Gregory M. Wright

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

University of Notre Dame Law School
South Bend, Indiana
J.D., cum laude, 2005
Journal of College and University Law, Executive Articles Editor

University of Notre Dame
South Bend, Indiana
B.A., Government and Economics, magna cum laude, 2002

Bar Admissions

Illinois

Michigan

New York

 

Corporate Attorney

Greg is a member of Varnum’s corporate and mobility practice teams. He has extensive experience representing private equity firms, family offices, management groups, strategic investors and shareholders in mergers, acquisitions and divestitures of assets and equity. Greg also works closely with subsidiaries of foreign-owned companies to help them establish and grow businesses in the United States.

Greg provides advice and support in connection with the negotiation of commercial contracts, the establishment of joint ventures and the raising of debt and equity capital.

Greg also represents companies engaged in the development and commercialization of emerging mobility technologies to manage risk in their contractual relationships.

Additionally, Greg serves on Varnum’s Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) Taskforce, which specializes in CTA compliance, guidance and analysis. Visit our CTA Resource Center for more information.

Experience

Mergers and Acquisitions

Represented the sole shareholder of franchisor of supermarket-based sushi counters in the sale of the company to a publicly traded Japanese food service company for $257 million.

Represented Australian SaaS client in equity acquisition of U.S. eCommerce platform for mixed consideration.

Represented shareholders in the sale of equity in a multinational IT services and consulting business.

Represented private equity client in purchase of equity in Midwestern metalworking company from European parent company and negotiation of future relationship with team of management investors.

Represented owner of food service industry equipment manufacturer in sale of all equity interests of company to a strategic buyer.

Represented private equity client in acquisition of equity of limited liability company engaged in provision of digital and conventional printing and marketing services.

Represented electric cooperative in $127 million acquisition of distribution assets from public company and divestiture of assets to its member cooperatives in 12 simultaneous asset sales.

Mobility

Represent leading provider of autonomous ride-hail and shuttle services in the drafting of and negotiation of services agreements and terms and conditions for various business models.

Represent provider of autonomous vehicle services to passengers in negotiation of contractual relationships with collaboration partners and service providers.

Securities, Joint Ventures and General Corporate Matters

Represented real estate developers in successful capital raise through private placement including formation of limited liability company, drafting and negotiation of limited liability company agreement, preparation of offering memorandum and submission of filings to federal and state regulators.

Represented U.S. biopharmaceutical company in negotiating terms of clinical trial agreements.

Represented foreign company and its U.S. subsidiary in the negotiation of original design manufacture of new line of power tools.

Drafted and negotiated agreement for purchase of rolling stock by not-for-profit client constructing and operating passenger light rail system in Detroit.

Represented real estate developer in negotiation of joint venture and purchase of real estate by joint venture for purpose of constructing multi-unit residential development.

Represented private real estate brokerage in negotiation and drafting of limited liability company agreements for various joint ventures for the purchase and development of retail stores.

Professional Affiliations

Licensed to practice in Michigan, Illinois and New York

State Bar of Michigan, International Law Section, board member

IrishAngels angel investment group

Community Involvement

Notre Dame Club of Detroit, President

German American Business Council of Michigan

Amandla Charter School, Chicago, director 2011-2015

National Immigrant Justice Center, Chicago – Junior Leadership Board, 2011-2017

Presentations

Development and Production of EV Batteries: Joint Ventures Between U.S. and Non-U.S. Companies, State Bar of Michigan International Law Section, March 2024

Prepare Your Condo/HOA for the Corporate Transparency Act, Varnum LLP, February 2024

Corporate Transparency Act Reporting Requirements: What Steps Can Companies Take Now?, Varnum LLP, November 2023

Selling your Product Overseas: Choice of Law and Forum Issues in Cross-border Supply Agreements, State Bar of Michigan, International Law Section, May 2023

Succession Planning for a Small Business, Illinois State Bar Association, June 2022

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Lauren E. Potocsky

Lauren E. Potocsky

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

Wayne State University Law School
Detroit, Michigan
J.D., cum laude, 2017
Order of the Coif
Editor-in-Chief, Wayne Law Review

