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overview
Fred K. Herrmann maintains a diverse litigation and alternative dispute resolution practice across a wide range of industries.
Practice Areas
Bio
Fred has substantial experience in class action defense, multidistrict litigation, antitrust, patent and other intellectual property litigation, attorney and other professional liability defense, and contract disputes, as well as supply chain and other disputes implicating the Uniform Commercial Code. Fred has tried cases in state and federal courts, has filed briefs and argued cases in state and federal appellate courts, and has mediated resolutions for complex disputes on behalf of his clients. Fred is also available to serve as a neutral mediator.
Fred is a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and former Chair of the Representative Assembly, the final policy-making body of the State Bar of Michigan. He has also served on the Board of the Commissioners of the State Bar of Michigan and is a Fellow of the Michigan State Bar Foundation.
In the federal arena, Fred is the President of the Federal Bar Association, Eastern District of Michigan Chapter, and a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation.
Fred is repeatedly listed in The Best Lawyers in America© for antitrust law and was recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” for antitrust law in 2015, 2017, and 2019. He has been named a Michigan “Super Lawyer” in Commercial Litigation for the last 12 years, and has been recognized as a “Top Lawyer” in DBusiness Magazine. Fred was named a 2018 “Leader in the Law” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
Prior to practicing law, and following graduation from the United States Naval Academy, Fred served as a logistics officer in the United States Marine Corps. Fred deployed overseas with Second Battalion, Ninth Marines, then served on the logistics staff of the First Marine Division. He subsequently served as a reservist with Detroit’s own First Battalion, Twenty-fourth Marines, as a logistics officer and H&S Company Commander. Fred also taught a course on International Cartel Enforcement as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Michigan Law School.
Read an “Of Interest” profile of Fred written by his Kerr Russell colleague Joanne Swanson for the State Bar of Michigan Magazine.
credentials
Affiliations
- Federal Bar Association, Eastern District of Michigan Chapter, President
- American Bar Association
- Section of Antitrust Law, Cartel and Criminal Practice Committee
- Business Law Section
- Business and Corporate Litigation Committee
- Michigan State Bar Foundation, Fellow
- State Bar of Michigan
- Representative Assembly (Chair, 2016-2017)
- Board of Commissioners (2014-2017)
- Antitrust, Franchising and Trade Regulation Section (Chair, 2005-2007)
- Litigation Section
- Detroit Bar Association
- Veterans’ Bar Association, Detroit Chapter
Bar and Court Admissions
- Michigan
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
- United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan
- United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
- United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
- United States Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit
Education
- University of Michigan Law School, J.D.
- Editor, Michigan Journal of International Law
- United States Naval Academy, B.S.
Insights & News
November 16, 2020
22 Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized as DBusiness 2021 Top Lawyers
A total of 22 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named as DBusiness Magazine 2021 Top Lawyers. The attorneys are selected through a peer review process. DBusiness polled more than 18,000 attorneys across Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Livingston Counties.
September 18, 2020
Kerr Russell Attorneys Named 2020 Michigan Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Super Lawyers named 11 Kerr Russell members to the list of 2020 Michigan Super Lawyers and included four Kerr Russell attorneys on the list of 2020 Michigan Rising Stars.
August 20, 2020
Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America© 2021 and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch
Seventeen Kerr Russell members were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2021. Notably, twelve of the named attorneys have been listed in The Best Lawyers in America for more than five years.
July 14, 2020
15 Lawyers From Kerr Russell Recognized as Leading Lawyers 2020
A total of 15 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named to the 2020 list of Leading Lawyers in Michigan. Only those lawyers who are most often recommended qualify for this honor.
June 30, 2020
Kerr Russell Attorney Installed As Federal Bar Association Chapter President
Fred K. Herrmann is the new President of the Federal Bar Association, Eastern District of Michigan Chapter.
March 17, 2020
Coronavirus/COVID-19 Business Continuity: A Message to Our Community, Clients and Friends
Kerr Russell is committed to its community, clients and people. As the world navigates through the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus), we want to assure you that Kerr Russell is committed to supporting our community, clients and people as effectively as we have through every other crisis our Nation has encountered over our firm’s nearly 150-year history.
Our firm is fully operational: We have made sure that our lawyers and staff are able to safely and effectively serve our clients’ needs and continue operations on an uninterrupted basis. Most of our people
November 15, 2019
19 Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized as DBusiness Top Lawyers for 2020
A total of 19 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named as dBusiness Magazine 2020 Top Lawyers. The attorneys are selected through a peer review process. dBusiness polled 19,000 attorneys across Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Livingston Counties.
