Michael D. Hanchett

Michael D. Hanchett is a Co-leader of Plunkett Cooneys Governmental Law Practice Group and a member of the Labor & Employment Law Practice Group. Mr. Hanchett represents municipalities in both state and federal courts in government liability matters. He has particular expertise in police liability issues, such as search and seizure, use of force, pursuits and corrections law. Mr. Hanchett also has experience representing municipalities in the area of employment law, including discrimination, retaliation and civil rights claims brought under state and federal law. Additionally, he has extensive experience providing general counsel services to municipalities. In addition to his governmental law and employment litigation practice, Mr. Hanchett has handled insurance coverage matters involving environmental contamination, property damage, arson, construction defect and automobile liability. He also has experience in alleged design defect and personal injury litigation within the construction industry. A member of numerous professional organizations, Mr. Hanchett routinely speaks and writes about his areas of expertise, and he frequently provides training to police departments on a range of issues such as qualified immunity, search and seizures, and the use of body cameras. Mr. Hanchett also has the distinctions of being identified by Best Lawyers in America as One to Watch in the area of municipal law since 2021 and by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a 2024 Up & Coming Lawyer.