Marilyn S. Nickell Tyree

Marilyn S. Tyree practices primarily in the areas of premises and product liability defense in Michigan.

Marilyn has a passion for problem solving, attention to detail, and persuasive advocacy, whether in the wide-ranging areas of civil litigation, insurance coverage matters, or contractual disagreements. She has significant experience with product liability and premises cases. Her enthusiasm for the law aids in optimizing her clients' case and resolving conflicts through early judgments and favorable settlements, or, when necessary, trial. Marilyn's experiences, both professionally and personally, have given her exceptional insights and compassion. She takes her responsibility to her clients personally and handles their concerns as her own. These attributes are not unappreciated: as one of her clients puts it, "Marilyn's work was wonderful. She handled the crisis perfectly with just the right amount of sympathy and re-assurance that everything would be alright."

Marilyn is a proud and active member of the Grand Rapids Lions Club. An avid musician and jazz enthusiast, Marilyn founded and manages the Beltline Big Band and is on the Board of Directors of the West Michigan Jazz Society. Her husband, Stephen, is the account manager for Allied Barton Security in West Michigan. Marilyn and Steve enjoy bowling with the Lions, bicycling, golf, table tennis, and playing in the Rockford Community Band. Marilyn is very proud of her daughter Sara, a Chinese Linguist and 1st Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, and her grandchildren provide a source of nearly endless pleasure.

Admitted to Practice

  • State Bar of Michigan, 1987

Education

  • Valparaiso University (B.A., cum laude, 1984)
  • Valparaiso University (J.D., 1987). Articles Editor, Valparaiso Law Review, 1986-1987.

Professional Affiliations

  • American Bar Association
  • State Bar of Michigan
  • Grand Rapids Bar Association
  • Federal Bar Association of West Michigan
  • Women Lawyers Association of Western Michigan

Community Affiliations

  • Beltline Big Band (President/Business Manager)
  • West Michigan Jazz Society (Board Member)
  • Rockford Community Band
  • Grand Rapids Lions Club
  • VFW Auxiliary Post 401

Presentations

  • “New Designs in Michigan Product Liability Law” – Organizer and moderator for Grand Rapids Bar Association Continuing Legal Education Seminar, Grand Rapids, Michigan, February 15, 1996
  • “Manufacturing in the Eye of Reform” -- Presenter at Risk Management and Product Liability Seminar at Applied Technology Center, Grand Rapids Community College, October 12, 1995

Publications

  • Editor/Contributor - Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge’s Long Term Health Care Newsletter 1999-2001
  • Editor/Contributor - Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge’s Product Liability Client Alert 1993-1999
  • Can Plaintiffs Conduct Discovery of Tort Claims Prior to Filing Suit?, Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge Newsletter, Number 1, at 7 (March 1991)
  • Note, A Remedy for Indiana’s Product Liability Malady, 21 Val. U.L. Rev. 159 (1986)