Services
- Litigation and Dispute Resolution
- Antitrust and Trade Regulation
- Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Class and Collective Actions
- Commercial and Corporate Litigation
- Criminal Defense Litigation
- Governmental Litigation
- Insurance Litigation
- Intellectual Property Litigation
- Professional Liability and Malpractice Litigation
- Real Estate and Construction Litigation
- Securities Litigation
- Tax Litigation and Consulting
- Financial Services
- Intellectual Property
Education
Ohio Northern University, J.D., 1975
University of Michigan, B.A., 1972
Bar Admissions
- Michigan
Thomas W. Cranmer is a trial lawyer who concentrates his practice in civil and criminal litigation. With more than 40 years of courtroom experience, his practice focuses on white-collar criminal defense, complex commercial litigation and "bet-the-company" litigation.
Tom is recognized as one of Michigan's leading lawyers. He has been listed in the Top 10 out of more than 45,000 Michigan attorneys in every edition of Michigan Super Lawyers since its inception in 2006 and was ranked as the no. 1 Michigan attorney for 2021 and 2022. In 2020, he was also rated one of the Top 10 Michigan lawyers by Leading Lawyers. Since 2004, he has been ranked in Band 1 as a leading lawyer by Chambers USA, a referral guide to leading lawyers in the United States based upon the opinions of clients and peers. Chambers has noted that Tom is highlighted by commentators for his advocacy skills, courtroom presence, and "fantastic judgment." He is noted as "a first class litigator and a true trial lawyer," "the consummate trial litigator," "an outstanding lawyer," an attorney "of the highest caliber," and "a wonderful litigator who is very bright but practical in his advice." In 2014, he was recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as its Lawyer of the Year. In 2015, he received the Excellence in Defense Award from the Michigan Defense Trial Counsel. In 2018, he received the Western Michigan University-Cooley Law School Integrity in the Community Award, the Professionalism Award from the Oakland County Bar Association and the Julian Abele Cook, Jr.-Bernard A. Friedman Civility Award from the Eastern District of Michigan Chapter of the Federal Bar Association.
Prior to joining the firm, Tom served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Oakland County, Michigan, and an Assistant Chief of the Criminal Division of the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.
Tom has extensive experience as a leader and instructor of trial advocacy including teaching for one of the preeminent trial advocacy programs in the United States, the National Institute of Trial Advocacy. In addition, he has lectured and written on a wide variety of civil litigation, criminal law and evidence topics. He is a co-author of a Michigan treatise, Civil Trials and Evidence, a contributing author to Federal Civil Procedure Before Trial/Sixth Circuit, and he has served as an Adjunct Professor of Law for The Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School teaching Evidence.
Representative Matters
Tom has represented a broad range of corporations, partnerships, financial institutions and individuals in criminal and civil antitrust matters; intellectual property disputes; shareholder and derivative lawsuits; breach of contract claims; class action defense matters; income tax evasion; Medicaid, Medicare and healthcare fraud; Food & Drug Administration investigations; criminal OSHA, MIOSHA and state/federal environmental matters; Customs and Border Protection violations; RICO claims; bankruptcy fraud; mail and wire fraud; insurance fraud; bank fraud and embezzlement; defense contractor fraud; national security matters, securities fraud and matters with the SEC; public corruption; controlled substance and conspiracy matters; immigration matters, labor and employment litigation, ERISA litigation and police corruption.
He has extensive experience conducting internal corporate audits, independent audit committee reviews and corporate compliance programs.
He has also represented both attorneys and judges in proceedings alleging malpractice, professional or public misconduct.
Some of Tom's representative matters include:
Represented a healthcare CEO charged wth 128 counts of healthcare fraud, securing a not guilty verdict on all counts.
Represented an official of the United States Department of State for allegedly committing perjury and obstruction of justice in connection with the first post 9/11 terrorism trial in the United States, securing a not guilty verdict on all charges.
Represented a high technology corporation against a nine-figure patent infringement claim, successfully securing a no-cause verdict at trial.
Represented a client charged with violation of federal election laws, resulting in a not guilty verdict on all counts at trial.
Represented a university professor charged with violating sanctions against Iraq, securing a not guilty verdict on all counts at trial.
