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General & Commercial Litigation

While our lawyers are skilled at trying cases for clients, we know how much our clients dislike the time, expense and uncertainty of that type of work.  At Foster Swift, we pride ourselves on finding creative approaches to exceed our clients' expectations in ways that do not disrupt their lives and businesses.

Clients include individuals to Fortune 500 corporations.  All benefit from our:

  • Client Support: Foster Swift's No. 1 priority is listening to our client and establishing regular and open communication regarding their matter.
  • Breadth of experience and knowledge of the law: With more than 30 attorneys on our litigation team and offices throughout the state, we have extensive experience handling all types of cases as well as familiarity with the courts, judges and lawyers throughout Michigan. Litigation matters do not always end up in the courtroom.  Firm attorneys are well versed in taking cases to trial as well as representing our clients in mediation and arbitration proceedings.
  • Case evaluation and management: Foster Swift makes efficient use of technology to research law, evaluate cases and manage documents for litigation.  These tools along with our attorneys' bank of experience and client's goals assist in the selection of the appropriate strategy for each case.
  • Perspective: We look at all sides of the matter - plaintiff, defendant, judge and jury.  This 360 degree perspective is facilitated by our lawyers who are former judges, prosecuting attorneys, as well as credentialed arbitrators, mediators and neutrals. 
  • Resources: Incorporating the specialized knowledge of subject-matter experts is often key to a case.  Clients benefit from the extensive professional relationships our litigators have developed with qualified experts throughout the United States and internationally.  We often use these experts to evaluate, report, and testify on behalf of our clients.
  • Professionalism: Foster Swift’s litigation group is highly regarded by clients, peers and the bench.  As one member of the group said, “Integrity is our calling card…as much as our experience, as our abilities and our commitment to the communities we serve.  We are known and respected for our integrity to our clients, our adversaries and our system of justice."

Consistent with the above, multiple members of this group are recognized by Best Lawyers in America®, Michigan Super Lawyers and have earned AV® Preeminent™ ratings from Martindale Hubbell.

Our litigation and dispute-resolution clients call on us to represent them in a variety of areas, including:

We are committed to achieving the best results for our clients and approach each case creatively, efficiently, economically and with integrity. 

Representative Matters:

  • Foster Swift attorney Alexander Rusek successfully obtained the dismissal of felony and misdemeanor charges against his client arising from a late-night car accident in which 13 people were injured.
  • Foster Swift attorney Alexander S. Rusek represented a corporate client and its employee in a criminal prosecution and secured the dismissal of two misdemeanor charges. Rusek successfully negotiated a dismissal of the criminal charges resulting in a de minimis fine for the client.
  • Represented national corporation charged criminally for violating building codes and ordinances. Attorneys Alexander S. Rusek and Toi Thomas successfully negotiated a dismissal of the criminal charges resulting in a de minimis fine for the client.
  • Represented car dealership in a federal lawsuit and associated arbitration matter wherein the Plaintiff claimed numerous violations of consumer protection laws and other causes of action. Case was successfully settled within one week of the client retaining Foster Swift, which included a resolution of the arbitration matter and dismissal of the federal lawsuit without any admissions of guilt or liability.
  • On March 20, 2023, our client, a former government official involved in the events commonly known as the Flint Water Crisis, had nearly 600 individual and proposed class action cases against him in the Genesee County Circuit Court dismissed with prejudice as part of a $626,000,000.00 global settlement agreement. Previously, our client had numerous mass action and class action cases against him in federal court dismissed with prejudice.

Publications & Alerts

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2nd Wednesday Lunch Break

Unintended Consequences Your College Student May Face
Unintended Consequences Your College Student May Face
Litigation Series: Benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution
Litigation Series: Benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution
Learn Recent Changes in Employment Law
Learn Recent Changes in Employment Law
Putting the Children First in Co-Parenting
Putting the Children First in Co-Parenting
Litigation Series: What To Do If You Are Being Sued
Litigation Series: What To Do If You Are Being Sued
Changed Premises Liability Laws Pose Real Threat to Business & Property Owners
Changed Premises Liability Laws Pose Real Threat to Business & Property Owners
Motor Vehicle Accidents and Your Business
Motor Vehicle Accidents and Your Business
Who is Liable When No One is Behind the Wheel?
Who is Liable When No One is Behind the Wheel?
Michigan Felony Sentencing Guidelines
Michigan Felony Sentencing Guidelines
Litigation Series: What To Know If You Are Going To Sue
Litigation Series: What To Know If You Are Going To Sue
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

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

Family Law Minute

Maximizing Your Parenting Time Holiday Schedule
Maximizing Your Parenting Time Holiday Schedule

Legal Strategies for Women Leaders

What Do I Do if My Business Gets Sued
What Do I Do if My Business Gets Sued
Back to School Guide: How to Balance Careers, Schedules & Divorce
Back to School Guide: How to Balance Careers, Schedules & Divorce
Why Selecting the Right Legal Counsel is Essential to Your Business
Why Selecting the Right Legal Counsel is Essential to Your Business

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