Miller Canfield’s Amy Johnston and Tom Cranmer Named Notable Litigation Attorneys
Miller Canfield is proud to announce that Amy Johnston and Tom Cranmer, co-leaders of the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Group, have been recognized as Notable Litigation Attorneys by Crain’s Detroit Business. The honor highlights their outstanding legal acumen, leadership, and contributions to the profession.
Johnston and Cranmer lead a nationally recognized litigation group of attorneys and legal professionals handling high-stakes commercial disputes, white-collar criminal defense, product liability, class actions, appellate work, and more. Both are widely regarded as among Michigan’s top trial attorneys, with reputations for achieving successful outcomes in complex litigation.
Amy Johnston: A Strategic Advocate in High-Stakes Disputes
With 30 years of experience, Johnston is recognized by Chambers USA and other organizations as one of Michigan’s premier litigators. She represents Fortune 100 companies and global businesses across industries, including energy, automotive, finance, manufacturing, and real estate.
One of her most significant cases involved a $300 million pricing dispute, in which her client was accused of underpaying a supplier. The supplier’s five law firms launched an aggressive litigation strategy, but Johnston and her team uncovered fraudulent evidence presented by the supplier’s general counsel and modified by opposing counsel. This discovery led to the firing of the opposing counsel and a confidential settlement that saved her client millions of dollars.
Beyond her courtroom success, Johnston is dedicated to the legal community. She co-chairs the Federal Bar Association’s Law Day Committee, serves on the Michigan Supreme Court’s Model Civil Jury Instructions Committee, and is a Fellow of the Oakland County Bar Foundation, Michigan State Bar Foundation, and American Bar Foundation.
Tom Cranmer: A Legendary Litigator and Trial Lawyer
Cranmer, who has practiced for nearly 50 years, is one of Michigan’s most highly respected trial attorneys. A Fellow of both the American College of Trial Lawyers and the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, he is known for his exceptional courtroom skill and leadership within the legal community.
His notable cases include:
- Defense of former Detroit Police Chief William Hart, who faced embezzlement charges in a four-month trial.
- Defense of prominent attorney Geoffrey Fieger, alongside legendary trial lawyer Gerry Spence, in a campaign finance case.
- Defense of State Department official Ray Smith, charged with perjury and obstruction of justice in connection with the first post-9/11 terrorism trial.
Cranmer has held numerous leadership positions within the State Bar of Michigan, including serving as president from 2005-2006. He is also a longtime member of the Board of Trustees of the Michigan State Bar Foundation and is the former Chairperson of the State Appellate Defender Commission.
“Miller Canfield is honored to have two such distinguished litigators leading our team,” said Miller Canfield CEO Mike Palizzi. “Amy and Tom bring unparalleled experience, strategic insight, and dedication to their clients, the profession, and the next generation of trial lawyers. This recognition is a testament to their outstanding contributions to litigation and dispute resolution.”
