Dykema's Feeney Named MLW Leader In The Law

Press Releases

1.24.11

DETROIT—Dykema's James P. Feeney has been selected by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a 2011 Leader in the Law, the publication announced today. The award will be presented at a March 15 luncheon at which the publication will announce the 2011 Lawyer of the Year. Feeney is the third Dykema attorney in as many years to be named a Leader in the Law. Others are Dykema Chairman Rex E. Schlaybaugh Jr. and the firm’s Automotive Industry Group leader, Aleksandra A. Miziolek.

As one of the nation's most prominent trial attorneys, Feeney is often called upon by the Today showand Good Morning America to provide commentary and insight on legal decisions, trends and case strategy. Feeney regularly tackles high-profile, high-stakes litigation matters as a "go-to" trial attorney for the world’s largest companies. During the course of his nearly 40-year career, Feeney has been involved in more than 1,500 cases, 70 of which he has tried to verdict. His experience includes trials of high-stakes matters for the automotive industry, financial institutions, media companies, real estate developers, and equipment leasing and insurance companies.

Feeney was the lead defense trial and appellate counsel in the notorious Jenny Jones case, in which he successfully argued, on appeal, that the plaintiffs' $25 million verdict had been improperly obtained. The verdict was vacated and judgment was entered for the defendant.

Most recently, he was the lead defense attorney in a highly publicized suit seeking $30 million against the employer of an individual involved in an automobile accident that caused the deaths of the plaintiff's three family members. The suit, Weinstein et al. v Siemens PLM, f/k/a UGS, Inc., alleged that the employer was negligent in permitting the employee to drive when he was known to be drinking. A jury in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan found for the employer.

Feeney has defended numerous clients, including four major automakers, in high-stakes matters involving product liability, class action, and collision death and injury. He represents both foreign and domestic clients, businesses, individuals, partnerships and limited liability corporations, and he serves as a mediator in alternative dispute resolution proceedings.

An editorial panel selected the honorees from nominations received from colleagues, clients and other legal professionals. This panel's election process criteria looked at each nominee’s successes, character, overall leadership ability and passion for the law.

Many organizations have honored Feeney. He has received the Michigan Trial Lawyer of the Year Award presented by the Michigan Chapter of the American
Board of Trial Advocates. He has been recognized by Chambers USA and America's Leading Business Lawyers 2006-2010 in the category of Litigation: General Commercial area. Beginning in 2004 and continuing through 2010, Best Lawyers in America has recognized Feeney in various categories, includingBusiness Litigation, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation and Product Liability Litigation.

A leading national law firm built upon its Midwestern heritage and values, Dykema serves business entities worldwide from startups to Fortune 1000 companies on a wide range of complex business issues. Experienced lawyers and other professionals in 10 Dykema offices work in partnership with clients on business challenges such as corporate governance, litigation, growth strategies and risk reduction, financial services, mergers and acquisitions, international trade, e-commerce, and more. Through its collaborative approach to business solutions, sophisticated practices, exceptionally skilled lawyers, and commitment to providing value and quality, Dykema offers its clients unparalleled service.

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