Represented a Fortune 500 electronics manufacturer in the successful defense of a shareholder derivative claim.
Represented a national road construction company in connection with a federal criminal antitrust investigation, successfully convincing the Department of Justice not to seek an indictment.
Represented an automobile supplier in connection with a patent infringement claim, successfully securing an eight-figure damages settlement.
Represented a major university in connection with an internal investigation into its athletic department.
Represented a large national insurance company as a plaintiff in connection with allegations of insurance fraud and the submission of false claims.
Represented an officer of a Fortune 500 company in a securities action and parallel investigation by the United States Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission successfully, convincing the government not to seek an indictment.
Represented a Fortune 100 company in a successful appeal of a civil RICO case before the Sixth Circuit en banc panel.
Represented a national banking institution in the successful dismissal of a civil RICO case and an appeal before the Eleventh Circuit.
Represented a major financial institution in connection with a shareholder derivative claim and putative class action matter.
Represented an individual charged with involuntary manslaughter arising out of a trucking accident, securing a not guilty verdict at trial.
Represented one of two brothers falsely accused of felony murder, resulting in the ultimate dismissal of the charges after the client had wrongfully served more than 25 years in prison.
Honors
Michigan Super Lawyers, Top 10 Michigan Super Lawyers, 2006-present (#1 Michigan Super Lawyer, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2021 and 2022; #2, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2018 and 2023; #3, 2007, 2015, 2017, 2020 and 2024)
Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business, Litigation in the highest category (Band 1), 2004-present, White Collar Crime & Government Investigations, 2024
Best Lawyers in America:
Listed since 1995. Currently listed in the following categories:
Bet-the-Company Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Criminal Defense (White-Collar and Non-White-Collar), Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law; Environmental Litigation; Securities Litigation; Product Liability Litigation - Defendants
2009 Detroit Bet-the-Company Lawyer of the Year
2013 Detroit Criminal Defense: General Practice Lawyer of the Year
2016 Troy Securities Litigation Lawyer of the Year
2021 Troy Criminal Defense: White-Collar Lawyer of the Year
2023 Troy Criminal Defense: General Practice Lawyer of the Year
2024 Troy Criminal Defense: White-Collar Lawyer of the Year
2025 Troy Litigation - Securities Lawyer of the Year
2025 Troy Criminal Defense: General Practice Lawyer of the Year
Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
State Bar of Michigan Pro Bono Honor Roll, Tier 1, 2020-present
Recipient of the 2024 Penny R. Beardslee Excellence in Education Award from the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan
Recipient of the 2018 Julian Abele Cook, Jr.-Bernard A. Friedman FBA Civility Award, Eastern District of Michigan Chapter of the Federal Bar Association
Recipient of the 2018 Western Michigan University-Cooley Law School Integrity in the Community Award
Oakland County Bar Association, Professionalism Award, 2018
American Board of Trial Advocates, Detroit Chapter, Civility Award, 2017
Michigan Defense Trial Counsel, Excellence in Defense Award, 2015
Michigan Lawyers Weekly, recognized as one of the 2014 Leaders in the Law and selected as the Lawyer of the Year in 2014. In 2007, also named as one of Michigan Lawyers Weekly's Lawyers of the Year.
