Foundation for Fair Civil Justice

Partner Resources

 

Since its founding in 1987, the Michigan Manufacturers Association Lawyers Committee has been selecting and monitoring legal cases of importance to Michigan manufacturers at the state and national level. The Lawyers Committee is, in fact, one of few association committees of its kind in the nation and should serve as a model for other national manufacturing organizations. The primary function of the MMA Lawyers Committee is to identify legal issues that may impact member companies; find appropriate cases in which to participate with members’ counsel and other organizations; and to assist the courts by advocating manufacturers’ positions. Through the Committee, manufacturers are able to provide input before the Legislature, the judiciary and administrative bodies such as the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board. While the Committee has been involved in many important cases over the years, a review of recent cases highlights the impact of the judicial system on Michigan companies. For example, an individual case decided in 2004 had approximately $1 million at risk for the involved employer. By contrast, other matters, such as workers’ compensation cases, are of general importance to all Michigan firms due to their far-reaching impact. The highest court in Michigan has recently issued major decisions which create a more favorable business climate and the MMA Lawyers Committee has participated in a number of these cases.