Phillip J. DeRosier

Phillip J. DeRosier

Dickinson Wright PLLC

Recognized since 2012

Detroit, Michigan

Practice Areas

Appellate Practice

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2024 - Appellate Practice Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2021 - Appellate Practice Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2018 - Appellate Practice
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Phil DeRosier has nearly 20 years’ experience representing industry-leading corporations, banks, insurance companies, and individuals in the Michigan Supreme Court, Michigan Court of Appeals, and U.S. Courts of Appeals. Phil has briefed and argued a wide variety of appeals, ranging from commercial contracts to insurance to business torts. He also devotes a significant part of his practice to briefing dispositive motions and working with trial counsel on pre- and post-trial motions, jury instructions, and preserving issues for appeal.

Phil is a past Chair of the Governing Council of the State Bar of Michigan’s Appellate Practice Section, and is consistently recognized in Best Lawyers and Michigan Super Lawyers in the area of appellate practice. Phil is co-chair of the Michigan Appellate Bench Bar Conference and a contributing author to the Institute for Continuing Legal Education’s Michigan Appellate Handbook. Before joining the firm, Phil served as a law clerk for former Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Robert P. Young, Jr., and was a staff attorney at the Michigan Court of Appeals.

Contact & Links
Location
  • 500 Woodward Avenue, Suite 4000
    Detroit, MI 48226-3425
Education
  • Western Michigan University, Thomas M. Cooley Law School, J.D., graduated 1996
  • Michigan State University, BA, graduated 1993
Bar Admissions
  • Michigan, State Bar of Michigan
Affiliations
  • Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association - Chair of the Appellate Practice Section
  • Michigan Appellate Bench Bar Conference Foundation - Secretary
  • Michigan Defense Trial Counsel - Member
  • State Bar of Michigan, Appellate Practice Section - Past Chair

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2024 - Appellate Practice Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2021 - Appellate Practice Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2018 - Appellate Practice
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Appellate Practice, Detroit (2024)
  • Appellate Practice, Detroit (2021)
  • Appellate Practice, Detroit (2018)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for work in:
  • Appellate Practice
Awards:
  • Thomas M. Cooley Law Review's Distinguished Brief Award, 2009

Cases
Pipefitters Local 636 et al. v. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Successfully represented a health insurer in an interlocutory appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, in which the Sixth Circuit reversed the district court’s order certifying a class of multiemployer health and welfare benefits funds alleging violations of ERISA and Michigan law.
Henry v. The Dow Chemical Company
Represented an industry-leading chemical company in a matter of first impression before the Michigan Supreme Court, obtaining an opinion establishing the standards in Michigan for certifying class actions.
Ross v. Blue Care Network
Represented a health insurer in the Michigan Supreme Court, obtaining an opinion affirming the Michigan Insurance Commissioner’s decision to uphold a denial of coverage for unauthorized medical services.
In re Certified Question from the 14th District Court of Appeals of Texas (Miller v. Ford Motor Co)
Prevailed in the Michigan Supreme Court for a premises owner in a case of first impression finding no duty to protect against “take home” asbestos exposure. As a result, a $9.5 million judgment was overturned.
In re Complaint of Rovas Against SBC Michigan
Represented a telecommunications provider in obtaining an opinion from the Michigan Supreme Court overturning a fine imposed by the Michigan Public Service Commission.

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