Julie Fershtman

I am a Shareholder with the full-service law firm, Foster Swift, Collins & Smith, PC, and am an experienced litigator and trial lawyer. Serving clients that range from small businesses and individuals to major insurance companies and businesses, I handle a wide variety of business, insurance, sporting/recreational, and equine-related matters.

My practice is, at times, national in scope. I have successfully tried cases before juries in 4 states and have been specially admitted out-of-state counsel (pro hac vice) in state and federal courts in 12 jurisdictions. Example of a case tried: I won a trial of a fraud/UCC/Consumer Protection Act case and my clients were also awarded 100% of their legal fees, which the losing parties paid. I have also secured "no cause" verdicts or directed verdicts on injury cases I defended at trial.

Though I enjoy trying cases, I realize that litigation is costly. With this in mind, I have counseled clients on ways to avoid legal disputes. Where warranted, and with the approval of my clients, I also handle disputed matters and cases through arbitration and mediation.

Active in the bar, I was President of the 42,500-member State Bar of Michigan for 2011-2012. Please visit my presidential blog. In the ABA, I am a Vice-Chair of a committee of the Tort, Trial & Insurance Practice Section and a part member of the House of Delegates. 

I am listed in The Best Lawyers in America, 2013 (Commercial Litigation, Insurance Law) and have been named a Michigan "Super Lawyer" in 2008 and every year since.  In 2010, Michigan Lawyers Weekly named me a "Leader in the Law."

A frequent author, I have written well over 200 published articles and 3 books, all on law-related topics. I was a contributor to 3 other books published by ABA, as well.  I frequently speak on topics of law, liability, and risk management. My speaking engagements include conferences in 28 states, often with repeat engagements.

I graduated from Emory College in 1983 and Emory Law School in 1986.

Other websites:

www.fershtmanlaw.com
www.equinelaw.net
www.fosterswift.com