Irene Bruce Hathaway

Principal

hathawayi@millercanfield.com

Detroit
T: +1.313.496.8442
O: +1.313.963.6420
F: +1.313.496.8453

In more than a quarter century of practice as a litigator, Irene Bruce Hathaway has been involved in a wide variety of cases involving industries including manufacturing, food, health care, and franchising. As a result of this broad and varied experience--more than 100 trials, dozens of arbitrations--she can quickly identify those cases that should be settled and those that should be fought hard. For her clients, Irene combines two key qualities--efficiency and attention to detail.

“I understand that litigation can be an emotionally and financially draining experience for litigants. These problems can best be kept to a minimum by careful and efficient handling of claims from initial investigation, through discovery and trial.”
Irene Bruce Hathaway

Irene’s extensive experience includes discovery, and trial of large commercial disputes (including fraud and contract matters), catastrophic tort claims (product liability, premises liability, drug liability, and professional negligence), insurance coverage, and slander and libel. In addition, she has handled many franchise litigation matters, including terminations, contract disputes, and intellectual property matters.

Professional Activities

Litigation Counsel of America, Fellow
American Bar Association, Tort and Insurance Practice Section, Forum on Franchising, Commercial Litigation
State Bar of Michigan, Medical Legal Committee; U.S. Court's Committee, Chair
Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association, Judicial Candidate Evaluation Panel
Oakland County Bar Association, Medical Legal Committee; Circuit Court Committee; Task Force on Rules Change; Circuit Court Discovery Master
Wayne County, Defense Mediator, 1993-present
Michigan Defense Trial Counsel
Defense Research Institute (DRI)
International Franchise Association
Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, Former Board Member

Honors + Awards

Michigan Super Lawyers, Litigation 2006, 2011
Michigan State University College of Law, Editor, Detroit College of Law Review
Sixth Circuit Survey, 1979-1980; Member, 1978-1980

Teaching Experience

Oakland University, Instructor, Legal Research and Writing

Speeches

"2011 Reinventing Government: Recover in Civil Litigation for Criminal Wrongdoing," Miller Canfield client presentation, Schoolcraft College, June 9, 2011

Seminars + Events

Service Areas

Education

Bar Admissions

Court Admissions