Rock A. Wood

Twenty years of litigation experience as lead counsel in a wide range of business related trials, including corporate mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, construction and real estate, including:

As lead counsel, recovered more than $4 million for seller of manufacturing facilities in a three week jury trial involving claims for breach of contract (including representation and warranty provisions).

As co-lead counsel, recovered more than $3 million arising from acquisition of plastic injection molding business after a two week jury trial.

Secured dismissal of a $13 million claim asserted against the seller of large quarry processing system after a four week trial.

Successfully defended the corporate designer and seller of robotic automotive assembly plant against claims of lack of throughput and lost productivity totaling more than $80 million in alleged damages.

Through four week trial and appeal, obtained dismissal of all claims asserted against international financial institution arising from a complex series of financing transactions and resulting contest of priority claims.

As co-lead counsel, secured a complete victory in a federal court jury trial on behalf of corporate seller of safety devices and equipment in claims arising from a corporate merger.

As lead counsel, recovered full purchase price for seller of lighting business after a one week trial.

On behalf of a tool and die manufacturer, compelled IRS to withdraw claims asserted in U.S. Tax Court based upon IRS's unwarranted novel application of Internal Revenue Code provisions concerning progress payments.

Presently defending the University of Michigan against $12 million in contractor claims asserted in complex construction dispute.

As lead counsel, currently prosecuting multi-million dollar construction lien claims asserted by a construction company relating to landfill operations.

Obtained summary dismissal of $100 million claim asserted against manufacturer of a cryogenic freezing and recovery system utilized in the recycling of used tires.

Obtained summary dismissal of claims asserted against tier I automotive supplier in an $8 million tooling dispute covering more than 50 molds and tools.

Successfully handled numerous disputes under non-competition agreements utilized in a wide variety of industries and employment positions.

• United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan,Hillman Trial Advocacy Program, faculty member
• State Bar of Michigan, Attorney Discipline Board, hearing panelist
• American Inns of Court
• Grand Rapids Bar Association, current/prior member of the following committees: Continuing Legal Education; Finance; Library; Programs; Membership; Court Liaison; Social Interaction; and Admissions

• The Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids, Inc., Board of Directors member for 15 years (this non-profit community development corporation has constructed or rehabilitated over 1000 residential units and 15 commercial properties)
• Courtland Township Planning Commission, Vice Chairman
• West Michigan Muscular Dystrophy Association, member, Fundraiser Steering Committee
• Davenport University, instructor (for 7 years), Civil Procedure and Trial Practice
• Rockford Lions Club, member and past president
• Charitable Gaming: prepared State qualification documentation, obtained state licenses, and/or organized over 150 charity based poker tournaments for numerous charities

• Author: "Using Non-Compete and Confidentiality Agreements," Michigan Funeral Directors Association Journal, April, 2007, Volume 67.