Michael Carey is a trial lawyer with experience in complex commercial litigation and products liability defense. With his creative and authentic approach to jury presentation, Mr. Carey has taken numerous cases to successful verdict in state and federal courts across the country. In addition to his trial work, Mr. Carey has defended and prosecuted appeals before the Minnesota Appellate Courts and the Eighth and Ninth Circuits.

In addition to his trial and appellate practice, Mr. Carey serves as co-leader of the Firm’s Electric and Autonomous Vehicles (E/AV) and Advanced Mobility team. He counsels mobility industry clients on proactive risk mitigation strategies relating to emerging automated driving technologies. He also serves as Editor of The Open Road, Dykema’s Automotive Blog, and is frequently called on to publish and present on legal issues and advances in the automotive field.

Trial Experience

• Defended a Korean automaker against claims that an electronic power steering malfunction caused a severe crash resulting in two fatalities and a paraplegic minor. The jury found 9-3 that the vehicle did not contain a defect after counsel for plaintiffs asked for $87M in damages. (Los Angeles County Superior Court, February 2020)
• Defended a domestic automaker against products liability claims asserted by a mother of five arising out of a purported unintended acceleration resulting in quadriplegia. Obtained a full defense verdict. (D. Minn. 2016)
• Defended claims against a Japanese automaker involving allegations of frontal restraint malfunction and inadequate seatbelt design/fit. Obtained a full defense verdict. (D. Mont. 2015)
• Defended claims under the Minnesota Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act involving former business partners in a construction, development, and architecture firm. (Minnesota, June 2014)
• Defended a Japanese automaker in a traumatic brain injury trial involving allegations of seatbelt malfunction and breaches of implied warranty. Complete defense verdict. (Virgin Islands, 2013)
• Defended a Seattle-based software developer in a contractual dispute involving claims for revocation and breach of warranty. (Minnesota, July 2011)
• Defended a Japanese heavy equipment manufacturer in a wrongful death trial. (New York, June 2011)
• Defended a recalled vehicle in a property damage trial involving a residential fire. (Minnesota, May 2011)
• Defended a Korean automaker in a 3¹/₂ week wrongful death product liability trial involving allegations of inadequate roof strength and defective safety restraints. (Florida, December 2010)
• Chaired a trade secret misappropriation and breach of fiduciary duty trial involving a closely-held Minnesota corporation and limited liability company. (Minnesota, February 2009)

Bar Admissions

Minnesota, 2007

North Dakota, 2010

South Dakota, 2016

Education
William Mitchell College of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2007 St. John's University, B.A., 2002