The Firm
Brand Statement
We are known for our Midwestern values of hard work, without drama or excuses, provided at a fair price.
Talking Points
Footprint:
Miller Canfield is a global law firm of more than 200 attorneys with full coverage in the US, Mexico and Canada. With 19 offices and affiliated offices in the U.S., Qatar, Poland, Canada, Mexico and Ukraine, we leverage business relationships around the world.
Our core practices drive our strategic direction:
- Financial institutions and capital markets
- Real estate
- Employment and labor
- Corporate/transactions
- Automotive and mobility
- Public finance
- International
- Utilities
- Litigation
- Defense and aerospace
Points of Distinction
- Our size and history mean that there is very little we have not seen, and very little we cannot handle.
- We are one of the 220 largest law firms in the U.S., with 19 offices and affiliated in six countries.
- Locations include Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, California, Washington D.C., New York, Poland, Qatar, and affiliated offices in Mexico, Canada and Ukraine.
- Our lawyers are licensed in 19 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and Canada, Poland and Ukraine.
- We are ranked one of the top bond firms in the Midwest, according to the Refinitiv (formerly Thomson Reuters) annual rankings.
- Our roots are deep in automotive. We were one of the first firms in the U.S. to develop an autonomous vehicles practice.
- Inbound investment: We've represented Chinese companies in nearly $3 billion of greenfield and M&A deals.
Diversity
- Danielle Mason Anderson serves as the Chair of the Managing Directors.
- In February 2021, the Firm named Megan Norris its first woman CEO. She served in this role until March 2024.
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At Miller Canfield, women and members of underrepresented groups account for:
- 75% of partner promotions
- 60% of the firm's nomination committee
- 40% of the managing directors
- 66% of the firm's executive leadership
- 60% of the compensation committee
- 43% of resident directors
- In June 2020, the Firm joined the Law Firm Antiracism Alliance.
- Miller Canfield was the first Michigan-based firm, and is one of the 200 firms nationwide to earn Mansfield Plus certification in 2023. We are the only Michigan-headquartered firm to do so seven years in a row).
- To earn certification, the firm must affirmatively consider and promote women, attorneys of color and LGBTQ attorneys for leadership governance roles, equity partner promotions and lateral positions.
- We expanded the requirement in 2019 to include candidates with disabilities.
- We are the first law firm to partner with the Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
- We were recognized by OutFront Kalamazoo for our support of the LGBTQ community.
Miller Canfield has adopted specific programs and measurable diversity goals in the areas of attraction, retention and business development, including:
- Development of programs to enhance attraction and retention of women
- Reduced and flexible work schedules
- Business development training for new and experienced attorneys, with a focus on building teams
- Mentoring for new attorneys
- Diverse and exciting work assignments for associate attorneys
- Reduced-hours path to principalship
- Development of a firm-wide Women's Initiative
- Creation of business development training for women and minorities
- Diversity training for attorneys and staff
- Diversity Committee member included an interview agenda for all new hires
- Refinement of the RFP process to ensure the inclusion of diverse attorneys
- Publishing of a quarterly newsletter
- Strengthening pipeline initiatives
- Strategic, diverse lateral hiring
Groups/Services
Bankruptcy, Restructuring and Insolvency
What do they do?
We represent clients in government restructuring, distressed supplier negotiations, creditor representation, workouts and reorganization, distressed loans, and litigation. We help businesses protect their rights and maximize their options when business partners (e.g., vendors, suppliers) file for bankruptcy, all while staying compliant with the demands of the Bankruptcy Code. We save clients significant amounts of money on preference matters. In short, we help clients realize that they, too, have rights in bankruptcy cases, and we help our clients turn those rights into dollars.
Points of distinction
The team is ranked in Chambers as one of the top three bankruptcy law firms in Michigan. It has more experience in local government restructuring than any other firm in Michigan. Additionally, it has extensive experience in workouts, distressed loans, and cross-border insolvencies.
Corporate and Transactions
What do they do?
M&A, greenfield investments, contracts and commercial transactions, cross-border transactions, IT, export controls, securities compliance, corporate governance, financing, private placements, venture capital and private equity, business counseling, tax planning, corporate and regulatory compliance, international trade.
