Conducted internal investigation of a defense contractor relating to allegations of fraud by a whistleblower.

Conducted internal investigation of a large agricultural supplier relating to allegations of fraud by a whistleblower.

Briefed and argued complex habeas corpus appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

Represented a Michigan university and its Board of Regents in a case filed by the former university president alleging a violation of the Whistleblower's Protection Act and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Secured summary disposition on both claims.

Represented a Fortune 500 staffing services company that was sued by four managers who were terminated during a reduction in force. The managers asserted various age discrimination claims in their Federal District Court lawsuit. After a three-week trial, the jury no caused the plaintiffs, deciding in favor of the company on all claims.

Represented a public school district in its lawsuit seeking to recover millions of dollars of funds which the school district paid to various vendor defendants that did not have authorized contracts. Successfully secured an eight-figure settlement for the district and also obtained multi-million dollar judgments against former school district employees.

Represented a Canadian construction company in a breach of employment contract action filed in Federal District Court. Secured dismissal of the matter on jurisdictional and improper venue grounds.

Defended a class action case in which plaintiffs sought to recover over $250 million from a public entity based on claims that the entity violated various state and local statutes and constitutional provisions in collecting taxes. The circuit court granted summary disposition on all of plaintiffs' claims -- a decision which was affirmed by the Michigan Court of Appeals and the Michigan Supreme Court.

Represented a public school district in a class action brought  by former employees who claimed that their layoffs were the result of age discrimination. Summary disposition granted by Wayne County Circuit Court and affirmed by the Michigan Court of Appeals. 

Obtained multiple summary judgment dismissals of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation lawsuits against one of the nation's largest temporary employment placement agencies.

Obtained favorable labor arbitration decisions upholding employment decisions contested by bargaining unit employees and union representatives on behalf of one of the nation's largest soft drink and bottling companies.

Obtained favorable result in the trial of a race discrimination and retaliation lawsuit against commercial food service company. Third chair at trial.

Successfully obtained dismissal (by motion) of gender discrimination lawsuit against higher education institution and museum.

Lead attorney in appeal of immigration case to Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Presented oral argument before panel of Seventh Circuit Court judges.

Successfully resolved FMLA lawsuit for regional banking institution.

Successfully resolved WARN Act compliance issues for various multi-state manufacturing companies.

Defended a major retailer in a class action involving sales associates alleging age discrimination arising out of a nationwide reorganization. The Eastern District of Michigan Judge dismissed the lawsuit, avoiding potential damages claims exceeding $16 million.

Created a strategy for a natural gas pipeline company to avoid Clean Air Act operating permit applicability while negotiating a favorable settlement with the state air pollution control agency.

Helped a steel manufacturer assess the requirements of new federal standards for hazardous air pollutants and use the state’s air permit program to achieve a variance.

Helped an electric utility obtain a New Source Review construction permit for a $2 billion coal-fired power plan and defended the permit against citizen suits.

Successfully represented a large automotive supplier in a $50 million warranty dispute.

Successfully represented a large automotive supplier in a $20 million sales commissions dispute.

Represented a publishing house in $7 million sale to a leading information source and intelligence gathering public company.

Represented a conveyor company in a $10 million acquisition of conveyor and screening equipment manufacturer and expansion into Texas.

Represented venture capital fund in initial and follow-on investments in life science, drug development, and medical device companies in an aggregate of $30+ million through the purchase of preferred securities and convertible debt.

Represented organizers in formation of national banking association and private placement of $18 million of bank holding company common stock.

Represented minority shareholders in a $7.5 million stock redemption and takeover of closely held companies.

Represented the underwriters in a $225 million qualified institutions placement by a leading private sector bank in India of its equity shares in a Regulation S placing.

Represented the underwriters in a $150 million global depository receipt Rule 144A offering by a leading integrated diamond and jewellery manufacturer and retailer in India.

Represented the underwriters in a $530 million landmark offering of equity shares representing Indian depository receipts by a multinational financial services company.

Represented the underwriters in a $200 million convertible bond offering by part of an Indian conglomerate engaged in commodities trading.

Represented the underwriters in a convertible bond offering by a leading provider of technology-based education in India.

Represented the underwriters in a $110 million convertible bond offering by a leading integrated diamond and jewellery manufacturer and retailer in India.

Represented the underwriters in a $30 million convertible bond offering by an Indian wind power company.

Represented the underwriters in a $20 million convertible bond offering by an Indian software and information technology company.

Represented an Indian pharmaceutical company in the issuance of a corporate guarantee for the benefit of holders of bonds issued by its overseas subsidiary.

Represented a multinational conglomerate group with operations in the sectors of steel, power, energy and shipping in the availing of several facilities from international banks by various group companies.

Represented an Indian real estate company in the issuance of a guarantee for the benefit of the lender of a facility availed by its overseas subsidiary.

