“Your verdict means something in this case. It means something more than the fate of this boy. It is not often that a case is submitted to twelve men where the decision may mean a milestone in the progress of the human race. But this case does. And I hope and I trust that you have a feeling of responsibility that will make you take it and do your duty as citizens of a great nation, and, as members of the human family, which is better still.” — Clarence Darrow, closing argument in People v Henry Sweet, Detroit, May 11, 1926
Bodman lawyers possess the expertise, insight and common sense necessary to vindicate clients’ rights, whenever and wherever contested, in the best possible way.
We protect clients, ranging from local entrepreneurs to Fortune 500 companies, in disputes involving a broad spectrum of issues. Wherever possible, we represent them before formal proceedings start. We routinely appear before federal and state courts throughout the United States, as well as in a variety of non-judicial forums, including national and international arbitral panels. Because of our expertise and strong track record, clients frequently turn to us to pursue cases that other firms handled previously, including appeals.
We employ all effective means to resolve disputes efficiently, favorably and cost-effectively. Through experience, we have found that an aggressive and proactive approach to dispute resolution, coupled with close coordination with our clients, produces the best results: early dismissals, favorable settlements, and winning verdicts and awards.
At all times, we strive for efficiency in staffing and strategy. We use paralegal and other support staff where appropriate and incorporate technological advances in dispute management and legal research.
We have particular expertise in many industries, including accounting, banking and financial services, automotive, insurance, franchise, outdoor advertising, manufacturing, the practice of law, high tech, construction, real estate and zoning, municipalities, and securities broker-dealers.
Our practice cuts across a wide variety of civil disputes, ranging from simple breach of contract claims to complex antitrust, securities, professional liability, trade secret, and other complex matters.
The subjects we address include:
In connection with the largest insolvency of a life insurer in North American history, we represented the Michigan Insurance Commissioner, successfully arguing two appeals on the Commissioner’s behalf. The rehabilitation was a success, and all policyholders received payment in full.
We represented a party in a shareholder dispute involving a national radio broadcast network and obtained a no cause of action after a four-week jury trial. Plaintiffs had sought $68 million in damages.
A Fortune 150 automotive supplier regularly employs us in matters involving multi-million dollar construction, vendor, supplier and other disputes.
We represented a major league sports franchise in litigation involving the early termination of a lease on a municipal sports facility. The facility’s owner sought more than $100 million in damages. After extensive discovery and private facilitation, we negotiated a settlement on terms favorable to our client.
Dozens of securities broker-dealers have relied on our counsel in cases involving alleged fraud, churning, and unsuitability claims; in cases alleging the “raiding” of competitors for sales representatives; in cases involving breach of non-solicitation or theft of trade secrets; and in other complex NASD arbitrations.
Our clients have included banks, an automobile manufacturer, a major retailer of entertainment and sporting tickets, insurance companies, a telecommunications company, and many others in the successful defense of class actions.
We obtained dismissal of a $1.5 billion lawsuit against a national franchisor in which the plaintiff asserted claims of breach of contract, fraud and federal civil rights violations.
Our attorneys obtained arbitral no cause awards in defense of automotive, banking and other clients on issues ranging from lender liability to termination of distribution relationships.
We obtained the dismissal of a trademark infringement and unfair competition action filed by one international restaurant franchisor against another.
Our team has defended and counseled large law firms in Michigan and other states in legal malpractice cases, professional responsibility and ethics matters, partnership dissolution and related matters. We have also provided expert testimony on professional conduct matters.
We represented a foreign government in its successful defense of a federal court action and appeal, in which the plaintiffs sought damages for alleged expropriation of business assets in violation of international law.