J. Benjamin Dolan

A member based in Dickinson Wright’s Troy office, J. Benjamin Dolan focuses his practice on business litigation. He represents clients in a wide range of industries such as automotive, real estate, health care, and finance. He has been recognized as a top lawyer in real estate litigation as well as recognized by Best Lawyers in America since 2014.

Education & Credentials

Education

Boston College Law School

J.D., 1992

University of Michigan

B.A., 1989
  • With Distinction

Bar Admission

  • Michigan
  • Nevada

Acknowledgements

  • DBusiness Magazine
    • "Top Lawyer," Litigation - Real Estate, 2023, 2025
  • Best Lawyers in America®
    • Litigation - Real Estate, 2014-2025
  • Michigan Super Lawyers®
    • Business Litigation, 2011-2024
  • Crain's Detroit Business
    • Notable Litigators & Trial Attorneys, March 2025

Representative Clients

  • The Cold Heading Company
  • Circa Resort & Casino
  • The D Las Vegas
  • Ajax Metal Processing, Inc.
  • Minett Real Estate
  • Canyon Partners Real Estate
  • The Golden Gate Casino & Hotel
  • Carhartt, Inc.
  • American Public Entity Excess Pooling
  • Downtown Las Vegas Event Center

Prominent Assignments

  • Advises Circa Resort & Casino on development and operations, having led the legal team through the property's high-profile launch and continuing to provide strategic counsel on key matters.
  • Provides ongoing legal support to Golden Gate Casino, handling a range of complex commercial and regulatory disputes to protect business interests and ensure smooth operations.
  • Represents the D Casino in litigation and dispute resolution, delivering practical solutions to high-stakes issues while supporting long-term business objectives.
  • Tried over 40 civil and criminal jury trials.
  • Defended start up supplier of innovative technology in a "bet the company" case, resulting in a no cause of action verdict against its primary competitor in a trade secret action.
  • Represented major financial institution in an action to foreclose and sell marina with 750 boat slips and multiple subtenant businesses.
  • Managed recovery of failed commercial single and multi-family developments for lender through deeds in lieu of foreclosure transaction.
  • Defended Tier 1 automotive supplier along with its former president band obtained dismissal of suit to enforce letter of intent for sale of manufacturing plant.
  • Based on four plus years of experience as an Oakland County Assistant Prosecutor, conducted internal investigations of executives and employees of a major insurance company to uncover violations of company policy or criminal activity.
  • Successfully recovered and sold 42 parcels of agricultural property for major insurance company after debtors filed multiple suits in state and federal court to stop the sale.
  • Represented various Michigan and national lenders in mortgage foreclosure actions and construction lien priority disputes.

Professional Involvement

  • State Bar of Michigan
    • Fellow, Michigan State Bar Foundation
    • Real Estate Section, Member
  • Oakland County Bar Association
    • Sustaining Member
  • Oakland County Inns of Court, past member and Barrister
  • Oakland County Bar Foundation
    • Fellow

Community Involvement

  • Trustee of the Board of Trustees, Birmingham Education Foundation, 2012-present
  • Beachlawn Corporation, Director
  • Karmanos Cancer Institute, Regional Director, 2002 - 2004
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