Michael Brady
- Executive Partner
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- Kelli Farrar
When clients come to me with a question or a problem, they know I’ll do everything I can to make their lives easier and take the burden off their shoulders so they can focus on other concerns, like running their organizations. I always strive to add value by gaining an in-depth understanding of my clients’ businesses and needs. I find it gratifying to apply a confluence of creative strategies and practical approaches to resolve their issues efficiently and effectively.
The recipient of numerous awards both nationally and across Michigan, Michael Brady focuses on complex business and supply chain litigation and class action matters, representing Tier 1 and Tier 2 automotive suppliers in contract negotiations and supply chain disputes. He also advocates for defendants in class action cases involving various claims, such as antitrust, consumer and securities fraud. Michael successfully represents clients at every stage of the litigation process in federal and state courts throughout the United States, as well as in international matters. He also conducts internal compliance investigations on behalf of major corporations.
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Commercial and Automotive Litigation
Michael has extensive experience in litigating complex commercial matters, routinely achieving outstanding results in an efficient manner. His representative experience includes the following:
- Lead counsel in successfully obtaining a “no cause” arbitration award on behalf of health care providers facing a $6.5 million claim for tortious interference and defamation.
- Lead litigation counsel for automotive finance company and responsible for all commercial litigation in the Eastern United States.
- National litigation counsel for large parts supplier, successfully prosecuting and defending suits throughout the United States.
- Lead counsel in obtaining multimillion-dollar su
Commercial and Automotive Litigation
Michael has extensive experience in litigating complex commercial matters, routinely achieving outstanding results in an efficient manner. His representative experience includes the following:
- Lead counsel in successfully obtaining a “no cause” arbitration award on behalf of health care providers facing a $6.5 million claim for tortious interference and defamation.
- Lead litigation counsel for automotive finance company and responsible for all commercial litigation in the Eastern United States.
- National litigation counsel for large parts supplier, successfully prosecuting and defending suits throughout the United States.
- Lead counsel in obtaining multimillion-dollar summary disposition in plaintiff’s favor in supply chain pricing dispute.
- Lead litigation counsel in successfully representing automotive supplier in suit involving misappropriation of trade secrets and breach of fiduciary duty by a former employee.
- Lead counsel in numerous supply chain matters including, among other things, pricing disputes, breach of warranty claims, terms and conditions disputes, and injunction actions.
- Lead counsel in successfully obtaining dismissal of plaintiff’s suit seeking rescission of life insurance settlement contract. Harahan v FairMarket Life Settlement Corp., 2006 WL 3103717 (ED Mich Oct31, 2006).
- Successfully persuaded Wayne County Circuit Court and Court of Appeals to dismiss administrative appeal challenging state construction permit for multimillion-dollar disposal facility. City of Romulus et al v MDEQ and EDS, 260 Mich App 54 (2003); successfully persuaded Ingham County Circuit Court and Court of Appeals to invalidate state construction permit that was incompatible with disposal facility. EDS v Fitch et al, 2005 WL 2864240 (Mich App Nov 1, 2005); successfully persuaded U.S. District Court to deny plaintiff’s request to enjoin operation of disposal facility. Sunoco Partners Marketing Terminals, L.P. v US EPA et al, 2006 WL 156394 (ED Mich Jan 20, 2006).
- Counsel for one of the daily Detroit newspapers in successfully obtaining dismissal of a multimillion-dollar defamation suit.
- Lead counsel in successfully obtaining favorable judgment at trial in a case involving a customer’s failure to make all payments due under a requirements contract.
- Counsel for major banking institution in successfully defeating the plaintiff’s motion for preliminary injunction in trial court, Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court in a case involving claims of misappropriation of trade secrets, breach of contract, and tortious interference with contract.
- Lead counsel for title insurance agency in successfully obtaining dismissal of all claims in a equitable conversion/breach of contract case.
Class Action Litigation
Michael has considerable experience in defending class action lawsuits, consistently achieving excellent results for his clients. Some of his representative cases including the following:
- Lead counsel for financial institutions in shareholder class action cases arising from a corporate merger, and successfully obtained a dismissal on all claims against all defendants. The trial court ruling was upheld on appeal in a published decision. Kevin Nicholl et alv Talmer Bancorp, Inc. et al, ____ Mich App____; 2019 Mich App LEXIS 6413 (Mich Ct App, Oct17, 2019).