Michigan State University, James Madison College
East Lansing, Michigan
B.A., with honors, 2014

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Real Estate Attorney

Lauren is a member of Varnum’s Real Estate Practice Team. She regularly counsels clients on the acquisition, financing, sale and leasing of commercial property, including retail shopping centers and office and industrial buildings. Lauren also has significant experience representing clients in the sale and acquisition of medical office buildings, as well as the subsequent leasing of medical office space to physician groups, hospitals and medical practices. Her clients range from large, multimillion dollar companies to startup entrepreneurs and she represents both landlords and tenants, buyers and sellers. 

Lauren also supports Varnum’s Construction Law Team by reviewing and advising clients on contractual matters. In addition, she assists Varnum’s White Collar Defense Practice Team with internal investigations.

For the past three years, Lauren has been named by Best Lawyers® as one of the “Ones to Watch,” a designation given to attorneys who are earlier in their careers in recognition of their outstanding professional excellence in private practice.

While in law school, Lauren was a member of the first place team of the Arthur Neef Moot Court Finals, and was a quarterfinalist in the Robert F. Wagner National Labor and Employment Law Moot Court Competition, one of the country’s most prestigious competitions.

Experience

Lead associate on multi-property acquisition of 500,000+ square feet of medical office space and related structuring of real estate investment fund exceeding $194 million in value. 

Lead associate on acquisition and financing of 90,000 square foot medical office building with value in excess of $27 million including subsequent leasing of the medical office space.

Lead associate on acquisition and financing of 55,000 square foot medical office building with value in excess of $16 million including subsequent leasing of the medical office space.

Member of the team assembled by the Independent Monitor by the U.S. Department of Justice to oversee General Motors’ compliance with its obligations under the Deferred Prosecution Agreement stemming from its recall of defective ignition switches.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Ones to Watch, Construction and Real Estate Law, since 2021

Michigan Super Lawyers®, Rising Star, since 2020

Professional Affiliations

Detroit Bar Association

Oakland County Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan

Community Involvement

Northville Community Foundation, Board

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Julia A. Perkins

Perkinsjulia Web

Practice Areas

Education

Detroit College of Law
Detroit, Michigan
J.D., magna cum laude, 1996
Member, Managing Editor Outside Articles, Detroit College of Law Review

Indiana University
Bloomington, Indiana
B.S., Management & Organizations, 1990

Bar Admissions

Federal Eastern Bar Association

Federal Western Bar Association

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

Family Law Attorney

Julia is the chair of the Family Law Team and works with clients in family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support and parenting time matters. She has unique experience with international custody cases, international abduction cases and valuation and division of high net worth marital estates. She is also a certified mediator with a focus in family law.

Julia’s experience also includes representing clients in commercial litigation.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Family Law, since 2018

Best Lawyers in America®, Ann Arbor Lawyer of the Year, Family Law, 2024

DBusiness© magazine, Top Lawyers, Family Law, since 2018

Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Women in the Law, 2016

Michigan Super Lawyers®, 2018, 2020, 2021

National Law Review, Thought Leader Award (Family Law Practice Team), 2020

Professional Affiliations

Detroit Bar Association, member, 2016 – present; Board of Directors, 2017 – present

Detroit Mercy Law, Family Law adjunct professor, 2004 – 2017

Oakland County Family Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan

Wayne County Family Bar Association

Community Involvement

City of Canton Planning Commission, 2015 – 2020

Culinary Challenge Core Committee, 2010 – 2018

Girls Rock Detroit Board, 2021 – 2022

Kids Talk Advisory Committee, 2005 – present

Presentations

Presenter, ICLE webinar: Family Law Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic, May 14, 2020

Presenter, ICLE webinar: Demonstration: Family Law Deposition, July 13, 2020

Presenter, ICLE webinar: Fundamentals of Divorce and Procedure, November 10, 2021

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Katherine L. O’Connor

Katherine L. O'Connor

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

Michigan State University College of Law
Detroit, Michigan
J.D., cum laude, 1997
Journal of International Law and Practice, Managing Editor
Journal of International Law and Practice Scholarship Recipient
International Law Society, member

