Cooley Law School professor joins Okemos firm

John S. Brennan has joined the Okemos law firm, Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhodes PLC, as a litigation specialist focusing on civil litigation handled by the firm’s growing business and municipal practices. 
He becomes the thirteenth attorney at the firm, which now serves more than 150 municipalities, drain commissioners, libraries and public authorities, as well as dozens of businesses in its expanding franchise practice. 

Consistent with his prior experience, Brennan’s  practice will focus on the litigation of commercial disputes, business torts including product liability defense, construction disputes, insurance coverage questions, personal injury and medical malpractice defense. 

As a partner with the Minneapolis law firm of Leonard, Street & Deinard, Brennan litigated dozens of cases in these areas as well as managing litigation for clients. 

He also served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Chicago, representing the interests of the United States in civil matters including bankruptcy, forfeiture, employment disputes, injunction actions, civil enforcement actions, and matters involving fraud, as well as prosecuting criminal cases.

For the past several years, Brennan has served as a distinguished professor at Cooley Law School, founded by his father, former Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, Thomas E. Brennan. 
Brennan has also been active in the community as a member of the Advisory Board for Lansing Catholic High School, as a board member and volunteer mediator for the Dispute Resolution Center of Central Michigan, as a member of the Lange Chorale Ensemble and an avid participant in the DALMAC bicycle tour from Lansing to Mackinaw City.

Brennan received his law degree with high honors from Boston College Law School in 1984, where he was an Articles Editor for the Boston College Law Review. Prior to attending law school, He graduated with high honors from the University of Detroit in 1977.  He was admitted to the practice of law in Illinois in 1984, Minnesota in 1992 and Michigan in 1997.  He is also admitted to the federal district court bars in Northern Illinois, Minnesota, and Eastern Michigan.

“We are delighted to have John join us,” said Steve Schultz, president of the firm. “He brings significant litigation experience and added depth to our business practice team. His extensive background as both a litigator and as the coach of Cooley Law School’s National Trial Team for over 10 years will serve our clients well when faced with the challenge of litigation in the state and federal courts.”