Points of distinction
No other Michigan firm has the international capabilities that we have, with our locations in China, Qatar and Poland, and affiliated offices in Canada and Mexico. We have represented Chinese companies that have invested more than $3 billion in locating and expanding in the U.S. Additionally, our new location in Washington, D.C., strengthens or domestic practice, particularly in the areas of defense and aerospace.
Employment and Labor
What do they do?
Best known for representing employers in complex litigation, both public and private sector. Discrimination defense, class action litigation, non-compete litigation, collective bargaining and traditional labor, unfair labor practices, and wage and hour cases. The Group regularly counsels clients on all matters related to employment, including discipline and discharge, sexual harassment investigations, executive contracts and employee training.
Points of distinction
We have the largest group in Michigan of attorneys who primarily practice employment and labor. Recently, the Group’s work includes two of the largest and most highly publicized cases in the state, including the largest Title IX case in history.
The Group presents the annual HR Spring Training, an all-day program designed for human resources professionals, in West Michigan and the Metro area.
Energy
What do they do?
Represent public utilities, electric transmission, natural gas storage and pipelines, and energy providers by offering strategic advice and obtaining all regulatory approvals before the Michigan Public Service Commission. Also provide services relating to franchises, mergers and acquisitions, securities, litigation, and appellate work.
Points of distinction
Represents nearly all of the investor-owned public utilities in Michigan. More than 45 years of regulatory utility experience.
Environmental
What do they do?
Represent clients with compliance, enforcement, permitting, litigation, and risk management in a variety of areas, including: water quality, air emissions, waste disposal, wastewater discharges, wetland mitigation, remediation and groundwater cleanups, asbestos abatement, environmental site assessment and transaction due diligence, mining, OSHA, and holistic compliance audits.
Points of distinction
Our team has handled the largest brownfield projects/redevelopment projects in Michigan, including Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena.
Financial Services
What do they do?
Everything related to finance, representing lenders and their customers in all matters involving credit and banking services: commercial/industrial lending, real estate lending, commercial real estate, letters of credit, specialty financing, treasury management services, and loan workouts and foreclosures.
Points of distinction
We have represented financial institutions literally since we were founded in 1852. We have one of the largest dedicated financial services groups in the Midwest. Our first client was Detroit Bank & Trust, which is today Comerica Bank.
Intellectual Property
What do they do?
Represent domestic and international businesses, entrepreneurs, individual inventors, startup companies and academic institutions to obtain, protect, enforce and license their IP assets. Original patent drafting. Trademark and copyright registration. IP enforcement, including infringement litigation. Transactional agreements and freedom to operate due diligence.
Points of distinction
We have a team of 29 IP attorneys in both the U.S. and China. Our team includes attorneys, engineers, and patent agents.
International Disputes
What do they do?
The International Disputes Group is a preeminent mid-market boutique devoted to prosecuting and defending cross-border litigation and international arbitration matters for clients in the global manufacturing industry. The Group routinely handles matters seated in North America, Asia and Europe.
Points of distinction
We are one of the only departments of its kind in the Midwest, with members focused exclusively on international disputes. A majority of them are frequently sought after to lecture and write on the topic.
International Transactions
What do they do?
Represent clients in international M&A, contracts, regulatory (customs, export controls, data privacy) and immigration
Points of distinction
We have offices in Europe (Poland), Qatar and Shanghai, and affiliated offices in Mexico, Canada and Ukraine. We also are part of the Legal Alliance of the Americas, covering firms throughout North and South America. No other Michigan firms have our capabilities in these areas. We have represented over 150 Chinese companies in the US.
Litigation and Dispute Resolution
What do they do?
The group handles cases nationwide and around the world. It is nationally recognized for handling complex, high-stakes litigation and international arbitration.
Points of distinction
We won one of the largest jury verdicts in the history of Michigan (Valassis) and one of the largest public utilities settlements in the U.S. (DTE). We have more litigation attorneys listed in Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers than any other Michigan firm. We’re ranked in Chambers, and are one of 18 “standout firms” for litigation, according to BTI Consulting.
