As an associate in Dickinson Wright’s litigation practice group, Kory Steen effectively resolves business disputes for his clients. Prior to joining Dickinson Wright, Kory was an associate at another large national law firm where he focused his practice on business litigation, particularly in the areas of labor and employment, contracts, IP litigation, and alternative dispute resolution. Prior to private practice, Kory worked as a judicial clerk to the Honorable Avern Cohn (2018-2019). While working for Judge Cohn, Kory also worked part-time as an adjunct professor for the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law's Moot Court program. Prior to serving as a judicial clerk, Kory worked as a judicial intern to the Honorable Marianne O. Battani (2016) and as an intern for Michigan's Attorney Grievance Commission (2017).
Before beginning his legal career, Kory worked in the hospitality industry where he managed staff on a cruise line and opened a restaurant in a Windsor casino. Through these experiences, he developed a keen understanding of effective business practices.
Education & Credentials
Education
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
J.D., 2018- UDM Law Review, Inside Articles Editor, 2017-2018
- UDM Moot Court, Senior Member, 2017-2018
- ABA National Appellate Advocacy Moot Court Tournament
- Keenan Appellate Advocacy Tournament
- Finalist and Best Brief Award, 2017
- magna cum laude
- Dean's Honor Society and Scholarship Award, 2015-2017
- Frank Murphy Honor Society Inductee
- Book Awards (for highest grade in course):
- Civil Procedure; Applied Legal Theory & Analysis; Contracts; Professional Responsibility; Evidence; Federal Jurisdiction; Health Law
Griffith University
BBus, 2013Bar Admission
Acknowledgements
- Michigan Super Lawyers®
- “Rising Star,” Business Litigation, 2023
- Best Lawyers in America®
- "Ones to Watch," Commercial Litigation, 2024
- Ralph M. Freeman Law School Award, 2018
Prominent Assignments
- Successfully defended foreign workers from U.S. lawsuit by challenging jurisdiction on grounds of contract unenforceability and forum non conveniens.
- Successfully defended municipality from suit based on jurisdictional challenges and exhaustion requirements.
- Defended automotive manufacturer from various employee discrimination and wrongful termination lawsuits.
- Initiated largest class action business interruption lawsuit in U.S., comprising over 1000 franchisee class members.
- Defeated Motion for Summary Judgment in multimillion dollar trademark and copyright case.
Professional Involvement
- Federal Bar Association
- Eastern District of Michigan
Court Admissions
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan
Publications/Presentations
- Co-Author, "Doobie-ous Competition: How a Cannabis Company Can Use Employment Agreements to Protect Intellectual Property," Dickinson Wright IP Brief blog, September 2023
- Co-Author, "How To Protect Your Cannabis Trademarks in a Legal Landscape That Is Half-Baked," Dickinson Wright IP Brief blog, September 2023
- Co-Author, "Avoiding a Bad Trip: How Cannabis Companies Can Mitigate the Risk of an Infringement Lawsuit," Dickinson Wright IP Brief blog, August 2023
- Author, Vacating an Arbitration Award in Federal Court: The Jurisdictional Issues of the “Look Through” Approach and Arbitrators Violating Securities SRO Regulations, 95 U. DET. MERCY L. REV. 457 (2017).
- Author, AGC Practice Pointers: Charging Interest on Outstanding Attorney’s Fees, 96 MICH. B.J., June 2017, at 79.