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PROMINENT ASSIGNMENTS
Secured for Fortune 50 client an eight-figure recovery against a software supplier of global operational systems, with legal fees only 3% of recovery.
After client had been terminated on a public safety software project, prevailed in arbitration by proving the customer did not properly terminate client for cause and, instead, owed the client damages.
In other software cases, successfully represented corporate customers, implementers, and designers in disputes ranging from retail, material handling, and telecommunications applications.
Obtained summary judgment as lead counsel for JP Morgan Chase (f/k/a NBD) defeating claims approaching a billion dollars for financing allegedly fraudulent management buyout of leading manufacturer of generic OTC healthcare products.
Developed unique technical strategies in successful defense of manufacturer of burn box which was the source of catastrophic silane explosion causing $18 MM in out-of-pocket damages to semiconductor clean room.
Secured full value recovery for minority shareholder family members against management of prominent, privately held consumer products manufacturer.
Engineered dismissal of highly publicized shareholder challenge to private equity client's acquisition of public company.
Successfully represented individuals, professional firms, and manufacturing and technology companies in full range of business tort litigation including non-compete, trade secret, tortious interference, and usurpation of corporate opportunity.
Rescued client from brink of default after substituting for other counsel five days before trial and obtained verdict dismissing all major claims exceeding $13 MM.
Served as trial counsel for several major accounting firms, including complex securities and class action litigation and professional negligence cases (audit, tax, and consulting issues).
Obtained numerous jury verdicts and summary judgments in pharmaceutical, medical device, and automotive product liability cases for clients including Ford Motor, Corning, Inc., Eli Lilly & Co., Schmid Laboratories, and Johnson & Johnson.
Secured rescission of viatical settlement contracts and restored to client full cash value and exclusive Santa Fe, N.M. properties under innovative Michigan securities law theory before defendant was forced into receivership.
Obtained first summary judgment in U.S.A. on federal preemption under FIFRA.
Served as firm's relationship counsel for The Dow Chemical Company's Preferred Counsel Program.
REPRESENTATIVE CLIENTS
BDO Seidman, LLP
Corning, Inc.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
The Dow Chemical Company
Ford Motor Company
Johnson & Johnson
JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A.
LaSalle Bank Midwest, N.A.
Menasha Corporation
Tiburon, Inc.
AREAS OF PRACTICE EMPHASIS
Antitrust
Arbitrators
Automotive
Banking & Financial Services
Business Torts
Mediators & Facilitators
Mediators & Facilitators
Securities
Uniform Commercial Code
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Michigan Super Lawyers
PROFESSIONAL INVOLVEMENT
Grand Rapids Bar Association
Federal Bar Association, Executive Committee
Facilitative Mediator for state and federal court cases
Hillman Advocacy Program, U.S. District Court for Western District of Michigan, Steering Committee, Faculty Leader, and Chairman (2004-2005)
American Inns of Court of West Michigan (Gerald R. Ford Chapter)
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
St. John Hospital, Detroit, Michigan , Past Member Medical Ethics Committee
Ada Congregational Church (UCC), Past Member of Board of Trustees, Chairman of Board of Deacons, and former Chair of the Stewardship Committee
Grand Rapids Art Museum, Executive Committee and Chair of Strategic Planning Committee, Past Member Board of Trustees
United Way of West Michigan, Cabinet, 2001-2004, 2007
PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
Michigan State Bar Journal, "The Statute Of Limitations And Accountant Malpractice -Two Years and Counting," October 1996
72 University of Detroit Mercy Law Review 563; ABA Professional Liability Update, "Redefining the Professional: The Policies and Unregulated Development of Consultant Malpractice Liability," 1995
University of Detroit Law Review and Defense Law Journal , co-author, "Ex-Parte Interviews with Plaintiffs Treating Physicians The offensive use of the Physicians-Patient Privilege," 1991
Michigan Defense Trial Counsel Quarterly Journal , Co-author, "Privilege and Parity in the Discovery Process: The Dierickx case," 1986
EDUCATION
B.A. (cum laude), Denison University, 1974
Phi Beta Kappa
Kenneth I. Brown Scholar
J.D., Northwestern University School of Law, 1977
National Moot Court Team |