- Lead counsel for home health care provider in defending against consumer protection act claims and obtained favorable settlement.
- Lead counsel in successfully defending class action brought against insurer claiming violations of insurance policies, Ile v Foremost Ins. Co., 493 Mich 915; 823 NW2d 426 (2012).
- Lead counsel for banking institution in successfully obtaining dismissals of various shareholder class action lawsuits challenging mergers.
- Lead counsel for private home care companies and obtained very favorable settlement of class action lawsuit alleging consumer protection act violations.
- Lead counsel for Cerberus Capital Management in successfully obtaining dismissal of class action lawsuit brought by former Chrysler executives alleging that their supplemental pensions should have survived bankruptcy.
- Lead counsel for Mercedes-Benz Financial Services in successfully obtaining dismissal of consumer class action lawsuit claiming violations of Maryland consumer finance and consumer fraud laws.
- Lead counsel in obtaining summary judgment of class action case alleging that client’s video games constituted illegal gambling under Michigan law.
- Counsel for title insurance company and obtained very favorable settlement in multimillion-dollar class action alleging the company’s rate structure violated federal law.
- Counsel for major banking institution in successfully obtaining dismissal of plaintiff’s federal court class action complaint involving the assessment of garnishment fees in Ohio.
- Counsel for title insurance company and obtained “nuisance value” settlement in class action alleging the company’s rate structure was illegal.
Antitrust
- Counsel for clients in multi-national antitrust investigations.
- Counsel for clients in antitrust training.
- Counsel for clients in ongoing antitrust guidance and advice.
- Counsel for clients in antitrust litigation proceedings.
- MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers 2023 Automotive Supplier Legal Trends,
- “Navigating the Ongoing Supply Chain Challenges”, OESA Sales Executive Council, September 8, 2022
- Moderator, 2022 Virtual Automotive Executive Roundtable Series, July 12, 2022 <
- MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers 2023 Automotive Supplier Legal Trends,
- “Navigating the Ongoing Supply Chain Challenges”, OESA Sales Executive Council, September 8, 2022
- Moderator, 2022 Virtual Automotive Executive Roundtable Series, July 12, 2022
- “Fireside Chat: Challenges and Opportunities in Today’s Volatile Supply Chain Landscape,” 23rd Michigan Automotive Suppliers Symposium, Grand Valley State University Pew Campus, March 10, 2022, Grand Rapids, Michigan
- “Navigating the Wave of Supply Chain Challenges,” OESA 2022 Automotive Supplier Legal Trends, January 25, 2022
- “Warner Virtual Automotive Executive Roundtable Series,” Warner Roundtable, March 25, 2021
- “2021 Automotive Supplier Legal Hot Topics,” OESA Virtual Event, February 3, 2021
- “Legal Insights and Strategies for Automotive Suppliers,” Warner Roundtable, October 13, 2020
- “Managing Your Supply Chain During COVID-19,” ACC Webinar, October 8, 2020
- “COVID-19 Panel: What Your C-Suite Should Be Thinking About,” Warner Webinar, July 21, 2020
- “COVID-19 Litigation Threats in Higher Education,” Michigan Colleges Alliance Webinar, June 9, 2020
- “Business Update: Managing Your Supply Chains After COVID-19,” Warner Webinar, May 1, 2020
- “Reopening Michigan: Legal Issues to Consider,” Michigan Chamber of Commerce Webinar, April 24, 2020
- “Purchasing Best Practices Coming Out of COVID-19 Shutdowns,” OESA Chief Purchasing Officers Council, April 22, 2020
- “Addressing the Coronavirus: Force Majeure and HR Issues” and “How to Conduct an Internal Investigation and New Trends in Criminal Enforcement,” OESA 2020 Automotive Supplier Legal Hot Topics, February 12, 2020, Troy, Michigan
- Presenter, 2019 3Q Mobility Supplier Forum & Auto Connect Matchmaking Event, September 5, 2019, Menlo, California
- “Dispute Resolution — How and When to Pick Your Battles: Business Resolution vs. Reserving Rights Under Protest vs. TRO,” OESA 2019 Automotive Supplier Legal Hot Topics, June 13, 2019, Troy, Michigan