Leading Lawyers, Listed in the Top 10 Michigan Lawyers for Criminal Defense and Business Litigation, 2017-present
Lawdragon 500, 2014-2015
DBusiness Magazine, Top Lawyers, Commercial Litigation, Non-White-Collar and White-Collar Criminal Defense, 2011-present
Benchmark Litigation, Guide to America's Leading Litigation Firms and Attorneys, 2008-present
Oakland County Republican Party, Practitioner of the Year, 2008
Crain's Detroit Business, selected as one of Detroit's Power Lawyers, 2008
Litigation Counsel of America, Senior Fellow, 2007-present
Who's Who in American Law
Who's Who in America
Who's Who in the World
Who's Who Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award, 2018
Who's Who in Detroit Business - Law, Crain's Detroit Business, November 2005
Oakland County Bar Association's Distinguished Service Award, 1996
Federal Bar Association's Leonard R. Gilman Award, Presented to an Outstanding Practitioner of Criminal Law, 1995
Drug Enforcement Administration Award, 1981
United States Department of Justice Special Achievement Award, 1980
Professional Activities
American College of Trial Lawyers, Fellow, 2000-present; State Chairperson, 2010
International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Fellow, 2000-present
International Society of Barristers, Fellow, 2003-present; Board of Governors and State Chairperson, 2012-2015; Secretary/Treasurer, 2016-2017; Second Vice-President, 2017-2018; First Vice-President, 2018-2019; President, 2019-2020
American Board of Trial Advocates, 2000-present; Michigan Membership Chairperson, 2010; Michigan Secretary, 2011; Michigan Treasurer, 2012; Michigan President-elect, 2013; President of Michigan Chapter, 2014
National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals, 2024
State Bar of Michigan, President, 2005-2006; Statewide Access to Justice Campaign, Chairperson; Board of Commissioners, 1997-2006; Representative Assembly, 1986-1992; Chairperson, Standing Committee on Grievance, 1993-1997; Co-Chairperson, Awards Committee, 2007-2013; Law and the Media Committee, 2006-2012; Judicial Crossroads Task Force, 2010; Task Force on the Role of the State Bar of Michigan, 2014; Access and Affordability Committee of the 21st Century Practice Task Force, 2015; Judicial Tenure Commission Amendments Advisory Committee, 2016
Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Board of Directors, 2010-present
Appellate Defender Commission for the State of Michigan, appointed member and Vice-chairperson, 2011-2014; Chairperson, 2015-2023
Michigan State Bar Foundation, Board of Trustees, 2006-present
Michigan Judicial Council, 2021-present
National Center for State Courts, Lawyers Committee, 2023-present
Federal Bar Association, Eastern District of Michigan; Chapter President, 1995-1996
Oakland County Bar Foundation, Board of Trustees, 1992-2012; President, 2002-2003; Trustee Emeritus, 2012-present
Oakland County Bar Association, Board of Directors, 1994-2003
Oakland County Criminal Assignment Committee, Co-Chairperson and Founding Member, 1996-1999
United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, Trustee, Historical Society, 2007-present; Local Rules Advisory Committee, 1989-1992; Special Committee on Review of the Local Rules, 1990-1991
Sixth Circuit Judicial Conference, Life Member, 1999-present
American Bar Foundation, Sustaining Life Fellow, 2005-present
Michigan State Bar Foundation, Life Patron Fellow, 1995-present
Oakland County Bar Foundation, Charter Fellow, 1992-present
American Arbitration Association, Hearing Panel Member, 1990-present
Prosecutors' Foundation for Kids, Board Member, 2010-present; Chair, 2019-present
Oakland County Circuit and District Courts, Mediator, 1986-present
Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, 1994-present
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 1986-present
United States Sentencing Commission, Practitioner's Advisory Group, 2009-2011
Litigation Counsel of America
● Member, Trial Law Institute
● Member, Diversity Law Institute
● Barrister, Order of Centurions
Teaching
Thomas M. Cooley School of Law, Adjunct Professor of Law, (teaching Evidence), 2005-2013
University of Detroit Mercy Inn of Court, 1996-present
Oakland County Bar Association Inn of Court, Founding Member and currently Emeritus Member, 2004-present
Speeches
"Evidence Boot Camp," Advanced Criminal Defense Practice Conference for the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan, December 2023, April 2021, February 2019, October 2016, May 2015 and November 2014
"Fundamentals of an Effective Cross-Examination," Lakeshore Legal Aid, June 2020
