Lawrence T. García

Lawrence T. García is the former chief legal officer for the City of Detroit and an experienced trial lawyer who has taken dozens of cases to verdict before juries across Michigan, winning both full defense and multi-million-dollar verdicts for defendants and plaintiffs respectively. 

Appointed Detroit's City Attorney by Mayor Mike Duggan in 2018, Lawrence served the city for four years by overseeing more than 120 professionals in the delivery of all legal services, ranging from litigation, legislative policy, contracts and economic development to code enforcement, appeals and FOIA productions. He led Detroit's Law Department through challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the controversy following Detroit's 2020 election. In recognition of his work, Lawrence received a testimonial resolution from Detroit City Council in 2022, shortly after he joined Miller Canfield. His interest in public affairs and the operation of local government continues to influence his work and advocacy outside of work.

A member of the firm's Employment and Labor Group, Lawrence has represented businesses and owners in a wide array of disputes, negotiations and investigations. He has defended employers against discrimination, retaliation and harassment claims; litigated trade secret, non-competition, and tortious interference disputes; and counseled corporate clients navigating administrative charges, collective bargaining and regulation. Lawrence is proud to have represented family-owned businesses founded in Detroit as well as Fortune 500 companies and foreign corporations.

Lawrence is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates and a former president of the Hispanic Bar Association of Michigan.