Public Finance
What do they do?
We help governmental clients finance capital projects, infrastructure improvements, economic development projects and public-private partnerships. We are also known for our expertise in governmental and municipal law, regulatory affairs, state and federal tax matters and other finance matters.
Points of distinction
Top-ranked bond counsel in Michigan by Bond Buyer for 30 years. Largest public finance group in Michigan. Miller Canfield's Public Finance Group earned Chambers rankings in Illinois and Michigan, which is ranked in Band 1. We also have more ranked attorneys than any other Michigan-headquartered firm (five in Michigan and two in Illinois, all ranked in Band 1).
Real Estate
What do they do?
Our attorneys represent corporations, lenders, borrowers, special loan servicers, governmental entities, school districts, developers, landlords and tenants, and buyers and sellers at every phase of a real estate transaction. Services include commercial real estate finance, commercial real estate workouts and foreclosures, construction, leasing, economic development incentives, public-private partnerships, litigation, development, and real estate acquisition and disposition.
Points of distinction
Our attorneys have worked on some of the largest and most complex mixed-use developments in the country. We are known for resolving complex issues and becoming a part of the client team. Examples of our matters include Little Caesars Arena, Ford Field, Comerica Park, Detroit Renaissance Center, Marathon Refinery and Detroit-Metropolitan Airport, to name a few. Our real estate practice is also coordinated with our other practice areas such as construction, finance, economic development incentives, environmental, tax, dispute resolution, litigation, labor and permitting to allow a one-stop shop service to our clients.
Trusts and Estates (formerly Personal Services)
What do they do?
The group focuses its practice on preparing estate planning documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney and patient advocate forms and assisting family members through the probate and trust administration process when a loved one dies. The group also helps individuals, families and business owners preserve assets with strategic estate, tax, wealth transfer, succession and retirement planning, tax preparation, family law representation, and charitable giving.
Points of distinction
Clients stay with the firm generation after generation, the result of the Group’s innovation and wealth of experience. We were one of the first law firms in Michigan to use trusts as a method for transferring assets and preserving wealth. We modify our trust forms on a continuous basis to remain on the cutting edge of trust law as it continues to develop.
Industry Teams
Advertising and Marketing
What do they do?
This newly formalized practice has extensive experience in advising on advertising compliance, intellectual property protection, contract negotiation, and dispute resolution. We help clients protect their brands, meet regulatory standards, and address challenges efficiently—so they can focus on creating impactful campaigns. Services include intellectual property, contracts and marketing agreements, digital and social media compliance, regulatory compliance, litigation and dispute resolution, and risk mitigation.
Points of distinction
The firm served as co-counsel for a leading producer of consumer goods advertising involving claims of antitrust violations and unfair trade practices and resulting in a $300 million jury verdict.
Aerospace and Defense
What do they do?
Our team, working across jurisdictions in Michigan, Illinois, Washington DC, Qatar and Poland, represents several multinational defense, national security and aerospace technology clients, assisting in areas such as M&A, International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and other export controls, government contracts and procurement, IP, litigation, and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) matters.
Points of distinction
Our industry team offers the breadth of experience that can typically only be found at larger coastal and DC firms. Our international capabilities, combined with extensive experience and connections nationwide, set us apart from other firms rooted in the Midwest.
Auto and AV
What do they do?
Represent and counsel US and foreign OEMs, suppliers, technology companies in automotive and AV space: NHTSA compliance, product liability and recalls; contracting, licensing and M&A; IP patent prosecution and infringement; software licensing; labor and unions; contract litigation and arbitration.
Points of distinction
Companies and suppliers around the world come to us because of our unique expertise in how the auto industry does business in the U.S. and around the world. This is why we also represent over 100 Chinese auto suppliers in the U.S. and many new entrants in the AV sector such as software companies. We are founding members of MCity and Illinois AV Association.
Construction
What do they do?
