Patrick F. Geary is the Chief Executive Officer of Smith Haughey and chairs the firm’s Product Liability Department. He focuses his practice in the areas of product liability, business and corporate litigation, and corporate counseling. Among others, Pat regularly assists his clients in the following ways:
- Providing affirmative means of protection against liability through contract provisions such as limited warranties, insurance requirements, or indemnification that limit claims or divert them to others.
- Acting as outside general counsel in managing claims against his clients brought in jurisdictions throughout the country.
- Resolving commercial disputes and product liability claims through the litigation process when other forms of dispute resolution do not succeed.
- Guiding clients to resolution of disputes concerning the existence and scope of insurance coverage.
Pat has over 30 years experience advising business clients. As a result, he understands the business ramifications that legal issues cause and concentrates on formulating legal solutions that will achieve his client’s business goals. In addition, the depth of his experience in business-related matters allows him to effectively counsel his clients by translating legal issues into common sense terms that apply directly to their businesses.
Pat is married to Patricia, and they have four children: Sean, Colleen, Brendan, and Ailis.
Admitted to Practice
- Illinois, 1975
- Michigan, 1991
- Supreme Court of the United States
- Various Federal Courts of Appeal and District Courts
Education
- University of Notre Dame (B.A., with high honors, 1972) Phi Beta Kappa
- University of Michigan (J.D., with honors, 1975)
Professional Affiliations
- American Bar Association
- State Bar of Illinois
- State Bar of Michigan
- Product Liability Advisory Council
- Michigan Defense Trial Counsel (President, 2000-2001)
- Fellow, American Bar Foundation, Michigan State Bar Foundation
Community Affiliations
- Corporate Board Member, Catholic Charities West Michigan
