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Bryan Cermak

Senior Attorney
28411 Northwestern Highway
Suite 500
Southfield, MI 48034
T 248.785.4736

Overview

Bryan Cermak is a trial lawyer and a former General Counsel for an international, publicly traded company.  He knows his way around a courtroom as well as the nuances and day-to-day business and legal needs of corporations.  Combining these experiences in his practice in Foster Swift’s Southfield office, Bryan litigates business disputes and other commercial and complex cases, and he serves his corporate clients as a comprehensive legal, risk management and business advisor.  

Litigation

Bryan has litigated and tried cases across the country, including notable past roles as National Trial Counsel for the Herr Voss Corporation and Midwest Trial Counsel for Harley Davidson.  He relishes a good argument and taking on the investigative approach necessary for successful outcomes.  

His broad litigation experience includes negligence, breach of contract, construction, personal injury, fraud, product liability, employment, business disputes, and malpractice. His appellate experience includes the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit as well as the Michigan Court of Appeals. 

Bryan’s focus is and always has been obtaining the best results for his clients, and they consistently thank him for his personal attention and commitment to their cases.

Business Law, Corporate Counsel & Business Advisor

As General Counsel for the KUKA group of businesses (robotics & systems) in the Americas, Bryan managed its legal department involving ten companies in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Brazil.  His leadership experience includes managing business and legal risk, executive management, strategic and board advising, corporate governance, audits, compliance, civil litigation, contract negotiations, and cross-border transactions.

Bryan loves leveraging his in-house experience to assist mid to large corporations with their complex legal matters. 

He is equally passionate about using his business and legal knowledge and skills to guide newer companies as they begin to grow.  Such companies don’t often have access to the lessons learned by somebody else and mistakes at this stage can be fatal to a business. Bryan fills this need and helps his clients learn from his experience.

For all of his business clients Bryan offers preventive law services. Preventive law is a proactive approach to legal issues that seeks to identify and address potential legal problems before they arise. It involves taking steps to prevent legal disputes and minimize legal risks, rather than simply reacting to legal problems after they occur. By reviewing corporate contracts, policies, and procedures Bryan is able to identify potential areas of legal liability and taking helps his clients to take the steps necessary to mitigate those risks.

Over the years, Bryan has been a community leader and served on countless boards and associations.  Practical lessons learned in these roles also help his clients advance in their endeavors. 

Honors & Recognitions

AV® Preeminent™ Martindale-Hubbell

America’s Top 100 Attorneys®

Avvo Clients' Choice Award 2019

Avvo Top Contributor Award 2016

Affiliations

Memberships & Affiliations

Professional Affiliations

  • Michigan State Bar Foundation
    • Fellow

Communications

Publications

News & Events

Speaking Engagements

News

Media

2nd Wednesday Lunch Break

Best Practices to Avoid Legal Consequences for Parents & College Bound Students
Best Practices to Avoid Legal Consequences for Parents & College Bound Students

Are You Prepared? Legal Strategies for College Students & Families

Computers, Cybersecurity & Identity Theft in a College Environment
Computers, Cybersecurity & Identity Theft in a College Environment
Bullying: Awareness, Prevention, & When to Get Involved
Bullying: Awareness, Prevention, & When to Get Involved
Understanding Durable Power of Attorney in an Emergency for Parents & College Students
Understanding Durable Power of Attorney in an Emergency for Parents & College Students
Legal Options to Combat Cyber-Bullying & Online Defamation
Legal Options to Combat Cyber-Bullying & Online Defamation
Effects and Legal Consequences of Distracted Driving
Effects and Legal Consequences of Distracted Driving

Life, Law & Lessons

Steps to Take When You're in a Car Accident
Steps to Take When You're in a Car Accident
What is a Contract?
What is a Contract?
Classification of Business Entities
Classification of Business Entities
Five Steps to Know When Starting a New Business
Five Steps to Know When Starting a New Business
What is the Burden of Proof?
What is the Burden of Proof?
Escheat Michigan Law
Escheat Michigan Law
Intro to "Life, Law * Lessons" with Bryan Cermak
Intro to "Life, Law * Lessons" with Bryan Cermak
Anatomy of a Lawsuit
Anatomy of a Lawsuit
The Potential Consequences of Social Media Use
The Potential Consequences of Social Media Use
How to Find a Good Attorney
How to Find a Good Attorney
Understanding Different Legal Phrases
Understanding Different Legal Phrases
Are Verbal Contracts Binding?
Are Verbal Contracts Binding?

Preventative Law

Preventative Law with Bryan Cermak - Why It's Important
Preventative Law with Bryan Cermak - Why It's Important
Being Proactive in Your Business' Future
Being Proactive in Your Business' Future

Education

University of Toledo College of Law, J.D., 1980

Baldwin Wallace University, B.S., 1977

Bar and Court Admissions

Michigan

Ohio

U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals

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

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