Paul J. Millenbach
Overview
Paul is a litigator and a co-leader of the General and Commercial Litigation Practice Group. Paul has a diverse practice built on 30-plus years of experience and an unwillingness to turn down a case. He began his career at a boutique firm in Bloomfield Hills specializing in transportation regulatory cases. The firm merged into Foster Swift in (1991) and, except for several years at a plaintiff personal injury firm, Paul has remained at Foster Swift ever since. Paul’s practice includes transportation and logistics, Michigan No-Fault (PIP and third party), automobile negligence, mass tort defense, commercial litigation, and premises liability.
A tireless litigator, Paul enjoys taking cases to trial, but is also a highly effective negotiator. Clients appreciate his concern over their bottom line and often thank him for the passion he puts into all his cases, regardless of the magnitude.
Paul is admitted in Michigan, along with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan and the U.S. Supreme Court. He is a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan, and a Board member of the Detroit Bar Association where he was President from (2022) to (2023). He is also a fellow of the Michigan State Bar Foundation and the Detroit Bar Foundation.
Committed to keeping clients abreast of changes in the law, Paul frequently speaks to a variety of groups, including transportation industry leaders, health care financial officers, trade organizations, chambers of commerce, insurance companies, and attorneys. He was a visiting lecturer on Constitutional Law at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, and the former President of the Northern Michigan University Alumni Association Board of Directors. He previously served as the Vice President of the firm’s Southfield office and was a member of the Executive Committee.
Honors & Recognition
Detroit Bar Association, Executive Director’s Award, (2024)
AV® Preeminent™ Martindale-Hubbell
"Leaders in the Law", Michigan Lawyers Weekly, Class of (2022)
Detroit Bar Association, Committee of the Year Award – Third Circuit Luncheon Committee (2016-2017)
Best Lawyers® "Lawyer of the Year" - Detroit, Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Defendants (2017 & 2023)
Best Lawyers® in America, Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Defendants, (2013-2026)
Michigan Super Lawyers, Employment & Labor, (2016)
Michigan Super Lawyers, Business Litigation, (2017-2025)
Affiliations
Memberships & Affiliations
Legal Affiliations:
- State Bar of Michigan
- Administrative Law Section
- Negligence Section
- American Bar Association
- Detroit Bar Association, Board Member, (2011 to present)
- President, (2022-2023)
- Vice President, (2021-2022)
- Secretary/Treasurer, (2020-2021)
- University of Denver Sturm College of Law, Visiting Lecturer, (2008-2011)
- Michigan State Bar Foundation
- Fellow
- Detroit Bar Foundation
- Fellow
- ACADEMIC POSITION: Baker College, Business Law, adjunct professor
Industry & Professional Associations:
- Michigan Truck Safety Commission, Appointed Commissioner, (2010-2011)
- Transportation Club of Detroit
- Board Member, (2024-Present)
- Chair, Membership Committee
- Michigan Movers Association
- Michigan Trucking Association
- Board of Governors, (2024-Present)
Community Involvement:
- Northern Michigan University Alumni Association Board of Directors
- President (2013-2014)
- Vice President (2012-2013)
- Grosse Pointe South High School Mock Trial Team
- Attorney advisor
News & Resources
Publications
Speaking Engagements
News
Videos
2nd Wednesday Lunch Break
VideoCritical Year-End Housekeeping Essentials for Employers
VideoSummer Hiring: Price of Misclassification for Employers
VideoUpdates to Youth Employment Standards Act for Employers Hiring Minors
VideoHow Should Employers Prepare for Michigan's Earned Sick Time Act?
VideoThe New Normal: Cybersecurity Essentials for Businesses
VideoBest Practices to Avoid Legal Consequences for Parents & College Bound Students
VideoChanged Premises Liability Laws Pose Real Threat to Business & Property Owners
VideoHow to Manage Parenting Time During the Holiday Season
VideoUnintended Consequences Your College Student May Face
Industries
Education
Thomas M. Cooley Law School, J.D., (1989)
Northern Michigan University, B.S., (1984)
Bar & Court Admissions
- Michigan
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
- U.S. Supreme Court
