An experienced litigator and legal strategist, Robert Avers advocates for clients in high-stakes political and business matters across the country. From complex legal questions before a trial court to matters of first impression on appeal, Robert devises and executes strategies that help clients solve their most difficult legal problems.
In addition to his business and political litigation practice, Robert also provides strategic legal counsel to political candidates, committees, and parties. Having successfully managed several statewide and legislative campaigns prior to practicing law, Robert draws from those experiences to help clients navigate legal challenges and capitalize on opportunities in politics, government, law, and anywhere they meet.
Before joining Dickinson Wright, Robert clerked for Justice Brian Zahra of the Michigan Supreme Court as well as Judge Lawrence P. Zatkoff of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
In addition to his business and political litigation practice, Robert also provides strategic legal counsel to political candidates, committees, and parties. Having successfully managed several statewide and legislative campaigns prior to practicing law, Robert draws from those experiences to help clients navigate legal challenges and capitalize on opportunities in politics, government, law, and anywhere they meet.
Before joining Dickinson Wright, Robert clerked for Justice Brian Zahra of the Michigan Supreme Court as well as Judge Lawrence P. Zatkoff of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
Education & Credentials
Education
Central Michigan University
B.S., 2006- cum laude
Wayne State University Law School
J.D., 2011- The Wayne Law Review, Managing Editor
- Moot Court
Bar Admission
Acknowledgements
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America®
- Commercial Litigation, 2023- 2024
- Michigan Super Lawyers®
- Legislative and Governmental Affairs, 2023 - 2024
- "Rising Star," Litigation, 2018 - 2021
Prominent Assignments
Litigation Experience
- Obtained dismissal of $12 million breach of contract and defamation lawsuit on behalf of Chinese transmission component manufacturer in federal court.
- Secured preliminary injunction against automotive supplier’s former employees who breached their confidentiality agreements and copied thousands of files containing trade secrets and proprietary information.
- Obtained dismissal of negligence and wrongful death suit on behalf of successor to injection molding machine manufacturer.
- Successfully represented Chinese robotics company by defeating motion for injunction, thereby allowing client to showcase their products at an international trade show.
- Convinced the Michigan Supreme Court on behalf of real estate developer to peremptorily vacate a Court of Appeals decision regarding the interpretation of a personal guarantee.
- On behalf of Fortune 500 company, obtained dismissal of lawsuit filed by township seeking recovery of alleged bond repayment shortfall relating to construction of company’s headquarters.
- Successfully represented national lender in federal suit against automotive manufacturer-debtor, resulting in appointment of receiver and sale of debtor’s business as a going concern, with proceeds allocated to lender.
- Obtained multi-million-dollar settlement against distributor of defective automotive manufacturing equipment.
- Prevailed in arbitration against construction company on behalf of food manufacturer and in connection with failed construction project.
Political Law Experience
- Outside counsel to state political parties.
- Advises parties and candidates regarding independent expenditures and issue advocacy campaigns.
- Counsels candidates and state parties regarding election integrity operations.
- Represents candidates, political parties, Super PACs, and 501(c)(4) organizations in courts and before regulatory agencies regarding campaign finance and election issues.
- Counsel to candidates for judicial office.
Clerkships
- Law Clerk to Judge Lawrence P. Zatkoff, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan (2014-2015)
- Law Clerk to Justice Brian K. Zahra, Michigan Supreme Court (2013-2014)
- Judicial Intern to Justice Robert P. Young, Jr., Michigan Supreme Court (2010)
Community Involvement
- Appointed by the Michigan Supreme Court to the Committee on Model Civil Jury Instructions (2016 – present)
- Republican National Lawyers Association – Michigan Statewide Chair (2024 – present)
- The Federalist Society – Michigan Lawyers Chapter, President (2022 – present)
- Dickinson Wright Liaison to the Eastern District of Michigan Chapter of the Federal Bar Association (2019 – 2024)
- Automation Alley’s Trade Mission to China and Thailand (September, 2019)
- Washtenaw County Bar Association, Co-Chair of the Trial Practice Section (2015 – 2017)
Court Admissions
- Supreme Court of the United States
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
- U.S. District Courts for the Eastern/Western Districts of Michigan
- United States Court of International Trade