Education & Credentials
Education
Detroit College of Law
J.D., 1970Western Michigan University
B.S., 1965Bar Admission
Acknowledgements
- Lifetime Achievement Award, Burton Foundation, 2022
- American Bar Association
- ABA Medal Recipient, August, 2016
- Governing Magazine
- "Public Official of the Year," November, 2000
- Newsweek Magazine
- "25 Most Dynamic Mayors in America," November,1996
- Michigan Lawyers Weekly
- "Most Respected Judge in Michigan," April,1990
- National Law Journal
- "100 Most Powerful Attorneys in the United States," April, 1985
- Michigan Super Lawyers®
- Best Lawyers in America®
- Commercial Litigation, 2010-2020
- Employment Law - Management, 2010-2020
- Labor Law - Management, 2010-2020
- Litigation - Labor and Employment, 2010-2020
Prominent Assignments
Chairman, Dickinson Wright PLLC, 2002-2009
Chairman, Board of Directors, Detroit Regional Chamber, 2006-2007
President, American Bar Association, 2003-2004
Mayor of Detroit, 1994-2001
- President, National League of Cities
Associate Justice, Michigan Supreme Court, 1986-1990
Professional Involvement
-
Inductee, National Black Lawyers Hall of Fame, 2025
- American Bar Association: - President, 2003-2004 - Member, Board of Governors, 1999-2002
- National Bar Association:
- President, 1983-1984
- Life Member - Former President, Wolverine Bar Association, 1979-1980
- Detroit Bar Association:
- Member, Board of Directors, 1973-1975
- Chairman, Young Lawyers Section, 1973-1975 - State Bar of Michigan: President, 1984-1985
- Associate Professor, Detroit College of Law, 1972-1978
- Adjunct Professor, Wayne State University Law School, 1984-1985
- Life Member, Sixth Circuit Judicial Conference
- Life Member of Fellows, American Bar Foundation and Life Member of Fellows, Michigan State Bar Foundation
- Fellow, International Society of Barristers
Publications/Presentations
- Presenter, 16th Annual Dennis W. Archer Public Service Award Virtual Fundraiser, Detroit Bar Association, November 2020