Henry S. Emrich
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Biography

Henry Emrich is a seasoned attorney specializing in subrogation litigation, first-party arson and fraud cases, general casualty and property defense, as well as products liability defense. With a wealth of experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants, he has successfully litigated numerous cases, earning a reputation for his strategic and balanced approach. In addition to his legal practice, Mr. Emrich frequently serves as an arbitrator and facilitative mediator, leveraging his expertise to help attorneys resolve complex disputes when he is not directly representing a party.

Mr. Emrich is also a respected educator in the insurance industry. He has conducted seminars for insurance professionals on the effective management of property losses, including determining the cause of a loss, assessing coverage, and identifying potential third-party liability. A frequent presenter at the Insurance Institute of Michigan, he shares insights on property claims, coverage issues, and other key topics in insurance law.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Emrich is deeply committed to community service. He has held leadership roles in organizations such as the Thornapple Valley Little League, Forest Hills Hockey Association, and Forest Hills Athletic Boosters. Notably, he has served as board member, counsel, and past president of the Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth, reflecting his dedication to supporting youth and fostering community growth.

This combination of professional expertise and community leadership defines Mr. Emrich’s holistic approach to his work and life.

Experience

Assistant Kent County Prosecutor, Criminal Division and Chief of Fraud Prosecution 1982-1984.

Young Lawyers Section of the Grand Rapids Bar Association, Past Chairman/Vice Chairman.

Corporate counsel for Amway Corporation from 1984 to 1987.

Trustee for Grand Rapids Bar Association. Terms on the Practice and Procedure Committee, Membership Committee, and Pro Bono Committee of the Grand Rapids Bar Association.

Authored The New Michigan Drunk Driving Laws – 1983 published by Professional Education Systems, Inc., and developed a manual for the prosecution of Welfare Fraud based on a model he developed that was used throughout the country.

Past President of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth.

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Admitted

State Bar of Michigan, 1979

Eastern District of Michigan, 2020

US Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, 1992

Western District of Michigan, 1979

Education

Grand Valley State College, (B.A.) 1974

Thomas M. Cooley Law School, (J.D.) 1978

Accolades

Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell

Named a Super Lawyer

Bancroft Whitney American Jurisprudence Award

Affiliations

State Bar of Michigan

Federal Bar Association

Defense Research Institute

Michigan Defense Trial Counsel

Counsel to the Board of the Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth

Former member of the Grand Valley State University Alumni Board