Edward Hood is a trial and arbitration attorney with decades of experience guiding clients through complex business disputes nationwide. Ed’s practice focuses on construction disputes, commercial litigation, and corporate governance matters.
In addition to his litigation practice, Ed serves as an advisor on legal ethics and risk management issues. He counsels lawyers and law firms on professional liability matters and internal governance issues, drawing on his 20 years of experience as General Counsel at an AmLaw 200 firm, as the Chairperson of the Michigan State Bar Professional Ethics Committee, and as a member of the State Bar of Arizona Ethics Advisory Group.
Ed’s practice includes service as an Alternative Dispute Resolution neutral. He is a member of the National Construction Panel for the American Arbitration Association, and regularly mediates construction and business disputes.
Ed is a loyal Michigan Wolverine, having earned two degrees and a varsity letter as a member of Football Teams 103-106. He remains involved with the University of Michigan athletics community, having served as President of the Letterwinners M Club, and as General Counsel and a former board member of the Football Alumni of Michigan. Ed is also a proud graduate of the Wayne State University School of Law which, in his opinion, offers preeminent educational value.
Education & Credentials
Education
Wayne State University Law School
J.D., 1989- cum laude
University of Michigan
M.B.A., 2005- with high distinction
University of Michigan
B.A., 1986Bar Admission
Acknowledgements
- Best Lawyers, Detroit, Michigan Arbitration “Lawyer of the Year” (2026)
- DBusiness, Top Lawyer (2024)
- Leading Lawyers℠,Leading Lawyer in Detroit (2014–2025)
- The Best Lawyers in America®, Arbitration (2025–2026); Construction Law (2020–2026); Litigation, Construction (2019–2026)
- Martindale-Hubbell, AV Preeminent® Rating
- Construction Lawyers Society of America, Fellow
Prominent Assignments
Construction Litigation
- Lead counsel for owner in connection with various claims involving construction of circa $600 million steel recycling and production facility.
- Lead counsel for national commercial contractor in various matters involving contract and tort claims arising from projects in several states.
- Lead counsel for design professional in defense of claims for alleged delay and design errors arising from design and construction of mixed-use luxury resort.
- Lead counsel for mechanical contractor in defense of delay and cost overrun claim by general contractor in connection with construction of industrial gas separation and processing facility.
- Lead counsel for general contractor in defense of claims involving sludge handling system at municipal wastewater treatment plant.
- Lead counsel for design professional in defense of various delay and cost overrun claims brought by owner on $48 million mixed use project.
- Lead counsel for mechanical/general contractor against owner in prosecution of delay claim arising from natural gas distribution facility.
- Lead counsel for public school district in defense of delay and other cost-overrun claims by general contractor.
- Lead counsel for general contractor in defense of delay and disruption claim by site work subcontractor on urban renewal project.
- Lead counsel for public school district in several matters involving construction of football, baseball, and softball fields at various high schools.
- Lead counsel for subcontractor in asserting change and cost overrun claim on oil refinery project.
- Co-counsel for project engineer in defense of delay and cost overrun claim by general contractor arising from construction of on-campus power plant for major university.
Commercial & Business Litigation
- Lead and local counsel in various civil litigation for international food franchisor.
- Lead counsel for receiver in several litigated matters arising from SEC civil enforcement action against a Ponzi-scheme operator, including claims for fraudulent transfer and breach of fiduciary duty.
- Lead counsel for global integrated steel producer in arbitration against supplier of iron ore regarding pricing and environmental issues.
- Lead counsel for automotive OEM in defense of claim by supplier for cost overruns.
- Lead counsel for global integrated steel producer in arbitration against supplier of pulverized coal regarding supply reliability and pricing issues.
- Lead counsel for bankruptcy trustee in adversary proceedings against principal of Tier-1 automotive supplier for various fraudulent transfer and breach of fiduciary duty claims.
- Lead counsel in several corporate governance, fiduciary duty and shareholder rights actions.
- Lead counsel for global integrated steel producer in arbitration against coke supplier regarding product quality issues.
- Lead counsel for manufactured home producer in declaratory judgment action against insurer for environmental liability coverage.
- Lead counsel for global integrated steel producer in class action lawsuits claiming environmental nuisance and related air quality claims.
Professional Liability & Risk Management
- Advised law firm leadership and attorneys on professional responsibility, ethics, and risk management matters.
- Managed defense of civil and administrative claims involving professional liability issues.
- Served as outside counsel to law firms and other professionals in connection with malpractice claims and ethics matters.
Professional Involvement
- Michigan State Bar Professional Ethics Committee, Chairperson (2020-present)
- State Bar of Arizona Ethics Advisory Group (2025-present)
- American Inns of Court (Past Member): University of Detroit Chapter; Washtenaw County Chapter; Oakland County Chapter; Horace Rumpole Chapter (Phoenix)
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Ct., E.D. of Michigan
- U.S. District Ct., W.D. of Michigan
- U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit
- U.S. District Ct., District of Arizona
Publications/Presentations
- "Michigan Construction Laws and Customs," with Kevin Hendrick, Practical Law (Westlaw; updated annually, most recently April 2025)
- "Welcome Guidance on a Lawyer’s Duties to Prospective Clients," Michigan Bar Journal, October 2021, available here.