Berton K. May
Partner
Grand Rapids Office
300 Ottawa Ave NW, 5th Floor
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503
E-mail: berton.may@qpwblaw.com
Columbus Office
21 E. State Street, Suite 200
Ohio, Colombus 43215
Berton K. May is a partner in the Grand Rapids Hub and practices out of the Columbus hub of Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. As a seasoned trial attorney with more than 35 years of litigation experience, Mr. May has devoted over two decades to civil defense. As a former plaintiff's attorney, he brings a strategic edge to his defense work, leveraging insight into opposing counsel's tactics to build stronger, more effective arguments on behalf of his clients. Notably, Mr. May is also a certified civil mediator in Michigan, providing him with a unique perspective on alternative dispute resolution and case evaluation.
Mr. May's practice spans a wide range of complex litigation matters, including third-party bodily injury claims, PIP/No-Fault, UM/UIM coverage, premises liability, sexual abuse defense, medical malpractice, environmental claims, and professional liability disputes. He has also handled cases involving insurance coverage, mortgage litigation, foodborne illness defense, and internet privacy matters. Known for his adaptability, he routinely defends businesses, insurers, and professionals in high-exposure cases throughout Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky, as well as in other jurisdictions Pro Hac Vice.
As a respected member of several legal organizations, Mr. May is active with the Jewish Bar Association of Michigan (Board Member, 2024), the Kentucky and Ohio Bar Associations, the Michigan Defense Trial Counsel, and the Muskegon County Bar Association, where he currently serves as Vice President (2023-2025).
Mr. May earned his Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing and a Bachelor of Public Affairs from Wayne State University prior to law school.
Licensed to practice in Michigan, Kentucky and Ohio, Mr. May is admitted before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern & Western Districts of Kentucky, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern & Western Districts of Michigan, and the U.S. District Court for the Northern & Southern Districts of Ohio.
Representative Cases:
- John Doe v John Doe (unpublished Court of Appeals #369604, March 19, 2025) Plaintiff's claim barred by the wrongful-conduct rule
- Sucoe v. Oakwood Hospital, et al, 185 Mich. App. 484 (1990) (argued) Discovery of consulting, non-testifying experts is limited, this decision resulted in Michigan adopting the Federal Rule on this issue now MCR 2.302 (B)(4)(b)
- Inloes v. Larry Alton, DO, et al (unpublished Court of Appeals #253841, May 19, 2005)
- Kurc v. McLaren Regional Medical Center (unpublished Court of Appeals #233936, November 8, 2002)
- Afholter v. Matuk (unpublished Court of Appeals #336059, March 8, 2018, application for Appeal to the MSC denied #157566)
- Townes & Isquierdo v. USAA (unpublished Court of Appeals #342360, MSC #158426)
- Stout v. Chapman (unpublished Court of Appeals #355608, November 5, 2021, application for leave pending MSC #163832)
