Services
Industries
Education
University of Michigan Law School, J.D., 1995
Duke University, B.A., 1992
Bar Admissions
- Michigan
Court Admissions
- U.S. Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals
- Sixth Circuit
- U.S. District Court
- Eastern District of Michigan
Languages
- English
- Spanish
Lawrence T. García is the former chief legal officer for the City of Detroit and an experienced trial lawyer who has taken dozens of cases to verdict before juries across Michigan, winning no cause verdicts for defendants and multimillion-dollar verdicts for plaintiffs.
Appointed Detroit's City Attorney by Mayor Mike Duggan in 2018, Lawrence served the city for four years by overseeing more than 120 professionals in the delivery of all legal services, ranging from litigation, legislative policy, contracts and economic development to code enforcement, appeals and FOIA productions. He led Detroit's Law Department through challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the controversy following Detroit's 2020 election. In recognition of his work, Lawrence received a testimonial resolution from Detroit City Council in 2022, shortly after he joined Miller Canfield. His interest in public affairs and the operation of local government continues to influence his work and advocacy outside of work.
A member of the firm's Employment and Labor Group, Lawrence has represented businesses and owners in a wide array of disputes, negotiations and investigations. He has defended employers against discrimination, retaliation and harassment claims; litigated trade secret, non-competition and tortious interference disputes; and counseled corporate clients navigating administrative charges, collective bargaining and regulation. Lawrence is proud to have represented family-owned businesses founded in Detroit, as well as Fortune 500 companies and foreign corporations.
Representative Matters
- Defended a car dealership against discrimination and retaliation claims, securing summary judgment by proving the termination was based on poor performance, avoiding trial and legal exposure.
- Won a $3 million jury verdict for a businessman who was wrongfully denied his equity stake in a consulting venture, proving his partner concealed profits to avoid sharing earnings.
Honors
"Top Lawyer," Municipal Law, DBusiness Magazine, 2024
"50 Names to Know in Government," Crain's Detroit Business, 2019
J.T. Canales Award, University of Michigan Latino Law Student Association, 2015
Professionalism in Law Award, Oakland County Bar Association, 2013
Outstanding Member, Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 2008
Hispanic Advocate of the Year, Michigan Commission on Spanish-Speaking Affairs, 2007
Employment Law: Management, Leading Lawyers, 2017–present
Professional Activities
American Board of Trial Advocates, Member
Federal Bar Association
Detroit Bar Association Foundation, Board Member
Michigan Hispanic Collaborative, President and Chair
Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors
Hispanic Bar Association of Michigan, Former President
Detroit Bar Association, Director and Judicial Candidate Evaluation Committee
Oakland County Bar Association, Diversity Committee and Circuit Court Committee
Civic, Cultural & Social Activities
Detroit Institute of Arts Board of Directors, Vice-President
Erb Family Foundation Board of Directors, Member
Cesar Chavez Academy Board of Directors, Chair
Detroit Athletic Club
Speeches
"Wage & Hour Whiplash - Avoiding Penalties and Defending Overtime Pay Claims," Miller Canfield 2025 HR Spring Training
"Qualified Immunity Update," Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys GLS Joint Education Event, Mackinac Island, June 22, 2024
"Polarized Workplaces: Employer Rights in Politically Charged Times," Miller Canfield 2024 HR Spring Training
"Things to Remember in the Year of the Strike," ICLE Labor & Employment Law Institute, Plymouth, MI, April 12, 2024
"How to Legally Recruit and Retain Talent post-SFFA vs. Harvard," Co-Presenter with Michelle Crockett, Michigan Chamber of Commerce MiBiz360: Talent & HR Summit, March 6, 2024
"Records Management Policy & Election Records," State Bar of Michigan Government Law Section 2023 Winter Educational Seminar, February 17, 2023
"Scaling Minority Owned Businesses," Panelist, DBusiness Breakfast Series, February 7, 2023
"Toolkit for Drafting Severance and Release Agreements, for Individual Terminations and Reductions in Force," Miller Canfield 2022 HR Fall Training Camp
"Mentorship: How We Can Succeed While Uplifting the Next Generation of Attorneys," Panelist, Association of Corporate Counsel Michigan Chapter/BSP Law/Miller Canfield Panel, August 17, 2022
