Jonathan J. Paasch
Jonathan J. Paasch is a seasoned trial attorney at Kopka Law Group, specializing in insurance defense with a focus on personal injury, PIP, property/casualty, and commercial claims. With extensive experience defending major national insurers, Jonathan brings deep insights into insurance practices, claims evaluation, trial strategy, and strategic settlement negotiations to protect clients from high-stakes liabilities. His proven track record includes managing complex litigation dockets, negotiating favorable resolutions, and implementing risk mitigation strategies across diverse industries.
Prior to joining Kopka Law Group, Jonathan served as Vice President and Associate General Counsel at a leading tier-one automotive supplier, where he provided strategic legal counsel to C-suite executives and the Board on personal injury, worker’s compensation, and safety compliance matters (OSHA, MIOSHA). He directed litigation and dispute resolution efforts, oversaw enterprise-wide compliance, and collaborated with cross-functional teams to negotiate contracts and minimize potential liabilities.
Previously, while serving as an in-house Senior Trial Attorney for a national insurer, Jonathan handled high-volume insurance litigation across Michigan, defending personal injury and commercial claims while achieving over 90% client satisfaction through thorough case analysis and efficient resolutions. His earlier roles in private practice further honed his expertise in insurance defense, regulatory compliance, and risk management for national carriers and corporate clients.
Before entering the legal field, Jonathan spent over a decade in law enforcement at the Walker Police Department, rising to Police Sergeant and earning “Officer of the Year” in 2009. This background strengthened his skills in evidence gathering, witness interviews, and high-pressure decision-making, which are invaluable in investigations and trial advocacy.
Jonathan holds a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where he served as Publicity Editor for the WMU Cooley Law Review. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Cornerstone University and an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Grand Rapids Community College. He is admitted to the State Bar of Michigan and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan.
Recognized as a perennial “Top Lawyer” by Grand Rapids Magazine in Insurance Defense and Personal Injury, Jonathan is actively involved in professional and civic organizations. He serves as an Appointed Member of the City of East Grand Rapids Zoning Board of Appeals, a Representative in the State Bar of Michigan Assembly for the 17th Circuit, and was previously an Adjunct Professor of Criminal Law at Grand Valley State University. He has been honored on the State Bar of Michigan Pro-Bono Honor Roll and holds a Certification of Completion for Leadership from the Grand Rapids Police Leadership Institute.
Jonathan’s key skills include trial advocacy, litigation strategy, settlement negotiation, insurance claims analysis, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional collaboration, all dedicated to delivering efficient and effective defense for his clients.
- Perennial “Top Lawyer” – Grand Rapids Magazine, Insurance Defense, Personal Injury
- City of East Grand Rapids Zoning Board of Appeals, May 2022 – Present
- State Bar of Michigan
- State Bar of Michigan, Pro-Bono Honor Roll, 2022
- State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly, 17th Circuit, September 2019 – Present
