PROMINENT ASSIGNMENTS
Counsel for Ford Motor Company in an ERISA class action claiming violations of fiduciary duties in the administration of Ford?s employee savings plans.
Lead Michigan counsel for The Dow Chemical Company in a putative class action alleging dioxin contamination of property from historic discharge of materials into the Tittabawasee River. During pendency of the case, two successful appeals to the Michigan Supreme Court resulting in opinions of first impression in Michigan that: preclude claims for medical monitoring where no present physical injury exist and establish the standards in Michigan for certifying class actions.
Lead counsel for Ford Motor Company in a ten week arbitration filed by a supplier of computer software seeking damages in excess of $75 million. Case is currently pending on appeal following an award.
Counsel for Ford Motor Company in litigation with exclusive supplier of automotive components used in Ford vehicles.
Co-lead counsel for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan in two national class actions and one state class action commenced by physicians and other health care providers alleging RICO violations arising out of processing and payment of claims.
Lead counsel for Ford Motor Company in dealer litigation and arbitrations, both internationally and throughout the United States.
Lead Michigan counsel for Lorillard Tobacco Company in a series of trademark infringement litigation arising from sale of counterfeit cigarettes. In one of the cases, obtained a published decision from the 6th Circuit establishing the proper standards for preliminary injunctions in trademark litigation, overturning the lower court?s denial of injunctive relief, and directing the trial court to enter a preliminary injunction without further proceedings.
Lead Michigan counsel for Microsoft Corporation in trademark and copyright infringement litigation arising from the sale of counterfeit software and other products. In one of the cases, received a published decision granting summary judgment, including an award of substantial attorney fees, which established standards for liability and damages in infringement cases in the Eastern District of Michigan.
Lead Counsel for MGM Grand Detroit in putative class action filed against all Detroit casinos arising out of proposed private enforcement of disassociated persons list at casinos. Dismissal of case affirmed by Michigan Court of Appeals and Michigan Supreme Court.
Lead counsel for MGM Grand Detroit and other Detroit casinos in class action alleging violations of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act in the use and operation of certain types of slot machines. The trial court dismissed the case prior to discovery and the Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed dismissal of claims.
Lead counsel for Boyd Gaming in environmental litigation filed by Native American tribe and successfully argued for denial of injunctive relief designed to stop construction of a multi-million dollar expansion of the Blue Chip riverboat casino in Indiana.
Co-lead counsel for Ford Motor Company in three month product liability/wrongful death fuel tank lawsuit resulting in a verdict of no cause of action for Ford.
EDUCATION
Michigan State University, B.A. 1979, Business Law (graduated with honors)
University of Detroit Law School, J.D. 1982 (graduated with honors)