon R. Muth, was a long-time member and General Counsel at the firm, a distinguished 60th President of the State Bar of Michigan, and a founder of the Kent County Legal Assistance Center (KCLAC). This foundation of service has profoundly influenced both the firm’s ethos and Jeff Muth’s own career path.

Following in his father's footsteps, the younger Muth has built a formidable record of pro bono and community leadership. He currently serves as President of the Board of Trustees for the KCLAC, the very organization his father helped establish. His community involvement also includes serving as Past President of the Board of Directors for the Grand Rapids Ballet. Professionally, he has contributed to the broader legal community through roles on the State Bar of Michigan Character and Fitness Committee and as Vice President of the West Michigan Chapter of the Federal Bar Association Hillman Advocacy Program’s Steering Committee.

This commitment to service is a cornerstone of Miller Johnson’s identity. The firm’s MJ Action initiative, launched in 2021, formalizes its dedication to providing at least $1 million in pro bono legal services annually to underserved communities. In 2023, the State Bar of Michigan recognized the firm and 19 of its attorneys on its “A Lawyer Helps Pro Bono Honor Roll,” a testament to their widespread impact.

Fueling an Aggressive Midwest Expansion

Muth’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment. The firm is capitalizing on a series of bold strategic moves that have reshaped its presence in the Midwest. A key milestone was the June 2025 merger with Irwin IP LLP, a Chicago-based intellectual property litigation powerhouse. The combination added 25 highly specialized team members and established a significant Chicago office, creating one of the largest and most formidable IP litigation practices among Michigan-based firms. The merger elevated Miller Johnson's national IP platform, bringing on a team known for handling high-stakes cases for Fortune 500 companies.

This move was complemented by the firm’s rapid expansion in Detroit. After opening its Detroit office in 2020 with just six attorneys, the practice swelled to 35 attorneys within five years. This explosive growth necessitated a move in May 2025 to a new 24,180-square-foot, state-of-the-art office on the 36th floor of the Ally Building at 500 Woodward Avenue. The expansion reflects an aggressive talent acquisition strategy and a successful push to serve a growing client base in southeast Michigan across M&A, real estate, litigation, and other key practices.

As the new Managing Member, Muth is tasked with building on this momentum. “I look forward to continuing to build on our strong foundation—delivering innovative solutions, exceptional client service, and fostering a values-driven culture,” he stated.

The Modern Leader for Complex Challenges

Beyond his legacy and strategic acumen, Muth brings a diverse skill set uniquely suited for the modern legal landscape. With over 25 years of experience as a commercial litigator, he has a proven track record in high-stakes shareholder disputes, corporate governance challenges, and complex contract controversies. For the last five years, he has successfully led Miller Johnson’s Litigation practice.

Crucially, Muth also serves as the chair of the firm’s Privacy & Cybersecurity practice. This dual expertise in traditional litigation and emerging technology law positions him—and the firm—at the forefront of addressing clients' most pressing contemporary challenges. His work advising domestic and international organizations on information governance, breach response, and regulatory compliance is increasingly vital in a data-driven world. His leadership in this area underscores the firm's forward-thinking approach to evolving legal needs.

His professional excellence is widely recognized. He holds a prestigious Band 1 ranking from Chambers USA for Insurance in Michigan and an AV® rating from Martindale-Hubbell. He has been repeatedly honored by Best Lawyers in America across multiple litigation and data security categories, including being named “Lawyer of the Year” in Grand Rapids for Litigation - Insurance in both 2023 and 2025.

A Strategic Handover for Continued Momentum

The leadership transition has been positioned as a seamless continuation of the firm’s successful strategy. David M. Buday, the former Managing Member, expressed strong confidence in his successor’s ability to guide the firm forward.

“Jeff brings a dynamic combination of technical skill, strategic insight, and leadership that aligns perfectly with our vision,” said Buday. “Under Jeff’s stewardship, I am confident Miller Johnson will continue to strengthen its market position while deepening client trust and innovation.”

This endorsement highlights a deliberate and stable succession plan designed to maintain the firm’s trajectory. As Managing Member, Muth will not only oversee day-to-day governance but will be the chief architect of the firm's next chapter, focusing on deepening its talent pool, broadening service offerings, and enhancing the value delivered to a national client base. His appointment is a clear indicator that Miller Johnson intends to not only compete but lead in the dynamic and competitive Midwest legal market, leveraging its rich history and modern expertise to navigate future complexities with confidence.