LITIGATION PRACTICE GROUP
LITIGATION LEGAL ASSISTANTS:
By working with all of the practice groups in the firm, the Litigation Practice Group is responsible for all client matters handled prior to and at trial and appellate court levels and before administrative agencies.
 With the resources to staff any complex litigation matter, the department provides efficient and effective legal services.
Our litigating attorneys have vast experience in cases involving sophisticated document management and discovery techniques, representation in a variety of ADR forums and significant trial practice. The firm has been involved in a very substantial number of appellate decisions, which have helped shape the course of the law at the local, state, and national levels.
In addition to general business litigation, the department's attorneys specialize in the areas described below.
ADMINISTRATIVE LAW
Litigation attorneys practice before various administrative tribunals in the labor, tax, real estate, and environmental law areas. The practice group also works in immigration, naturalization, and liquor licensing and regulation.
WORKERS' COMPENSATION
The department regularly represents major self-insured and insured employers in the defense of workers' compensation matters. The firm has one of the largest workers' compensation defense practices in Michigan and regularly represents the automobile, chemical, and health care industries, as well as schools, many municipalities, and smaller insured employers. Additionally, the firm's appellate specialists handle all types of appeals to the Appellate Commission, Appeal Board, Court of Appeals, and Michigan Supreme Court.
Administrative Law/Workers' Compensation Defense Attorneys
APPELLATE LAW
The appellate attorneys enjoy a statewide reputation for the successful handling of matters in the court of appeals, supreme court, and federal appellate courts.
These attorneys have been involved in numerous significant appellate decisions that have affected Michigan's law in virtually every substantive area of the firm's broad civil practice.
We are respected throughout the state - so much so that we are retained by other law firms and attorneys to assist in their appellate practice on a regular basis.
Appellate Practice Attorneys
BANKRUPTCY, CREDITORS' RIGHTS, AND LOAN WORKOUTS
We represent both corporate and individual clients - including financially troubled companies in bankruptcy and corporate reorganization matters. Secured creditors, unsecured creditors, and creditors committees are also counseled in bankruptcy proceedings, including pre-bankruptcy planning, claims negotiations, and bankruptcy litigation.
Our close proximity to the Federal Court in Bay City gives us an edge -making it easy for us to act immediately on your court needs and document filing. With our extensive commercial litigation, bankruptcy, and real estate expertise, the firm confidently represents its clients in negotiating workouts and debt .
Bankruptcy/Creditors' Rights Attorneys
COMMERCIAL LITIGATION
The commercial litigation attorneys work with other departments to provide effective representation in business-related disputes that have progressed to litigation, such as shareholders' rights, buy/sell agreement disputes, liquidation/dissolution, or will contests.
The firm's commercial litigation practice has grown rapidly in recent years. We regularly represent clients in specialized areas such as ERISA litigation, environmental litigation, construction arbitration and litigation, and trade-secret and unfair competition litigation.
A portion of the work performed by these attorneys involves the defense of product liability and toxic tort claims on behalf of clients involved in manufacturing. The firm regularly defends such clients in state and federal courts throughout Michigan.
Commercial Litigation Attorneys
Products Liability Attorneys
Medical Malpractice Defense Attorneys
EMPLOYMENT LAW
The firm represents employers in all types of employment disputes before federal and state courts and administrative agencies. These activities include all phases of civil rights and employment contract litigation, unemployment and wage-and-hour claims, and ERISA issues. We also assist employers with hiring, discipline, and termination procedures.
Employment Litigation Attorneys
INSURANCE DEFENSE
The firm has an extensive personal-injury/wrongful-death defense practice at trial and appellate levels in all Michigan and federal courts. Among the cases typically handled are product liability, auto negligence, premises liability, arson, liquor liability, and malpractice (medical, legal, and other professionals).
In addition to defending insured or self insured businesses and individuals, the firm often represents insurers directly in coverage disputes and first party actions. The firm's experience in handling such cases enables us to quickly evaluate and aggressively defend - using varied resources to achieve a successful resolution without unnecessary expense. Firm members speak on a variety of issues at the local, state and national levels.
Insurance Defense Attorneys
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND COMPUTER LAW
The department represents clients involved with trademark, copyright, and trade-secret litigation and other intellectual property matters. The firm has represented numerous authors of computer hardware and software - as well as manufacturers, sellers, and buyers regarding the preparation and negotiation of licensing and purchase agreements and the litigation involving these intellectual property law issues.
Intellectual Property/Computer Attorney
MEDIA LAW
The firm's media law attorneys represent various newspapers and television stations and have an extensive practice in matters involving the First Amendment, state and federal Freedom of Information Acts, Open Meetings Act, libel, and commercial advertising law.
Media Law Attorney
SECURITIES LITIGATION
The department actively engages in litigation in numerous securities cases, which generally involve the defense of broker-dealers, accountants, or lawyers.
Securities Attorneys
|