Gary P. Gordon

Member


Gary P. Gordon's practice focuses on regulatory matters, state procurement issues, constitutional issues, and litigation.

He appears before various State boards and commissions including the Public Service Commission, the Board of State Canvassers, and other administrative agencies and is recognized as one of the State's leading authorities on Election and Campaign Finance law. He has litigated and continues to litigate cases at all levels of State and Federal courts. Gary frequently speaks to groups on election and campaign finance matters and has been called on to provide advice and testimony to the Legislature on public employment issues.

Prior to joining Dykema, Gary was Chief Deputy Attorney General for the State of Michigan.  He had responsibility for all operations of the office including human resources, budget, legislative liaison, communications, and oversight of all law divisions, consisting of approximately 300 attorneys.

Before his appointment as Chief Deputy, Gary was Governmental Affairs Bureau Chief, responsible for overseeing the Public Employment, Elections, and Tort Division, Transportation Division, Highway Negligence Division, Corrections Division, Labor Division, and Civil Rights Division. While Bureau Chief, he continued to actively litigate election related cases and to act as the general counsel for the Department of State in all election, campaign finance and lobby law related matters.

His 30 years with the Attorney General included litigation of utility, environmental, tort, employment and discrimination cases in addition to drafting of opinions, legislation, and rules.

    • Wayne State University, J.D.
    • Michigan State University, B.A., with honors
  • Bar Admissions

    • Michigan, 1976
  • Court Admissions

    • U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan
    • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
    • U.S. Court of Appeals, 6th Circuit
    • U.S. Supreme Court
    • Named "Lawyer of the Year" by The Best Lawyers in America® for Government Relations Practice, 2011, 2016, 2021, 2024

    • Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®for Administrative/Regulatory Law; First Amendment Law; Government Relations Practice; Energy Regulatory Law, 2010-2024

    • Fellow of the State Bar of Michigan Foundation
    • Named a Michigan Leading Lawyer in the area of Election, Political & Campaign and Governmental, Municipal, Lobbying & Administration Law by the Leading Lawyers Network, 2014-2017. Law Bulletin Publishing Company
    • Recognized in Michigan Super Lawyers® for Administrative Law, Appellate, Government Relations, Legislative & Governmental Affairs, and Constitutional Law, 2019-Present
    • Recipient of the 33rd Annual Distinguished Brief Award, Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law Review, 2018 
    • Recipient of an AV® Preeminent™ Rating by Martindale-Hubbell
    • State Bar of Michigan
    • Certified Facilitative Mediator, Ingham County Circuit Court
    • Member of the Case Evaluation Panel in Ingham County, Labor and Employment Cases

Latest News and Insights

Blog Posts9.1.23

Michigan Court of Appeals Orders Placement of Cannabis-Related City Charter Amendment on November 2023 Ballot

In a significant decision for cannabis advocates and the cannabis industry, on September 1, 2023,…

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Press Releases8.17.23

194 Dykema Lawyers Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® 2024 and Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch”

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that 194 of its attorneys, in multiple practice…

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Press Releases8.11.23

46 Dykema Attorneys Named to 2023 Michigan Super Lawyers and Rising Stars Lists

Dykema, a leading national law firm, announced today that 25 of its attorneys from the firm’s…

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