"Significant Legal Developments in the Midwest Region," American Bar Association White Collar Crime Conference, March 2019
"Evidentiary Issues in Cross-Examination," CDAM Fall Conference, November 2018
"An Overview of Fraud: Detection and Recovery," Institute of Management Accountants, Detroit Chapter, 2018
Evidence Bootcamp II, CDAM Fall Conference, September 2017
"Corporate Fraud Insights," Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants, 2017
"Advising Corporate Clients on Government Investigations," Institute of Continuing Legal Education, 2017
"New Federal Rules For a New Frontier," The Rutter Group, June 2016
"Corporate Counsel as Gatekeepers," Wayne Law Review Symposium, October 2015
"Negotiating Plea Agreements in the Era of Advisory Sentence Guidelines," Wayne County Criminal Advocacy Program, August 2015
"Ten New 'Magic Tricks' for Federal Practice 2015 Making Cases Disappear (or Not) in Federal Court", The Rutter Group, June 2015
"Anatomy of a Trial," Consumer Bankruptcy Association Trial Skills Workshop, April 2015
"Governmental and Internal Investigations: What In-House Counsel and Outside Counsel Need to Know," State Bar of Michigan, Business Law Section, November 2014
"Brave New World of Federal Practice," The Rutter Group, June 2014
"What Other ADR Tools Are in the Litigator's Toolbox?" 13th Annual ICLE Advanced Negotiation & Dispute Resolution Institute, March 13, 2014
"Opening With Your Best Shot," Michigan Defense Trial Counsel, June 21, 2013
"Getting In and Out of Federal Court: New Rules, New Solutions," The Rutter Group, 2013
"How to Prepare Your Client to Testify at Trial," Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan Masters Class, 2012
"Age-Old Ground Rules Have Changed!," The Rutter Group, 2012
"E-Discovery Update 2012 - ESI & the Government," Webinar, Institute of Continuing Legal Education, February 29, 2012
"Game Changers," New Federal Rule Amendments and Cases, The Rutter Group, 2011
"Major Changes in Federal Practice," The Rutter Group, 2010
"Crime and Punishment: Legal Essentials for Physicians," Oakland County Bar Association-Oakland County Medical Society, 2009
"The Latest in Aggressive Healthcare Fraud Investigation and Law Enforcement," Miller Canfield, 2009
"Prosecution of White Collar Crime," Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants, 2009
"Revisiting Irving Younger's Ten Commandments of Cross Examination," State Bar of Michigan, Young Lawyers Seminar, 2009
"Home Run Motions in Federal Court," The Rutter Group, 2009
"Criminal Law & Opening Statements," State Bar of Michigan, Young Lawyers Seminar, 2008
"Recent Changes in Federal Rules of Civil Procedures and Local Court Rules," The Rutter Group, 2008
"Federal Trial Practice," The Rutter Group, 2004-2007
"Survival Skills in U.S. District Court," The Rutter Group, 1995; 2003
"Conducting an Effective Cross-Examination," Lorman Education Services, 2003
"Federal Civil Trials," The Rutter Group, 2002
"A Day of Criminal Law in Genesee County: Issues in Sentencing and Criminal Practice and Procedure Update," Institute of Continuing Legal Education, 2002
"Criminal Practice and Procedure Update," Institute of Continuing Legal Education, 2002
"Federal Litigation a Cyberworld," The Rutter Group, 2001
"What Makes Juries Listen? - Connecting With the Jury," Institute of Continuing Legal Education, 2001
"Federal Rules of Evidence Complex Issues - Practical Solutions," The Rutter Group, 1999
"How to Win Your First Jury Trial," Institute of Continuing Legal Education, 1999
"Representing Criminal Defendants," Institute of Continuing Legal Education, 1997
"Destination Federal Court," The Rutter Group, 1996
"Evidence: Sharpening Your Direct and Cross-Examination Skills," Institute of Continuing Legal Education, 1995
Publications
“Civil Rico: A Tool of Advocacy,” American Bar Association, The Brief Magazine, Co-Author with James A. Johnson, Winter 2024
"The Art of Cross-Examination," Michigan Bar Journal, August 2013
"How to Handle the Media in a High-Profile Case," Ann Arbor Area Business Monthly, May 2005
"Safeguarding Your Company: Key Factors Influencing Sentencing of Business Organizations," Midwest In-House, April 2005
"Civil Trials and Evidence," West Publishing, co-author with the Honorable Gerald E. Rosen, Honorable Kurtis T. Wilder and Rodger D. Young, Esq., 2001
"Federal Criminal Practice Rules," James Publishing, Editorial Advisory Board, 1996
"Federal Civil Procedure Before Trial/Sixth Circuit," Lawyers Cooperative Publishing, contributing author, 1996
