On November 14, 2024, Miller Canfield lost a giant. Michael J. Hodge, a longtime principal—and later, of counsel—in our Lansing office, died at the age of 76. Mike joined the firm in 1984 and was an integral part of our Lansing office and our firm. He was an exceptionally talented lawyer, trusted counselor, and a committed mentor and friend.
Mike began his illustrious legal career in 1975, when he joined the State Affairs Division of the Attorney General’s office under Frank Kelley and represented the office of the Secretary of State. He then moved to the Executive Division, where he handled special matters directly for the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General. In 1979, he moved to the Public Employment and Elections Division, representing the Office of the State Employer, the Bureau of Elections, and the Board of State Canvassers. He rose to serve as the Assistant Attorney General in Charge of that Division until he joined our firm in 1984. Mike handled a variety of high profile matters at the firm and briefly stepped away from Miller Canfield—between 1987 to 1990—to serve as Legal Counsel to then-Governor James Blanchard. Mike was one of the State’s preeminent election law and government affairs attorneys throughout his career at Miller Canfield. After Mike retired from the practice of law, he remained involved in the life of firm and served as a trusted resource and sounding board for many of our lawyers.
Miller Canfield’s Lansing Resident Director Scott Eldridge, who knew him better than most and counted Mike among his friends said of him:
Michael J. Hodge was a legend in Lansing and at Miller Canfield. He was a trusted advisor to government and elected officials, including former Governor James Blanchard and former Attorney General Frank Kelley. Mike's brilliance as a quick-witted orator and legal strategist in court were memorable and unmatched. But it was his shirt-off-his-back compassion for others, his commitment to mentoring younger attorneys, and his devotion to his wife and family that shined and permeated his professional and personal life. Mike was the rare example of being a feared legal adversary and beloved by opponents, and everyone else he encountered along the way. That's no easy task. Mike Hodge will not just be missed; he will be remembered as one of Lansing's best.
The Miller Canfield family is keeping Mike’s family and friends in your thoughts during this difficult time.
-Mike Palizzi, CEO
