Commercial Litigation, The Private Firm
Brian D. Harrison
Commercial Litigation Attorney
Experience
Two Decades of Commercial Litigation
Brian D. Harrison is a highly experienced commercial litigation attorney with over two decades of practice, bringing extensive expertise in commercial law and dispute resolution to The Private Firm. Admitted to the Michigan Bar in 2001 after earning his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Brian represents businesses and individuals in complex commercial disputes.
His practice spans contract litigation, business torts, and corporate matters in state and federal courts. Brian’s background includes prior service as a commercial litigation associate at a respected law firm and as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney — experience that gives him strong courtroom instincts and proven trial advocacy skills.
Counsel for Businesses in Dispute
Strategic Advocacy When the Stakes Are High
Contract Litigation
Brian represents businesses and individuals in disputes over the agreements that define their relationships. From breach claims to enforcement and remedies, he builds cases grounded in the record and pressed with clarity — protecting his clients’ contractual rights in negotiation, arbitration, and at trial.
Business Torts
When a business is harmed by unfair competition, interference, fraud, or breach of fiduciary duty, Brian pursues accountability and recovery. He evaluates exposure candidly and shapes a strategy calibrated to the client’s commercial objectives, not just the courtroom.
Corporate & Commercial Disputes
Shareholder and partnership conflicts, governance disputes, and commercial disagreements demand judgment as much as advocacy. Brian guides owners and executives through high-consequence matters with a steady, practical hand and an eye toward preserving the enterprise.
Trial & Courtroom Advocacy
Years as a litigation associate and as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney have honed Brian’s instincts in the courtroom. He is a prepared, persuasive trial advocate in both state and federal courts — and that readiness to try a case often drives resolution well before one begins.
Where Clients Turn to Him
Areas of Focus
Contract Litigation
Breach, enforcement, and remedy disputes over the agreements that govern business.
Business Torts
Unfair competition, tortious interference, fraud, and related commercial claims.
Corporate Disputes
Governance, ownership, and commercial disagreements between businesses.
Shareholder & Partnership
Conflicts among owners, partners, and members of closely held entities.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Claims arising from the misuse of trust, control, or confidential position.
State & Federal Trial Work
Trial advocacy and litigation across Michigan state and federal courts.
Arbitration & ADR
Resolution of commercial disputes through arbitration and mediation.
Appellate Advocacy
Pursuing and defending judgments on appeal in higher courts.
Commercial Risk Counsel
Candid assessment of exposure and strategy before disputes escalate.
Enforcement & Collections
Enforcing judgments and protecting recovery after a favorable result.
How He Works
Practical Solutions, Effective Advocacy
Brian offers strategic, results-driven representation focused on practical solutions and effective advocacy. He measures success not by the fight but by the outcome — resolving disputes efficiently where possible, and standing firm in court when a client’s interests require it. Every matter is handled with candor, preparation, and a clear-eyed view of what will actually move it forward.
The Foundation of His Practice
Prepared. Strategic. Relentless.
With over twenty years in the courtroom and a record built on preparation and judgment, Brian gives his clients confidence that their most consequential disputes are in capable hands. He brings the same discipline to every matter — from the first assessment to the final resolution.