September 3, 2019
15 Kerr Russell Attorneys Recognized on the 2019 Michigan Super Lawyers List
A total of 15 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named as Thomson Reuters, 2019 Michigan Super Lawyers. The award is given annually to attorneys who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
August 15, 2019
15 Lawyers From Kerr Russell Are Recognized In The Best Lawyers In America© 2020
A total of 15 lawyers from Kerr Russell are named to the prestigious 2020 Edition of the Best Lawyers in America©. The award is given annually in recognition of being named as part of the “top legal talent in the U.S.”
April 3, 2019
Kerr Russell Attorneys win Litigation of the Year - Cartel Defence award
Kerr Russell attorneys, Fred Herrmann, Joanne Geha Swanson, & Matthew Powell, on winning the Litigation of the Year - Cartel Defence award for Auto Parts antitrust litigation at the Global Competition Review 9th Annual Awards Ceremony. The GCR awards are selected by readers who were invited to vote for the cases, law firms, lawyers, economists and enforcers they believe excelled in 2018.
September 20, 2018
Kerr Russell recognizes our 2018 dbusiness Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit honorees
Kerr Russell recognizes this year’s dbusiness Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit honorees - 21 attorneys, many for multiple practice areas.
September 11, 2018
Sneak peek of Dbusiness Magazine Top Lawyers photo shoot with Kerr Russell
A little sneak peek of today’s DBusiness Magazine “Top Lawyers” photo shoot of Kerr Russell with the talented and gracious David Frechette. Thank you to Valerie Maness for her assistance.
September 7, 2018
15 Kerr Russell attorneys recognized as 2018 Super Lawyers
Congratulations to the following attorneys who have been designated "Super Lawyers" by Thomson Reuters:
August 17, 2018
2018 Associates Golf Outing - a good (and rainy) time had by all
Our 2018 Associates Golf Outing, held at The Links of Novi, was a smashing success and a great teambuilding experience - a good (and rainy) time was had by all.
August 15, 2018
Eric Lark (corporate law) and Fred Herrmann (antitrust law) named Best Lawyers® 2019 "Lawyers of the Year" in Detroit
Congratulations to Eric Lark and Fred Herrmann who were named the best lawyers 2019 "Lawyers of the Year" in Detroit for corporate law and antitrust law respectively. Only a single lawyer in each practice area and community is honored with a "Lawyer of the Year" award.
August 15, 2018
15 lawyers from Kerr Russell were recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© 2019
A total of 15 lawyers from Kerr Russell have been named to the prestigious 2019 Edition of the Best Lawyers in America©. The award is given annually in recognition of being named as part of the “top legal talent in the U.S.”
July 30, 2018
Kerr Russell members Brandy Mathie and Fred Herrmann attend Matrix Human Services' 5th annual #313InTheD rooftop event
Kerr Russell members Brandy Mathie and Fred Herrmann attended Matrix Human Services’ 5th annual #313intheD rooftop fundraiser Thursday.
April 5, 2018
Fred Herrmann honored at Michigan Lawyers Weekly's "Leaders in the Law" luncheon
On April 5, Kerr Russell member Fred Herrmann (antitrust, litigation, dispute resolution) was honored at a luncheon, held at the Detroit Marriott - Troy, alongside the rest of Michigan Lawyers Weekly's "Leaders in the Law" Class of 2018. Kerr Russell attendees included Jim Cambridge, Jason Bank, Dan Schulte, Dan Ferris, Jeff May, Anna Valk, Ashley Racette, and Roy Sexton. Fred's wife Mindy Herrmann was there as well. (Picture left. To the left, Fred receives his award from Opinion Editor Agenique Smiley.)
March 29, 2018
Detroit Public Television's PBSNewsHour and Nightly Business Report to be sponsored by Kerr Russell
Kerr Russell is pleased to support Detroit Public Television, and, beginning April 2, the following spot will air during PBS NewsHour (weekdays, 6-7 pm) and the Nightly Business Report (weekdays, 7-7:30 pm). View the spot here.
