- Joseph K. Grekin
- JGrekin@schaferandweiner.com
- Michigan
- Phone: +1 248-540-3340
- Fax: + 1 248-282-2155
- PRACTICE AREAS
- Bankruptcy Law
- Commercial Law
- Real Estate Law and Litigation
- ADMISSIONS & QUALIFICATIONS
- Michigan, 1994 U.S. District Court, Eastern District , 1996 U.S. District Court, Western District, 2004 U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit, 1996
- EDUCATION
- University of Michigan, J.D. cum laude, 1994
- University of Michigan, B.A. with honors and high distinction, 1991
Joseph K. Grekin
Partner
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Joseph Grekin is an experienced litigator, negotiator and counselor. His skills and knowledge have consistently obtained favorable results for clients both at the bargaining table and in the courtroom. Mr. Grekin specializes in complex commercial and insolvency issues, with a particular focus on commercial litigation. He has represented clients in state, federal, bankruptcy, appellate and administrative courts in several states, with several published cases to his credit. His experience in court makes him an able negotiator and advisor not just in litigation, but in other commercial and bankruptcy venues as well, from business formation to insolvency counseling.
REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS
In an action on behalf of a toolmaker which contracted with a now bankrupt Tier Two automotive supplier to build tools for a Tier One supplier, where typical mold builder lien claims were potentially defective, brought action against Tier One automotive supplier based on novel agency theory; settled for about 60 cents on the dollar.
Obtained jury verdict in excess of $1.35 million against client’s treasurer on the basis of conversion and fraud despite limited documentation due to efforts by treasurer, who controlled the books of the company, to conceal his actions.
Defended appraiser in lawsuit seeking over $1,000,000 in damages in federal court based on allegations of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, conversion and conspiracy; the Court dismissed the case without a trial based on Schafer and Weiner’s motion.
Defense of real estate developers in multiple actions by lenders based on guaranties and promissory notes, negotiated settlements reducing debt by over $10 million without permitting any collection proceedings against clients.
Counsel to a large pension trust fund in matters including the foreclosure of a $10 million resort development in northern Michigan where the firm represented the trust as mortgage lender in the foreclosure action, successfully defending against counterclaims alleging lender liability and establishing priority of the trust’s lien over multiple construction liens.
PUBLISHED CASES
Chmielewski v Xemac, Inc. 457 Mich. 593, 580 NW 2d 817 (1998)
Bartell v Lohiser, 25 F.3d 550 (6th Cir. 2000); Bradacs v Jiacobone, 244 Mich. 263, 625 N.W. 2d 108 (2001)
Guzzo v Thompson, 393 F.3d 652 (6th Cir. 2004)
Stocker v Tri-Mount/Bay Harbor Bldg. Co., Inc., 268 Mich. App. (2005)
Results Systems Corp. v MQVP, Inc., 395 B.R. 1 (E.D. Mich. 2008)
Mayco Plastics, Inc. v. TRW Vehicle Safety Sys., Inc. (In re Mayco Plastics, Inc.), 389 B.R. 7 (Bankr. E.D. Mich. 2008).
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Oakland County Bar Association
Continuing Legal Education Committee
Ferndale Chamber of Commerce
CIVIC AND CULTURAL INVOLVEMENTS
Mr. Grekin is a member of the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce, serves on the Farmington Downtown Development Authority and the Board of Directors for the Motor City Brass Band. He has also served as a guest lecturer at Pennsylvania State University, speaking the art of rhetoric and argument.