1927 — Ford Motor Company builds the last of more than 15 million Model Ts at its Highland Park, Mich., assembly plant. Eighty years later, Ford Motor Company remains a global economic leader and the Model T has become an American classic. Also in 1927, Ford Motor Company lawyers Wallace R. Middleton and Clifford B. Longley leave the corporation to open a private legal practice in Detroit, now known as Bodman LLP. Eighty years later, the practice continues to thrive.
Bodman began its own success story with attorneys who played key roles in one of history’s greatest achievements - the birth of the automotive industry. After working alongside automotive legend Henry Ford on the Ford Motor Company legal staff, Wallace R. Middleton and Clifford B. Longley founded their own firm, quickly building a reputation for leadership, integrity and quality.
Henry E. Bodman, general counsel to the Packard Motor Car Company, joined the firm in its early years, and Louis F. Dahling added his expertise and his name to the office door in the early 1940s. Over the years, the firm grew and prospered, branching out into a variety of disciplines.
With nearly 140 attorneys in offices in Detroit, Troy, Ann Arbor, Cheboygan and Lansing, Bodman provides expert counsel to some of the state’s most successful companies and wealthiest individuals on a broad range of issues.
Deeply rooted in the communities we serve, Bodman lawyers specialize in providing clients with the personal attention of a small firm combined with the talent and expertise expected of the nation’s leading attorneys.
Respected law directories rank Bodman as a leader in key practice areas including Chambers USA, which gives Bodman its hightest possible ranking in Banking and Corporate/M&A. The readers of Corporate Board Member have listed us among Detroit’s “Top Five” firms. The peer journal, The Best Lawyers in America, has recognized Bodman attorneys for excellence in their fields.
We have delivered results for 80 years, becoming an invaluable asset to our clients and communities.