Michael P. Coakley

Michael P. Coakley is of counsel at Miller Canfield, where he brings decades of experience representing businesses in high-stakes domestic and international litigation. His practice spans intellectual property, cybersecurity, securities, and constitutional law, with a particular focus on First Amendment and defamation claims.

Michael earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School in 1982 and his Bachelor of Arts from Richard Stockton State College in 1974. Michael is admitted to the Michigan Bar and has served in leadership roles, including as past leader of Miller Canfield’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice group.

Michael has successfully litigated matters involving trademark enforcement, data breach class actions, business torts, trade secrets, non-competes, unfair competition, and insurance disputes. He has advised a wide range of brand owners—including professional sports teams, luxury goods companies, financial institutions, and consumer product manufacturers—on protecting their trademarks and intellectual property rights.

In addition to litigation, Michael has extensive experience in commercial arbitration. He has served as an arbitrator for FINRA, the AAA, and the International Center for Dispute Resolution. He is also qualified as a FINRA injunction arbitrator for emergency broker-dealer disputes and has helped develop rules for complex commercial arbitration through the AAA.

Michael P. Coakley has been consistently recognized by Best Lawyers in America, Michigan Super Lawyers, DBusiness, and Leading Lawyers in areas such as commercial litigation, IP litigation, arbitration, and securities law. He also serves as president and a master of the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association Inns of Court.

Known for his legal insight, strategic thinking, and commitment to client service, Michael continues to be a trusted advisor in navigating sophisticated legal challenges across industries.

Law Office Affiliations

• Of Counsel, Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone, P.L.C.
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Federal Bar Association
• Member, State Bar of Michigan
• Arbitrator, American Arbitration Association
• Member, International Trademark Association
• Member, International Bar Association

• Member, Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association

Licensed State

• Michigan

Education

• University of Michigan Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Richard Stockton State College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges