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Jason L.
Byrne

  • Partner

Clients know I’m going to give them 100% of my attention when they call. They trust me to make their problems my own and do whatever it takes to solve them efficiently. I ask the right questions to pinpoint relevant underlying issues, but avoid “paralysis by analysis.” Instead, I take action — plotting a sensible path forward that gets them where they need to be.

With years of experience advising on complex insurance and risk management issues, including high-stakes coverage disputes, Jason Byrne advocates for clients in state, federal and appellate courts. Jason’s two-pronged practice includes work in higher education, where he regularly consults with academic institutions on their policies and procedures and their obligations under federal law. Jason draws on several years of experience to help colleges and universities navigate ever-shifting governmental guidance and oversight and a constant stream of economic threats to their very existence.

  • Obtained judgment in federal court that Chinese insurance company was obligated to defend major American manufacturer in products liability action arising out of Chinese-supplied component part.
  • Regularly advises corporate clients, including biotech firms, manufacturers, banks and other financial institutions on legal issues involving insurance and indemnity.
  • Represented businesses in connection with insurance claims for major property damage and equipment breakdown, including addressing issues related to business income and extra expense coverage.
  • Lead Appellate Counsel, Ile v. Foremost Ins. Co., 493 Mich. 915; 823 NW2d 426 (2012) (Michigan Supreme Court adopted insurance policy interpretation advanced by Warner and rever
  • Obtained judgment in federal court that Chinese insurance company was obligated to defend major American manufacturer in products liability action arising out of Chinese-supplied component part.
  • Regularly advises corporate clients, including biotech firms, manufacturers, banks and other financial institutions on legal issues involving insurance and indemnity.
  • Represented businesses in connection with insurance claims for major property damage and equipment breakdown, including addressing issues related to business income and extra expense coverage.
  • Lead Appellate Counsel, Ile v. Foremost Ins. Co., 493 Mich. 915; 823 NW2d 426 (2012) (Michigan Supreme Court adopted insurance policy interpretation advanced by Warner and reversed lower courts’ judgment against client).
  • Lead Appellate Counsel, Malpass v. Dep’t of Treasury, 494 Mich 237; 833 NW2d 272 (2013) (Michigan Supreme Court agreed with Warner’s interpretation of the Michigan Income Tax Act and reinstated a judgment granting clients’ income tax refund).
  • Former Corporate Counsel to the Michigan Professional Insurance Exchange, a reciprocal insurer offering professional liability coverage to Michigan physicians and hospitals.
  • Represented Michigan college in responding to issues related to the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title IX.
  • National Insurance Counsel for Major Trucking Company – Counseled client on insurance-related issues arising out of client’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, including:
    • analysis of coverage and deductible obligations under liability policies.
    • advising on claims handling and settlement issues.
    • negotiating with insurance carriers.
  • Represented various wireless providers and property owners in navigating the legal and regulatory hurdles surrounding the placement and co-location of wireless communication towers, antennae and other equipment.
  • Represented a prominent Michigan law firm in connection with a $30 million claim of legal malpractice related to foreign patent applications. Prevailed by obtaining both summary disposition and case evaluation sanctions against plaintiff.
  • Counsel for major Michigan manufacturer in multimillion-dollar environmental contamination claim brought by Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Secured a judgment of no liability in favor of the manufacturer after a multi-week trial.
  • Counsel for trust beneficiaries in a breach of fiduciary duty case against co-trustee involving misappropriation of trust property, and obtained a jury verdict for beneficiaries of over $2.3 million.
  • Successfully represented various homeowners in negotiations with insurance carriers and others to ensure complete restoration of their homes after severe fire damage.
  • Represented a county land bank in the successful settlement of a fire damage insurance claim to industrial property.
  • Lead the legal team in negotiation and execution of an asset sale of a Michigan reciprocal insurance exchange, allowing for the delivery of the exchange’s enterprise value to the exchange’s subscribers.
  • Consulted with various family office clients on unique insurance and risk management issues.
  • Identified and executed an insurance-driven solution to reduce delay and expense associated with a design error on a client’s major capital construction project, without the need for litigation.
  • Handled various coverage disputes between insurers and policyholders related to general and professional liability policies, directors and officers coverage, as well as home and auto policies.
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Jason L.
Byrne

  • Partner
Grand Rapids

My admin

Clients know I’m going to give them 100% of my attention when they call. They trust me to make their problems my own and do whatever it takes to solve them efficiently. I ask the right questions to pinpoint relevant underlying issues, but avoid “paralysis by analysis.” Instead, I take action — plotting a sensible path forward that gets them where they need to be.

With years of experience advising on complex insurance and risk management issues, including high-stakes coverage disputes, Jason Byrne advocates for clients in state, federal and appellate courts. Jason’s two-pronged practice includes work in higher education, where he regularly consults with academic institutions on their policies and procedures and their obligations under federal law. Jason draws on several years of experience to help colleges and universities navigate ever-shifting governmental guidance and oversight and a constant stream of economic threats to their very existence.