Dwight K Hamilton

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Attorney with litigation and employment law experience in law firm and corporate settings. Proven ability to clearly convey legal principles, arguments and strategies to audiences with or without legal backgrounds. Experienced in conceptualizing and implementing litigation strategies. Strong advocacy skills and history of obtaining legal successes for clients. Unique understanding of effective client service from experience as both retained counsel and corporate client. Demonstrated skills in acquiring legal expertise in new areas to meet client and employer needs.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

MILLER JOHNSON, Grand Rapids, Michigan 2002- present

Member

• First and second chair trial litigation practice in Commercial Litigation, Bankruptcy Litigation, and Employment Litigation.

• Litigate matters in Michigan State Circuit and District Courts, the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Michigan, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

• Author client newsletters.

• Conduct seminars on legal issues for current and potential clients.

STEELCASE, INC., Grand Rapids, Michigan 1998 – 2002

Corporate Counsel

• Managed commercial and employment litigation matters of Steelcase North America, its subsidiaries and design partners.

• Developed litigation strategy and directed efforts of outside counsel to effectuate that strategy.

• Managed disputes involving Steelcase and its vendors and service providers.

• Managed insurance defense matters involving personal injury or product liability.

• Provided advice and counsel to various business units of Steelcase.

• Provided advice and counsel on Import/Export compliance matters.

• Provided advice and counsel on Real Estate matters.

• Drafted leases of real property.

SMITH, HAUGHEY, RICE & ROEGGE, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1995-1998

Associate Attorney

• Drafted pretrial and trial motions and briefs; handled mediations; argued motions in District and Circuit Courts; drafted jury instructions; conducted voir dire; took depositions of lay and expert witnesses.

• Served on management committees, including Technology Committee, Marketing Committee and Hiring Committee.

• Member of Commercial Litigation, Product Liability and No-Fault Litigation Practice Groups.

• Chairperson of Computer Law Practice Group.

EDUCATION

Juris Doctor, Wayne State University Law School, Detroit, Michigan, 1995

Participated in Moot Court and the Student Trial Advocacy Program

B.A., Criminal Justice, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 1991

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

Floyd Skinner Bar Association, President, 1999-2000

Grand Rapids Bar Association, Trustee

Grand Rapids Bar Association, Community Relations Committee, Member, 1997-1999

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

State Bar of Michigan

Former Executive Council of the Computer Law Section Member

Former Executive Council of the Litigation Committee Member

American Bar Association

Law, Science & Technology Section Member

Litigation Section Member

Grand Rapids Bar Association

Trustee 2004-2006

American Inns of Court

Grand Rapids Chapter Member 1998-2001

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

President, United Methodist Community House 2004–2006

Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors 2005 – present; Executive Council 2006 to present; Vice-Chair of Advocacy Committee 2006-present

West Michigan Film Video Alliance, Board of Directors 2008-present

Multiracial Association of Professionals, Chairperson 2004-present

Diversity Advisory Council, Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce 2004-2007

Leadership Grand Rapids, Class Member 1997-1998

Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan, Board of Directors, 1996- 2000

Cherry Street Health Services, Board of Directors, 1998 –1999

Grand Rapids Jaycees, 1998 – 1999

Contact this candidate