Michigan State University,
James Madison College
East Lansing, Michigan B.A., International Relations, 1994

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

United States Supreme Court

Litigation Attorney

Katherine is an attorney in the Litigation Practice Team, assisting clients in a wide variety of construction and commercial litigation matters. She has extensive experience with contract disputes and brings a strong background in litigating and arbitrating construction claims, including claims for delay and impact costs and lost productivity, extra work, cost overruns, non-performance, default, interference and enforcing or challenging construction liens and construction bond claims.  Katherine has represented owners, general contractors, construction managers and subcontractors in the extensive and detailed negotiation and drafting of contract documents prior to a project to anticipate problems, reduce risk, and to help facilitate timely and efficient project completion.

In addition to an extensive construction law practice, Katherine has experience in a wide range of general business and commercial matters, including business entity formation, sales agreement negotiation, contract drafting, sales and mergers of companies, the development of corporate and business strategies, and in evaluating and assisting in the negotiation and resolution of contract based disputes.

Experience

Obtained significant arbitration award in construction dispute involving breach of contract claims relating to extra work and early termination issues.

Engaged in large arbitration and successfully defended and/or pursued claims for major public universities relating to design issues and claims for additional costs related to design defects.

Successfully defended and pursued claims for subcontractors for extra work, delays and labor productivity impacts on waste-water treatment plant, educational facilities, hospitals, commercial and industrial facilities, including OEM automotive plant.

Drafted full sets of contract documents for several large public universities and a large hospital organization, and contract documents for numerous owners, general contractors/construction managers, subcontractors and design professionals.

Successfully defended design professionals in a variety of claims, including for design defect and error and omission related claims.

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association

Federal Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan

Community Involvement

Huntington Woods Women’s League

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Eric M. Nemeth

Nemetheric Web

Practice Areas

Education

Wayne State University
Detroit, Michigan
LL.M., Taxation, 1997

Michigan State University College of Law
Detroit, Michigan
J.D., cum laude, 1989

University of Michigan
Dearborn, Michigan
B.A., Economics, Political Science, 1985

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

United States Court of Federal Claims

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

United States Supreme Court

United States Tax Court

Nemeth Eric 1280 x 720

Tax Attorney

Eric is a partner and leads the firm’s Tax Planning, Compliance and Litigation Practice Team. He has extensive experience in tax law with a focus on all aspects of related civil and criminal law, as well as complex financial investigative and litigation matters.

Through a collaborative and proactive process he has achieved exceptional results, including multiple discontinued or “dropped” investigations, litigation victories and, where appropriate, effective sentencing advocacy resulting in multiple occasions of greatly reduced sentences or no jail time for his clients.

The ability to organize and plan a highly technical or complex defense to an investigation also enables Eric to conduct proactive fraud investigations on behalf of clients that suspect embezzlement or theft by employees or contractors.

Eric represents businesses, individuals and other entities such as trusts and estates in the defense of IRS, FBI, Homeland Security, state police and other law-enforcement agency investigations. He has significant experience in counseling and representing witnesses, victims and targets of an investigation, and his counsel is widely sought by other lawyers, accountants and financial advisors.

A long-time leader in the tax and financial field, Eric has led or assisted in matters for clients on five continents and over most of the United States. He routinely provides legal advice and counsel to clients regarding the tax implications of assets held outside of the United States.

Eric’s clients benefit from his prior experience representing the government in IRS audits, investigations, negotiations and litigation. He started his career as a senior trial lawyer for IRS Chief Counsel (Honors Program) and as a Special Assistant United States Attorney. He also proudly served in the U.S. Army as a Judge Advocate. During his tenure with the government, Eric litigated complex matters and provided legal support, guidance and strategy for a multitude of criminal investigations and civil tax examinations. His service was recognized with multiple performance awards.

Eric stays on top of legal developments as a regular visiting professor and lecturer. He also authors several articles per year, is a regular speaker to professional groups and has received a multitude of peer recognition awards.

Experience

Successfully represented prominent entertainer in IRS criminal investigation that resulted in no charges being brought.

