Ben was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1978. He is married and has two children.

Ben has spent most of his adult life in public service. Before joining Jensen & DeHaan, PC, Ben practiced law at the Kent County Office of the Defender where he handled hundreds of criminal, felony matters. However, long before he was a public defender, Ben served as a Catholic missionary in Italy for one year and then four years in the Dominican Republic, where he worked with wayward youth and their impoverished families. In 2000, Ben became a Certified Parent Teacher through BoysTown. Ben speaks both Italian and Spanish.

In addition to his legal practice, Ben is an adjunct professor at his alma mater - Grand Valley State University, where he teaches liberal studies. Ben has also been invited to present various topics to several organizations as a guest speaker. The topics include professionalism, ethics, reputation, and self-improvement.

At Grand Valley State University, Ben graduated with high honors, obtaining a B.A. in Spanish and a minor in philosophy. His deep commitment to the greater GVSU community was demonstrated through his achievements both in the classroom and extracurricular activities.

Ben attended the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, where he also graduated with high honors. He was noted for his scholarship by receiving certificates of merit in several courses: Trial Skills, Evidence, Criminal Practice in Michigan, and Civil Procedure. In addition, Ben participated in moot court and the mock trial board and was recognized as the "Student Trial Lawyer of the Month." During law school Ben clerked at the Michigan Migrant Legal Assistance Project, the Kent County Office of the Defender (where he later practiced law as a public defender), and Epstein, Becker & Green, PC (Miami, FL). Since he began practicing law, Ben has continued to be involved with Cooley Law School. He has been a guest speaker for topics about professionalism, ethics, candor, and reputation.

Ben is deeply committed to the community and was recently recognized for his devotion and dedication to helping others. Ben was given the Outstanding Young Michigander of 2009 award. Ben was also recently given the Ten Outstanding Young Americans Award of 2010 (an award won by individuals such as Presidents Kennedy, Ford, and Clinton). Ben is also a Standing Committee Member of the State Bar of Michigan for the Lawyers and Judges Assistance Committee.

Ben specializes in three areas of law: (1) criminal defense, (2) social security disability, and (3) civil litigation, including personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, and workers compensation cases. Ben handles all of his cases with expertise, understanding, and passion.

Ben has represented clients in over 200 felony matters as a public defender and in private practice - including homicide, armed robbery, delivery and possession of narcotics, weapons offenses, white-collar offenses, criminal sexual conduct, domestic violence, drunk driving, and more. He has successfully represented clients in personal injury cases and in social security disability appeals.

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