Thomas P. Bruetsch

Thomas P. Bruetsch is a Detroit commercial litigation lawyer and founding partner who handles complex business and governmental disputes. His practice includes finance, fraud, fiduciary matters, municipal and election law, public authorities, utilities, class actions, contracts, securities, shareholder claims, real estate, and product liability. He represents banks, political leaders, governments, manufacturers, suppliers, corporations, and family businesses. His work spans trials, appeals, arbitrations, and high-stakes disputes involving significant financial and public interests.

Bruetsch earned his J.D., summa cum laude, from Wayne State University Law School and his B.A. from the University of Michigan. He was elected to the Order of the Coif for academic achievement. His education provided a strong foundation in legal analysis, advocacy, research, and complex problem-solving. This training supports his work on commercial disputes, governmental matters, appeals, and litigation involving substantial financial exposure or public policy concerns.

Bruetsch has significant trial and arbitration experience in Michigan, Arizona, Texas, and the United Kingdom. His representative work includes defending a contractor in a $100 million sewer collapse case and representing Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan in a candidacy challenge. He defended the Detroit Lions in litigation involving its move from the Pontiac Silverdome to Ford Field. He has obtained major dismissals, defense verdicts, and appellate victories in commercial, fiduciary, tax, and class action matters.

Thomas P. Bruetsch has received recognition from Chambers USA, Benchmark Litigation, DBusiness Magazine, Super Lawyers, and America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators. He is a Fellow of the Michigan State Bar Foundation and a member of the Michigan Supreme Court Advocates Guild. His professional affiliations include the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Detroit Bar Association, and State Bar of Michigan. His background reflects more than two decades of commercial litigation, appellate advocacy, arbitration, and governmental dispute experience.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Schenk & Bruetsch PLC
• Member, Detroit Bar Association
• Member, State Bar of Michigan
• Member, University of Michigan Alumni Association

Licensed State

• Michigan

Education

• Wayne State University Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Michigan
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)