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Thomas R. Meagher

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Lansing
313 South Washington Square
Lansing, MI 48933-2114
T 517.371.8161
F 517.371.8200

Overview

Tom Meagher is a litigator and appellate practitioner with more than 30 years of experience in state and federal trial and appellate courts. He concentrates his practice on the defense of employment lawsuits, commercial litigation and appeals. This includes the defense of cases involving constitutional law, civil rights and discrimination, whistleblower, disability and licensing claims on behalf of private and municipal clients.

Tom handles appeals for a variety of clients in a wide range of cases. He also serves as a case evaluator throughout the state.  Tom is recognized by his peers and the bench for his integrity and legal abilities.

Honors & Recognitions

Theodore Swift Civility Award, Ingham County Bar Association, 2022

AV® Preeminent™ Martindale-Hubbell

Best Lawyers in America® 2013-2024 (Commercial Litigation)

2010 Service Award from the Hmong-American Association for 15 years of pro bono services

2005 Attorney of the Year, Michigan Participating Plan (State-Wide Municipal Insurer)

Affiliations

Memberships & Affiliations

Legal Affiliations:
  • American Board of Trial Advocates
    • Member
  • American Bar Association
    • American Bar Foundation, Fellow
    • Appellate Section
    • Labor & Employment Law Section
    • Litigation Section
  • State Bar of Michigan
    • State Bar Foundation, Fellow
    • Appellate Practice Section
    • Labor & Employment Law Section
    • Litigation Section
    • Public Corporation Law Section
    • Real Property Law Section
  • Ingham County Bar Association
  • Michigan State Bar Foundation, Fellow 
  • Federal Bar Association
Industry & Professional Associations:
  • Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society
  • Michigan Supreme Court Advocates Guild
  • Michigan Defense Trial Counsel, Past Member of Board of Directors & Past Chair of Amicus Curiae Section
  • Defense Research Institute
  • Association of Defense Trial Attorneys

Experience

Representative Matters

  • Published Michigan Court of Appeals decision on issue of first impression regarding newly enacted statute of limitations. (McLain v Diocese of Lansing et al_ Mich App_ (2023) (Docket No. 360163)
  • Dismissal of both state and federal lawsuits, both affirmed on appeal, where plaintiffs pursued over $10,000,000 in development dispute. (Braun v Ann Arbor Charter Township, 262 Mich App 154 (2004); Braun v Ann Arbor Charter Township, 519 F3d 564 (6th Cir 2008))
  • Unanimous victory from Michigan Supreme Court in zoning case of first impression. (Hendee v Township of Putnam, 486 Mich 556 (2010))
  • Successfully briefed and argued to the Michigan Court of Appeals two cases of first impression regarding First Amendment Religious Freedoms. (Weishuhn v Catholic Diocese, 279 Mich App 150 (2008)and 287 Mich App 211 (2010))
  • Dismissal at the end of Plaintiff's proofs, affirmed on appeal, in land use case in which Plaintiff sought $14,000,000. (TG Development v Mt Morris Twp, 2004 Mich App LEXIS 810))
  • Verdict and judgment for small business owner in sex discrimination case in which plaintiff sought damages exceeding $1,000,000 (no appeal).
  • Author of Amicus Curiae brief supporting successful appeal of seminal case from Michigan Supreme Court regarding expert witnesses. (Craig v Oakwood Hospital, 471 Mich 67 (2004))
  • Dismissal at close of plaintiff's proofs in two-week trial of triple drowning case. (affirmed on appeal) (Hutchinson v Township of Portage, 2003 Mich App LEXIS 1911; (leave denied))
  • Dismissal on second day of trial in favor of lobbying firm in covenant-not-to-compete case.
  • Verdict and judgment for township and building inspector following three day trial alleging insufficient inspection led to total loss of $500,000 home (no appeal).
  • Dismissal on summary disposition, affirmed on appeal, in land use dispute involving damages exceeding $1,000,000. (Pittsfield Investors v Pittsfield Charter Township, 2013 Mich App LEXIS 516))
  • Dismissal of Whistleblower Protection Act case, affirmed on appeal. (Purcell v Township of Tompkins, 2011 Mich App LEXIS 777)
  • Dismissal following plaintiffs' proofs in three-day trial of development case, affirmed on appeal. (Whitmore Lake 23 v Ann Arbor Charter Township, 2011 Mich App LEXIS 790)
  • Dismissal, affirmed on appeal, of Township supervisor's First Amendment retaliation claim against Township. (Perkins v Township of Clayton, 411 F    App'x 810 (6th Cir 2011))
  • Dismissal in favor of Township of adult entertainment zoning dispute. (LittleMack Entertainment II v Township of Marengo, 621 F Supp 2d 570 (WD Mich 2008))
  • Dismissal of plaintiff's claims following trial, affirmed on appeal, in case raising constitutional due process and equal protection issues. (Chestnut Development v Marion Township, 2010 Mich App LEXIS 1147)
  • Dismissal on summary disposition, affirmed on appeal, of plaintiff's claims against building inspector and others arising from major flooding in community. (Cummins v Robinson Township, 283 Mich App 677 (2009))
  • Dismissal, affirmed on appeal, of first amendment freedom of speech and association claims brought by state representative against municipality. (Agema v City of Allegan, 2016 US App LEXIS 17567)

Communications

Publications

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News & Events

Speaking Engagements

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Education

Wayne State University Law School, J.D., 1981, magna cum laude

American Graduate School of International Management, M.I.M., 1989

Michigan State University, B.A., 1978, Honors College, with high honors

Bar and Court Admissions

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

U.S. Supreme Court

Lansing
Southfield
Grand Rapids
Detroit
Holland