Successfully advocated for a business owner and resolved a criminal investigation with all charges dropped.

Successfully secured dismissal of multiple charges including charges with mandatory prison terms.

Negotiated an Offer in Compromise satisfying an obligation in excess of $10 million for less than five percent.

Represented retailer in criminal investigation resulting in no charges filed.

Resolved an IRS examination spanning dozens of related entities preserving valuable deductions and minimizing penalties.

Was lead counsel on significant “offshore” IRS investigation resulting in a determination of non-willfulness with a resultant client savings in-excess of $10 million.

Represented international commodities trader in multi-agency federal investigation including IRS, EPA and Homeland Security.

Lead counsel for multinational taxpayer in successfully resolving international tax and tax compliance matters.

Successfully spearheaded forensic investigation involving multiple countries, resulting in a non-prosecution determination by the Department of Justice.

Represented prominent entertainer in IRS criminal investigation that resulted in the Department of Justice declining prosecution.

Successfully prevailed in a sentencing phase wherein the client avoided prison and was able to operate and preserve his business.

Represented manufacturing company in IRS civil examination and concluded the examination without any additional tax due.

Negotiated an Offer in Compromise for client fully resolving outstanding tax liabilities for less than 10 percent saving the client over $1 million.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year, Litigation and Controversy – Tax, 2022

Best Lawyers in America® since 2012

DBusiness© magazine, Top Lawyers, Tax Law, since 2011

Leading Lawyers: Criminal Defense Law – White Collar; Tax Law – Business; Tax Law – Individual

Michigan Lawyers Weekly – Hall of Fame, 2024

Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Leaders in the Law, 2015

Michigan Super Lawyers® since 2010

Michigan Super Lawyers®, Top 100, 2012, 2024

Michigan Super Lawyers®, Top 50 Consumer Super Lawyers, 2016, 2017, 2018

University of Michigan-Dearborn, College of Arts, Science and Letters-Alum of the Year, 2024

U.S. Army Commendation Medal with Three Oak Leaf Clusters

U.S. Army Achievement Medal

IRS Chief Counsel Special Act Award (Four)

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association: Taxation Section; Sports Law Section

Detroit Veterans Bar Association, vice president, 2017

Federal Bar Association: Taxation Section, past chair, 1996 – 2000

Law360 Tax Authority Federal Editorial Advisory Board – 2020, 2023

State Bar of Michigan: Taxation Section, past chair; Tax Practice and Procedure Section

Community Involvement

Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Board of Trustees

Holy Redeemer Schools (Detroit), past chair

Metro Detroit Young Entrepreneurs Academy, Ambassador Club and judge

Michigan State University College of Law: Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic, Board member; Tax Practice and Procedure, adjunct professor

University of Michigan: Victors for Michigan Campaign Steering Committee, co-chair (Dearborn); Dean’s Advisory Council (Dearborn)

Walsh College Graduate Tax Program, Tax Fraud Investigations and Forensic Accounting, adjunct professor

Presentations

MICPA Small Firm Practitioner’s Conference: “Multi-year Tax Planning Demystified,” August 17, 2023

National Institute: Criminal Tax Fraud/Tax Controversy, Las Vegas, Nevada – December 11, 2019

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Paul L.B. McKenney

Paul L.B. McKenney

Practice Areas

Education

Wayne State University Law School
Detroit, Michigan
LL.M., Taxation, 1980

University of Michigan Law School
Ann Arbor, Michigan
J.D., 1974

Georgetown University
Washington, D.C.
B.A., Economics, 1970

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

United States Tax Court

Federal Tax Attorney

Paul’s practice focuses upon representation of business and individual taxpayers in federal tax planning as well as in controversies at administrative levels and the tax court and before federal courts. Paul has served as a past adjunct professor in the graduate tax program at Walsh College and is also a committee chair and frequent speaker at the American Bar Association Taxation Committee meetings. He is a regular contributor to the Michigan Business Law Journal on tax matters.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America® since 2010

Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year, Tax Law, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022

