José T. Brown

José T. Brown is a shareholder with a civil litigation practice focused on personal injury law, professional liability defense, general defense, licensing and regulatory defense, and dental, hospital, and medical malpractice defense. He represents clients in complex disputes and brings trial knowledge to matters involving serious legal and professional risk.

José completed his undergraduate education at Michigan State University, graduating in 1978. He then graduated from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1981. His education supports a broad litigation practice and provides a strong foundation for handling defense matters, injury claims, regulatory issues, and professional liability disputes today.

José has received several honors for his professional work. He received the Michigan Defense Trial Counsel 2024 Excellence in Defense Award and was named to Super Lawyers® from 2007 through 2025. He also received the 2023 GBATA International Best Paper Award and the 2014 Thomas M. Cooley Outstanding Alumni honor.

José is active in many professional groups. His memberships include the Genesee, Shiawassee, and Ingham County Bar Associations. He has served with the State Bar of Michigan Board of Directors, including work with the Negligence Section, Judicial Qualifications, and Medico-Legal Problems, supporting continued service to the legal profession and leadership.

José has served the defense and business communities through leadership roles. He is a past president of the Michigan Defense Trial Counsel and served on its Executive Board of Directors from 1988 to 1995. He has served as a Lifetime Fellow of the Michigan State Bar Foundation and DRI representative.

José T. Brown brings long experience, leadership, and focused advocacy to civil litigation and defense matters. His court credentials include the Eastern and Western Michigan District Federal Courts, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court, providing clients with support in important state and federal matters today.

Law Office Affiliations

• Shareholder, Cline, Cline & Griffin, P.C.
• Member, Genesee County Bar Association
• Member, Shiawassee County Bar Association
• Member, Ingham County Bar Association
• Member of Board of Directors, State Bar of Michigan
• Former President, Michigan Defense Trial Counsel
• Board of Directors, Michigan Society of Hospital Risk Managers
• Board of Directors, Shiawassee County Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Lifetime Fellow, Michigan State Bar Foundation

Licensed State

• Mississippi

Education

• Thomas M. Cooley Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Michigan State University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges