Roger is able to draw on a lifetime of experiences in the law and beyond as a practicing mediator. Working his way through college and law school gave him a wealth of life experiences. By the time he had graduated he had worked at dozens of jobs, from dishwasher to lobbyist, and production worker to bartender. This kind of background has enriched his understanding of the law and how it affects peoples’ everyday lives.

 

Roger’s legal experience has been equally rich and varied. While in law school he was a member of the National Moot Court Team as well as the Niagara International Law Moot Court championship team. These experiences were very influential in following a path toward litigation in his professional life. 

 

Roger principally worked at two law firms over 30 years of practice. Initially, he was fortunate enough to be assigned a blend of plaintiff and defense practice, representing corporations, insurance companies, and injured people. Likewise the areas of practice were extremely varied. They included negligence, premises liability, product liability, auto law, construction law, and medical malpractice. Over the years, he practiced in state and federal courts, trying dozens of cases. He has obtained a plaintiff verdict over a million dollars and argued in the Michigan Supreme Court in several cases. 

 

This range of experience and great mentoring by a host of seasoned attorneys has enabled him to achieve the highest possible peer review rating of AV with Martindale-Hubbell since 1993.

 

The second phase of his practice was spent “in house” at insurance companies. As a managing attorney he was intimately involved in the claims handling of hundreds of matters that has broadened his knowledge of the insurance industry and claims practice. At the same time, his defense practice was oriented towards complex litigation, including construction litigation. He was named for several years as a Top Lawyer by DBusiness in both Litigation and Construction Litigation. 

 

Throughout his thirty years of practice in litigation he was also involved in other aspects of the law. His proudest achievement was serving as Legal Counsel to the State Justice Institute Pro Se Forms and Instruction Project that authored and instituted Personal Protection Orders for abuse victims in the State of Michigan. This involved drafting the forms, testifying in the legislature, and visiting all of the Michigan Circuit Courts statewide to instruct on the use of the PPOs. This became a tremendously successful program and the model for States throughout the Country. He was also fortunate enough to work with ACCESS in the Michigan Court Interpreters Training program, which broadened his awareness surrounding persons who speak different languages who are confronted with our courts. Finally, he has practiced in the Tribal Courts of the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Indians which likewise was a growth experience.

 

Roger has additionally been very involved in Professional Associations and has served on numerous boards. He served as President of The Detroit Bar Association and President of the Detroit Barristers. Through the Detroit Bar Association he also served on the MELL Medical Education Legal Law Mentor Project, the Legislative Committee – Chair, and the Public Advisory Committee (Judicial Qualifications) – Co- Chair.  He has served on the Wayne State University Law School Alumni Association Executive Committee, the Board of Directors of the Michigan Chapter of the American Constitution Society, and has been a member of International Association of Defense Counsel and the National Order of Barristers. 

 

 

Community Service has been very important as well. He has served on numerous boards and has been able to serve as President of Parish Council at St. Clare Montefalco, President of the Michigan Association of Children of Alcoholism, and Chair of the Board of Directors of Cass Community Social Services. He has also had the opportunity to coach youth Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Hockey, and Lacrosse for over 10 years.   

 

Broad experience in all facets of the law and the people it affects allows him to be a successful mediator.