Brian Etzel

Brian E. Etzel Partner p. 248.642.0333 ext. 336Email Overview News & Insights Practices ›Education › Overview For more than 20 years, Brian has litigated cases in state and federal courts throughout Michigan, as well as bankruptcy courts, administrative tribunals, and arbitration proceedings. Focusing his practice on business litigation, Brian has extensive experience representing and counseling individuals and privately held companies. He has successfully handled many shareholder and corporate governance disputes, often involving shareholder oppression, shareholder derivative rights, business valuations, buy-sell agreements, and employment and non-compete issues. He has also represented landowners and real estate developers in a variety of land use contexts, including zoning, eminent domain, and construction litigation. Brian also prosecutes commercial and residential property tax appeals, with an emphasis on appeals involving commercial properties, real estate development, and private and public golf courses. He has tried cases before the Michigan Tax Tribunal and has argued tax appeal issues in Michigan appellate courts. Brian has been honored by his peers through his inclusion on the list of Michigan Super Lawyers each year since 2013. Several of his successful case results over the years have been featured on the annual list of top settlements and verdicts published in Michigan Lawyers Weekly. Professional Affiliations State Bar of Michigan Oakland County Bar Association German American Chamber of Commerce - Michigan Chapter Community/Civic Activities Executive Board, Charlottes Wings Honors & Awards Best Lawyers in America© (2021, 2024) Fellow, Michigan Political Leadership Program (2007) Michigan Super Lawyers (2013 to present) Michigan Super Lawyers - Rising Stars (2008) Admissions State of Michigan U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan U. S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan U. S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan News & Insights Fourteen WWRP Attorneys Included in the 2024 Edition of Best Lawyers in America August 17, 2023 Twelve Attorneys From Williams, Williams, Rattner & Plunkett Selected to the 2023 Super Lawyers List August 11, 2023 Thirteen WWRP Attorneys Named to the List of Best Lawyers in America August 18, 2022 Thirteen WWRP Attorneys Listed in the 2022 Edition of Super Lawyers August 12, 2022 Twelve WWRP Attorneys Named to the List of Best Lawyers in America August 19, 2021 Ten WWRP Attorneys Selected to the 2021 List of Super Lawyers August 16, 2021 Eleven WWRP Attorneys Named to the 2020 List of Super Lawyers and Rising Stars October 12, 2020 Thirteen WWRP Attorneys Included in the 2021 Edition of Best Lawyers in America August 20, 2020 Eleven Attorneys from Williams, Williams, Rattner & Plunkett Selected to 2019 Super Lawyers Lists September 9, 2019 Eleven attorneys from Williams, Williams, Rattner & Plunkett, P. C., in Birmingham, Michigan, were named to the 2018 Michigan Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists. September 10, 2018 View More ›‹ View Less Articles & Publications The Moneys Gone! Prosecuting ERISA Fiduciary Liability Claims: A Road Map for Bankruptcy Trustees, American Bankruptcy Trustee Journal, Summer 2010 Practices › Practices Bankruptcy and Insolvency Law Business and Commercial Litigation Municipal Property Tax Appeals Real Estate Education › Education University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, Juris Doctor, 1995 Member, University of Detroit Mercy Law Review Hope College, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government, 1991 4-year letter winner, Hope College Football (all-conference selection, 1989-90) Washington Honors Semester 1990