Erik D. Spykman

Partner, Lafayette

Rick Spykman enjoys solving problems and helping people – two critical skills for an effective attorney. These skills make him a perfect fit for Stuart & Branigin, which he joined in 1980 after graduating from Notre Dame Law School.

Like his colleagues, Mr. Spykman views the practice of law as one in which people are the subject matter, not simply assets, agreements or transactions. As a result, most of his client relationships are ongoing. He counts among his valued clients financial institutions and business entities, professionals, entrepreneurial business owners, and families and individuals who trust him with both business and family legal matters.

Mr. Spykman's clients appreciate the breadth of his practice, as these varied experiences enable him to appreciate the many different concerns that arise for individuals and their businesses. He has represented buyers and sellers in multi-million dollar business sales; led lenders and borrowers through complex commercial and tax-exempt bond financing transactions; planned and administered large estates and trusts; assisted business owners and professionals with charitable gift planning; and prepared simple wills for individuals and families.

Mr. Spykman has served as a director of the Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum and on committees of the Indiana State Bar Association. He has provided leadership and service to civic, charitable, and religious organizations including Lafayette Small Business Development Center; Lafayette Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc.; United Way of Greater Lafayette; Sagamore Council of the Boy Scouts of America; Lafayette Christian School; and Sunrise Christian Reformed Church.

In his leisure time, Rick enjoys outdoor activities, gardening, reading, and traveling with his wife Rhonda and their two children.

Education

  • Calvin College, B.A., 1977; University of Notre Dame, J.D., 1980

Bar Admission

  • Indiana, 1980; Michigan, 1981

Professional Associations

  • Tippecanoe County Bar Association
  • Indiana State Bar Association
  • State Bar of Michigan
  • American Bar Association
  • Indiana Bar Foundation, fellow
  • Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum, director, 1987-1993