D. Andrew Portinga

D. Andrew Portinga: Experienced Commercial Litigator in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Since 1996, D. Andrew Portinga has been practicing law as a dedicated litigator with a broad scope of experience across federal and state courts.

Practice Areas

• General Commercial Litigation
• Insurance Coverage Litigation
• ERISA Litigation
• Appellate Litigation

D. Andrew Portinga has represented both Fortune 500 companies and family-owned businesses, handling a wide variety of complex commercial cases including:

• Oil and gas producers
• A manufacturer of implantable medical devices
• A national communications company
• The co-inventor of a popular ultrasonic toothbrush
• A chain of truck stops

Insurance Coverage Litigation:

• Held the position of Chair in Miller Johnson's insurance coverage practice group.
• Assisted policyholders in enforcing their rights to defense and indemnification from insurers, often involving substantial sums of money.
• Represented policyholders in obtaining coverage for property damage and environmental contamination at their businesses.
• Was an inaugural member of the governing council of the Insurance and Indemnity Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan.

ERISA Litigation:

• Served as Chair in the Defense Research Institute’s Life, Health, and Disability Litigation Committee.
• Had cases involving both employee welfare plans and pension plans litigated in Western District of Michigan, Eastern District of Michigan, and Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Appellate Litigation:

• A former law clerk to the Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, Mr. Portinga has seen both the inside and outside of appellate processes.
• Had notable appeals in Federal Circuit, Sixth Circuit, Seventh Circuit, and Michigan Court of Appeals covering a range of topics such as ERISA, insurance, oil and gas law, and patents, including:

• Stryker v. XL Ins. Am., 735 F.3d 349 (6th Cir. 2012) - Successfully representing the policyholder in a multi-million dollar coverage dispute.
• Genawvich v. State Farm Insurance Co., No. 18-5726, 2020 WL 430922 (Mich. App. Jan. 15, 2020) - Representing the policyholder in an insurance coverage dispute.
• Simpson v. Farmers Ins., No. 286734-III (Mich. App. Dec. 19, 2018) - Representing the policyholder in a personal injury insurance coverage dispute.
• Simpson v. Farmers Ins., No. 286734-III (Mich. App. Dec. 19, 2018) - Representing the policyholder in a personal injury insurance coverage dispute.

Awards and Recognitions:

• Included in Best Attorney USA List since 2016.
• Certified as an AV-Preeminent Advocate by Martindale-Hubbell, indicating his peers rated him with the highest marks for both legal ability and ethical standards.

Professional Affiliations:

• Served on the Board of Directors for the Grand Rapids Bar Association.
• Held a position as an Adjunct Professor at Michigan State University College of Law, teaching advanced litigation courses.

Education & Credentials:

• Graduated from University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in 1993 with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
• Held an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Economics, also from the University of Detroit Mercy.

Firms:

• Currently employed as a partner at Miller Johnson LLP, leading their insurance coverage practice group.
• Made significant contributions to legal advancements while serving as an Adjunct Professor and Board Member at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.

Languages:

• Proficient in English, with additional knowledge of Spanish for client-facing matters.

Mentoring young attorneys is a core part of Mr. Portinga's philosophy; he actively encourages learning and growth through his involvement with organizations like the Grand Rapids Bar Association and by teaching at Michigan State University College of Law.