Michael A. Schwartz

Shareholder

Michael A. Schwartz

Shareholder

Michael A. Schwartz

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Michael Schwartz is a shareholder and commercial litigator who represents businesses, insurers, and organizations in contract, employment, insurance, and liability disputes.

Michael’s practice spans business and commercial disputes, insurance matters, real estate litigation, employment and civil rights claims, and product, premises, and general liability matters. His clients include the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Lions, a Big Ten university, Fortune 500 insurers, one of the Midwest’s largest banks, private equity firms, national restaurant chains, real estate owners and developers, and a range of other businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Clients rely on Michael for candid assessments early and strategy built around their goals. He counsels clients on preventing disputes before they start, and when litigation is unavoidable, pursues efficient, cost-effective outcomes.

He is also a frequent speaker for the business and legal communities. He has served as a panelist for the Association of Corporate Counsel Michigan and as a regular presenter at the Insurance Alliance of Michigan’s annual seminar.

Michael has spent his entire legal career of more than 15 years at Zausmer. He is active in the firm’s community initiatives, including its work with City Year Detroit, Gleaners Community Food Bank, and the Detroit Pistons Foundation.

Michael earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and his law degree, cum laude, from the University of Georgia.

Away from the office, Michael enjoys spending time with his family, college football, Detroit sports, golf, and travel.

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Practice Areas

Bar Admissions

  • State of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan

Education

University of Georgia
Juris Doctor, cum laude, 2010

  • Notes Editor, Georgia Journal of International and Comparative Law
  • Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

University of Wisconsin – Madison
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History, 2004

  • Dean’s List
  • Pre-Law Society

Professional Groups

  • State Bar of Michigan
    • Insurance & Indemnity, Litigation, Labor & Employment, and Negligence Sections

Presentations

  • Practice Makes Perfect: Avoiding Unexpected Pitfalls in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives
    Association of Corporate Counsel (Michigan Chapter), April 2022
  • Don’t Strike Out: Navigating Attorney-Client Privilege Issues
    for In-House Counsel
    Association of Corporate Counsel (Michigan Chapter), May 2019
  • Innocence Lost – The Uncertain Equities of Rescission under Bazzi
    Insurance Alliance of Michigan Seminar, September 2018
  • Defending Claims in the Age of Orchestrated Treatment, Fraud and Kickbacks
    Saginaw Valley Adjusters Association Meeting, February 2018
  • Bahri – A New Dawn for Fraud Defense
    Insurance Institute of Michigan, Annual Claims Seminar, September 2016
  • Admire – Hopes, Dreams & Unintended Consequences
    Insurance Institute of Michigan, Annual Claims Seminar, 2015
  • New Statutory Fraud Provisions in Runner, Capper, Steerer Laws & Assigned Claims Plan
    Insurance Institute of Michigan, Annual Claims Seminar, 2014
  • Perfecting Settlements and Protecting Your Release
    Insurance Institute of Michigan, Annual Claims Seminar, 2013

Honors & Awards

  • Best Lawyers (Michigan) – 2025 – Present
  • Midwest’s Top Rated Lawyers – 2023
  • Best Lawyers – Ones to Watch – 2021, 2023 and 2024
  • Super Lawyers Rising Star – 2022
  • Top Rated Lawyers – Corporate Counsel – 2021 and 2022

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