DBusiness© magazine, Top Lawyer, 2017

Leading Lawyers: Tax Law – Business; Tax Law – Individual

Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Leader in the Law, 2013

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association: Taxation Section; Sales, Exchanges and Basis Committee, chair

Detroit Bar Association: Taxation Committee, past chair

Oakland County Bar Association: Taxation Committee, past chair

State Bar of Michigan, Tax Section

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Kevin S. Macaddino

Kevin S. Macaddino

Practice Areas

Education

Wayne State University Law School
Detroit, Michigan
J.D., 1980

Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
B.S., 1976

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

Real Estate and Corporate Attorney

Kevin focuses his practice on real estate land acquisition, development, finance and leasing, as well as corporate formation, governance and disposition. He represents a wide array of clients, ranging from publicly traded companies to startup entrepreneurs.

During a leave of absence from his private practice, Kevin served as the president of a successful custom home builder in Southeast Michigan. This practical experience, together with more than 40 years of legal experience, enables him to offer exceptional value to his clients through a focused, problem-solving approach to the complex issues of real estate and corporate transactions.

Honors and Recognitions

Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Hall of Fame, 2023

Professional Affiliations

International Council of Shopping Centers

Oakland County Bar Association: Real Estate Law Section, past chair

State Bar of Michigan: Real Property Law Section, Special Committee for Commercial Leasing; Commercial Real Estate Development and Ownership Committee; Professional Ethics Committee; Committee on the Unauthorized Practice of Law

Community Involvement

First Presbyterian Church-Northville

Gleaners Community Food Bank

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Kari L. Howe

Kari L. Howe

Practice Areas

Education

Walsh College
Troy, Michigan
B.A., Accounting, 2010

Enrolled Agent

Kari is an Enrolled Agent and a member of Varnum’s Tax Team. As an Enrolled Agent, she represents taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service in examination, compliance and tax collection matters. She has negotiated collection alternatives with the IRS on behalf of many individual and business taxpayers. In addition, her experience includes assisting individuals with reporting compliance issues for offshore financial accounts and assisting in forensic document analysis in criminal and tax fraud investigations. 

Certifications

IRS Enrolled Agent

Professional Affiliations

Michigan Association of Enrolled Agents

Michigan Women’s Tax Association

National Association of Enrolled Agents

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Richard A. Hooker

Richard A. Hooker

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

Washington and Lee University School of Law
Lexington, Virginia
J.D., 1976

Denison University
Granville, Ohio
B.A., 1973

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin

Labor and Employment Attorney

Dick’s career as a labor and employment attorney included traditional labor relations, state/federal agency work, employment litigation, unemployment insurance taxation matters and arbitration of employment disputes. He also served as a facilitative mediator for the U.S. District Court, Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, and the Michigan courts.

Chambers USA, which ranks top lawyers and law firms, notes Dick’s 40+ years of practice and declares he “continues to provide the Varnum team with the benefit of his many years’ experience, and is especially well versed in the automotive sector.”

Dick was named “Lawyer of the Year” in the area of Employment Law – Management in 2021 and 2022 by Best Lawyers in America®.

He became Of Counsel in 2020 and is living in Spring Hill, Tennessee. 

Experience

Represented Fabco Holdings, Inc. in sale of product portfolio and related technologies to Meritor. Negotiated transaction documents and advised on employee benefit, union, intellectual property and financing-related matters.

Representation of significant transportation industry company in labor relations matters, including collective bargaining and labor arbitration with the American Postal Workers.

Representation of multi-employer construction industry associations in labor relations matters, including collective bargaining, fringe benefit fund issues and labor dispute resolution.

Representation of professional employer organizations, staffing firms, consumer products manufacturers, agricultural employers and automobile dealerships in multimillion dollar unemployment insurance tax appeals.

Representation of multistate environmental contracting company in labor and employment relations matters, including worksite picketing, out-of-area labor contracting, multi-employer fringe benefit fund issues, employment litigation and employment arbitration.