Assist clients with construction and real estate developments. Clients include developers, manufacturers, retail conglomerates, school districts, public-private partnerships, and contractors/construction managers. Services include drafting of contract documents, project financing, permits and land use, brownfield development, audit of insurance coverages, assistance and advice during construction, dispute resolution of economic claims, employment and labor. The Firm also represents lenders in documentation and enforcement of construction loans.
Points of distinction
We have had major roles representing the developer or contractor in major developments in the City of Detroit, including Little Caesars Arena, Ford Field, Comerica Park, Chrysler House, Renaissance Center and the Marathon Refinery.
Craft Beverage
What do they do?
Represent craft beverage manufacturers (breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries) matters including licensing, regulatory compliance, labor and employment, franchise laws, distribution agreements, transactions, trade practices and intellectual property.
Points of distinction
Team leader Joe Infante is one of the premier craft beverage lawyers in the country and one of the founders of the Craft Beverage Lawyers Guild. The team is representing wineries in Michigan's Peninsula Township and Napa County, California, in high-profile disputes involving constitutional rights.
Education (K-12)
What do they do?
Represent public school districts and intermediate districts, charter schools and private schools in matters that include finance, litigation, construction, tax compliance, labor and collective bargaining, contracts, governance and bond and millage proposals, legislation and legislative analysis, Open Meetings Act and FOIA, pupil accounting, campaign finance, employee benefits and administrator compensation, public-private partnerships, student discipline, and service contracts.
Points of distinction
Represented Detroit Public Schools during its transition to the new district and later stopped the State School Reform Office from shuttering dozens of schools in the newly formed district through litigation and negotiated partnership agreements.
Election Law
What do they do?
The team has extensive experience representing public entities, individuals, nonprofits and political parties in all aspects of elections, campaign finance, initiatives and referendums, and election litigation.
Points of distinction
The Election Law team has had some impactful and highly publicized matters, including:
- Represented Biden for President Committee, the Democratic National Committee and the Michigan Democratic Party in all 2020 post-election litigation in state and federal courts in Michigan.
- Obtained a preliminary and permanent injunction against the State of Michigan’s enforcement of a recent change to the Michigan Campaign Finance Act, which was amended to prohibit public bodies or their agents from referencing local ballot questions during the 60-day period leading up to a local election. The federal district court agreed that the legislation violates the U.S. constitution.
- Defended constitutional challenges to state and local government COVID-19 mandates.
- Represented ballot question committee in successful statewide ballot referendum to overturn state law, and successfully challenged subsequent legislative efforts as unconstitutional in state appellate courts
- Represented the Brennan Center for Justice as amicus curiae against the challenge to Secretary of State Benson's right to mail absentee ballot applications to all Michigan voters in 2020 election
Energy
What do they do?
Represent public utility and energy clients in every phase of providing electric, natural gas and pipeline services. Services include everything involving the Michigan Public Service Commission’s regulation of utilities, mergers and acquisitions, employment and labor, financing, real estate, land use, zoning, eminent domain, litigation, contracts, and franchises.
Points of distinction
Represents nearly all of the investor-owned public utilities in Michigan. More than 45 years of regulatory utility experience.
Financial Institutions
What do they do?
We represent financial institutions in all matters, including lending, workouts and foreclosures, corporate and management matters, labor, immigration, securities, tax, environmental, owned and leased real estate, investigations, class action and defense litigation, trust services.
Points of distinction
We have represented financial institutions literally since we were founded in 1852. One of the largest dedicated financial services groups in the Midwest. Our first client was Detroit Bank & Trust, which is today Comerica Bank.
Higher Education
What do they do?
The team represents public and private institutions, education and athletic associations and educational foundations. Services include financing of major improvements, including P3 projects, significant litigation and providing day to day general counsel services. Discrimination litigation, class action defense, whistleblower cases, accreditation, tax audits, corporate and contractual matters, labor and employment, investigations, regulatory, public finance.
Points of distinction
The team is representing a major university in the largest Title IX litigation in history. Our Public Finance attorneys are leading the way in working on public-private partnerships for projects such as student housing. Drafted the language for the Michigan New Jobs Training Program legislation during the Great Recession, which enabled workers to receive training at community colleges.