Represented a Singapore utility company in a private placement of unlisted convertible bonds by the Company to an investor outside the United States.

Represented a Mauritian private equity fund in a private equity investment in an Indian company engaged in the manufacturing and trading of allopathic medicines.

Advised a UK-based management consultancy company on incorporating a company in India.

Advised an Indian manufacturer of writing and printing paper on the procedure for redemption of convertible bonds.

Advised an international microfinance organization on carrying on activities as a non-banking finance organization in India.

Advised an Indian cement manufacturing conglomerate on the provisions of the takeover code.

Advised a leading Indian transportation company on the delisting of its shares from the Indian stock exchange.

Advised a U.S.-based pharmaceutical group on foreign direct investment in India for the sale and distribution of medicines/drugs in India.

Advised a global steel manufacturing company on establishing a joint venture partnership in India.

Advised a leading Indian real estate company on regulations relating to external commercial borrowings and foreign direct investment in India. 

Assisted in the representation of a national bank in a week long federal trial involving the bank's liability to a commercial customer for losses the customer suffered in a phishing scam. Trial participation included the trial examination of key witnesses and the facilitation of the witnesses preparation for trial testimony.

Participated on the litigation team representing a large school district in a multi-million dollar dispute with its former employees. Tasks performed during the litigation included the co-conducting of depositions and completing large scale document review projects. 

Represents the management company of a large shopping center in its lease disputes with shopping center tenants. Representation includes handling all aspects of the negotiations with defaulted tenants and facilitating the commercial eviction process on behalf of the client.

Handled all aspects of a year-long dispute between a residential landlord and a former occupant involving an injury the occupant allegedly suffered on the landlord's property. As representative for the landlord, argued for and received a favorable award from a case evaluation panel.

Negotiated favorable settlement on behalf of a national food supplier with a commercial carrier after a year-long dispute. 

Managed the environmental due diligence review and drafted environmental provisions for an international corporation purchasing nine facilities throughout the United States and South America. 

Coordinated environmental due diligence efforts including the strategic coordination and review of Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessment and baseline environmental assessments related to the acquisition of property where the client had purchased 30 separate parcels.

Contributed to the management of multiple discovery document collections totaling over 2.5 million pages for Big Three automobile manufacturer. Coordinated collection, processing, review and production of hard copy and electronic documents, as well as identification and preparation of document collections for witness interviews and depositions.

Successfully defended a Michigan Judge's right to retain her "incumbent" status on the primary election ballot.

Successfully obtained summary judgment in federal court on behalf of a municipal police department accused of sexual harassment. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed summary judgment in favor of the police department on appeal.

Successfully defended a county clerk's decision to place a candidate for the State House of Representatives on the general election ballot. The plaintiff, a candidate for the State House, challenged another candidate's residency and sued the county clerk to have him removed from the ballot. The court dismissed the plaintiff's challenge after motions and lengthy oral argument, thus approving the county clerk's ballot.

Successfully obtained dismissal (by motion) of age discrimination case on behalf of Fortune 500 auto manufacturer.

Successfully defended a multi-plaintiff claim of interference and retaliation under ERISA filed by former employees against a large Chicago-based museum. After numerous depositions and significant discovery, the court granted summary judgment in favor of the museum, dismissing the case with prejudice.

In one of the first cases in Michigan addressing the preservation of electronic evidence, successfully moved to dismiss a former employee's same-gender harassment claim against a Michigan insurance company based on his deletion of mass amounts of electronic files from his personal computer during discovery. On appeal, the Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court's dismissal.

Successfully defended one of the nation's leading debt collection companies in a case filed by a debtor-plaintiff. The court granted summary judgment on the merits and, in the alternative, dismissed the case as a sanction based on the debtor-plaintiff having manufactured evidence.

Obtained summary judgment from federal district court on behalf of a local hospital in an FMLA lawsuit filed by a nurse. The court concluded that the plaintiff was not entitled to the rights to which she laid claim. The matter is pending before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

Defended major oil company in a dispute concerning royalty payments relative to natural gas and condensate production spanning a number of years. Obtained federal court dismissal of the action.

Represented landowners of hydrocarbon producing acreage in renegotiating lease terms, bonuses, shut-in and defined use provisions.

Represented Norway-based Kongsberg Automotive ASA on its acquisition of Global Motion Systems from Teleflex Inc. for $560 million. 

Represented a Germany-based supplier of sunroofs in the acquisition of a U.S. and Mexican convertible roof division of a German supplier, assuming operations in Plymouth, Mich. and Puebla, Mexico.

Represented Mexican auto supplier Metalsa SA de CV in the $150 million acquisition of the structural products business from US-based Dana Holding Corp.

Represented an energy company that leased significant natural gas rights to another energy company that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. At stake was almost $2 million in back royalty payments under the lease. The court held that under Michigan law the oil and gas lease was indeed a lease under the Bankruptcy Code, entitling the client to all past due royalty payments before the debtor could continue extracting natural gas.

