Joseph M. Infante

Associate

infante@millercanfield.com

Grand Rapids
T: +1.616.776.6333
O: +1.616.454.8656
F: +1.616.776.6322

Joseph M. Infante's practice focuses on complex commercial, intellectual property, and appellate litigation. Joe has broad corporate litigation experience that includes representing clients in state and federal trial and appellate courts, as well as in mediation and arbitration proceedings. In addition to general commercial litigation, Joe routinely represents clients with real property matters related to mortgage and title issues, easements, and zoning issues. By focusing on providing in-depth analysis of complex legal issues, Joe strives to advance the most appropriate course of action for his client's needs. In order to provide more complete representation for his clients, Joe recently obtained admission to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

"Before commencing any litigation matter, I have a frank discussion with my clients about their specific goals so that together we can formulate an effective course of action."
Joseph M. Infante

Joe recently represented a client in a civil rights action before the Western District of Michigan. An evidentiary ruling by the trial judge effectively eliminated any chance of success at trial. After receiving an adverse decision at trial, Joe advised his client that while the evidentiary ruling was technically correct under the law as it stood, that law should be changed and an appeal to the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals might result in that change and a new trial. After initially losing the appeal before the Sixth Circuit, Joe again advised his client that a petition for an en Banc review by the entire panel of the Sixth Circuit might result in the change sought. Joe was able to persuade the Sixth Circuit that the issue was important enough for it to convene the very rare En Banc panel. Joe was able to convince the En Banc panel consisting of all 16 judges of the Sixth Circuit that the law needed to be changed. The adverse ruling of the trial court was vacated and the case was sent back to the trial court.

"Hard work and perseverance will pay off in the end."

Representative Matters

En Banc Panel Appeal
Successfully appealed an adverse decision before an En Banc panel of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals on behalf of a prisoner in a Section 1983 case resulting in a change in the law to apply federal law in spoliation cases and a remand of the case.
Homeowner Appeal
Represented a homeowner in successfully reversing adverse trial court decision in a multi-million dollar dispute involving enforcement of a restrictive covenant.
Landowner Appeal
Represented a landowner in an appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court regarding whether a municipality is preempted from prohibiting the discharge of all firearms and bow and arrow on private property within the city by state gaming laws.
Landowner Michigan Recording Acts Appeal
Co-counsel and primary brief writer for landowner in a complicated Michigan Recording Acts case resulting in a reversal by the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit of both the Bankruptcy Court and the District Court.
Mortgage Company Appeal
Co-counsel for a third-party mortgage company in an appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit focusing on the scope and procedural requirements for a federal forfeiture claim when property is titled in the name of a third party who was not involved in the crime resulting in a reversal and remand.

Professional Activities

American Bar Association, Council of Appellate Lawyers
Federal Bar Association
State Bar of Michigan
Grand Rapids Bar Association

Honors + Awards

Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, National Moot Court Team Region Six Semifinalist; 2004 Moritz College of Law Herman Moot Court Competition: Best Oralist Runner Up, Best Brief 5th place, Overall 4th place; Moritz College of Law Colley Trial Competition Semifinalist; Environmental Law Association President; Sports and Entertainment Law Association Treasurer
Michigan State University, Major: Environmental Geosciences; Mens Club Tennis Team Co-founder and President; Geology Club Secretary; Geochemical Research Assistant
Michigan Super Lawyers, Business Litigation, Rising Star, 2011

Civic, Cultural + Social Activities

Habitat for Humanity

Speeches

"The Prison Civil Rights Case," U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan Pro Bono Seminar, April 10, 2008 (presenter)

Presenter for the 7th Annual Latino Youth Conference sponsored by Grand Rapids Community College

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