A highly respected civil justice attorney, Chad is committed to ensuring the safety of Michigan residents by standing up for accountability and responsibility. Chad served as the chairperson of the SBM Negligence Law Section (2022-2023) and focused on increasing the Section’s educational programming and publications. Through the practice of law, Chad is proud to “do good and reduce suffering in the world”.
Why did you choose the legal profession as a career?
Becoming a lawyer was a natural extension of my prior career in law enforcement. Our firm’s personal and professional mission align- to do good and reduce suffering in the world. The work our firm does allows me to do that in ways I’d never imagined possible early in my career.
What do you enjoy most about being an attorney?
I work with a great team, including my wife Jennifer and our senior partner Steve Goethel. Working together, we have been blessed to be able to make a difference in the lives of others, at the same time helping make our community and healthcare safer.
What is the biggest challenge you have faced in the legal profession?
The adversarial nature of litigation can be destructive, and add insult to injury to those who have suffered a catastrophic injury of loss of a loved one. Thankfully, many of the attorneys, health systems and doctors on the other side of our cases are professional and wish to help bring closure to all involved. As well, the significant cost of litigation means there are some injuries that are not economically viable to pursue in our civil justice system. This results in the injured bearing the inequitable burden.
What do you like most about Michigan?
Without a doubt, that my family is here! We are lucky enough to live and work in Ann Arbor- a small city with wonderful culture, food and educational opportunities.
Please share any community service you have participated in and are most proud of?
The 12 years I served as a law enforcement officer with a large police agency. I was lucky to have been instilled with a strong work ethic from my parents, and working through college and law school taught me how to make sacrifices, the joy of helping others, and the patience required to help those in crisis.
Why is the Fellows Program special to you?
The Fellows Program brings together the finest judges and lawyers from all areas of background and practice with a common mission of promoting access to justice and civility in the profession. These are the backbone required for the public to have confidence in our system of justice.
A fun fact that you would care to share with your colleagues.
I am lucky to work with my wife, MSBF Fellow Jennifer Engelhardt- our collaborative workflow usually begins at 5:00 AM, when I bring a thermos of strong, dark roast coffee to her in bed to get the day started. That single daily act in the morning has paid many, many dividends!