Crystal J. Bultje
Crystal Bultje wears her passion on her sleeve. Confident, compassionate, authentic, and tenacious, Crystal has made a career out of holding wrongdoers accountable. After working as a social worker advocating for victims of domestic and sexual violence, she found herself compelled to do more. Her practice in law provides the opportunity to do just that—representing workers and those whose civil rights have been violated, many of whom are experiencing what may be the most difficult time in their lives. Crystal has built her reputation on giving voice to those who feel invisible, powerless, and exploited and, through her advocacy, ensuring they are seen, heard. A practical and critical thinker, Crystal is a formidable adversary, a fierce ally, an empathetic listener, and the mom of two energetic toddlers who hone her negotiation skills daily.
Expertise
- Civil rights
- Workplace discrimination
- Wrongful termination
- Appellate practice
Education
- BA, Hope College: Political Science, Psychology, Women’s Studies
- JD, Michigan State University College of Law, 2015
Memberships
- American Bar Association
- Michigan State Bar Association
- Grand Rapids Bar Association
- Federal Bar Association, Western District of Michigan
- American Civil Liberties Union, member and volunteer
- Federal Bar Association (West Michigan Chapter)
- Progressive Women’s Alliance, board member, 2018-2021
Cases of note
- BOER v. CALVIN UNIVERSITY, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
- FABER v. UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN HEALTH-WEST, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
- VANDERLEE v. DE BOER, BAUMANN & COMPANY, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
- GRIFFEY v IONIA COUNTY COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH, Michigan Court of Appeals
- CHAPIN v. KENT INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
- HOUSER v. BENTZER, INC., et al., U.S. District Court for the Western District of MichiganMCMILLAN v CITY OF MUSKEGON, et al., Muskegon County Circuit Court
- BENSINGER v RAVENNA PUBLIC SCHOOLS, et al., Muskegon County Circuit Court
- EVANAUSKI v AERTS, et al., U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
- MINIX v. FRIZKIN ENTERPRISES, INC., et al., U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
- JOHNS v. A-1 ASPHALT, INC., et al, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
- MONROE et al. v. SILVER STREET, INC., et al., U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
- NEWMAN v. GOURMET INTERNATIONAL, LTD. et al., U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
- GUEST AND FAIR HOUSING CENTER v. LARSEN et al, U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids
- BRADLEY v. S. CONARTY, et. Al., U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
Katherine Smith Kennedy, Partner
Sarah Riley Howard, Partner
Erin Dornbos, Partner
Crystal J. Bultje, Partner
H. Rhett Pinsky, Of Counsel
Michael L. Fayette, Of Counsel
Pamela K. Bratt, of Counsel
Edward M. ("Ned") Smith, in Memoriam
News
WHO’S WHO IN AMERICAN LAW • BEST LAWYERS OF AMERICA • LAWYERS OF THE YEAR
TOP 100 MICHIGAN SUPER LAWYERS • AV PREEMINENT—MARTINDALE HUBBELL’S TOP RATING
Top 50 Women Lawyers in Michigan • Rising Stars
TOP 100 MICHIGAN SUPER LAWYERS • AV PREEMINENT—MARTINDALE HUBBELL’S TOP RATING
Top 50 Women Lawyers in Michigan • Rising Stars