Representation of manufacturing employers in general labor and employment relations matters.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America® since 2005

Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year, Employment Law – Management, 2021 and 2022

Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year, Labor Law – Management, 2024

Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year, Litigation – Labor and Employment, 2020

Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business as a Leader in the field of Labor & Employment

College of Labor and Employment Lawyers, fellow

DBusiness© magazine, Top Lawyers, Labor and Employment Law, 2019 – 2022

Leading Lawyers: ADR Law – Employment; Employment Law – Management; Labor Law – Management

Martindale Hubbell®  AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

Michigan Lawyers Weekly® Hall of Fame Honoree, 2020

Michigan Super Lawyers® since 2006

Professional Affiliations

Alliance for Education in Dispute Resolution

American Employment Law Council

American Bar Association: Labor and Employment Section; Committee on Unemployment Insurance Law, past co-chair; Committee on State Labor and Employment Laws, past co-chair; Committee on Employment Rights and Responsibilities

Center for Public Responsibility

Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE): Michigan Labor and Employment Law, “Unemployment Insurance Law,” Chapter Editor; Annual Labor and Employment Law Institute, speaker

Labor and Employment Relations Association, Detroit Chapter

National Arbitration & Mediation, Inc.

National Arbitration Forum

National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO)

Oakland County Bar Association: ADR Committee, chair

Oakland County Business Court’s Advisory Group

State Bar of Michigan, Labor and Employment Section

State Bar of Wisconsin, Labor and Employment Section

Community Involvement

Cooley Lake Association

Detroit Orientation Institute

Hands On Nashville, volunteer

Kent County Chapter of the American Cancer Society

Leadership Kalamazoo

The Center for Michigan, volunteer

The Well Outreach of Spring Hill, volunteer

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Richard T. Hewlett

Hewlettrich Web

Practice Areas

Industries

Education

Detroit College of Law
Detroit, Michigan
J.D., 1987
Law Review, Note & Comment Editor

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Bachelor of General Studies, 1983
Four-year Varsity letter winner, Football, 1979 – 1983

Bar Admissions

Michigan

Court Admissions

All Michigan state courts

United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan

United States Supreme Court

Hewlett Rich 1280 x 720

Litigation Attorney

Rich is a first-chair litigator and partner in Varnum’s Litigation and Trial Team. He is the head of our Construction Law Practice and the co-chair of the firm’s Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) Practice.

Rich is a versatile litigator who has achieved favorable results for his clients in construction, commercial and shareholder disputes, both in court and before arbitral bodies. He is a sought-after counselor by Boards of Directors and C-Suite executives in connection with sensitive matters, including internal investigations and compliance matters. As the co-chair of the firm’s NIL team, Rich leverages his background advising higher education institutions on regulatory matters, as well as his experience as a four-year letter winner on the University of Michigan’s football team.

In the construction realm, Rich has successfully represented owners, construction managers, subcontractors/suppliers and design professionals in a wide range of matters, including claims related to delays, extra work, productivity impact, defects, liens and bond claims.

Following the June 2021 Supreme Court decision that allowed student-athletes to monetize their name, image and likeness, Rich has represented collectives (including on behalf of the football and basketball programs at a Big Ten University) and brands in connection with NCAA compliance and related business counseling matters pertaining to NIL. He is a former NFLPA-certified agent who has represented athletes and coaches in contract negotiations, business ventures and intellectual property law.

Experience

Construction Litigation and Contracts

Successfully defended construction defect claims in excess of $15 million in litigation resulting in zero dollar awards.

Obtained significant arbitration award in construction dispute involving breach of contract claims relating to extra work and early termination issues.

Successfully pursued claims for delays and impact costs for multiple mechanical contractors on major airport new construction project.

Successfully pursued claims for general contractor against public transportation entity involving renovation of international bridge and related cost overruns, extra work and impact claims.

Successfully defended and pursued claims in large arbitration for major public universities relating to design issues and claims for additional costs related to design defects.

Successfully defended and pursued claims for subcontractors for extra work, delays and labor productivity impacts on wastewater and water treatment plants, educational facilities, hospitals, commercial and industrial facilities (including OEM automotive plant) and bridges and tunnels.

Drafted suites of contract documents for several large public universities and a large hospital organization, and contract documents for numerous owners, general contractors/construction managers, subcontractors and design professionals.