- “Managing ‘Directed Buy’ Agreements,” OESA 2019 Professional Development Series, April 12, 2019, Troy, Michigan
- “Managing Tariffs in the Supply Chain – How Suppliers can use their Contractual Arrangements to Negotiate Tariff Payments Responsibility,” OESA Legal Issues Council, October 9, 2018, Southfield, Michigan
- “Class Action Lawsuit Issues and Trends,” Michigan Bankers Association, November 30, 2017, Grand Rapids, Michigan
- “How to Navigate Directed Buy Relationships,” OESA Mobility Supplier Forum conference at Futuris Automotive, November 8, 2017, Newark, California
- Moderator, “The Automotive Supplier’s Guide to 2017: Legal Trends and Insight for the New Year,” OESA Seminar, February 2, 2017, Troy, Michigan
- “Creating IP Jointly – Avoiding Antitrust Liability with JVs and JDAs,” OESA Seminar “Navigating the Intersection of Today’s Automotive IP and IT,” September 19, 2016, Troy, Michigan
- “Antitrust Enforcement Trends,” Legal Trends to Watch in 2016, OESA briefing, February 16, 2016
- “Warranty and Recall Issues – Minimizing Your Exposure,” OESA Sales and Marketing Council, December 4, 2014
- “Securing Trade Secrets with a Transient Workforce,” OESA Intellectual Property Best Practices: Protecting and Strengthening Your Competitive Advantage Seminar, June 11, 2014
- “How to Conduct an Internal Corporate Investigation,” Warner Automotive Legal Summit, June 13, 2013
- “The Contract as a Tool in Supply Chain Risk Mitigation,” OESA conference, September 9, 2012
- “Preparing for and Managing Antitrust Risk in an Era of Vigorous Enforcement,” OESA Supplier Roundtable: Issues Impacting the North American Supply Chain, May 1, 2012, Greenville, South Carolina
- “Negotiations: Strategies and Tactics”, Warner Automotive Legal Summit, March 6, 2012
- “Electronic Discovery: Data Preservation and Litigation Holds,” presentation for corporate client’s in-house legal staff, July 20, 2011
- Conducts regular training and seminars for clients regarding antitrust compliance and automotive contracting principles
watch my videos
- Federal Appeals Court Offers Additional Clarity on Requirements Contract LawsAhead of the Curve Auto Supplier
- AirBoss Looms Large as Stellantis Loses Bid for an InjunctionAhead of the Curve Auto Supplier
- Tragic Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse Could Lead to Supply DisruptionsAhead of the Curve Auto Supplier
- Michigan Supreme Court Rules in Favor of AirBoss in Landmark Auto Supplier CaseAhead of the Curve Auto Supplier
- Out With the Old, In With the New ─ Or is 2023 a Continuation of 2022 for the Auto Industry?Ahead of the Curve Auto Supplier
- Stellantis Rethinks 2022 T&Cs After Supplier FeedbackAhead of the Curve Auto Supplier
- Is the Purchase Order the Entire Contract? Not Always.Ahead of the Curve Auto Supplier
- Ahead of the Curve Newsletter: Protect Your Existing EmployeesAhead of the Curve Auto Supplier
- Goodyear’s $16 Million FCPA Fine – A Teachable Moment for Companies with Foreign SubsidiariesAhead of the Curve Auto Supplier
- Warner’s Automotive Attorneys Explain How Suppliers Can Survive Auto Recall FeverAhead of the Curve Auto Supplier
- Automotive Roundtable Series Qtr 3: Supply Chain Industry Update
- MEMA OE 2024 Legal Trends Event
- MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers 2023 Automotive Supplier Legal Trends
- OESA Sales Executive Council
- 2022 Virtual Automotive Executive Roundtable Series
- New Age of Auto
- OESA 2022 Automotive Supplier Legal Trends
- Warner Virtual Automotive Executive Roundtable Series
- OESA 2021 Automotive Supplier Legal Hot Topics
- Legal Insights and Strategies for Automotive Suppliers – A Roundtable Discussion
- Managing Your Supply Chain During COVID-19
- COVID-19 Panel: What Your C-Suite Should Be Thinking About
- Webinar: Business Update: Managing Your Supply Chains After COVID-19
- OESA Event: 2020 Warner Legal Hot Topics
- 2019 Automotive Supplier Legal Hot Topics
- The Automotive Supplier’s Legal Guide to 2018: Buckle Up and Get Ready for Rapid Change
- The Automotive Supplier’s Guide to 2017: Legal Trends and Insight for the New Year
- Navigating the Intersection of Today’s Automotive IP and IT
- Legal Trends to Watch in 2016
- Warner Attorneys Selected for Multiple Honors by Best Lawyers in America®
