Mr. Philbrick is the firm’s president, 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: Krohn v Auto-Owners Ins. Co., 490 Mich 145 (2011)(experimental stem cell surgery/no-fault benefits); 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 and his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. 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” Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, and for many 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
- University of Michigan Law School, J.D. (1969)
- Michigan State University, B.A. (1966)
Bar Admissions
- State Bar of Michigan
- State Bar of Illinois
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit
Professional and Civic Involvement
- State Bar of Michigan
Negligence Section - Washtenaw County Bar Association
Past Chair of Judicial and Mediation Committees - American Bar Association
- Defense Research Institute
