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PROMINENT ASSIGNMENTS
Successfully represented clients in dozens of state and federal court trials and American Arbitration Association or securities industry arbitration hearings, and argued in federal and state appeals courts for over 25 years.
Lead counsel for commercial bank in Indiana federal court multi-million dollar class action alleging reverse discrimination in mortgage lending.
Lead counsel for multi-million dollar ERISA class action against Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan alleging breach of fiduciary duty by the collection of subsidy designed to benefit senior citizens.
Lead counsel for auto manufacturer in two ERISA Section � 510 discrimination class actions brought by employees alleging international misclassification of their employment status to avoid accrual of pension benefits.
Counsel for former officers and directors in $50 million fraud suit brought by creditor committee of failed Health Maintenance Organization.
Successfully defended South African alloy wheel manufacturer in a two phase AAA arbitration for allegedly causing the loss of over $30 million in sales commissions.
Successfully defended a jewelry manufacturer against allegations of bank fraud involving damage claims of $30 million in New Jersey federal court.
Successfully represented auto manufacturer in an appellate court in dismissal of multi-million dollar false claims act lawsuit.
Successfully defended bank trustees in various cases involving claims of breach of fiduciary duties.
Obtained appellate reversal of substantial damages housing discrimination jury verdict against mortgage bank.
Obtained summary judgment for auto industry manufacturer in ERISA class action alleging breach of promise to provide lifetime health care benefits to retirees.
Longstanding trial and appellate counsel for national financial services companies.
Longstanding trial and appellate counsel for several major life, health and disability insurance companies.
REPRESENTATIVE CLIENTS
Aetna Life Insurance Company
Combine International, Inc.
Ford Motor Company
HSBC Financial Services, Inc.
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
John Hancock Financial Services, Inc.
Sun Life of Canada
AREAS OF PRACTICE EMPHASIS
Appellate
Banking & Financial Services
Business Torts
ERISA
Estate and Trust
Insurance and Health Care
Securities
PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT
Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association, Director
Federal Bar Association
University of Detroit Mercy Law School, Former Adjunct Professor
Hispanic Bar Association, Officer and Director
State Bar of Michigan, United States Courts Committee
PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
"Arbitration and ERISA Claims," Michigan Defense Quarterly, April 2007
"Trial Tactics-Fair or Fowl" presentation, Michigan Defense Trial, Counsel, November 2007
EDUCATION
University of Michigan, A.B. 1977
Harvard Law School, J.D. 1980 (cum laude)
President, Harvard Defenders | 