March 7, 2018
ACG/TMA co-host “Women In Leadership,” a panel of leading Detroit-based female executives discussing opportunities and challenges for women; Kerr Russell a silver sponsor
On March 7 at The Townsend Hotel, the Association for Corporate Growth Detroit Women's Forum & Turnaround Management Association Detroit Network of Women hosted “Women In Leadership,” a panel of leading Detroit-based female executives discussing opportunities and challenges for women in this C-level role. Kerr Russell is a silver-level sponsor of TMA.
February 26, 2018
Kerr Russell's latest ad "Driven By Results" debuts in Crain's M&A, Biggest Deals issue this week
Kerr Russell's latest ad "Driven By Results" debuts in Crain's M&A, Biggest Deals issue this week. The ad emphasizes the firm's 143-year presence in Detroit as part of the larger business and legal community. "We understand the region. We know what moves Michigan. We are committed to the community."
February 14, 2018
Fred Herrmann named among Michigan Lawyers Weekly's "Leaders in the Law," Class of 2018
Congratulations to Kerr Russell member Fred Herrmann (antitrust, litigation, dispute resolution) who was just named among Michigan Lawyers Weekly's "Leaders in the Law" Class of 2018.
January 26, 2018
Download Kerr Russell's updated firm brochure and overview of services
Kerr Russell is proud of Detroit. We are proud to have had a seat at the table here since 1874. Our exceptional attorneys understand the unique challenges facing business leaders. Our legal solutions are prompt, accurate, economical, and focused around your needs in every area. We know Michigan business like the back of our hands.
January 15, 2018
Influencing the Legal Landscape - new Kerr Russell ad to appear in dbusiness
Kerr Russell introduces the third ad in the new "Est. in Detroit 1874" series: "Influencing the legal landscape." The piece emphasizes the firm's 143-year presence in Detroit as part of the larger business and legal community. "We don't sit on the sidelines. We are active in industry groups and we're driving legislative change. We are leaders in the law."
January 3, 2018
Kerr Russell highlighted in Best Lawyers - Business, Winter 2017 issue
Look for Kerr Russell attorneys and advertising (pages 92-95) in the Best Lawyers - Business, Winter 2017 issue. Earlier in 2017, a number of Kerr Russell's attorneys and practice areas were honored with U.S. News and World Report Best Lawyers recognition.
December 18, 2017
Kerr Russell team makes holiday donations to Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Wigs 4 Kids, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Ann Arbor, and Children's Hospital of Michigan
One of our traditions here at Kerr Russell is to hold a holiday raffle to benefit three local charities as well as to conduct a toy drive for local children. This year's raffle (many of the beautiful and festive prizes picture here) raised a record total of $3,450 which will be divided equally among three organizations: Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Wigs 4 Kids of Michigan, Inc., and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Ann Arbor.
December 2, 2017
Detroit Bar Association's "Jingle Mingle" held on November 30 at the Hard Rock Cafe Detroit (photos)
Kerr Russell member Fred Herrmann offers holiday cheer to friends old and new!
November 30, 2017
Merry and bright ... Kerr Russell welcomes the holiday season
It's a time to celebrate, reflect and remember. However you mark the holidays, we hope your days are filled with warmth and thankfulness, good times, and endless cheer. As another year draws to a close, we at Kerr Russell are grateful to you. You give purpose to our work and add meaning to our relationships. Your trust is a cherished gift. Enjoy these images as we get our offices ready to celebrate the holiday season. Design by Mandy Lark of Lark Interior Design.
November 21, 2017
Detroit Bar Honors Mayor Mike Duggan at 2017 Archer Award Gala; Kerr Russell a Silver Sponsor
From the Detroit Bar Association: "Congratulations to Mayor Mike Duggan who was presented the Dennis Archer Public Service Award by the Detroit Bar Foundation Thursday, November 16 at the Detroit Yacht Club. Also congratulations to the Detroit Bar Legal Scholars for their original legal work product that advances the field of law and our Corporate Citizen Outreach Recognition of DTE Energy, Matrix Human Services, Ally Financial and General Motors Company."
November 17, 2017
Matrix Human Services receives Corporate Citizen Outreach Recognition from Detroit Bar Association Foundation
Kudos to Matrix Human Services for receiving Corporate Citizen Outreach Recognition from the Detroit Bar Association Foundation. The award was presented on November 16 at the Detroit Bar Association Foundation's Dennis W. Archer Public Service Award event - which also honors legal professionals whose careers demonstrate an outstanding commitment to public service.
