Detroit, Michigan, is home to a wide range of major employers that are vital to the city’s economy and influence its legal market. As the historic center of the U.S. automotive industry, Detroit hosts some of the largest automotive companies in the world, along with a growing presence in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. These sectors create substantial demand for legal services in areas like corporate law, intellectual property, and regulatory compliance.
The city’s ongoing revitalization efforts have also attracted new investments and businesses, further expanding opportunities for legal professionals. With a mix of established corporations and emerging industries, Detroit offers a dynamic legal landscape for those seeking to advance their careers in a city known for its innovation and resilience.
Biggest Law Firms in Detroit
- Honigman LLP: Founded in 1948, Honigman LLP is one of Michigan’s largest law firms, with over 300 attorneys and a national presence across six offices, including a significant presence in Detroit. As an AM Law 200 firm, Honigman is well-known for its work in corporate law, intellectual property, real estate, and healthcare law. The firm has been involved in high-profile transactions and represents major clients in industries such as automotive, finance, and life sciences. Honigman’s commitment to innovation and client service has earned it recognition as one of the leading law firms in the Midwest.
- Bodman PLC: Established in 1929, Bodman PLC is a leading Michigan law firm with over 150 attorneys and a strong presence in Detroit. The firm is well-regarded for its work in banking, corporate law, labor and employment, and real estate. Bodman’s client base includes some of the largest financial institutions, corporations, and nonprofit organizations in the region. Known for its pragmatic and client-focused approach, Bodman has built a reputation for delivering high-quality legal services across various industries, including automotive, healthcare, and manufacturing.
- Dickinson Wright PLLC: Dickinson Wright PLLC, founded in 1878, is one of the oldest and most prestigious law firms in Michigan. With over 450 attorneys across 19 offices, including a major presence in Detroit, the firm is an AM Law 200 firm recognized for its expertise in litigation, corporate law, intellectual property, and real estate. Dickinson Wright has represented clients in high-profile cases and complex transactions, including major automotive companies and financial institutions. The firm’s longstanding history and commitment to excellence make it a key player in Detroit’s legal landscape.
- Butzel Long: Founded in 1854, Butzel Long is one of Detroit’s oldest and most respected law firms. With over 140 attorneys across five offices, the firm is known for its work in labor and employment law, corporate law, and litigation. Butzel Long has a strong presence in the automotive industry, representing major manufacturers and suppliers. The firm has also been involved in significant litigation cases and corporate transactions, making it a prominent name in Detroit.
- Clark Hill PLC: Clark Hill PLC, founded in 1890, is a full-service law firm with over 650 attorneys across 27 offices, including a major presence in Detroit. The firm is recognized for its work in corporate law, labor and employment, litigation, and government relations. Clark Hill’s client base spans a wide range of industries, including automotive, healthcare, and financial services. The firm’s national reach and expertise in complex legal matters have earned it recognition as one of the top law firms in the country.
- Dykema Gossett PLLC: Dykema Gossett PLLC, founded in 1926, is a leading national law firm with over 400 attorneys across 13 offices, including a strong presence in Detroit. The firm is known for its work in litigation, corporate law, healthcare, and intellectual property. Dykema has represented clients in high-stakes litigation and significant corporate transactions, particularly in the automotive and financial services sectors.
- Taft Law: Taft Law, founded in 1885, is a full-service law firm with more than 600 attorneys across multiple offices, including a significant presence in Detroit. The firm is known for its work in corporate law, litigation, labor and employment, and intellectual property. Taft has a strong reputation for providing high-quality legal services to a diverse range of clients, from startups to Fortune 500 companies.
- Miller Canfield: Founded in 1852, Miller Canfield is one of the oldest and most respected law firms in Michigan. With over 250 attorneys across 16 offices, including a major presence in Detroit, the firm is recognized for its work in corporate law, public finance, and litigation. Miller Canfield has a strong reputation for representing government entities, educational institutions, and major corporations in complex legal matters. The firm’s deep roots in Detroit and its commitment to innovation have made it a key player in the legal market.
- Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook: Founded in 1969, Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook is a leading law firm in Detroit with over 100 attorneys. The firm is known for its work in medical malpractice defense, healthcare law, and insurance defense. Kitch Drutchas has a strong presence in the healthcare industry, representing hospitals, physicians, and insurers in complex litigation and regulatory matters.
