A cross-border trial lawyer specializing in complex litigation for over three decades, Jeff serves as first chair trial counsel in actions involving product liability, life sciences (pharmaceutical and medical device), commercial and contractual disputes, general negligence, motor vehicle accidents, birth trauma, family law and toxic/chemical exposure. A licensed attorney in the United States (Michigan and Illinois), as well as a licensed barrister and solicitor in Ontario, Canada (allowing him to practice in every province except Quebec), Jeff has appeared in and tried cases as first chair in courts throughout both countries on behalf of plaintiffs and defendants. He has tried twenty cases before juries—most involving high-exposure, catastrophic, multimillion-dollar damages—and argued appeals at both the state and federal levels. Clients rely on Jeff for his ability to manage and present extraordinarily complex technical actions—no matter the subject—in a way that connects with juries and judges.
Jeff is presently lead national U.S. trial counsel for a Canadian-based insurer. He has previously served as lead trial counsel (representing both defendant and plaintiff) across the U.S. and Canada for a U.S. automobile manufacturer, several automobile suppliers, various non-automotive product manufacturers and suppliers, medical devices makers and various insurers. He has also been lead appellate counsel before the U.S. Court of Appeals and Michigan Court of Appeals.
In practice, Jeff engages in significant legal research, writing, oral advocacy, and alternative dispute resolution. He is an adjunct professor of law at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, teaching Alternative Dispute Resolution. Jeff is certified as a mediator by the Michigan Supreme Court and is an adept negotiator. He is also a Member of the State Bar of Michigan’s Standing Committee on Character & Fitness, where he both argues before, mediates and adjudicates candidate petitions in formal hearings.