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overview
James E. DeLine focuses his practice on complex business litigation, counseling automotive suppliers, and antitrust law.
Practice Areas
Bio
Jim has extensive experience in all phases of state and federal litigation as well as domestic and international arbitrations, making him an ideal problem solver. He regularly counsels clients in contract and UCC matters, automotive supply chain disputes, injunctions, business torts, shareholder rights, creditor’s rights, product liability claims, and appeals. Jim’s recent successes include earning one of the largest annual verdicts in Michigan while representing an international automobile distributor against a global automobile manufacturer, resolving a multi-million dollar contract dispute on behalf of a family-owned manufacturer against a global automotive supplier, and defeating a $48 million breach of contract and fraud claim in an arbitration between foreign and domestic manufacturers. Outside of his busy practice, Jim enjoys traveling with his family and spending time with his two daughters.
credentials
Affiliations
- State Bar of Michigan, Antitrust, Franchising & Trade Regulation Section
- Oakland County Bar Foundation, Fellow
- American Bar Association
- Antitrust Section
- Trial Practice Committee
- American Bankruptcy Institute
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 Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- United States Supreme Court
Published Cases
- Wausau Underwriters Ins. Co. v. Vulcan Development, Inc., 323 F.3d 396 (6th Cir. 2003)
- United States Leather, Inc. v. Mitchell Mfg. Group, Inc., 276 F.3d 782 (6th Cir. 2002)
- In Re: Garrett Tool & Engineering, Inc., 273 B.R. 123 (Bankr. E.D. Mich. 2002)
- UAW-GM Human Resource Center v. KSL Recreation Corp., 228 Mich. App. 486, 579 N.W.2d 411 (1998)
Education
- Wayne State University Law School, J.D.
- Wayne Law Review
- Moot Court National Team
- University of Michigan, B.A.
Insights & News
September 8, 2023
DeLine and Klima Prevail in Michigan Court Of Appeals
The Michigan Court Of Appeals unanimously sided with Kerr Russell in a multi-million dollar payment dispute between two Tier 1 automotive suppliers.
August 24, 2023
DeLine Successfully Defends Noncompete Covenant on Behalf of Client
James DeLine obtained a 16-month injunction from a Michigan federal court on behalf of a regional employer who sought to enforce post-employment noncompete and non-solicit covenants in an employment agreement with a former employee.
June 29, 2023
Lordstown Motors vs Foxconn: 3 takeaways for automakers
The EV start-up Lordstown Motors Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware federal court on June 27, 2023.
June 28, 2023
Kerr Russell Prevails In Oakland County Business Court
James DeLine and William Blasses recently prevailed at trial in Oakland County Business Court in defense of a six-figure claim.
October 12, 2022
Kerr Russell Obtains Dismissal of Claims on Behalf of Client
Kerr Russell prevails in federal litigation over employee non-compete agreements.
September 14, 2022
Changing Suppliers in These Changing Times
Four steps for manufacturers to avoid legal pitfalls of re-sourcing supply
Disruptions in the supply chain are leading manufacturers to seek alternate sources, often involving termination of a contract, which can lead to a number of legal pitfalls. James DeLine recently recently outlined how manufacturers can avoid these pitfalls to ensure a smooth transition for DBusiness.
April 23, 2020
Jim DeLine Discusses Suppliers' Rights on OESA's Automotive Insiders Podcast
OESA recently launched a new podcast, Automotive Insiders, and Kerr Russell attorney Jim DeLine was their second guest. Listen as Jim shares top lessons that can help today’s suppliers manage their resumption of production during and after this pandemic.
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.
June 12, 2019
Kerr Russell Attorneys Prevail in Arbitration Defeating a $48 Million Claim
Kerr Russell attorneys, James E. DeLine and Matthew L. Powell, prevailed in arbitration by defeating a part supplier's $48 million claim against a Tier 1 automotive client. The two also obtained an award of $2.4 million in damages against the supplier.
June 11, 2019
Attorney James E. DeLine to Speak at the Central States Bankruptcy Workshop
The American Bankruptcy Institute's (ABI) Central States Bankruptcy Workshop is June 13-15, 2019. Kerr Russell attorney, James E. DeLine will be speaking on effective client interviews, deposition strategies, techniques and more.
October 29, 2018
Attorneys William Blasses and James DeLine Prevail at Trial on a Claim of Non-dischargeability on Behalf of a Creditor
Kerr Russell attorneys William Blasses and James DeLine prevailed at trial on a claim of non-dischargeability on behalf of a creditor who was owed over $370,000.
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.
March 24, 2018
Kerr Russell, James DeLine added as Legal Counsel for Original Equipment Suppliers Association's Tooling Council
Kerr Russell is pleased to announce that James DeLine will begin serving as the Legal Counsel for OESA’s Tooling Council beginning March 28.
January 29, 2018
Jim DeLine serves as an editor of ABA's recently published Antitrust Class Actions Handbook, Second Edition
Congratulations to Jim DeLine, member, who served as an editor of the American Bar Association's recently published Antitrust Class Actions Handbook, Second Edition. Jim also worked on the first edition. From the preface: "The Global Private Litigation Committee and the Trial Practice Committee of the Section of Antitrust Law are pleased to present this Handbook on Antitrust Class Actions, Second Edition.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
March 9, 2017
James E. DeLine obtains victory in Michigan Court of Appeals in auto supply chain dispute
On March 21, 2017, Kerr Russell attorney James DeLine obtained a unanimous victory in the Michigan Court of Appeals in a supply chain dispute.
November 10, 2016
DeLine and Sneyd prevail in issue of first impression in auto supplier dispute pending in Wayne County Business Court
On November 28, 2016, the Wayne County Circuit Court’s Business Court ruled in favor of an auto supplier represented by James DeLine and Max Sneyd.
February 11, 2015
James E. DeLine authors article in the February, 2015 OESA Legal Corner "Five Pitfalls to Avoid in Your Next NDA"
Does your company’s standard non-disclosure agreement (NDA) truly protect your confidential information or is it missing something? An NDA is a legally binding contract, so it deserves the same scrutiny as other legal documents. A poorly drafted NDA can spawn litigation or worse – cause competitive harm to your organization.
November 16, 2012
Jim DeLine authors "The ABC's of Incorporating Your T&C's Into Your Agreements"
Chances are that you have invested time and money in developing a comprehensive set of standard terms and conditions tailored for your business. But have you thought about how to incorporate those terms and conditions (T&Cs) into your agreements? If not, you should consider three main opportunities to incorporate your T&Cs.
Representative Matters
Contract and UCC disputes
Automotive supply chain disputes
Injunctions
Product liability litigation
Business disputes
Antitrust
Shareholder rights
Creditor’s rights
State and federal appeals