Professional Experience
David Honigman is known for his professionalism and his legal excellence. Before joining the firm, Mr. Honigman was a highly regarded Michigan Legislator. He was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 1985 and served three terms. He was then elected to the Michigan Senate and served two terms from 1991 to 1996. Mr. Honigman authored more bills that were passed into law than any other legislator not only when he was a Republican member of the Republican-controlled Michigan Senate, but even when he was a Republican member of the Democrat-controlled Michigan House of Representatives and the Governor was a Democrat. Such an achievement was widely deemed “impossible.” Before leaving public office, Mr. Honigman was looked upon as a significant resource for understanding constitutional law, and thus was sought out when a law firm was confronted with complex constitutional issues of great importance.
After leaving the Michigan Legislature, Mr. Honigman decided to use his legal talents to represent society’s less-privileged and disenfranchised. He now represents individuals in complex class actions in which he is a champion of worthy causes for societal change. He uses all his energies to strategize and advocate for those most vulnerable in our society who are: unfairly harassed by debt collectors; denied critical health care benefits; or cheated by disreputable and predatory business practices. Mr. Honigman works with zeal in his representation of his clients. It is common for him to face multiple defense attorneys on the other side of the table. His perspective is, “Thou Shalt Not Ration Justice.” For a professional life spent in the service of his constituents and clients, Mr. Honigman enjoys an exemplary reputation.
Education
- J.D., University of Michigan
- B.A. (high honors), Yale University, Philosophy
- Special Distinction in Philosophy
- Special Commendation for His Work in The Philosophy of Law, Religious Studies and The Sociology of Evil
- Nominated for Alpheus Henry Snow Prize Award
- Two-time Connecticut State Judo Champion
- Captain of the Yale University Judo Team
Admissions
- State Bar of Michigan
- United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan
- United States District Court, Western District of Michigan
Awards and Recognitions
- Leader in the Law, Michigan Lawyers Weekly (2017)
- American Citizens for Justice Human Rights Award – for “distinguished service upholding the principles of civil and human rights for Asian Americans and all citizens”
- Detroit Country Day School Outstanding Alumnus Award – “to the gentleman or lady scholar whose recognized leadership and contributions in the arenas of family, profession and/or community personify the principles and ideals that best represent the founding traditions of the school”
- Ellen Templin Memorial Award – to a person who “embodies the ideals and character of Ellen Templin” and “for serving the best traditions of the Republican Party: limited but compassionate government, respect for individual liberty, and promotion of the free enterprise system”
- Public Service Award, Family Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan – “for courageous and pioneering work on behalf of children and families” (twice received this award)
- Legislator of the Year, Michigan Trial Lawyers Association – “in honor of tireless efforts in support of a strong and accessible civil justice system”
- Legislator of the Year, Police Officers Association of Michigan – “in recognition of outstanding legislative efforts on behalf of the law enforcement community”
- Oakland County School Boards Association Award – “for distinguished service to the Boards of Education and the schoolchildren of Oakland County”