Successfully defended design professionals in a variety of claims, including for design defect and error and omission claims.

Business and Commercial Litigation

Obtained federal court jury verdict in favor of client in breach of contract and tortious interference claims and no cause of opponents’ claims.

Successfully obtained consent decree defending individual from claims by public pension funds in excess of $35 million and resolved for several hundred thousand dollars.

Successfully defended copyright infringement claims and obtained rights to iconic photo on behalf of former Heisman trophy winner and Super Bowl MVP winner.

Successfully defended and/or pursued numerous shareholder and partnership disputes relating to minority interests and shareholder oppression claims and contract and business tort cases.

Obtained jury verdict in state court breach of contract matter and no cause of opponent’s claims.

Internal Investigations

Represented large public university involving allegations of cover-up and failure to comply with the federal Clery Act involving the death of a student. Performed extensive investigation, developed significant report and handled disclosure of findings to trustees, public and Department of Education. The investigation was the largest of its kind at that time.

Represented national professional services firm in internal investigation following alleged fraud by an executive. Provided the client with an immediate investigation protocol and strategy focused on asset recovery and preservation of insurance claims. Worked with forensic accounting team, conducted witness interviews, terminated the employee and counseled the client on crisis communications and law enforcement reporting matters.

Represented multi-billion dollar international tier one supplier in international investigation, which resulted in significant company changes and policy enforcement.

Represented religious institutions in allegations of child sexual assault after church was accused of responsibility for sexual assault of a minor child during a Sunday school program. Worked with the client on a strategy and performed an exhaustive investigation including witness interviews and policy analysis. Successfully resolved subsequent litigation.

Represented major city school district in an internal investigation and defended subsequent litigation.

Represented large metropolitan airport in an internal investigation involving alleged misuse of public funds on billion dollar construction program.

Represented national publicly-traded waste disposal company in internal investigation following charges of alleged toxic chemical dumping.

Honors and Recognitions

Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Michigan’s Go To Lawyer for Construction Law, 2023

Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year, Construction Law, 2022

Best Lawyers in America®, Commercial Litigation, Construction Law, since 2014

Best Lawyers in America®, Lawyer of the Year, Litigation – Construction (Novi), 2018, 2020

DBusiness© magazine, Top Lawyers, Litigation – Construction, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023

Leading Lawyers: Commercial Litigation; Construction Law

Martindale-Hubbell® AV Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Leaders in the Law, 2017

Michigan Super Lawyers®, 2014 – 2020

Professional Affiliations

American Bar Association, Construction Law Forum

Association of General Contractors, Legal Relations Committee

Federal Bar Association

Oakland County Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan, Litigation Section

Community Involvement

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation: Southeast Michigan, former Board president, 2017 – 2019; Board member, 2010 – present

Swing to Cure Diabetes Golf Outing, founder, 2008 – present

Teaching and Presentations

Lectures and teaching experiences include numerous construction law courses to various construction industry groups, contractors and clients, including the Construction Association of Michigan, the Metropolitan Detroit Plumbing and Heating Contractors Association and the Mid-Michigan Mechanical Contractors Association. Subjects taught include: Construction liens and performance and payment bonds; Project administration techniques and handling contract changes; Pursuing and defending construction claims; Contract drafting and dealing with problem contract terms; and analysis of the revised 1997 AIA A201 General Conditions and other 1997 AIA contracts. Served as instructor to large international general contractor on wide range of construction related issues.

Presentations also involve the Consensus Documents and AIA documents and other construction contract related issues. Presented seminars to design professionals involving claim situations and to accounting professionals on accounting and audit obligations. Presented on Sports law issues and coaching contract matters. Regular speaker at the Federal Bar Association’s New Lawyer Seminar on state and federal court practice and procedure. 

Numerous lectures and presentations to College and University associations across the country on Clery Act and campus safety and security matters, including compliance with the Clery Act and FERPA regulations. National speaker for Security on Campus, Inc. organization and federal government organizations on preventing violence against women on college campuses and universities. Presented on panels relating to internal investigation techniques and strategies.

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