Education & Credentials
Education
Michigan State University
B.A., 1979- With High Honor
- Phi Beta Kappa
University of Notre Dame Law School
J.D., 1982- Cum Laude
Bar Admission
Acknowledgements
- The Best Lawyers in America®
- Michigan Super Lawyers®
- American Bar Foundation
- Life Fellow, 2017
- Litigation Counsel of America
- Senior Fellow, 2009-2024
- Thomas M. Cooley Law Review
- Distinguished Brief Award, 2009
Representative Clients
- City of Grand Rapids
- Enbridge Energy, Limited Partnership
- Genesee Intermediate School District
- Insurance Alliance of Michigan
- MGM Grand Detroit, LLC and MGM Resorts International
Prominent Assignments
Appellate counsel on hundreds of matters involving commercial interests and regulated industries in the areas of gaming, insurance, telecommunications, energy, elections, tax, and business
Counsel to insurers pertaining to credit scoring litigation
Counsel to the receiver of three insurance companies
Counsel to MGM Grand Detroit, LLC in obtaining casino licensure in Detroit, Michigan and regarding various regulatory and gaming matters
Counsel to various entities and ballot question committees pertaining to gaming, insurance, and constitutional matters
Counsel to candidates for elective office
Counsel to the Michigan Republican Party with respect to congressional and legislative redistricting
Appellate counsel to health care company and subsidiaries
Professional Involvement
- Board of Law Examiners (July 2015-present)
- Judicial Qualifications Committee, State Bar of Michigan (2013-2019)
- Worker's Compensation Qualifications Advisory Committee (2002-2011)
- Member, State Bar of Michigan
- Member, Federal Bar Association, Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan
- Member, Ingham County Bar Association
- Member, Supreme Court Historical Society
Experience
- Law Clerk to Honorable James L. Ryan, Michigan Supreme Court (1983-1985)
- Research Attorney, Michigan Court of Appeals, Prehearing Division (1982-1983)