Allen J. Philbrick

Mr. Philbrick is the firm’s senior litigation partner and trial lawyer. His practice has focused most heavily on the defense of all manner of personal injury lawsuits and insurance coverage disputes, with considerable experience as well in the representation of governmental agencies, highway authorities, and commercial litigants. Particular areas of expertise include construction, highway and premises lawsuits and related insurance coverage issues. Mr. Philbrick has successfully litigated hundreds of cases in state and federal courts, and has “made law” by forging the prevailing argument in precedent-setting cases which continue to define the law in several different areas: Groncki v Detroit Edison, 453 Mich 644 (1996)(general contractor liability); Perkoviq v Delcor Homes-Lakeshore Pointe, Ltd., 466 Mich 11 (2002)(construction law); Hessee Realty v City of Ann Arbor, 61 Mich App 319(site plan development); Dwyer v City of Ann Arbor, 79 Mich App 113 (negative reciprocal easements); Grounds v Washtenaw County Road Commission, 204 Mich App 453 (1994)(highway law); and others.

Mr. Philbrick received his B.A. from Michigan State University in 1966 and his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 1969. He is a member of the Defense Research Institute, Michigan Defense Trial Counsel, and Negligence Section of the State Bar of Michigan. He is rated a “AV” by Martindale-Hubbell, and for each of the past twelve years has been honored by recognition in “The Best Lawyers in America.” He is also annually rated among the top five percent of Michigan lawyers by “Michigan Super Lawyers.”

Education:

Bachelor of Arts, 1966, Michigan State University; Juris Doctor, 1969, University of Michigan.

Licensed:

  • Michigan
  • Illinois
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit

Professional and Civic Involvement:

  • State Bar of Michigan (Member)
  • Washtenaw County Bar Association (Past Chair of Judicial and Mediation Committees)
  • American Bar Association (Member)
  • Defense Research Institute (Member)