Geoffrey A. Fields

Represented City of Benton Harbor in negotiating Act 425, lease, and rezoning agreements, and obtaining government approvals for use of Lake Michigan park as part of Harbor Shores community redevelopment project.

Lead trial counsel for major trucking company in defeating state court action to appoint liquidating receiver, and in bankruptcy proceedings – including contested cash collateral hearings – leading to successful reorganization.

Represented corporation in independent person examination of shareholder derivative action resulting in dismissal of director and officer claims, and multi-million dollar recovery from former corporate president.

Represented concert promoter in negotiating lease, obtaining bankruptcy court approval, and gaining zoning permission for second Rothbury Music Festival.

Lead trial counsel for bank in defeating over $10 million in claims against bank and retail staff by investors defrauded in a Ponzi scheme.

• Federal Bar Association, Western District of Michigan Chapter (President, 2006-7) 
• Hillman Trial Advocacy Program – Steering Committee, Faculty 
• Institute for Continuing Legal Education – Faculty 
• Michigan Attorney Discipline Board – Hearing Panelist

• Ada Township Zoning Board of Appeals – Vice-Chair 
• All Souls Community Church - Board of Trustees; VP Finance
• MSU Club of West Michigan - past board member, and chair of Steve Smith Charity Challenge (1999-2000)

• Bench-Bar Conference, Federal Bar Association, W.D. Mich., “Parallel Civil and Criminal Investigations” (2008)
• ICLE’s Probate & Estate Planning annual seminar, “Litigating Testamentary Capacity” (2008)
• ICLE’s Bankruptcy Certificate Series, “Motion Practice and Discovery” (2010)
• Michigan Lawyers Weekly, “The Wrongful Conduct Rule in Business Cases,” November 2003
• National Business Institute seminar, “Major Land Use Laws In Michigan” (1997)