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Douglas E. "Doug"
Wagner

  • Of Counsel
dwagner@wnj.com
Grand Rapids
T 616.752.2130
F 616.752.2500

My admin

Doug Wagner is a litigation attorney with diverse experience in commercial contracting, product liability and regulatory compliance. He has served as lead counsel in a wide array of high stakes cases that require expertise across a variety of subject matters, and has an impressive vita of trial wins over the course of his 30+ years in practice. Known as an innovator, Doug approaches each case with tenacity and optimism. As the former managing partner for Warner, he created and implemented strategic decisions that have positioned the firm as a leader in cutting-edge practice areas and industries. In addition, Doug brought a focus to diversity and inclusion, creating a more unique and balanced work environment for the firm and its employees. Today, Doug enjoys an active practice primarily focused on service as a mediator in a wide variety of complex disputes.

practices

  • Chief trial counsel for Monsanto Company in case of Stahl v. Monsanto Company, obtaining defense verdict in case alleging product defects in the astroturf installation at the Pontiac Silverdome.
  • Product liability counsel for Hart & Cooley, Inc., involving multimillion-dollar recall of a vent pipe product, as well as the defense of multiple lawsuits alleging wrongful death.
  • Counsel for Amway Corporation in class action litigation involving an alleged product defect in water treatment systems.
  • Counsel for GR Spring & Stamping, Inc., in a lawsuit involving claim for reimbursement of automotive recall expense.
  • Represented German manufacturing
  • Chief trial counsel for Monsanto Company in case of Stahl v. Monsanto Company, obtaining defense verdict in case alleging product defects in the astroturf installation at the Pontiac Silverdome.
  • Product liability counsel for Hart & Cooley, Inc., involving multimillion-dollar recall of a vent pipe product, as well as the defense of multiple lawsuits alleging wrongful death.
  • Counsel for Amway Corporation in class action litigation involving an alleged product defect in water treatment systems.
  • Counsel for GR Spring & Stamping, Inc., in a lawsuit involving claim for reimbursement of automotive recall expense.
  • Represented German manufacturing company in sales/distribution dispute before the International Chamber of Commerce International Court of Arbitration in Paris, France.
  • Statewide representation of Georgia-Pacific Corporation in toxic tort cases arising from exposure to formaldehyde contained in plywood used to construct mobile homes, as well as several other personal injury, wrongful termination and government contract litigation matters.
  • Litigation counsel for Upjohn Company in product liability cases involving the prescription sleep medication Halcion®, as well as two significant environmental cases.
  • Trial counsel for Whirlpool Corporation in product liability cases involving home appliances.
  • Counsel for Velsicol Chemical Corporation, responsible for handling defense of dozens of toxic tort, product liability cases arising from exposure to PBB.
  • Trial counsel for Consumers Energy Corporation in cases alleging damage to dairy farm from “stray voltage.”
  • Trial counsel for Hart & Cooley, Inc., of Holland, Michigan, in nine-million-dollar insurance coverage dispute against Wausau Insurance Companies arising from flood damage.
  • Consultant and monitoring attorney for many business clients with regard to CPSC reporting responsibilities, product liability issues and risk management.
  • Since receiving certification as a facilitative mediator by the Federal District Court, Western District of Michigan in 1995, Doug has assisted parties by mediating settlements in more than 50 cases pending in Michigan state and federal courts.
  • “Business Development,” hosted by Wayne State Law Alumni Association, June 12, 2012
  • Various demonstrations at trial practice teaching programs including direct and cross-examinations of lay and expert witnesses, final arguments and opening statements
  • Seminar presentations on product recalls, product regulation, insurance coverage disputes and commercial contract issues to various trade and professional associations and companies, including the Precision Metalforming Association, The International Fasteners Institute, the Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Spring Manufacturers Institute
  • “Business Development,” hosted by Wayne State Law Alumni Association, June 12, 2012
  • Various demonstrations at trial practice teaching programs including direct and cross-examinations of lay and expert witnesses, final arguments and opening statements
  • Seminar presentations on product recalls, product regulation, insurance coverage disputes and commercial contract issues to various trade and professional associations and companies, including the Precision Metalforming Association, The International Fasteners Institute, the Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Spring Manufacturers Institute
  • “Tough times offer some lessons for businesses,” quoted in Detroit Free Press, 2/20/2011
  • “The Court of Law vs. The Court of Public Opinion: Considerations for Winning in Both,” Trial Practice (Fall 2003) and Minority Trial Lawyer, Spring/Summer 2004
  • “Protecting Your Company From Product Recall Liability,” Fastener Technology International, Aug/Sept. 2002
  • “Tough times offer some lessons for businesses,” quoted in Detroit Free Press, 2/20/2011
  • “The Court of Law vs. The Court of Public Opinion: Considerations for Winning in Both,” Trial Practice (Fall 2003) and Minority Trial Lawyer, Spring/Summer 2004
  • “Protecting Your Company From Product Recall Liability,” Fastener Technology International, Aug/Sept. 2002
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Douglas E. "Doug"
Wagner

  • Of Counsel
dwagner@wnj.com
Grand Rapids
T 616.752.2130
F 616.752.2500

My admin

Biography|
Credentials

Doug Wagner is a litigation attorney with diverse experience in commercial contracting, product liability and regulatory compliance. He has served as lead counsel in a wide array of high stakes cases that require expertise across a variety of subject matters, and has an impressive vita of trial wins over the course of his 30+ years in practice. Known as an innovator, Doug approaches each case with tenacity and optimism. As the former managing partner for Warner, he created and implemented strategic decisions that have positioned the firm as a leader in cutting-edge practice areas and industries. In addition, Doug brought a focus to diversity and inclusion, creating a more unique and balanced work environment for the firm and its employees. Today, Doug enjoys an active practice primarily focused on service as a mediator in a wide variety of complex disputes.

practices

  • “Business Development,” hosted by Wayne State Law Alumni Association, June 12, 2012
  • Various demonstrations at trial practice teaching programs including direct and cross-examinations of lay and expert witnesses, final arguments and opening statements
  • Seminar presentations on product recalls, product regulation, insurance coverage disputes and commercial contract issues to various trade and professional associations and companies, including the Precision Metalforming Association, The International Fasteners Institute, the Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Spring Manufacturers Institute
  • “Business Development,” hosted by Wayne State Law Alumni Association, June 12, 2012
  • Various demonstrations at trial practice teaching programs including direct and cross-examinations of lay and expert witnesses, final arguments and opening statements
  • Seminar presentations on product recalls, product regulation, insurance coverage disputes and commercial contract issues to various trade and professional associations and companies, including the Precision Metalforming Association, The International Fasteners Institute, the Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Spring Manufacturers Institute
  • “Tough times offer some lessons for businesses,” quoted in Detroit Free Press, 2/20/2011
  • “The Court of Law vs. The Court of Public Opinion: Considerations for Winning in Both,” Trial Practice (Fall 2003) and Minority Trial Lawyer, Spring/Summer 2004
  • “Protecting Your Company From Product Recall Liability,” Fastener Technology International, Aug/Sept. 2002
  • “Tough times offer some lessons for businesses,” quoted in Detroit Free Press, 2/20/2011
  • “The Court of Law vs. The Court of Public Opinion: Considerations for Winning in Both,” Trial Practice (Fall 2003) and Minority Trial Lawyer, Spring/Summer 2004
  • “Protecting Your Company From Product Recall Liability,” Fastener Technology International, Aug/Sept. 2002