“I am a litigator who draws on my experiences clerking for multiple federal court judges to advocate for my clients.”
Jonathan represents clients in commercial, corporate, and business disputes in federal and state courts and in arbitrations throughout the country. He represents clients in all stages of litigation, including pre-suit, trial court, and appeal.
Prior to joining Howard & Howard, Jonathan worked as a judicial law clerk to multiple federal judges of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. While in law school, he worked as a judicial intern for the Honorable Marianne O. Battani (2011). He subsequently worked as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Avern Cohn (2012-2014) and the Honorable George Caram Steeh (2014-2016). Jonathan draws on his firsthand experience working for multiple federal judges to zealously advocate for his clients' needs at every stage of litigation.
Services
Business Litigation
In courtrooms, agencies, and tribunals across the country, we pursue our clients’ interests–both cost-effectively and with positive results.
Credentials
Education
- University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, 2012
- J.D., summa cum laude
- UDM Law Review, Managing Editor, 2011-2012
- State Bar of Michigan
- Taxation Section, Tax Student Writing Award, 2012
- Dean’s Honor Society, 2010-2012
- Dean’s Tutorial Society and Scholarship, 2011-2012
- J. Lewis Dean’s Scholarship, 2010-2012
- Ernie Goodman Mock Trial Competition
- Best Trial Notebook, Runner-up, 2011
- Patrick A. Keenan Appellate Advocacy Tournament
- Finalist and Best Brief Award, 2011
- Order of Barristers Inductee
- Outstanding achievements in oral advocacy and brief writing
- Frank Murphy Honor Society Inductee
- Academic achievements and contributions to the law school
- Book Awards (for highest grade in course): Civil Procedure; Applied Legal Theory and Analysis; Advanced Advocacy; Professional Responsibility; Evidence; Federal Jurisdiction; Toxic Torts Law Firm Program; Professional Responsibility Seminar
- Wayne State University, 2008
- B.S.
Memberships
- Chaldean American Bar Association
- Secretary, 2014-2015
- Director, 2013-2014
- Federal Bar Association
- Eastern District of Michigan
- RISE Committee, Member
- Diversity Committee, Co-chair, 2013-2015
- Eastern District of Michigan
Admissions
- Michigan, 2012
- Supreme Court of the United States, 2018
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, 2018
- U.S. District Court, Western District of Michigan, 2016
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, 2013
Professional Achievements
- Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, 2023-2025
- Michigan Super Lawyers, "Rising Stars," 2023
- dbusiness, "Top Lawyers," 2017-2018; 2020
Experience
Representative Matters
Dubrulle, et al v. TMC Alliance, LLC, et al (Wayne County Circuit Court July 10, 2023) (briefed and argued) (currently on appeal in the Michigan Court of Appeals). Obtained dismissal on behalf of TMC Alliance, LLC in a putative class action on behalf of over 3,000 homeowners seeking significant damages, alleging negligence relating to the June 2021 1000-year rainfall that occurred in the State of Michigan and allegedly resulted in flooding to their homes.
Geomatrix, LLC v. NSF International, et al., 629 F. Supp. 3d 691 (E.D. Mich. 2022); 82 F. 4th 466 (6th Cir. 2023) (briefed). Obtained dismissal on behalf of a standard setting and certification entity in the district court, with affirmance by the Sixth Circuit, of federal antitrust and state law tort claims by a septic system manufacturer alleging it was being excluded from the marketplace and seeking significant damages.
Obtained summary disposition in favor of used car dealership on numerous claims claims relating to sale of a vehicle and denial of plaintiff's request to amend the complaint; affirmed after oral argument on appeal. Watson v. Champs Auto Sales, Inc. 355394, 2022 WL 726919 (Mich. Ct. App. March 10, 2022) (briefed and argued).
Obtained denial of Defendant’s motion to transfer venue. Kimberly Lighting, LLC v. Refresco Beverages US, Inc., No. 21-10089, 2021 WL 3046852 (E.D. Mich. July 20, 2021) (briefed).
Settlement of business dispute in favor of our client for approximately $1.8 Million. (Oakland County Circuit Court) July 2020.
Successful dismissal with prejudice of claims brought for sexual harassment and violations of the Fair Housing Act. (E.D. Michigan) November 2019.
Obtained reversal of Michigan Tax Tribunal’s denial of request for waiver of interest based on Tribunal’s improper rejection of plaintiff’s principal residence exemption; reversed after oral argument on appeal. Denton v. Dep't of Treas., 317 Mich. App. 202; 894 N.W.2d 694 (2016) (argued).
Represented a used car dealer in a challenge against the State of Michigan’s summary suspension and closure of two of the client’s used car dealerships, without notice and without due process. Drafted and filed emergency pleadings and appeared in circuit court, obtaining a temporary restraining order in less than 24 hours after being retained, which precluded the State of Michigan from enforcing the summary suspension order. Subsequently obtained a preliminary injunction on behalf of the client precluding the state from enforcing the summary suspension.
Successful dismissal with prejudice of our client in a putative class action lawsuit in the Eastern District of Michigan, where the client was accused of violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
Obtained summary judgment in favor of temporary staffing client in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan on client’s breach of contract claim for approximately $450,000. Clarity Solution Grp. v. VisionPRO, LLC, No. 18-14088, 2019 BL 273355 (E.D. Mich. July 2019).
Obtained a judgment in favor of PCT Brands, LLC for approximately $500,000 in a breach of contract action under the Michigan UCC, which was affirmed by the Michigan Court of Appeals. PCT Brands, LLC v. Digital Gadgets, LLC, No. 342481, 2019 WL 2146307 (Mich. Ct. App., May 16, 2019).
Obtained injunctive relief in the Michigan Court of Claims precluding the State of Michigan from enforcing an arbitrary “drop dead” date, which would have shut down a medical marijuana provisioning center without procedural due process. Subsequently obtained reversal of the Medical Marijuana Board’s decision denying our client’s medical marijuana provisioning license application after an administrative trial, resulting in full state licensure for the client.
Obtained summary judgment in favor of cargo handling client in breach of contract case for approximately $250,000. Cargo Airport Servs. USA, LLC v. Transcaraga Int’l Airways, C.A., Inc., No. 17-20768-CV-MORENO (S.D. Fla. Oct. 27, 2017).
Obtained dismissal for failure to state a claim and later summary judgment for an automotive supplier client accused by a former independent contractor of unlawfully terminating his independent contractor agreement. Al-Kahwati Engineering, Inc. v. AGC Flat Glass North America, Inc., No. 2:16-CV-10759, 2016 WL 9403759 (E.D. Mich. July 26, 2016); Al-Kahwati Engineering, Inc. v. AGC Flat Glass North America, Inc., No. 2:16-CV-10759, 2017 WL 4005912 (E.D. Mich. Sept. 12, 2017).
Successfully defended an electric component designer and manufacturer against the plaintiff's request for enhanced damages and attorney's fees on remand from the Supreme Court of the United States, resulting in district court's denial of enhanced damages and attorney's fees in favor of our client. Halo Electronics, Inc. v. Pulse Electronics, Inc., 281 F. Supp. 3d 1087 (D. Nev. 2017)
Obtained a summary judgment for claims against police officers and municipality alleging excessive force and constitutional violations. Hemphill v. City of Taylor, No. 14-14958, 2017 WL 9471690 (E.D. Mich. May 9, 2017); Hemphill v. City of Taylor, No. 14-14958, 2017 WL 3613969 (E.D. Mich. Aug. 23, 2017).