Foley & Lardner LLP: Norman C. Ankers – Detroit, MI

A Titan of Commercial Litigation

Norman C. Ankers is a partner at the prestigious law firm of Foley & Lardner LLP in Detroit, widely recognized as one of the most formidable trial lawyers in Michigan. With over four decades of experience, he has built a reputation for handling ‘bet-the-company’ litigation-high-stakes cases where the very survival of a business is on the line. Operating out of the firm’s offices in the Ally Detroit Center, Mr. Ankers represents major corporations in complex commercial disputes, ranging from shareholder conflicts to multimillion-dollar contract breaches. His advocacy extends beyond the trial court to appellate panels, where he has successfully protected favorable verdicts and overturned unjust decisions. 💼

Areas of Expertise

Mr. Ankers concentrates his practice on complex civil litigation, offering deep expertise in several critical areas of law.

• Commercial Litigation: Expert handling of business-to-business disputes, including partnership breakups, trade secret theft, and supply chain conflicts.
• Class Action Defense: defending corporations against mass torts and class action lawsuits, employing strategic motions to defeat certification and minimize liability.
• Eminent Domain: representing property owners in condemnation proceedings, ensuring they receive just compensation for government takings.
• Intellectual Property Litigation: Protecting the proprietary assets of companies through aggressive enforcement of patents, trademarks, and copyrights.

Located in the Ally Detroit Center

Norman C. Ankers practices from the 27th floor of the Ally Detroit Center, the tallest office building in Michigan. This Postmodern architectural marvel, designed by Philip Johnson and John Burgee, dominates the Detroit skyline with its Neo-Gothic spires and white granite facade. Situated on Woodward Avenue overlooking Campus Martius Park, the office places Mr. Ankers at the epicenter of Detroit’s legal and business community. The location provides clients with immediate access to the federal and state courts, as well as a commanding view of the city’s resurgence. 🏙️

A Leader in the Legal Academy

Beyond his courtroom successes, Norman C. Ankers is a dedicated educator who shapes the next generation of lawyers. He serves as an adjunct professor at both the University of Michigan Law School and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, teaching advanced courses in conflict of laws, evidence, and trial advocacy. This academic rigor informs his practice, ensuring that his legal strategies are not only practical but also intellectually sound. He is frequently called upon to lecture on electronic discovery and evidentiary privileges, solidifying his status as a thought leader in the field. 🎓

Distinguished Recognition

Mr. Ankers’ career is decorated with numerous accolades that reflect his standing in the legal community. He has been consistently ranked in Chambers USA as a Band 1 litigator and has been named a ‘Lawyer of the Year’ by Best Lawyers in America multiple times. His peers have elected him to high-ranking positions within the State Bar of Michigan, and he is a Fellow of the State Bar of Michigan Foundation. When clients engage Norman C. Ankers, they are securing a relentless advocate who combines the resources of a global law firm with the personal dedication of a master craftsman. 🏆