- Warner Attorneys Awarded Multiple Honors by Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine
- Warner and MEMA to Present ‘2024 Automotive Supplier Legal Trends’ Seminar
- 22 Warner Attorneys Rated 2024 Top Lawyer by DBusiness
- Michael Brady Named to Detroit 500 List
- Warner Attorneys Selected for Multiple Honors by Best Lawyers in America®
- Warner Attorneys Selected for Multiple Honors by Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine
- Automotive News Discusses Warner’s Michigan Supreme Court Win for Automotive Supplier Client
- Warner Represented AirBoss in Michigan Supreme Court Landmark Ruling in Automotive Supplier Dispute
- Warner Partner Michael Brady Spotlighted in Michigan Manufacturers Association Publication
- Warner and MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers to Present ‘2023 Automotive Supplier Legal Trends’ Seminar
- 21 Warner Attorneys Rated 2023 Top Lawyer by DBusiness
- Michigan Lawyers Weekly Names Michael Brady as One of Its ‘Leaders in the Law’
- Michael Brady Named to Detroit 500 List
- 108 Warner Attorneys Rated Best Lawyers in America
- 42 Warner Attorneys Recognized by Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine
- Michael Brady Named Executive Partner of Warner’s Detroit and Bloomfield Hills Offices
- Crain’s Detroit Features Michael Brady: Ambassador Bridge closure cost auto industry millions of dollars. Who pays?
- Crain’s Detroit Features Michael Brady: Ambassador Bridge closure cost auto industry millions of dollars. Who pays?
- 21 Warner Attorneys Rated 2022 Top Lawyer by DBusiness
- 105 Warner Attorneys Rated Best Lawyers in America©
- 44 Warner Attorneys Recognized by Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine
- OESA and Warner to Present “2021 Automotive Supplier Legal Hot Topics”
- 21 Warner Attorneys Rated 2021 Top Lawyer by DBusiness
- 102 Warner Attorneys Rated 2021 Best Lawyers in America
- 45 Warner Attorneys Recognized by Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine
- Partners Michael Brady, Charles Ash and Pamela Enslen Presented on COVID-19 Litigation Threats in Higher Education
- Michael Brady Discusses the Coronavirus and the Auto Industry with Chicago Tribune
- Michael Brady Discusses China’s Coronavirus Outbreak Impacting Michigan’s Automotive Industry in GVSU News
- Michael Brady Discusses Employee Agreements in Crain’s Detroit Business
- 52 Warner Attorneys Recognized by Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine
- One Hundred and Two Warner Attorneys Rated Best Lawyers in America
- 17 Warner Attorneys Rated 2019 Top Lawyer by DBusiness
- 58 Warner Attorneys Recognized by Michigan Super Lawyers Magazine
- One Hundred Warner Attorneys Rated Best Lawyers in America
- Supreme Court Ruling Clears Way for Class-Action Waivers in Employment Agreements
- Warner Partner Michael G. Brady Named to Board of Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan
- Michael Brady Explains Auto-OEM Directed-Buy Agreements
- M2TechCast Sept. 25: Roasting Plant, TechStak, Decypher, Warner
- Direct-Buy Relationship: An Arranged Marriage That Demands Close Attention For Auto Suppliers
- 57 Warner Attorneys Recognized as Michigan Super Lawyers
- Ninety-Seven Warner Attorneys Rated Best Lawyers in America
- Warner and OESA Partner on 2017 Legal Trends Seminar
- Fifteen Warner Attorneys Rated 2017 Top Lawyers by DBusiness
- 56 Warner Attorneys Recognized as Michigan Super Lawyers
- Navigating the Intersection of Today’s Automotive IP and IT
- 90 Warner Attorneys Rated Best Lawyers in America
- Warner Partners Named to New Leadership Roles
- Ten Warner Attorneys Rated 2016 Top Lawyers by DBusiness
- 61 Warner Attorneys Recognized as Michigan Super Lawyers
- 98 Warner Attorneys Rated Best Lawyers in America
- 98 Warner Attorneys Rated Best Lawyers in America
- Federal Appeals Court Offers Additional Clarity on Requirements Contract Laws
- AirBoss Looms Large as Stellantis Loses Bid for an Injunction
- Tragic Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse Could Lead to Supply Disruptions
- Michigan Supreme Court Rules in Favor of AirBoss in Landmark Auto Supplier Case
- Automotive Insiders Podcast: Read the Fine Print
- Out With the Old, In With the New ─ Or is 2023 a Continuation of 2022 for the Auto Industry?
