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Daniel J. Stephenson, a trial lawyer with Dykema's Ann Arbor Office and member of the firm's Executive Board, focuses his litigation practice on the defense of companies in the pharmaceutical, medical device and aviation industries. His mechanical engineering degree, with an emphasis on aeronautical engineering, gives him the insight to thoroughly assess the technology aspects of aviation-related legal disputes, some of which relate to airplane and helicopter disasters. He also represents clients on matters involving intellectual property litigation and commercial litigation.
With Dykema for more than 25 years, Mr. Stephenson works with some of the largest companies in the world including Bayer, General Motors, Rolls-Royce and Procter & Gamble. His thorough research and understanding of the scientific and technical aspects of cases allows him to provide efficient and knowledgeable defense of clients and the ability to translate difficult and complex concepts to a jury. In addition to his current industry focus, he has also represented clients from the financial services, coal mining, computer, glass, telecommunications and energy industries.
A major case of Mr. Stephenson's career involved litigation surrounding the 1987 Northwest Airlines Flight 255 crash that occurred after takeoff from Detroit. Dykema represented airframe manufacturer McDonnell Douglas in the high-profile, 18-month jury trial that began in 1989 and resulted in a jury verdict in favor of the client. Coverage of the crash and the ensuing legal battles was so prominent in the media that it was named the top news story in Michigan during the 1980s.
Mr. Stephenson also was head of the Dykema defense of Procter & Gamble in the 2001 Amway vs. Procter & Gamble litigation that became known as the "Satanism Case." He obtained summary judgment for Procter & Gamble in federal court on a claim for damages exceeding $1 billion. The litigation stemmed from a false rumor that spread throughout Amway that claimed P&G was associated with the Church of Satan, and P&G's reaction to the rumor.
Mr. Stephenson is the author of several articles on commercial damage claims and aviation litigation. | 