November 16, 2017
Culture of Connection - new Kerr Russell ad to appear in Michigan Lawyers Weekly and dbusiness
Kerr Russell introduces the second ad in the new "Est. in Detroit 1874" series: "A culture of connection." The piece emphasizes the firm's 143-year presence in Detroit as part of the larger business and legal community. "We are relationship focused. We know our people and our clients are the lifeblood of our firm."
November 3, 2017
Kerr Russell launches new advertising in upcoming issues of dbusiness and Crain's Detroit
With this month's issue of dbusiness, focused on Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit, Kerr Russell launches its new brand advertising with "A Track Record of Results." Working with Identity Public Relations and Marketing, Kerr Russell's marketing team developed the creative to emphasize the firm's longstanding place in Detroit's legal and business history.
November 3, 2017
Kerr Russell recognizes this year’s dbusiness Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit honorees
Kerr Russell recognizes this year’s dbusiness Top Lawyers in Metro Detroit honorees:
November 1, 2017
Kerr Russell ranked in the 2018 U.S. News - Best Lawyers® "Best Law Firms" list nationally in 1 practice area and regionally in 17 practice areas
U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers, for the eighth consecutive year, announce the "Best Law Firms" rankings.
September 18, 2017
Kerr Russell welcomes parents and students to Matrix Human Services Headstart Plymouth Center
What a great way to start the week! Partners Fred Herrmann and Jason Bank along with Director of Marketing Roy Sexton joined President and CEO of Matrix Human ServicesBrad Coulter and Assistant Director Nolana Nobles Bandy PhD to greet parents and children arriving at Matrix's Headstart Plymouth Center in Detroit this morning as well as to provide a continental breakfast for the parents.
September 12, 2017
16 Kerr Russell attorneys recognized as 2017 Super Lawyers
Congratulations to the following attorneys who have been designated "Super Lawyers" by Thomson Reuters.
September 5, 2017
Kerr Russell salutes Detroit Marine Week, sharing personal stories of military service
Each year, the United States Marine Corps chooses a different city to visit as an annual celebration of “community, country, and corps" and to honor the service and sacrifice of Marines and their loved ones. This year, it's Detroit!
August 21, 2017
17 lawyers from Kerr Russell were recognized in The Best Lawyers in America© 2018
A total of 17 lawyers from Kerr Russell have been named to the prestigious 2018 Edition of the Best Lawyers in America©. The award is given annually in recognition of being named as part of the “top legal talent in the U.S.”
August 21, 2017
2017 Associate Golf Outing at Links of Novi
Like many organizations, we are so dedicated to creating client value, meeting your needs, and exceeding your expectations that we may neglect to recharge our own batteries, on the way to inspiring even greater collaboration, ingenuity, and teamwork.
August 10, 2017
A culture of giving
If you want to know how a firm can thrive for over 140 years in a city that has faced considerable challenges, walk through the door of Kerr Russell’s suite on the 25th floor of the Detroit Center and get a feel for the people.
November 7, 2016
Kerr Russell attorneys named 2017 Top Lawyers by dBusiness Magazine
Kerr Russell counts 11 attorneys among this year’s Top Lawyers as recognized by dBusiness magazine. The 2017 Top Lawyers were selected based on a peer review survey of 19,000 attorneys in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, and Livingston counties. Attorneys are asked to nominate lawyers among 48 legal specialties.
November 1, 2016
Kerr Russell Attorneys Named 2016 Super Lawyers
Kerr Russell attorneys have been named SuperLawyers for 2016, two have been named to the Michigan Top 100 and four have been named as Rising Stars.
October 22, 2016
Fred K. Herrmann Sworn in as SBM Representative Assembly Chair
Who is this man, Fred K. Herrmann, who has been elected to lead the State Bar Representative Assembly in the 2016–2017 bar year? In many ways, what you see is what you get: an ever-present smile; a positive outlook; a quick wit and wry sense of humor; a keen intellect and curious mind; and sincerity, warmth, and ingenuity.
July 1, 2013
Fred Herrmann authors "It Must be a Duck: Honoring the Attorney Professional Negligence Statute of Limitations"
Michigan courts have long held that a plaintiff cannot title his true cause of action as another simply to benefit from a longer statute of limitations. A medical malpractice plaintiff cannot call her claim for professional negligence (two-year statute of limitations) a breach of contract claim (six-year statute of limitations), or a general negligence claim (three-year statute of limitations). Similarly, a client cannot sue his attorney for breach of contract or fraud (six-year statute of limitations) when his claim is based on professional negligence (two-year statute of limitations).