Geoffrey A. Fields focuses his practice on Commercial & Business Litigation and Banking & Financial Services. Mr. Fields has represented corporations, financial institutions and municipalities in cases involving fraud, bankruptcy, reorganization and lost profit claims, among others. He is regarded as a leader in his field and has been consistently recognized as such by Best Lawyers in America, the oldest and most highly respected peer review publication in the legal profession and Super Lawyers, a rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
Education & Credentials
Education
Michigan State University, Honors College
B.A., 1982
with high honors
University of Chicago Law School
J.D., 1988Bar Admission
Acknowledgements
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rating
- Michigan Super Lawyers, Business Litigation (2006-present)
- Benchmark Litigation, "Future Rising Star"
Representative Clients
- Grand Rapids - Kent Convention Arena Authority
- JP Morgan Chase Bank, NA
- NCR Corporation
Prominent Assignments
Served as lead trial counsel for bank in defeating over $10 million in claims in multiple lawsuits against bank and retail staff by investors defrauded in a Ponzi scheme.
Obtained summary judgment on behalf of pipeline company dismissing over $14 million in lost profits claims arising from oil leak near Marshall, Michigan.
Served as 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 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.
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.
Obtained summary judgment on behalf of pipeline company dismissing over $14 million in lost profits claims arising from oil leak near Marshall, Michigan.
Served as 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 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.
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.
Professional Involvement
- Federal Bar Association, W. D. Mich. Chapter (President, 2006-7)
- Hillman Trial Advocacy Program – Steering Committee, Faculty
- Institute for Continuing Legal Education – Faculty
- Michigan Attorney Discipline Board – Hearing Panelist
Community Involvement
- All Souls Community Church - Endowment Committee
- MSU Club of West Michigan - past board member, and chair of Steve Smith Charity Challenge (1999-2000)
Publications/Presentations
- Bench-Bar Conference, Federal Bar Association, W.D. Mich., “Parallel Civil and Criminal Investigations”
- ICLE Probate & Estate Planning annual seminar, “Litigating Testamentary Capacity”
- ICLE Bankruptcy Certificate Series, “Motion Practice and Discovery”
- Author, This Michigan Farm (Schuler Books 2014)