William L. Henn

Bill represents clients involved in appellate matters in Michigan including health care providers, municipalities, and corporations. As a distinguished appellate litigator with almost 10 years of experience, he partners directly with his clients throughout the entire appellate process, from the time the appeal is filed to post-judgment motions, if necessary. 

Bill couples his devotion to studying this niche of litigation with his extensive experience briefing and arguing before courts of all levels. He critically analyzes each strategy and argument used in the trial court with sensitivity toward how it is likely to be received in the appellate courts, and is skilled at expanding or contracting the argument when necessary. He is adept at merging the often disjointed trial court materials including discovery, pleadings, and hearing transcripts with a concise statement of the law to form a coherent, succinct, and persuasive argument on appeal.

By focusing his practice on appellate litigation, Bill's knowledge and experience orchestrating effective appeals and making strategic decisions is a valuable asset to his clients. 

Bill’s published cases include:

  • Wesche v Mecosta County Road Commission, 480 Mich 75; 746 NW2d 847 (2008)
  • Rowland v Washtenaw County Road Commission, 477 Mich 197; 731 NW2d 41 (2007)
  • Mann v St. Clair County Road Commission, 470 Mich 347; 681 NW2d 653 (2004)
  • DeBusscher v Sam's East, Inc., 505 F3d 475 (6th Cir 2007)
  • Widgren v Maple Grove Township, 429 F3d 575 (6th Cir 2005)
  • Boodt v Borgess Medical Center, 272 Mich App 621; 728 NW2d 471 (2006)
  • Vega v Lakeland Hospitals, 267 Mich App 565; 705 NW2d 389 (2005)
  • Colucci v McMillan, 256 Mich App 88; 662 NW2d 87 (2003)

Bill lives in the Grand Rapids area with his wife, Sharon, who practices veterinary medicine, and their children, Clare and Liam.

Admitted to Practice

  • State Bar of Michigan, 2000
  • U.S. District Court Western District of Michigan, 2001
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, 2001

Education

  • New York University, School of Continuing & Professional Studies (Certificate in Film Production, 1995) 
  • Central Michigan University (B.A., summa cum laude, 1997)
  • University of Michigan Law School (J.D., cum laude, 1999)

Professional Affiliations

  • State Bar of Michigan
  • Federal Bar Association - Western Michigan Chapter
  • Michigan Defense Trial Counsel
  • Defense Research Institute

Previous Professional Experience

  • Law clerk to the Honorable Richard F. Suhrheinrich, United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, 2000-2001