- Stellantis Rethinks 2022 T&Cs After Supplier Feedback
- Attorney-Client Privilege Protection Requires More Than Copying Legal on Emails
- Congress Passes Bill Limiting Mandatory Arbitration and Class Action Waivers in Sexual Abuse and Harassment Cases
- Warner OESA Legal Corner Article: Automotive Legal Topics
- Stellantis Overhauls Terms and Conditions – What You Need to Know at a Glance
- Warner OESA Legal Corner Article: The Supply Chain Is In Distress – What Can You Do About It Right Now?
- Is the Purchase Order the Entire Contract? Not Always.
- MI Supreme Court Doubles Down: Governor’s Executive Orders Are Void
- MI Supreme Court Rules Against Governor’s Executive Orders
- Back to the Movies: State of Michigan Moves to Permit Gatherings and Events
- PLAY ON!
- COVID-19 Class Actions are Contagious
- State of Michigan Slows Down Reopening
- No Shirt, No Shoes, No Mask—No Service! State of Michigan’s Current Rules on Reopening
- Upper Peninsula and Traverse City Regions Move to Stage 5; Non-Essential Personal Care Services to Return June 15, 2020
- Governor Whitmer Further Reopens State of Michigan
- Governor Whitmer Expands the Reopen of Retail and Car Dealerships, and Permits Non-Essential Medical and Dental Procedures and Veterinary Services
- Governor Whitmer Partially Reopens Retail, Restaurants and Offices in Upper Peninsula, Traverse City Regions
- Governor Whitmer Issues New Executive Order to Reopen Manufacturing
- Governor Whitmer Issues Michigan’s Safe Start Plan
- Beware of Stock Drop Litigation During Times of Crisis
- Governor Whitmer Issues New Revised Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order
- COVID-19 Class Action Litigation Is On the Rise
- Governor Whitmer Issues Revised Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order
- Governor Whitmer Issues New Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order
- Summary of Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order
- Warner Establishes a Tariff Team
- The “Directed Buy” Relationship – An Arranged Marriage That Demands Close Attention for Auto Suppliers
- Does a Termination for Convenience Clause Really Mean What It Says?
- Watch Your Flank: In the Race to Find New Talent, Make Sure You Protect Your Existing Key Employees
- 2014 was the Year of the Automotive Recall
How Can Suppliers Protect Themselves Amid Wave of Recalls?
- Premium Associate Member Spotlight, Michigan Manufacturers Association Magazine, March/April 2023 Issue
- Attorney Spotlight, OESA Legal Corner, December 2021
- “Directed-Buy Re
- Premium Associate Member Spotlight, Michigan Manufacturers Association Magazine, March/April 2023 Issue
- Attorney Spotlight, OESA Legal Corner, December 2021
- “Directed-Buy Relationship: An Arranged Marriage That Demands Close Attention For Auto Suppliers,” MITechNews.com, 9/14/2017
- “OESA Legal Corner: GM Recall Shows the Importance of Conducting a Prompt and Thorough Internal Investigation,” OESA News, 4/2014
- “Behind the Scenes: Ford sought supplier for 2 sedans. But wire-harness makers had already decided who would win, suit alleges,” quoted in Automotive News article, 8/5/2013
- “OESA Legal Corner: How to Respond to a Grand Jury Subpoena,” OESA News, 1/2012