Daniel J. Ferris

Dan handles matters involving class action, commercial disputes, corporate law, employment law, insurance, licensing, litigation, products liability, and professional liability defense, and has particular experience in non-compete and sales representative contracts. Dan handles high-stakes and high-profile lawsuits in both trial and appellate courts.

His industry-specific experience includes:

• Representing corporations and individuals involved in health care including dentists, hospitals, medical device manufacturers, and physicians, and serving as Co-Chair of the Professional Liability & Health Care Section of Michigan Defense Trial Counsel
• Representing automotive manufacturers and serving as a member of the Original Equipment Suppliers Association Young Leadership Council

Dan has been recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a “Leader in the Law,” by Best Lawyers in America (a distinction earned by no more than 5.3% of lawyers in the United States), and by Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star” (a distinction earned by no more than 2.5% of Michigan lawyers). He was elected into the Fellows of the American Bar Foundation (a distinction limited to 1% of Michigan attorneys) and the Michigan State Bar Foundation Fellows Program (a distinction limited to 5% of Michigan attorneys). 

Dan is passionate about education, is a lifelong learner, and works hard to stay at the leading-edge of knowledge, training, and tactics in the legal profession so as to provide clients with the best service, work product, and results possible. In addition to his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Michigan, he completed a trial advocacy program at the Northwestern University School of Law. Dan has served as an instructor at the University of Michigan and as an editor of Michigan Law of Damages and Other Remedies, a treatise published by the Institute of Continuing Legal Education. He has served as a member of Kerr Russell’s Continuing Legal Education Committee and as a judge for moot court competitions at the University of Michigan and Wayne State University Law Schools. Dan has also served as a “Barrister” in the American Inns of Court, which is an organization that promotes legal education. He has presented on topics relating to commercial litigation, health care, and legal research. In recognition of his vision, initiative, and leadership skills, Dan was appointed to serve on Kerr Russell’s Strategic Planning Committee.

Dan is also passionate about civic service. He was first appointed and then elected to serve as a member of the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly, which is the final policy-making body of the State Bar. As Chair of the Drafting Committee, Dan worked closely on a proposal that was adopted by the Michigan Supreme Court and constituted the most significant reform of the Michigan Court Rules in more than 30 years. He is also a Fellow of the Oakland County Bar Foundation, which promotes increased access to and understanding of the legal system. Dan has supported homeless youth as a member of the Covenant House Michigan Associate Board. He additionally volunteers with Kerr Russell’s Giving Back program, represents nonprofit corporations, and represents clients on a pro bono basis. Dan previously held a leadership position in a community service organization and has traveled to multiple sites around the United States to perform volunteer work.

Articles

• “Taylor v University Physician Group: Michigan Court of Appeals Allows Expert Testimony that Conflicts with Eyewitness Testimony,” Michigan Defense Quarterly (2020)
• “Can My Client Sue My Expert? Michigan Court of Appeals Addresses Witness Immunity Doctrine,” Michigan Defense Quarterly (2019)
• “The Michigan Litigation Addressing the Vaping Epidemic,” Detroit Medical News (2019)
• “Navigating Uncertainty: Legal Options for Manufacturers Confronting Tariffs,” Michigan Lawyers Weekly (2018)

White Papers

• New Laws for Prescribing Controlled Substances in Michigan: Are you ready? (2018)