Jonathan E. Lauderbach

Jon Lauderbach’s judicial experience is a rarity for a practicing commercial litigator. Jon served as a circuit judge for Midland County, Michigan, before stepping aside to help found Warner’s Midland office. While on the bench he presided over more than 150 jury and non-jury trials. He now brings that courtroom experience and perspective to bear in representing public and privately held companies in contract, supply chain, corporate governance, real estate and restructuring matters in courts throughout the United States. And because of his extensive contacts in state and local government, Jon is often called upon to offer strategic counsel to government officials and to conduct investigations related to elections and campaign finance matters.

Jon works to get business disputes resolved as efficiently as possible. He makes it a priority to get to know not only his clients’ businesses and how they operate, but also their overriding objectives. With a keen understanding that litigation often has negative impacts such as reputational, operational and regulatory risk, Jon first conducts in-depth discussions with clients to inform them of potential consequences of pursuing litigation options. In his view, ensuring that litigation fits into the client's business objectives is every bit as important as crafting a “winning” lawsuit gameplan.

Jon also brings this thoughtful, analytical mindset into his work as a mediator and arbitrator in commercial cases, to his service as a hearing panelist for Michigan’s Attorney Discipline Board, and as a member of the firm's Management Committee.