- Plunkett Cooney: Plunkett Cooney, founded in 1913, is a full-service law firm with over 150 attorneys across multiple offices, including a significant presence in Detroit. The firm is known for its work in litigation, labor and employment, and insurance defense. Plunkett Cooney has represented clients in high-profile cases and complex litigation matters, particularly in the automotive and insurance industries. The firm’s longstanding history and commitment to client service have made it a respected name.
Biggest Companies Employing Lawyers
Finding a legal position with one of Detroit’s largest companies often requires the expertise of a legal recruiter, as these roles are highly competitive and require specialized skills. Detroit’s diverse economy is anchored by several major corporations that employ significant numbers of legal professionals across industries such as automotive, healthcare, and finance. Below are some of the most prominent companies in Detroit that employ lawyers:
- Ford Motor Company: Founded in 1903, Ford Motor Company is one of the largest and most iconic automotive manufacturers in the world. With over 186,000 employees globally, Ford’s legal team plays a critical role in handling intellectual property, regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and environmental law. As a major player in the automotive industry, Ford’s legal department is involved in a wide array of complex legal matters, including the development of electric vehicles and autonomous driving technology.
- General Motors: General Motors (GM), another automotive giant founded in 1908, is headquartered in Detroit and employs over 160,000 people worldwide. GM’s legal department handles issues related to product liability, intellectual property, corporate governance, and environmental compliance. As the company focuses on electric and autonomous vehicles, its legal team is heavily involved in navigating new regulatory landscapes and managing large-scale transactions and intellectual property rights.
- DTE Energy: DTE Energy, a leading energy company in Michigan, was founded in 1903 and employs more than 10,000 people. Its legal department focuses on areas such as regulatory compliance, environmental law, and corporate governance. DTE’s role in promoting renewable energy projects in Michigan has increased the demand for legal expertise in environmental regulations and sustainability initiatives. Legal professionals at DTE are also involved in regulatory matters, ensuring that the company complies with state and federal energy policies.
- Henry Ford Health System: Founded in 1915, Henry Ford Health System is one of the largest healthcare providers in Michigan, employing over 33,000 people. Its legal department handles healthcare regulations, patient privacy, medical malpractice defense, and corporate governance. With its involvement in cutting-edge medical research and healthcare delivery, the legal team at Henry Ford Health System plays a crucial role in navigating the complexities of healthcare law and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Quicken Loans (Rocket Companies): Quicken Loans, now part of Rocket Companies, was founded in 1985 and has grown to become one of the largest mortgage lenders in the United States. Headquartered in Detroit, the company employs over 20,000 people. The legal team at Quicken Loans deals with issues related to mortgage regulations, consumer protection, and financial services law. With its expansion into new financial products and technologies, the legal department is essential in ensuring regulatory compliance and protecting intellectual property.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, founded in 1939, is one of the largest health insurers in the state, employing over 8,000 people. Its legal department focuses on healthcare regulations, insurance law, and corporate governance. As healthcare laws continue to evolve, the legal team plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with federal and state healthcare regulations, managing provider relationships, and handling disputes related to insurance claims.
- Ally Financial: Ally Financial, a leading digital financial services company founded in 1919, is headquartered in Detroit and employs over 10,000 people. Its legal department focuses on areas such as banking regulations, consumer protection, corporate governance, and mergers and acquisitions. As Ally continues to expand its digital financial services, including auto financing, mortgages, and online banking, the legal team is essential in managing compliance with financial regulations and ensuring the company’s growth strategies align with legal requirements.
- American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM): Founded in 1994, American Axle & Manufacturing (AAM) is a leading global manufacturer of driveline and powertrain systems for the automotive industry, employing over 20,000 people worldwide. AAM’s legal department handles intellectual property, corporate law, and environmental compliance, particularly as the company works toward integrating more advanced technologies into its manufacturing processes. The legal team is also involved in managing global supply chain issues and ensuring compliance with international trade laws.
- Lear Corporation: Lear Corporation, founded in 1917, is a leading global supplier of automotive seating and electrical systems, employing over 174,000 people across 39 countries. Headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, near Detroit, Lear’s legal team deals with intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, product liability, and environmental law. With a focus on innovation in automotive technology, Lear’s legal professionals play a key role in protecting the company’s intellectual property and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
- Penske Automotive Group: Penske Automotive Group, a diversified international transportation services company headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, employs over 27,000 people worldwide. The company’s legal department focuses on areas such as dealership compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and franchise law. Penske’s involvement in the automotive retail and logistics sectors requires its legal team to manage complex transactions and ensure compliance with industry-specific regulations.