Successfully represented a prominent aerospace manufacturer after a union and retired workers claiming to represent hundreds of class members sued the company alleging entitlement to lifetime health benefits. After prevailing in efforts to transfer venue to a more appropriate court, Miller Canfield filed and prevailed on a motion for summary judgment. 

Represented a local school district against a union and hundreds of former employees in an age discrimination class action lawsuit. We obtained summary disposition at the state court level, then successfully requested the dismissal of a parallel class action filed in federal court.

Successfully represented a public utility company in a wage and hour collective action brought by over 300 employees alleging entitlement to overtime.  The federal district court dismissed plaintiffs’ claims. They appealed and we successfully defended the dismissal before the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.  

Defended a clothing retail chain in a purported class action involving race discrimination claims. The case settled on favorable terms after the court declined to certify a class.

Won partial summary judgment, leading to a favorable settlement, on behalf of a Detroit casino where nine plaintiffs alleged hostile work environment claims on behalf of themselves and all other African-American employees. After the firm successfully obtained dismissal of the claims of five named plaintiffs, the remaining plaintiffs immediately began settlement negotiations.

Represented a Fortune 500 manufacturer set up Wholly foreign owned enterprise and representative in China.

Assisted a foreign insurance company acquire a Shanghai company through a Hong Kong company as a Special Purpose Vehicle.

Assisted a U.S Fortune 500 appliance company expand its retail business in China.

Represents electric utility a major power plant construction project in ongoing effort to obtain multiple local, state, federal permits involving wetlands, floodplains, private and county drains, flood plains, endangered and threatened species, and navigable waters. Work also involves extensive wetland and stream mitigation issues, landfill license, federal agency consultation with Native American tribe, and NEPA issues.

Represented individual alleged to have violated the Natural Rivers Act, as well as state wetlands and water laws. Negotiated settlement with state and obtained after-the-fact permits to allow project to be completed. Provided advice regarding constructing artificial ponds and water withdrawal.

Represented municipal utility in connection with permit compliance and reporting to avoid enforcement.

Assisted client in working with EPA and US Fish and Wildlife Service to obtain finding of no significant impact (FONSI) for development project that allowed project to proceed.

Provided advice regarding standing of tribes and wholly-owned tribal entities incorporated under tribal law to bring actions under federal remedial laws. Provided advice to non-Indian businesses regarding the need to obtain limited waivers of sovereign immunity, pledge of assets, and necessary tribal approvals to allow for enforcement of agreements.

Provided advice to tribes regarding federal recognition process. Provided advice regarding tribal member claims for utility tax exemptions from businesses collecting taxes for state.

Provided advice to state regarding renegotiation of tribal gaming compact to address payment setoff and exclusivity issues. 

Provided advice to public entity regarding requirements of federal consent judgment establishing Indian Country and gaming rights for tribe and negotiations regarding tribal setoffs of payments under the consent judgment.

Provided advice to tribe regarding broad array of internal governance, business, and other issues. Represented tribe in litigation and related matters.

Provide general counsel representation to statewide associations of limited license health professionals. Work involves insurance scope and coverage issues under state insurance laws, advice on pending legislation, organizational governance and business issues, and advice on issues of interest to membership.

Provide general counsel representation on regulatory matters involving horse racing, purse pools, simulcasting, video lottery terminals, instant horse racing, negotiations with certified horsemen’s organizations, amendments to horse racing laws and administrative rules, overlap of client interests with other areas of gaming regulation, and the scope of Article 4, section 41 of Michigan Constitution on gaming and illegal lottery. Work with Office of Racing Commissioner and Michigan Gaming Control Board on behalf of client.

Negotiated agreement between supplier and facility for charity poker room. Provided advice to multiple nonprofit organizations regarding qualifying to offer charitable gaming and steps for obtaining license to do so. 

Represented non-Indian casino on multiple matters. 

Advice to clients regarding the scope of Article 4, section 41 of Michigan Constitution on gaming and illegal lottery. 

Advice to  media outlet regarding compliance with limited exceptions in criminal laws regarding business promotions that would otherwise be illegal lotteries.

Represented The Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority in its acquisition, by long term lease, of Cobo Center from the City of Detroit.

Represented NASDAQ traded company in $121 million subsidiary asset sale.

Represented selling shareholders of Swedish multinational industrial safety products company in $22 million stock sale to US NYSE traded company.

Represented multinational automotive parts supplier in sale of stock and assets of subsidiaries in 18 country product line disposition to private equity fund.

Represented NASDAQ traded company in $14.6 million subsidiary stock sale.

Represented NCAA in its acquisition of the NIT Tournament.

Represented music publisher in the sale of approximately sixty percent of its publishing catalog and related assets.