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Frederick D. Dilley

Shareholder
1700 East Beltline, N.E.
Suite 200
Grand Rapids, MI 49525-7044
T 616.726.2247
F 616.726.6837

Overview

Fred Dilley has been actively involved in the Grand Rapids and West Michigan legal communities in both state and federal courts as a first chair litigator for more than 35 years. He has worked on a variety of complex and difficult matters ranging from business disputes to divorce cases to personal injury matters. For the last 15 years, he has brought that experience to his facilitative mediation and arbitration practice which now represents the majority of his professional endeavors. Fred is a sought-after facilitative mediator. He completes about 100 mediations each year with a very significant success rate and a large number of return users. Attorneys and clients have come to trust Fred’s judgment and expertise as a litigator; as a mediator; and as an arbitrator.

Dilley was recently interviewed by Michigan Lawyers Weekly about the rising trend of using virtual mediation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The article covers aspects of the available technology along with benefits and best practices. See full story here.

Fred is also frequently engaged as local counsel in federal and state courts in matters such as patent and trademark infringement,  securities fraud and energy litigation involving anti-trust claims. His ability to assist out-of-town counsel in navigating through the local rules, procedures and practices has been of great value to a number of Fortune 1000 companies, their general counsel and, outside counsel. 

Honors & Recognitions

Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers

Fellow, International Society of Barristers (2007-2018)

Associate, American Board of Trial Advocates

AV® Preeminent™ Martindale-Hubbell

Best Lawyers in America® 1995-2024 (Arbitration, Mediation, Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs)

Best Lawyers®  2014 & 2015 Mediation "Lawyer of the Year" in Grand Rapids

Distinguished Service Award, Negligence Law Section of the Michigan State Bar, 2017

Michigan Super Lawyers, General Litigation, 2005-2023

"Top 100 Lawyers", Michigan Super Lawyers, 2019

"Top Lawyer", Grand Rapids Magazine, 2019 and 2022 in Arbitration, Mediation

"Top Lawyer", Grand Rapids Magazine, 2020 and 2023 in Mediation

Judicial Conference in the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, Life Member

2016 Outstanding Achievement Award, Negligence Section, State Bar of Michigan

2015 Hillman Award, Federal Bar Association for the Western District of Michigan

Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Leader in the Law, 2015

Affiliations

Memberships & Affiliations

Legal Affiliations:
  • American College of Trial Lawyers
  • Judicial Conference of the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, Life Member
  • National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals
  • American Inns of Court, Gerald R. Ford Chapter, Founding Master and Past President (1995)
  • Hillman Advocacy Program, Steering Committee, Past Chair
  • Civil Justice Advisory Group, Western District Michigan, Past Chair
  • Voluntary Facilitative Mediation Advisory Group, Western District Michigan, Past Chair
  • Michigan State University College of Law, Trustee Emeritus and Former Vice Chair
  • Grand Rapids Bar Association
    • Family Law Section
  • State Bar of Michigan
    • Family Law Section
    • Negligence Section
    • Alternative Dispute Resolution Section

News & Events

Speaking Engagements

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News

Media

Second Wednesday Lunch Break

Litigation Series: Benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution
Litigation Series: Benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution

Other Videos

Alternative Dispute Resolution: Selecting a Mediator
Alternative Dispute Resolution: Selecting a Mediator
Alternative Dispute Resolution: Facilitative Mediation
Alternative Dispute Resolution: Facilitative Mediation

Education

Michigan State University College of Law (formerly Detroit College of Law), J.D., 1975

Michigan State University's James Madison College, B.A., 1971

Bar and Court Admissions

Michigan ABA and State Bar of Michigan

U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan

U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals